Inca Trail 4-Day Trek to Machu Picchu – Return by Vistadome Train
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 11,420 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Inca Trail 4-Day Trek to Machu Picchu – Return by Vistadome Train worth booking?
Inca Trail 4-Day Trek to Machu Picchu – Return by Vistadome Train is a 96-hour experience in Cusco, Peru, from $835 per person. It scores 84 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 5/5 rating across 11,420 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 84 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (11,420)
- Duration
- 96 hours
- From
- $835 per person
Travel confidently with Alpaca Expeditions, Peru's #1 Tour Operator!. 3 Guarantees for Your Inca Trail Adventure: Safety, Quality, and Expert Guidance 1. Security Guarantee We ensure the safety of our guests throughou
What you get
About this experience
Travel confidently with Alpaca Expeditions, Peru's #1 Tour Operator!. 3 Guarantees for Your Inca Trail Adventure: Safety, Quality, and Expert Guidance 1. Security Guarantee We ensure the safety of our guests throughout the entire Inca Trail. There will always be at least one guide behind the group, providing extra support and ensuring no one is left behind. 2. Food Guarantee We guarantee quality food on all our expeditions by following five essential food safety rules: * Keep everything clean. * Separate raw and cooked foods. * Cook thoroughly. * Keep food at safe temperatures. * Use safe water and raw materials. If we ever make a mistake, resulting in food-related issues (e.g., food poisoning), affected people will be completely compensated. 3. Lecture Guarantee All our guides are educated to provide high quality content about the Inca history. After the trek, all lecture materials will be sent to your email in written form for you to review and enjoy at your leisure.
What's included
Included
- Vistadome Train Experience for bookings from March 2026
- Personal porter up to 7k per person
- Drinkable water along the trek
- Portable chemical toilet only for our groups
- Briefing session the night before of the the tour at 6pm in our office
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Camping in 4-man Eureka tents only used for 2 people
- Breakfast
- First aid kit, oxygen tank and Satellite phone -safety first
- Entrance fee to Machu Picchu
- Expeditions tourist Class Train to return on the last day
Not included
- Sleeping bag , trekking poles, air matts (available for rent)
- Tips for the crew (optional)
- Travel insurance
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 10 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 8 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Alpaca Expeditions
Know before you go
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 11,420 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Food and drink
8 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Organization
6 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Physical effort
5 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
4 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
11,420 verified traveler reviews for Inca Trail 4-Day Trek to Machu Picchu – Return by Vistadome Train. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
A bucketlist experience
It was an incredible experience to trek the inca trail and immerse in the rich history along the way. The porters, led by Santos Jualian, made the experience smooth and were super helpful along the way. The food prepared by chef Julian was delicious and I was amazed to see the variety we had during the tour, given we were deep in nature. Finally, the trip would not have been as successful as it was without Jhymy and Hans as our tour guides. They kept the energy going throughout the 4 days and were very knowledgeable to the area. All in all, a bucketlist experience!
via Tripadvisor
Absolutely amazing!
The guides were amazing! They were fun, informative, organized, and made us feel very protected out there. The food was great! We all were satisfied with soup and bread but soon after more and more food kept coming. The hike itself was challenging but so worth it!
via Tripadvisor
The absolute best!!
Had an incredible time with Alpaca, their organisation was very impressive, the tour leaders (Juan Carlos Zuloaga, David and Walter) were all amazing!! They really made the trip 10/10 with their immense knowledge, kindness, and enthusiasm. So so happy we did this experience with Alpaca.
via Tripadvisor
Inca trail closure: disorganized response but incredible guides and porters
We couldn't do the classic 4-day inca trail because it was closed for repairs. Alpaca gave us the choice to do an alternative 4-day itinerary or to do the shorter 2-day inca trail. The 4-day version was essentially a day and a half of hiking to the ruins of Uchuy Qosqo plus the 2-day inca trail. My family group of 4 (including my 74yo father) opted for the former. Although these were extraordinary circumstances and the company was having to cope with fast-changing circumstances, the response felt very disorganized and we would have appreciated better communication about the different options. Despite the administrative difficulties, our trip was an overall success. The key to this success was our team of guides and porters, led by Juan Carlos H. and Romario. Our guides were very experienced, extremely kind and patient, spoke perfect English, and were also very funny. There were a few times when our group would make a stop, everyone looking a bit drained out, and JC would know exactly the right thing to say to put a smile on everyone's face and get people going again. JC and Romario were also extremely patient with my father and ensured his safety and enjoyment of the trip. The team of porters and cooks was also incredible. Everything was always ready on time, our stuff arrived in perfect shape, and the food was abundant and tasty. These people do a very difficult job and this type of trip would not be possible without them. On to the hike itself, our first half leading to Uchuy Qosqo was beautiful. We started near Sacsayhuaman outside Cusco and hiked for a whole day until our camp site near a creek. We got to experience what it's like to camp in a beautiful setting in the middle of nowhere. Next morning we left through a small canyon that was also incredibly beautiful and walked a bit to get to the ruins, which were very interesting. The rest of that second day wasn't particularly remarkable. We had to hike down a very steep mountain to get to the village of Lamay, where we had our lunch and then got on a bus to Ollantaytambo, where we camped at a horrible location. However, being in Ollantaytambo facilitated the logistics for day 3, when we took the train to km104 and did the one day hike to Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate. That day's hike was one of the most beautiful experiences of my life. Our eyes teared when we first saw Machu Picchu from up high. 100% worth it. We then spent the night in Ollantaytambo. Day 4 involved a second visit to Machu Picchu, this one more detailed. One positive aspect of the revised itinerary was that we got to visit Machu Picchu twice, one from above getting the panoramic view, and one from below touring the citadel. Overall, I can't say enough positive things about our guides and porters. Cusco, the sacred valley, and Machu Picchu are full of culture, nature, and beauty. Totally worth the trip. Alpaca as a company was somewhat disappointing.
via Tripadvisor
Exceptional guides and trekking team, but a disappointing alternative itinerary
We originally booked Alpaca Expeditions’ four-day Classic Inca Trail trek for our family of four: my husband, our 21-year-old daughter, my father-in-law, and me. Unfortunately, heavy rain damaged portions of the trail, and the government closed it beginning August 19. We fully understand that the closure and its extensions were outside Alpaca’s control. Our disappointment is with how the company communicated with us and handled the replacement itinerary. We had been following the closure closely. It was initially expected to last through August 22 and was subsequently extended through August 26. We did not receive any updates from Alpaca during that time, so we remained hopeful our August 28 departure would proceed. On August 25, however, Alpaca emailed us that the closure had been extended through August 31. We were offered two alternatives: a four-day Huchuy Qosqo and Short Inca Trail itinerary at the same price as our original trek, or the established two-day Short Inca Trail at a reduced price. The description of the four-day option was extremely limited, and it was difficult to understand how much hiking, transportation, and camping it involved. When I called the office, the person who answered could not provide additional information and suggested replying to the email. We sent questions by email and WhatsApp, but the responses remained vague. We had specifically chosen a large, well-established company because we expected it to have the experience and resources to manage unexpected circumstances. The trail had already been closed for almost a week, and presumably other groups had been following adjusted itineraries, yet the plan still felt improvised. Even during our briefing the day before departure, our guide could not confirm whether we would be camping or staying in a hotel on the third night, despite having previously been told by email that we would stay in a hotel. Because we had trained and prepared extensively for a four-day trek, we reluctantly selected the four-day alternative. Our pickup on the first morning was scheduled for 4:40 a.m., but the driver arrived at approximately 5:20. A 40-minute delay is significant at that hour. The van was already nearly full, and there was not enough appropriate space for our family and luggage. Suitcases were placed throughout the passenger area, and one large suitcase fell onto my knee during the drive—not an ideal way to begin four days of hiking. We were dropped off in a cluttered residential area with rubble, where we received our duffel bags, ate breakfast, and began walking. It was not the scenic or organized start we expected. Thankfully, the hike itself was beautiful. The mountains surrounding Cusco are spectacular, the lunch campsite was lovely, and the food was delicious and abundant. We walked near towns for much of the day and had cellular service most of the time, so it did not provide quite the immersion in nature I had envisioned, but the scenery was still gorgeous. Our first campsite was wonderful: peaceful, surrounded by nature, and next to a creek. This was exactly the camping experience we had hoped for. The second morning also began beautifully as we climbed toward Huchuy Qosqo. The archaeological site and mountain views were impressive. The long descent afterward, however, was difficult and unpleasant. The slope was steep, dusty, and covered in loose pebbles, making it very slippery. Because it was a Saturday during a national celebration, loud announcements or festivities were broadcast over speakers from the town below for two to three hours while we descended in the hot sun. Although Alpaca obviously could not control that, it further diminished the feeling of being immersed in nature. After reaching town, we ate lunch in an empty room inside a private home and then took a bus to Ollantaytambo. Our second campsite was the lowest point of the trip. The bus stopped along the road, and we crossed into an area between residential property and a field used for soccer. There were clothes hanging nearby, scattered trash, electrical cables overhead, a highway directly behind us, and trains passing close by. The ground was extremely uneven, which also made walking around at night potentially dangerous. It did not feel peaceful, scenic, or appropriate for a camping-based trek. Our guide explained that the location had been selected because we needed to walk to the train station early the next morning. I seriously considered leaving the group and paying for a hotel, but our guides and trekking team had been so wonderful that I did not want to abandon them. On the third day, we took the train to kilometer 104 and hiked the Short Inca Trail. That day was everything I had been hoping for. The hike and scenery were extraordinary, and we entered Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate during the late-afternoon golden hour. We completed Circuit 1 before taking the bus to Aguas Calientes, where we stayed in a clean and comfortable hotel. The only issue was that when my daughter and I arrived for breakfast the following morning, almost nothing remained except bread. On the fourth day, we returned to Machu Picchu and toured the city itself. Seeing Machu Picchu twice—first from above after entering through the Sun Gate and then again the next morning—was a genuine benefit of the alternative itinerary. In retrospect, the original four-day trail might also have been too strenuous for my father-in-law, so perhaps the change was a blessing in disguise in that respect. Nevertheless, this experience included considerably less hiking, less time in nature, and much more bus and train transportation than the trek we had dreamed about and prepared for. The return journey on the Vistadome train was beautiful and offered a memorable way to see more of the surrounding landscape. Unfortunately, the final arrival in Cusco was chaotic. We were transported by van to the outskirts of the city and then asked to collect our luggage on the side of the road, along a narrow sidewalk. This involved removing the plastic trash bags containing our belongings from the company duffels while also retrieving our suitcases. Given Alpaca Expeditions’ size and the number of travelers it handles, I expected a more organized and comfortable system for returning luggage and concluding the trip. The greatest strength of Alpaca Expeditions was unquestionably its people. Our guides, Juan Carlos H. and Romario, were exceptional. Juan Carlos H. was highly experienced, confident, witty, and excellent at managing the group. Romario was incredibly kind, attentive, and always willing to help. Both repeatedly assisted my father-in-law throughout the trek. Their English was excellent, and they made us feel safe and genuinely cared for. They also took many photographs of us throughout the trip, allowing our family to enjoy the experience together without constantly worrying about documenting it ourselves. They were surprisingly talented photographers, and we came home with many beautiful pictures. Juan Carlos H. and Romario were a major reason we still have such wonderful memories from the trip. The porters were equally remarkable. Their physical work was extraordinary: carrying the equipment, setting up and breaking down camp, and preparing elaborate meals under demanding conditions. They appeared to have good-quality clothing and equipment, and we appreciated that Alpaca strictly enforced the porter weight limits. We were very conscious of how demanding their work was and deeply grateful for everything they did for us. The food was consistently varied, plentiful, and delicious. Nobody in our family became ill. Drinking water was provided throughout the trekking portion, although not on the final day. We felt extremely well looked after by the guides, cooks, and porters. The tents were clean and very spacious for two people. We rented sleeping bags from Alpaca; they were adequate, although my daughter and I were still cold on the first night. Basic sleeping-bag liners and small, thick pillows were provided, but we were glad we had brought our own liners and inflatable pillows. We also rented mattresses and strongly recommend doing so, as the ground still felt quite hard—particularly at the second campsite. The staff brought us warm water in bowls to freshen up in both the mornings and evenings, which was a thoughtful and much-appreciated touch. They also woke us on the first two mornings with warm cups of coca tea. The provided duffels were sturdy, and plastic bags were supplied to protect belongings because the duffels were not waterproof. The rented trekking poles were good quality. The small towels we were given had a noticeable odor, however, so I used mine only for drying my hands. Overall, the guides, cooks, and porters provided outstanding service, and I cannot praise Juan Carlos H. and Romario enough. My disappointment is directed primarily at Alpaca Expeditions’ communication, the lack of clear information about the substitute itinerary, and especially the unsuitable second campsite. I recognize that the trail closure was beyond the company’s control, but I expected a company of Alpaca’s size and reputation to offer a more established, thoughtfully planned alternative and to communicate its details clearly. The people taking care of us were exceptional. Unfortunately, the company’s handling of the disruption and the quality and organization of parts of the alternative itinerary fell short of what we had expected from a four-day Alpaca Expeditions trek.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 96 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 3,997
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Why this scores 84
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Inca Trail 4-Day Trek to Machu Picchu – Return by Vistadome Train: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cusco.
How much does Inca Trail 4-Day Trek to Machu Picchu – Return by Vistadome Train cost?
+
Prices start at $835 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 Trek to Machu Picchu – Return by Vistadome Train 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 Trek to Machu Picchu – Return by Vistadome Train worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 84 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 11,420 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 Trek to Machu Picchu – Return by Vistadome Train?
+
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 Trek to Machu Picchu – Return by Vistadome Train 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 Trek to Machu Picchu – Return by Vistadome Train?
+
Around 3,997 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 Trek to Machu Picchu – Return by Vistadome Train 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, Peruvian Cooking Class Cocktails and Market Tour in Cusco, 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.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Inca Trail 4-Day Trek to Machu Picchu – Return by Vistadome Train.
Pick your date
