The Inca Trail is one of the most popular – and spectacular – treks in the world. It combines archeological heritage with impressive mountain scenery, beautiful forests and rich biodiversity. The trek ends at the mountaintop citadel of Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas. You'll uncover the mysteries of this ancient city, and learn about the sophisticated culture that created it.

Tropical Nature Travel offers four-day and two-day fixed departure and private Inca Trail itineraries, and a five-day program on request. The trek's difficulty level is rated as moderate, and we strongly suggest spending at least two days in Cusco before the start of the trek to acclimate to the altitude.

Please note that this is a camping trip. You will be required to carry a day pack with rain gear, snacks and water. Porters carry tents, kitchen equipment, food and other gear. Campsites have bathrooms, and Wiñay Wayna, the last campsite before Machu Picchu, has showers and a small restaurant/bar.

Four Day Itinerary (approximately 27 miles)

Please note that this is a camping trip. You will be required to carry a day pack with rain gear, snacks and water. Porters carry tents, kitchen equipment, food and other gear. Campsites have bathrooms, and Wiñay Wayna, the last campsite before Machu Picchu, has showers and a small restaurant/bar.

Day 1 - Cusco to Piskacucho to Yuncachimpa
Depart from Cusco early in the morning. Watch the sun rise over the Andes as you drive to Urubamba for a brief stop, then continue to Chillca. After checking in with the control station, you cross the raging Urubamba on a suspension bridge and begin your trek. Stop for lunch and a short rest, then begin to leave civilization behind as you trek to the first campsite. Along the way, visit the Llactapata ruins, perched on a bluff – a testament to the engineering capabilities of the Incas. L, D

Day 2 – Yuncachimpa to Warmiwañusca to Runcuracay
Enjoy an early breakfast and begin trekking to the highest point of the Inca Trail. You'll pass through the temperate zones of the previous day up into the misty cloud forests, full of ancient moss-strung trees, as you hike up stone steps along a rushing Andean stream. After a steady upward climb above treeline, cross the Warmiwañusca pass at 13,776 feet before descending into the valley on to the campsite at Pacaymayo for spectacular mountain views and a well-deserved rest for the late afternoon and evening. B, L, D

Day 3 - Runcuracay to Chaq'icocha to Wiñay Wayna
Hike up to Runcuracay, the small circular Incan ruin, thought to have been used for rituals and as a lookout post, with views of the Pacaymayo Valley below. Climb on to the second pass at 12,628 feet.

You'll descend to the Sayacmarca ruins, reached by a steep stone staircase and surrounded on three sides by sheer cliff walls. With commanding views of surrounding peaks, hike through orchid and moss-draped cloud forest to the third pass and arrive at the impressive ruins of Phuyupatamarca (literally, "town in the clouds"), passing by six Inca ritual baths and through an Inca tunnel. After lunch head to the Wiñay Wayna campsite for the final night. B, L, D

Day 4 - Wiñay Wayna to Machu Picchu to Cusco
After an early breakfast, you'll begin the final leg of the trek to Machu Picchu. Here, the trail cuts across a ridge for fantastic views across the valley. At Inti Punku, the Gate of the Sun, you'll get the first glimpse of Machu Picchu. Descend a sloping trail, pass through the control gate, and begin a three-hour guided visit of the ruins complex, with its intricately carved steps, altars, walls, houses, portals and terraces. After experiencing the mysteries of this ancient citadel, take the bus down to Aguas Calientes to board the return train to Cusco. B, L

SERVICES INCLUDED: Transportation by vehicle to start of trek and Vistadome train ticket to Cusco, tents and sleeping pads, porters, kitchen crew and commissary gear with all meals according the itinerary and bilingual guide (English/Spanish) on the trek.

NOT INCLUDED: Inca Trail entrance fee (subject to change) and estimated to be $125, alcoholic beverages, extras, tips, taxes, laundry service, sleeping bags, hiking boots and other personal gear or items. 

Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Trip length	4 days/3 nights
Departs	Wednesday and Friday
Per person cost	$695.00 $670.00 for 3 or more people
Single supplement	$60.00
Prices based on two people sharing. This price does not include the Inka Trail permit fee which is additional. Maximum eight people per group. Private departures available on request. International and domestic airfare not included. Pricing and itinerary are subject to change until booking is confirmed.

Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Trip length	2 days/1 night
Departs	Wednesday and Friday
Per person cost	Starts at $530.00
Single supplement	$26.00
Prices based on two people sharing. This price does not include the Inka Trail permit fee which is additional. Maximum eight people per group. Private departures available on request. International and domestic airfare not included. Pricing and itinerary are subject to change until booking is confirmed.