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100% Carbon Neutral Top Rated Trek Small Group (Max 8)

Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Eco Expedition

Duration: 4 Days / 3 Nights Location: Cusco, Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Max Altitude: 4,215 m (Dead Woman's Pass) Rating: 4.98 / 5.0 (210 Reviews)

Expedition Highlights

Sun Gate Sunrise Enter Machu Picchu through Inti Punku on the final morning.
Dead Woman's Pass Conquer the famous Warmiwañusqa alpine pass at 4,215 meters.
Organic Trail Cuisine 3 fresh hot meals daily made from local Sacred Valley farms.
Zero Waste & Fair Pay Strict Leave-No-Trace protocol and ethical porter compensation.

Tour Overview & Narrative

The Classic 4-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is universally recognized as one of the world's most spectacular hiking journeys. Walking upon the original polished stone paths laid by the Inca Empire over 500 years ago, you will traverse diverse Andean life zones—from arid cactus valleys and high alpine tundra to lush orchid-filled cloud forests teeming with hummingbirds.

Unlike crowded standard tours, our Eco Expeditions signature departures operate strictly with small groups (maximum 8 hikers), allowing you to immerse yourself in quiet camps, absorb ancient astronomy under crystal-clear night skies, and witness isolated archaeological sites such as Patallacta, Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, and Wiñay Wayna without rushing.

Our dedicated porter team—whom we consider the beating heart of our company—carry your camping duffel, pitch high-end 4-season geodesic tents, and provide hot water wash basins each morning, while our professional backcountry chef prepares three gourmet, restorative Andean meals daily.

Day-by-Day Detailed Itinerary

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We pick you up directly from your hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley early in the morning and drive through Ollantaytambo to Km 82 (Piscacucho), the official checkpoint of the Inca Trail. After meeting our dedicated team of porters and chefs, we begin our trek along the gently rolling banks of the Urubamba River.

We stop to admire the monumental ruins of Patallacta, an ancient Incan agricultural and administrative outpost, before enjoying our first organic hot lunch prepared by our chef. In the afternoon, we hike steadily upward to our first scenic camp in the tranquil village of Wayllabamba (3,000m / 9,842ft), where hot tea and dinner await.

Awake to hot coca tea brought directly to your tent door. Today is considered the most physically demanding yet rewarding day of the expedition. We ascend through native Queñua forests and sub-tropical cloud woodlands toward the highest point on the trail: Warmiwañusqa, famously known as Dead Woman’s Pass (4,215m / 13,828ft).

Reaching the summit offers monumental 360-degree vistas across glacier-capped mountain ranges. After celebrating with summit photos and high-energy snacks, we descend along ancient stone steps into the Pacaymayo Valley (3,600m / 11,811ft) to our camp for a warm dinner and well-deserved rest.

Widely regarded as the most picturesque day of the trek. We climb to the semi-circular Incan watchtower of Runkurakay, cross the second pass at 3,950m, and explore the fortress citadel of Sayacmarca perched dramatically on a cliff edge.

The trail transitions into a lush, orchid-rich cloud forest passing through an authentic 20-meter Incan stone tunnel carved into solid rock. We visit Phuyupatamarca ('Town in the Clouds') before arriving at Wiñay Wayna ('Forever Young'), a breathtaking archaeological complex of cascading agricultural terraces. Tonight we enjoy a celebratory farewell dinner with our porter crew.

An early morning start takes us on the final 5km stretch of pristine Incan stone path toward Inti Punku (The Sun Gate). As the morning sun pierces through the mist, you will behold your first unforgettable panoramic view of Machu Picchu illuminated in golden light.

We descend directly into the citadel for a comprehensive 3-hour private guided exploration of the temples, royal palaces, agricultural sectors, and sacred sun clocks. In the afternoon, we take the scenic train along the Urubamba canyon back to Ollantaytambo and transfer via private transport to your hotel in Cusco.

Inclusions & Exclusions

What Is Included

  • Pre-trek Briefing: Detailed orientation in Cusco with your lead guide.
  • Official Permits: Inca Trail & Machu Picchu Sanctuary permits.
  • Certified Lead Guides: Professional bilingual guides certified in WFR.
  • Porter Crew: Ethical porter team carrying all camping gear & personal duffel (up to 7kg).
  • Camp Equipment: 4-season geodesic tents (Eureka), dining dome, tables & chairs.
  • Gourmet Meals: 3 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners prepared by private chef.
  • Purified Water: Boiled and filtered drinking water provided daily.
  • Return Train Tickets: Panoramic Expedition train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
  • Private Transfers: Roundtrip private door-to-door transport from Cusco hotel.
  • Safety Equipment: Emergency oxygen tank, first aid kit & satellite phone.

What Is Not Included

  • First Day Breakfast: Available at hotel before pickup.
  • Last Day Lunch: Meals in Aguas Calientes after Machu Picchu tour.
  • Sleeping Bag & Trekking Poles: Available for rental ($25 / $15 USD).
  • Huayna Picchu Mountain: Optional add-on climb permit ($75 USD).
  • Vistadome Train Upgrade: Available optional upgrade ($55 USD).
  • Tips & Gratuities: Voluntary gratuity for guides, chefs, and porters.
  • Travel Insurance: Comprehensive international medical & travel insurance.

Essential Packing Checklist

We provide a complimentary duffel bag during your pre-trek briefing. Here is what you should prepare:

In Your Daily Daypack (20-30L)

  • Original Passport (mandatory for checkpoints)
  • Reusable water bottle or CamelBak (2L capacity)
  • Rain poncho or Gore-Tex waterproof jacket
  • Sun hat, sunglasses & SPF 50+ mineral sunscreen
  • Insect repellent & lip balm with UV protection
  • Camera, power bank & extra memory cards
  • Personal medication & blister band-aids

In Your Porter Duffel (Max 7kg)

  • Thermal base layers (merino wool recommended)
  • 3-4 breathable hiking shirts & trek pants
  • Warm fleece jacket & down feather jacket for cold nights
  • Warm beanie, thermal gloves & neck gaiter
  • Quick-dry travel towel & biodegradable wet wipes
  • Comfortable camp shoes or sandals for evening
  • Headlamp with spare batteries
4.98
Based on 210 verified reviews
Guide & Safety
5.0
Food & Catering
4.99
Eco & Porter Ethics
5.0
Gear & Equipment
4.95

Inca Trail FAQs

Dead Woman's Pass sits at 4,215 meters (13,828 ft). The ascent involves walking up stone steps for approximately 4 to 5 hours. With proper acclimatization (at least 2 days in Cusco prior), regular hydration, and a steady pace, hikers with average to good fitness complete it comfortably.

Government campsites feature basic flush toilet blocks. Eco Expeditions also sets up a private, clean chemical eco-toilet tent in each camp exclusively for our group. Warm water basins and soap are provided every morning and afternoon.

Yes, absolutely! Our backcountry chefs are masterfully trained to cater to vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, and any specific allergy requirements at zero additional charge. Please inform us when booking.

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