4 or 5 days from CuscoOne of the most popular treks in the world, the Classic Inca Trail ends at the Inca ‘lost city’ of Machu Picchu. From the banks of the raging Urubamba river the trek climbs steeply through narrow valleys and across the flanks of mountains to high-altitude passes.There are panoramic views of snow-splashed peaks while you follow the Inca paved pathway through a string of Inca settlements and temples. Finally, a vertiginous Inca staircase descends into the cloud forest, where the calls of semi-tropical birds herald your arrival at the Sun Gate, and a first sight of the walls and terraces of Machu Picchu.
The 5-day option includes an extra night at the end of the trek in the village of Machu Picchu (ex Aguas Calientes) below the ruins. Suggested Holiday ItineraryDay 1: Transfer to the start at Km 82. Climb to Huayllabamba (3,100m). Camp.
Day 2: Cimb over the Dead Woman’s Pass (4,200m). Descend and camp.
Day 3: Climbing up and down original Inca steps to Wiñay Wayna. Camp.
Day 4: Walk through cloud forest to the Sun Gate. Guided tour of Machu Picchu. Return to Cusco/Ollantaytambo by train/road. View detailed itinerary >> Our Comment
To cope with the huge demand for the classic trek, there are now strict regulations limiting numbers, and official campsites with facilities. For busy times of the year it must be booked well in advance. The views, flora and fauna and above all the Inca sites along the way still make this trek unique, however, and justify its popularity.
Diana Henderson, Head of Product
The Inca Trail: an insider's guide
Read journalist Alexander Stewart's experience on the Inca Trail in this article from the Inca Trail Trailblazer guide, published in our online Papagaio magazine
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Treks around Cusco
| Read more about: Inca trails around Cusco  The challenging Inca trail trek rises to altitudes of over 4000m
 Spectacular views of Machu Picchu greet you at the end of the trek
 A guided tour of the ruins is included.
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