The Inca Trail: 4-Day Trek to Machu Picchu in Cusco, Peru
Cusco, Peru

The Inca Trail: 4-Day Trek to Machu Picchu

Outty Ranking 41 3.9 · 20 traveler reviews96 hoursFrom $1,984
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Outty Ranking

41/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

3.9/5

Based on 20 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is The Inca Trail: 4-Day Trek to Machu Picchu worth booking?

The Inca Trail: 4-Day Trek to Machu Picchu is a 96-hour experience in Cusco, Peru, from $1,984 per person. It scores 41 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 3.9/5 rating across 20 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
41 / 100
Rating
3.9/5 (20)
Duration
96 hours
From
$1,984 per person

Take on the Inca Trail, known as one of the most sacred pilgrimages around the world, on this 4-day trek through the Urubamba Valley towards the citadel of Machu Picchu. This spiritual journey will help you understand the culture of the Incas and the archeological legacy they left behind. Put on your walking shoes and challenge yourself to the sacred route to Machu Picchu. To avoid disappointment, book this tour months in advance, as Peruvian law requires permits for this site and allows a limited number of daily visitors.

What you get

  • Sleeping bag
  • Porter for group camping equipment, not personal belongings (backpacks, sleeping bag)
  • Dining tent with tables and chairs
  • English speaking guide
  • Cook and cooking equipment
  • 4-day trek to Machu Picchu.

About this experience

Take on the Inca Trail, known as one of the most sacred pilgrimages around the world, on this 4-day trek through the Urubamba Valley towards the citadel of Machu Picchu. This spiritual journey will help you understand the culture of the Incas and the archeological legacy they left behind. Put on your walking shoes and challenge yourself to the sacred route to Machu Picchu. To avoid disappointment, book this tour months in advance, as Peruvian law requires permits for this site and allows a limited number of daily visitors.

What's included

Included

  • Sleeping bag
  • Porter for group camping equipment, not personal belongings (backpacks, sleeping bag)
  • Dining tent with tables and chairs
  • English speaking guide
  • Cook and cooking equipment
  • 4-day trek to Machu Picchu.
  • Transfer in private bus to the start of the Inca Trail
  • Lunch
  • Igloo tent (2 people in each 4-person tent)
  • Dinner
  • Breakfast
  • First-aid kit
  • Transfer from the train station back to hotel in Cusco
  • Kitchen tent
  • All meals on the trail except lunch on the last day in Aguas Calientes
  • Hotel pickup and drop off

Not included

  • Gratuities
  • Extra porters (15lb USD 108) (26lb USD216)

Where it starts and ends

Hotel pickup

Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 25 minutes before departure.

Options you can book

  • Vistadome Train Option

    The Inca Trail: 4-Day Trek to Machu Picchu. Includes transfers, entrance fees, bus ticket to the citadel from Aguas Calientes and train ticket back to Cusco on the Vistadome option train. Pickup included

  • Expedition Train Option

    The Inca Trail: 4-Day Trek to Machu Picchu. Includes transfers, entrance fees, bus ticket to the citadel from Aguas Calientes and train ticket back to Cusco on the Expedition option train. Pickup included

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 9 travelers per booking
Operated by
VIPAC Travel

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 a high level of physical fitness
  • A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
  • The Inca Trail is likely to sell out and must be booked as far in advance as possible
  • The Inca Trail is closed in February due to maintenance on the roads
  • Passport name, number, expiry and country is required at time of booking for all participants
  • If booked in advance, the cost for an additional porter is $108 (15lbs). If an additional porter is booked with short notice, the cost remains the same, but there is no guarantee of confirmation or availability given the tour's high demand.
  • Please note: Poroy Station will be closed from 1st January to 30th April 2017. The Vistadome, Expedition and Executive trains will be departing from Ollataytambo or Pachar station, located approximately 1.5 hours from Cusco, during this period. Transfers to the stations from Cusco are included.
  • Machu Picchu has implemented new visitor circuits, with three main routes with specific differences to distribute passengers in various areas. These changes are intended to improve the visitor experience and preserve the integrity of the archaeological site. The circuit with route 2 will be given as priority and if it is not available, the options of taking circuit 3B or circuit 1B will be informed so that you can confirm your decision before the tickets are issued.

Photos

Machu Picchu, The Inca Trail: 4-Day Trek to Machu Picchu in CuscoMachu Picchu, The Inca Trail: 4-Day Trek to Machu Picchu in CuscoMachu Picchu, The Inca Trail: 4-Day Trek to Machu Picchu in CuscoInca Trail, The Inca Trail: 4-Day Trek to Machu Picchu in CuscoInca Trail, The Inca Trail: 4-Day Trek to Machu Picchu in CuscoInca Trail, The Inca Trail: 4-Day Trek to Machu Picchu in Cusco

What travelers are saying

Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 20 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

The guide

9 mentions

Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

Physical effort

5 mentions

Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.

Knowledge and storytelling

4 mentions

Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

Food and drink

4 mentions

The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

Photo opportunities

2 mentions

The views and photo stops come up again and again.

Value for money

2 mentions

Travelers feel they got more than they paid for.

Traveler reviews

20 verified traveler reviews for The Inca Trail: 4-Day Trek to Machu Picchu. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

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lwilson_10 · September 2019

4 days of Hiking the Inca Trail with Valencia Travels

Amazing and Physically exhausting. We booked with Valencia Travels. There were some communication issues before arriving but nothing that we couldn't overcome. Their staff was great once we arrived in Cusco. They met us at the airport and stayed with us until flying out. They were very helpful along the way, arranging horseback riding (AWESOME) and the Sun Valley Tour (so-so) the before setting out to hike the Inca Trail. The guides, Oscar and Rene were great. The porters are unbelievable. I still don't know how they do it. Setting up camp and breaking it down everyday while carrying all the stuff along the way. The food was very good and plentiful. We had 9 tourists and 16 porters in our group. The perfect number. 3 were very fast, 3 were at a medium pace and 3 were very slow. Being over 50, I was one of the slow people. The bathrooms were interested but nothing I didn't expect having hiked in the wild for days before. Arriving at the Sun Gate on day four and seeing Machu Picchu was the perfect ending. For those that can't make the hike, you can always take the train to see Machu Picchu as it should be on everyone's list of must see places. Of course, you would miss all the interesting spots along the trail and the amazing feeling of having completed the trail.

via Tripadvisor

JEANNIE_J · August 2016

William, William, William Willy...if...

<p>William, William, William Willy...if you get this guide, you have lucked out. Truly. It was only my son 12 and I on this tour. We had mixed feelings about it being just us, our guide and the Porters. Other groups seemed to amount from 6 to 20 hikers and we thought we might miss out on the dinner time chat about the experiences. William made this experience incredibly engaging, fun and very educational. His knowledge is remarkable and it had my sone daily suggesting he write a book. I am not sure how Viator picks guides or even how this came together as there is a bit of a disconnect btwn us, Viator and our guide prior to beginning. However, upon meeting William and reviewing the schedule and expectations, we were provided with an incredible combination of experiences. It's a very tough trek but the rewards are more than worth the effort. I'll pass on writing on the tech aspects of this tour as many already have and their opinions are well worth reading. Top marks to William and our Porters. Incredible team.</p>

via Viator

Song_G · July 2016

I want to first start by thanking...

<p>I want to first start by thanking the tour operator and guide Ruben .C. for making our Inca trail trek wonderful. <br/> Before the trip, I had a few questions about things I needed to prep and contacted Viator three times, however they only told me that the tour company would be contacting me. I think there is a little disconnect between Viator and the tour company because by the time our trip came, I still had not heard from anyone. Luckily we got to Cusco a couple days and after seeking out the tour company, we were informed that there would be a debriefing the day before. During this debriefing, we were told what to expect each day length, difficulty level, etc, number of group members, things to carry in a personal backpack, etc. <br/> Peru is a beautiful country and you definitely get a glimpse of it on the Inca trail. Each day has a different breathtaking scenery and beautifully preserved. Ruben shared a wealth of knowledge and was very helpful in explaining any questions we had on the Inca ruins deepening my appreciation for Machu Picchu. <br/> Here are some tips for other people but those might differ per operator: <br/> 1. Drinking water is available to buy for day 1 and 2, after they will provide boiled water.<br/> 2. Porter will only carry camping supply, food, and gear, you have to carry all personal items and sleeping bag. You can hire extra porter for a fee. <br/> 3. Cold at night and hot during the day in early July, be ready for rain! <br/> 4. Bring some snacks, breakfast is typically at 5am, lunch is around 11 to 12pm, and dinner is at 6pm. <br/> 5. Try to pack light and only bring stuff that you might need. We accidentally brought big multi-day backpacks with us but most hikers brought a standard size backpack.<br/> 6. Stay in Cusco a few days before the hike to acclimate to the altitude.<br/> 5. Bring your passport to get through the checkpoint. <br/> 6. Bring hiking poles.<br/> 7. Have fun and enjoy mother nature.</p>

via Viator

LennyChilok_A · July 2016

I tackled the Inca Trail as a group...

<p>I tackled the Inca Trail as a group of 4. We had an absolutely amazing time with Camping Adventure Tours I think that's the name of the company. Our guide, William, was amazing! He was friendly, encouraging, helpful, and funny. Our team of porters and chef were great at making us feel comfortable and safe. I would highly recommend this team / company for anyone looking to take on the Inca Trail!</p>

via Viator

Jessica G · April 2016

We were very happy with the service...

<p>We were very happy with the service provided by the local operator but extremely disappointed with the service, or lack thereof provided by Viator. </p> <p>I would provide details but there is inadequate characters allowed in this review.</p>

via Viator

Good to know

Duration
96 hours
Free cancellation
Non-refundable
Minimum age to book
12+
Availability
Bookable today
Runs on
Every day
Price range
$1,984 to $2,051
Hotel pickup
Included for all travelers
Booked in 30 days
7
Verdict
Worth a Look

Who runs this experience

Operated by VIPAC Travel, who run 42 experiences we rank across 5 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 50.9.

See everything VIPAC Travel runs

Why this scores 41

The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

Traveler sentiment (30% weight)55
Review evidence (18% weight)50
Booking momentum (14% weight)41
Value for money (12% weight)9
Listing quality (10% weight)91
Local standing (8% weight)0
Booking flexibility (8% weight)0

The Inca Trail: 4-Day Trek to Machu Picchu: questions travelers ask

Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cusco.

How much does The Inca Trail: 4-Day Trek to Machu Picchu cost?

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Prices start at $1,984 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 The Inca Trail: 4-Day Trek to Machu Picchu take?

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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 The Inca Trail: 4-Day Trek to Machu Picchu worth it?

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It holds an Outty Ranking of 41 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (3.9/5 across 20 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 The Inca Trail: 4-Day Trek to Machu Picchu?

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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 The Inca Trail: 4-Day Trek to Machu Picchu suitable for kids and families?

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The operator sets a minimum age of 12. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 96-hour running time when deciding.

How far in advance should I book The Inca Trail: 4-Day Trek to Machu Picchu?

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Around 7 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?

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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 The Inca Trail: 4-Day Trek to Machu Picchu start and how do I get there?

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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?

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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?

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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?

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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?

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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 The Inca Trail: 4-Day Trek to Machu Picchu?

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Included: Sleeping bag; Porter for group camping equipment, not personal belongings (backpacks, sleeping bag); Dining tent with tables and chairs; English speaking guide; and Cook and cooking equipment. Not included: Gratuities; and Extra porters (15lb USD 108) (26lb USD216). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

Does The Inca Trail: 4-Day Trek to Machu Picchu include hotel pickup?

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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 222 listed pickup locations in and around Cusco. Be ready about 25 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

What languages is The Inca Trail: 4-Day Trek to Machu Picchu offered in?

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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 The Inca Trail: 4-Day Trek to Machu Picchu?

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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.

Is The Inca Trail: 4-Day Trek to Machu Picchu wheelchair or stroller accessible?

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The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

What happens to The Inca Trail: 4-Day Trek to Machu Picchu if the weather is bad?

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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Cusco. Standard cancellation terms apply.

What do travelers say about The Inca Trail: 4-Day Trek to Machu Picchu?

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Across 20 reviews averaging 3.9 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 The Inca Trail: 4-Day Trek to Machu Picchu?

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There are 2 options to choose from, including Vistadome Train Option, Expedition Train Option. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.

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