The Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu is a renowned 4-day trek that captivates adventurers. This small-group tour offers a personalized experience as travelers explore breathtaking landscapes, ancient ruins, and enjoy Peruvian culture. From transportation and meals to camping gear, the tour provides comprehensive support. But the true highlight awaits at the end – a stunning sunrise view of the legendary Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate. What secrets and surprises might this iconic journey hold?

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Key Points

A 4-day small-group tour that includes hiking the Inca Trail, camping, and visiting Inca ruins, culminating in a sunrise view of Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate.
Includes all necessary transportation, such as airport transfers and a panoramic train, as well as tents, meals, a chef, and porters.
Pickup and return to various locations in Cusco or the Sacred Valley, with a meeting point at hotel lobbies in Cusco and a 4:30 AM start.
Not recommended for travelers with back problems, pregnant individuals, or serious medical conditions, and a moderate level of physical fitness is necessary.
Priced from $799.00 per person, with a perfect 5.0-star rating based on 7 reviews across Viator and Tripadvisor.

Tour Overview

The Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu is a 4-day small-group tour with a maximum of 16 travelers.

Trekkers will hike the Inca Trail, camp, and visit Inca ruins along the way. On the final day, they’ll climb to the Sun Gate for a sunrise view of Machu Picchu before touring the iconic Inca citadel.

Transportation, including airport transfers and a panoramic train, as well as a guide, chef, and porters, are included.

This adventure offers an immersive experience exploring the breathtaking landscapes and ancient ruins of Peru’s Sacred Valley.

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Inclusions

This tour includes all necessary transportation, with airport transfers and a Vistadome panoramic train for the return journey.

Tents, meals, a chef, and porters are provided. Travelers can use a personal porter for up to 7 kilos.

Rental gear such as sleeping bags, inflatable mattresses, and trekking poles are available.

All meals are included, except the last day’s lunch. Taxes are also covered in the price.

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup from various locations in Cusco or the Sacred Valley, including Airbnbs, is provided. The meeting point is the lobby of hotels in Cusco. The tour starts at 4:30 AM.

At the end of the tour, participants return to the original meeting point.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but infant seats are available. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Dietary requirements, such as vegetarian or vegan, should be advised at the time of booking. Passport information is required for all participants.

The tour isn’t recommended for travelers with back problems, pregnant travelers, or those with serious medical conditions.

Health and Safety Information

Although the Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu isn’t wheelchair accessible, the tour does provide infant seats for those traveling with children.

The Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu isn’t wheelchair accessible, but the tour provides infant seats for those traveling with children.

Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Dietary requirements, such as vegetarian or vegan, should be advised at the time of booking. Passport information is required for all participants.

The trek isn’t recommended for travelers with back problems, pregnant individuals, or those with serious medical conditions. A moderate level of physical fitness is necessary to complete the 4-day hike.

The tour reserves the right to refuse participation if health and safety concerns arise.

Pricing and Reviews

The Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu is priced from $799.00 per person.

This non-refundable tour includes transportation, tents, meals, and porters. Participants must provide their passport information and advise any dietary requirements at booking.

The tour has received 7 reviews across Viator and Tripadvisor, all with a perfect 5.0-star rating.

However, the tour isn’t recommended for travelers with back problems, pregnant women, or those with serious medical conditions, as a moderate fitness level is required.

The tour ends at the meeting point where it started.

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Cusco and the Sacred Valley

Cusco and the Sacred Valley are the starting points for the Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu. Guests are picked up from various locations in these areas, including their Airbnbs. The meeting point is the lobby of hotels in Cusco, with a 4:30 AM start time. The tour ends back at the meeting point.

The Sacred Valley offers stunning Inca ruins, vibrant markets, and picturesque landscapes. Cusco, the former Inca capital, features cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and an iconic main square.

Both destinations provide an immersive cultural experience before embarking on the iconic Inca Trail trek.

The Inca Trail Trek

Four days of trekking along the iconic Inca Trail lead adventurous travelers to the majestic ruins of Machu Picchu.

This small-group tour has a maximum of 16 participants and includes a guide, camping, and visits to Inca ruins. Travelers receive tents, meals, a personal porter, and rental gear like sleeping bags and trekking poles.

This intimate group adventure features a guide, camping, and access to Inca ruins, with tents, meals, a porter, and gear provided.

The final day features a sunrise climb to the Sun Gate and a guided tour of Machu Picchu.

With moderate fitness required, this experience combines the thrill of the trek with the awe-inspiring destination.

Exploring Machu Picchu

Reaching the iconic ruins of Machu Picchu is the culmination of the Inca Trail trek.

Travelers ascend to the Sun Gate, taking in the stunning views of the ancient citadel below.

The final day allows for a proper exploration of Machu Picchu, including:

Wandering the intricate stone structures, marveling at the architectural feats of the Inca.
Climbing to the iconic viewpoint of the Intipunku, or "Sun Gate," for panoramic vistas.
Discovering the mystery and majesty of this UNESCO World Heritage site, a true highlight of the journey.

With a guided tour, visitors gain a deeper understanding of Machu Picchu’s significance and history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Sleeping Bag?

Yes, you can bring your own sleeping bag. However, the tour provides sleeping bags for rent, so you don’t necessarily need to bring your own unless you have a specific preference.

Do I Need to Bring My Own Snacks?

No, you don’t need to bring your own snacks. The tour includes all meals except the last day’s lunch, and a chef will prepare the meals during the trek. You’ll be well-fed throughout the 4-day hike.

Is There Wi-Fi Available During the Trek?

No, there’s no Wi-Fi available during the trek. The Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu is in remote areas without internet access. Participants should expect to be disconnected from technology for the duration of the 4-day hike.

Can I Store My Luggage While on the Trek?

Yes, the tour provider offers a luggage storage service. Travelers can leave their extra luggage at the starting point and it’ll be waiting for them when they return from the trek.

What Is the Minimum Age Requirement for This Tour?

The minimum age requirement for this tour is that children must be accompanied by an adult. There’s no specified minimum age, but the trek requires a moderate fitness level, so young children may not be suitable.

The Sum Up

The Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu is a captivating 4-day journey that immerses travelers in the rich history and stunning landscapes of the Andes. With all transportation, meals, and camping gear included, this small-group tour provides a personalized experience as hikers trek through ancient Inca ruins and witness the iconic sunrise over the legendary Machu Picchu.