Inca Trail 4-Day Hiking Tour to Machu Picchu from Cusco
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 380 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Inca Trail 4-Day Hiking Tour to Machu Picchu from Cusco worth booking?
Inca Trail 4-Day Hiking Tour to Machu Picchu from Cusco is a 96-hour experience in Cusco, Peru, from $932 per person. It scores 75 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 380 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 75 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (380)
- Duration
- 96 hours
- From
- $932 per person
Enjoy this trek to Machu Picchu, which is the only one to take you along the original Inca Trail, and reach the Sun Gate before sunrise. Along the way, you will enjoy incredible landscapes and changing environments. This is a spectacularly rich experience in the Andean Mountains in which you will immerse yourself in the Inca culture as you hike 26 miles (43 kilometers) through the heart of the beautiful Andes. Please note that Inca Trail Trek permits (INCLUDED in your booking) sell fast, so we recommend booking in advance. If there are no more permits at the time you book the trip, we will suggest you an alternative hike to Machu Picchu, or you can get a full refund.
What you get
About this experience
Enjoy this trek to Machu Picchu, which is the only one to take you along the original Inca Trail, and reach the Sun Gate before sunrise. Along the way, you will enjoy incredible landscapes and changing environments. This is a spectacularly rich experience in the Andean Mountains in which you will immerse yourself in the Inca culture as you hike 26 miles (43 kilometers) through the heart of the beautiful Andes. Please note that Inca Trail Trek permits (INCLUDED in your booking) sell fast, so we recommend booking in advance. If there are no more permits at the time you book the trip, we will suggest you an alternative hike to Machu Picchu, or you can get a full refund.
What's included
Included
- Inca Trail Permits Included / Pre-departure briefing
- First aid kit
- Lunch
- The COMPLETE option INCLUDES a Thermal Sleeping Bag, Porter & Duffel Bag to carry a total of 7kgs of personal gear for each trekker (3kgs for your sleeping bag & mattress plus 4kgs of personal items)
- Dinner
- Breakfast
- Small group experience; Max 15, Avg 6
- Porters and cook to carry all shared camping equipment
- Tourist Bus Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes
- Professional Bilingual Guide on trek & Machu Picchu tour
- Bus Ollantaytambo to Cuzco (1.5 hours)
- The BASIC option EXCLUDES a Thermal Sleeping Bag, Porter & Duffel Bag for personal gear.
- Camping Accommodation during trek (including tent for 2 people & Basic sleeping pad)
- Accommodation Pick-Up on Day 1
- Emergency oxygen bottle
- Bus Cuzco - KM 82 Piscacucho (starting point of trek)
- Entrance Fee to Machu Picchu
- Meals as per itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner) and three snacks (veggie option available)
- Entrance fee to the Inca Trail
- Tourist Train Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo (2 hours)
Not included
- Airport Pick-Up (please make your own way)
- Sleeping Bag for BASIC package (Rental $15 USD for the trek)
- Day 1 Breakfast, Day 4 Lunch, Bottled Water
- Guide for bus and train transfers (these portions are on your own)
- Optional Extras - Inflatable Sleeping Mattress ($15 USD for the trek) - Professional Trekking Poles ($15 USD for the trek) - Huayna Picchu Trek (200 Soles) - Machu Picchu Mountain Hike (200 Soles) Optional Huayna Picchu Trek (at an extra cost) must be booked at least 2 weeks in advance.
- Accommodation in Cuzco
- Tips (Tipping is 100% optional depending on the service you received. Although tipping is customary in Latin America, it is NOT mandatory. If you do wish to give a tip, we recommend $40-50 USD per trekker for the entire team of porters, cooks and guides.
- Prices for optional activities are subject to change at any time without prior notice. Please confirm these prices before departing on the trek.
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 60 minutes before departure.
Options you can book
Inca Trail Basic Service
Pickup included
Inca Trail Complete Service
The COMPLETE option INCLUDES a Thermal Sleeping Bag, Porter & Duffel Bag to carry a total of 7kgs of personal gear for each trekker (3kgs for your sleeping bag & mattress plus 4kgs of personal items). Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Mon, Wed, Thu, Sat
- Group size
- Up to 30 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Bamba Travel
Know before you go
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Minimum age is 7 years
- Typical Meals on the Trek: On all of our Treks to Machu Picchu we search for great cooks who provide you with the best tasting meals on the mountain, with specialty menus and the freshest local ingredients available. Here is an idea of what you will be eating during your trek. *Vegetarian Option Available Upon Request (please advise at least 2 days in advance). BREAKFASTS: Hot porridge, quinoa or oats, fried eggs, omelet or pancakes with fresh bread, fried bananas and boiled water for hot tea, coca tea, coffee, chocolate and milk. LUNCH & DINNER: First Course: Quinoa, corn, noodle, asparagus, mushroom or vegetable soup, stuffed avocado or potatoes. Second Course: Chicken breast, beef stew, quinoa, fried rice, hamburgers, fried chicken, spaghetti bolognese, typical dishes: aji de gallina (chilli pepper chicken), escabeche de pollo (marinated chicken) or ajiaco de olluco (spicy potato stew). Desserts: Fried plantains, chocolate pudding, chocolate or vanilla cake and boiled water for hot tea, coca tea, coffee, chocolate and milk. SNACKS: Boiled water for hot tea, coca tea, coffee, chocolate and milk with popcorn, cookies, crackers.
- IMPORTANT: Please note that Inca Trail Trek permits (INCLUDED in your booking) sell fast, so we recommend booking in advance. If there are no more permits at the time you book the trip, we will suggest you an alternative hike to Machu Picchu, or you can get a full refund.
- Accommodation options: During the trek single travelers will share a tent with another traveler of the same sex and couples will have a tent to themselves
- Physical Requirements: This hike is demanding, it’s important to be in good physical condition; The Inca Trail elevation changes make the hike strenuous as there are three passes during the hike and you will have 1.2 miles (1,950 meters) of uphill and 1.4-miles (2,250 meters) of descent
- Important: You must provide the following information upon booking: Full name (exactly as it appears on the passport), date of birth, nationality, passport number, date of passport expiration, which must be valid for at least 6 months past the date of travel; Without this information, the local tour operator will be unable to make the booking
- You will have a guide during the trek and on the Machu Picchu tour. However, during your bus and train transfers you will not be accompanied by a guide.
- Daily departures with a group of 4 or more
- No departures in February due to unfavorable climatic conditions
- The COMPLETE service INCLUDES a thermal sleeping bag, foam sleeping mat, duffel bag & porter to carry a total of 7kgs of personal gear for each trekker (3kgs sleeping bag & mat + 4kgs personal items). The reduced BASIC (LIGHT) service ONLY INCLUDES a basic foam sleeping mat and EXCLUDES the thermal sleeping bag, duffel bag & porter to carry personal gear. You will carry your own backpack, sleeping bag, mattress & personal gear. EXTRA ITEMS FOR RENT IN CUZCO: Inflatable Sleeping Mattress, Professional Trekking Poles.
- SUGGESTED PACKING LIST: Bring or Rent in Cuzco: hiking poles, rain pants, rain poncho, trekking boots, sandals, warm socks, sweater, thermals, hat, gloves, sun hat, sun block, sun glasses, flashlight/torch, camera, extra batteries and memory card (there is limited to no electricity available during the trek), waterproof bags for your camera, hand sanitizer, personal first aid kit, water bottle. Bring extra cash for snacks, water, gatorade which doubles or triples in price along the trail.
- DON'T FORGET THE ESSENTIALS: Original passport, visa (if applicable), insurance card, personal medications.
- Travellers who booked their trip using one passport, then renewed or replaced it afterward, must carry their old passport or a photocopy with them on the trip.
- *Please note that there is a mandatory pre-departure briefing at our Cuzco Headquarters one day prior to departure at 6 PM. You will receive detailed information on your excursion, a list of what to bring and confirm your departure details.
- As of June 11, 2022, all travelers over 18 years old must have three doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. That means two regular doses plus a booster. Passengers from 12 to 17 years old must prove they are vaccinated with two doses. If they do not have a complete scheme, they must present the negative result of an RT-PCR test taken no more than 48 hours before boarding in their country of origin.
- No more than 500 people per day are allowed to start the Inca Trail trek at km. 82; This number includes all support staff (ie. porters, cooks and guides) and is very tightly controlled; Once this limit of 500 people is reached, the Trail is effectively closed off for the day and no further bookings can be made; Reservations are not held on the Trail and all permits to trek must be bought as far as possible in advance with complete and correct passport information, to which no modifications can be made; Any attempts at modifications will result in a loss of the permit and any money paid.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 380 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Food and drink
4 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Physical effort
4 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Traveler reviews
380 verified traveler reviews for Inca Trail 4-Day Hiking Tour to Machu Picchu from Cusco. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Amazing!
My sister, a friend and I traveled with Bamba travel company to Machu Picchu on the 4 day/3 night trek. I can’t say enough good things about the team that we were with. Our porters were amazing, helpful, and caring, especially Loco. They always had a smile on their faces! they worked so very hard carrying all of our equipment to each location where we camped. There were no alpacas, donkeys or horses used to carry the equipment. They carried 25 kg on their backs. I could barely carry 10 pounds in my day pack. They effortlessly ran up and down the steps. They made it look so easy even in the rain! They ranged anywhere from 20yo to 61yo. It was just amazing. Our chef Sanom, made each meal like a feast with minimal effort and equipment. Our team leader Edwin was fantastic. This trek was the hardest thing that I have ever done in my life. I was always last to camp, Edwin made sure that I was safe, he stayed with me and was my own personal cheerleader. He gave me the encouragement that I needed to finish each day. He was very knowledgeable. It was definitely fascinating to hear the history of the Incas and walk the same path that they did many, many years ago. As I said, in the beginning, I can’t say enough good things about the team we were with. I would definitely recommend Bamba travel if you’re thinking about doing the trek to Machu Picchu. Please pass along my thanks to the team. I never would’ve made it without them.
via Viator
Amazing experience!! Best thing to do in Peru.
Did the trek with 4 other friends and had an amazing experience. Our guide, Francisco, and the team of porters were amazing. They took the time to make sure we were comfortable throughout the entire excursion. Francisco is very passionate about the history of Machu Picchu - we could not have gotten a better guide and we are thankful for the time we spent with him. Special shoutout to our chef who made us amazing food throughout the entirety of the trip, and went out of his way to bake us a cake on our last night. Also, our team of porters from Maras traveled extra fast to keep up with us and ensure we had campsites set up fast and efficiently. Overall, I would rate this experience a 10/10. Francisco, if you get a chance to read this, thank you brother! We appreciate your effort and our experience would not be the same without you.
via Tripadvisor
Unreal Experience - Shoutout Francisco and chef!
Had an amazing & unforgettable experience on this tour. I want to specifically highlight our guide Francisco, whose energy and passion was unmatched. He was very friendly and extremely knowledgeable; he made the trek that much better. I also want to give kudos to our chef & porters - the team was incredibly accommodating and our chef was fantastic.
via Tripadvisor
False advertising by Viator and Bamba-make sure to confirm all parts of your trip before arriving.
We ended up going on the 2 day Inca Trail since the 4 day was full for our dates, and in the confirmation email it said that the first day would be the KM 104 hike, then the second day it would be exploring the Machu Picchu site. When we arrived at the briefing the night before departure, we were informed that we would not have tickets to the site. The upside was that our guide Francisco was amazing!!! He was super knowledgeable about the flora and fauna of the area, and knew so much about the Incas and the history of the region. He also worked extremely hard to secure Machu Picchu site tickets, which must have been very stressful. I also sprained my ankle halfway through the hike, and when we got to Aguas Calientes he rented a wheelchair for me and insisted on pushing me to the hotel. Thank you so much for everything Francisco! We ended up getting the experience we booked, but it was quite an ordeal and we had to advocate for ourselves pretty forcefully. The booking companies didn't actually apologize or offer an explanation as to why this happened. First it was blamed on Viator, then the Peruvian government, but in the end neither Viator nor Bamba could explain what happened. Our excursion was booked in May, and they waited until the evening before the trip to tell us that there were no tickets to the site, when it was too late to book with a different company or to purchase the tickets ourselves. In reading the reviews, this happened with another group as well, so this is not a fluke. I highly recommend that if you book this experience, to confirm with the local company whether all components are confirmed.
via Viator
Do no fall for Bamba Travel. They will ruin your trip!
Unfortunately, this company lies to you, frequently and shamelessly. They say that they have secured your Machu Picchu tickets, but then 2 days prior to the trip, they claim that the "government just changed the rules" and you no longer have tickets to enter the Machu Picchu. I did the research, and the rule change had happened months ago and Bamba Travel chose not to disclose it to us until 2 days prior to the trip (after we were already in Peru). They deny all responsibilities and give you some alternative options, each worse than the other. They also make you sign a paper that you won't complain to TripAdvisor, or they completely cancel the trip on you the evening before departure!! They try all sort of tactics on you and ruin your entire trip.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 96 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Mon, Wed, Thu, Sat
- Price range
- $932 to $1,038
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 133
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Bamba Travel, who run 25 experiences we rank across 11 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 49.4.
See everything Bamba Travel runsWhy this scores 75
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Inca Trail 4-Day Hiking Tour to Machu Picchu from Cusco: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cusco.
How much does Inca Trail 4-Day Hiking Tour to Machu Picchu from Cusco cost?
+
Prices start at $932 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Cusco usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Inca Trail 4-Day Hiking Tour to Machu Picchu from Cusco take?
+
Plan for about 96 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Cusco is not rushed.
Is Inca Trail 4-Day Hiking Tour to Machu Picchu from Cusco worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 75 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 380 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Cusco, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Inca Trail 4-Day Hiking Tour to Machu Picchu from Cusco?
+
No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.
Is Inca Trail 4-Day Hiking Tour to Machu Picchu from Cusco suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 96-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Inca Trail 4-Day Hiking Tour to Machu Picchu from Cusco?
+
Around 133 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Cusco can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
+
Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Cusco and add a light layer if any part of the 96-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Inca Trail 4-Day Hiking Tour to Machu Picchu from Cusco start and how do I get there?
+
The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Cusco within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Cusco?
+
On Outty we rank every Cusco experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Sacred Valley Full Day Tour, Full-Day Humantay Lake Trek (Meals Included), Cusco: Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley Premium Day Trip with Meals. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Cusco?
+
Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Cusco?
+
Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
+
Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Inca Trail 4-Day Hiking Tour to Machu Picchu from Cusco?
+
Included: Inca Trail Permits Included / Pre-departure briefing; First aid kit; Lunch; The COMPLETE option INCLUDES a Thermal Sleeping Bag, Porter & Duffel Bag to carry a total; and Dinner. Not included: Airport Pick-Up (please make your own way); Sleeping Bag for BASIC package (Rental $15 USD for the trek); Day 1 Breakfast, Day 4 Lunch, Bottled Water; and Guide for bus and train transfers (these portions are on your own). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Inca Trail 4-Day Hiking Tour to Machu Picchu from Cusco include hotel pickup?
+
Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 126 listed pickup locations in and around Cusco. Be ready about 60 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Inca Trail 4-Day Hiking Tour to Machu Picchu from Cusco offered in?
+
It is offered in English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Inca Trail 4-Day Hiking Tour to Machu Picchu from Cusco?
+
Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
What happens to Inca Trail 4-Day Hiking Tour to Machu Picchu from Cusco if the weather is bad?
+
This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Inca Trail 4-Day Hiking Tour to Machu Picchu from Cusco?
+
Across 380 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, food and drink. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
What booking options are available for Inca Trail 4-Day Hiking Tour to Machu Picchu from Cusco?
+
There are 2 options to choose from, including Inca Trail Basic Service, Inca Trail Complete Service. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Inca Trail 4-Day Hiking Tour to Machu Picchu from Cusco.
Pick your date
