Inca Trail 2027 - Limited permits. Plan early with Apple Travel Peru.
Check availability4 Days / 3 Nights
Join us for an unforgettable 4-day journey along the world-famous Inca Trail, culminating in the magical first sighting of Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate. This itinerary is the perfect blend of history and natural beauty, taking you through stunning Inca ruins and breathtaking landscapes, from the lush green cloud forest to the high Andean mountain passes.
At APPLE Travel, we understand that hiking the Inca Trail can be an overwhelming experience, which is why we take care of everything to ensure you have a stress-free journey. Our team will secure the best campsites, prepare delicious and nutritious meals, provide top-quality equipment, and surround you with a dedicated and knowledgeable staff. Your guide will be both a teacher and a friend, and our porters will flawlessly handle all the logistics, so all you have to do is enjoy the journey.
Group or Private
Trekking, Adventure and Cultural
Up to 8
Camping
Moderate
4 Days / 3 Nights
Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4 days
Your 4-day Classic Inca Trail trek begins with a pickup from your accommodation in Cusco, Urubamba, or Ollantaytambo. Exact pickup time is confirmed during the pre-trek briefing.
Pickup windows:
After breakfast, travel to Ollantaytambo, where you’ll meet your porter team, who will support you throughout the trek.
The hike begins at Km 82, passing the first official Inca Trail checkpoint.
Original passport required to enter the trail.
The initial 2-hour hike is relatively easy, leading to Patallacta, an important Inca site strategically positioned along the original route to Machu Picchu.
After visiting Patallacta, continue hiking for approximately 2 hours to reach the lunch stop.
In the afternoon, the trail continues for another 2.5 hours toward Ayapata Camp (3,300 m / 10,826 ft). Along the way, you pass through small local communities where snacks, drinks, and basic supplies are available.
You arrive at camp around 5:00 PM, with time to relax, enjoy a hot drink and afternoon snack, and connect with your guides, chefs, and porters.
Dinner is served around 7:30 PM, followed by a well-earned rest under the Andean sky.
Day two begins early — your longest and most challenging day on the trail. You’ll be gently awakened by your porters with a hot cup of coca tea, giving you time to prepare before hiking.
The morning ascent takes approximately 4 hours to reach Dead Woman’s Pass (4,215 m / 13,829 ft), the highest point of the trek. At the summit, take a short break to rest, rehydrate, and enjoy expansive views of the surrounding Andes.
From the pass, begin the descent into the Pacaymayu Valley, also known as the Hidden River Valley.
After about 1.5 hours downhill, you reach your lunch stop, with time to relax, refill water bottles, and regain energy before the afternoon climb.
Following lunch, the trail ascends again toward the second pass, a climb of approximately 2 hours. Along the way, stop at the small Inca site of Runcu Raccay, with views across the valley toward two cascading waterfalls.
After crossing the pass, continue on a 1-hour downhill hike to Sayacmarca, an impressive and otherwise inaccessible Inca site perched high above the valley. Enjoy a short guided visit and time to rest.
As the day winds down, weather permitting, take in a sunset over the Vilcabamba mountain range — one of the most memorable moments of the trek.
A final 20-minute walk brings you to Chaquicocha Camp (3,600 m / 11,811 ft), your campsite for the night.
After dinner, and if energy allows, enjoy stargazing in the clear southern sky as your guides point out traditional Inca constellations, far from artificial light.
After conquering the toughest day of the trek, Day 3 begins with a 6:30 AM start and is widely considered the most scenic day on the Inca Trail.
The morning hike follows approximately 2 hours of gradual terrain, often called “Inca flat”, as the trail transitions into the Cloud Forest. Along the way, enjoy panoramic views of the Vilcabamba mountain range and, on clear days, sightlines to Salkantay, the second-highest snow-capped peak in the Sacred Valley.
Toward the end of the flat section, the trail climbs to Phuyupatamarka (3,600 m / 11,811 ft) — the “Town in the Clouds”. From here, take in sweeping views over the Urubamba River and catch your first glimpse of Machu Picchu Mountain, while the citadel itself remains hidden.
From Phuyupatamarka, begin a 3-hour descent along stone staircases toward your final campsite near Wiñay Wayna. Along the way, visit two important Inca sites:
Arrive at Wiñay Wayna Camp around 1:00 PM for lunch and well-earned rest. This is the most popular campsite on the Inca Trail due to its proximity to Machu Picchu.
In the afternoon, your guide provides a short orientation, followed by a 1.5-hour guided visit to the impressive Wiñay Wayna ruins. Your guide will explain the site’s importance and tie together the historical and cultural context from the entire trek, preparing you fully for Machu Picchu the next day.
In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner with your porters, chefs, and guides — a traditional moment on the Inca Trail. The team is formally introduced, giving you the opportunity to thank them for their support throughout the journey.
An early night is recommended, as the following day begins before dawn in order to reach Machu Picchu at sunrise, weather permitting.
The final day begins early with a 3:30 AM wake-up call and breakfast at 4:00 AM. After breakfast, wait at the checkpoint to be among the first groups allowed on the trail when gates open at 5:30 AM.
You’ll say goodbye to your porters and chefs, then continue toward the Sun Gate (Inti Punku).
Reach the Sun Gate around 6:30 AM, where sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and Machu Picchu below await. From here, begin a 1-hour descent toward the citadel.
As you approach, the views become increasingly impressive. Around 7:40 AM, pass the final checkpoint and enter Machu Picchu.
Start with Circuit 1B, offering elevated viewpoints over the citadel.
Later, continue with Circuit 3B, followed by a 2-hour guided tour covering Machu Picchu’s most important landmarks, including:
You’ll also explore the site’s agricultural, residential, and religious sectors, gaining a complete understanding of the city.
After the tour, receive your bus tickets for the descent to Aguas Calientes.
Enjoy free time to explore the town at your own pace or, if arranged in advance, complete the optional hike to Huayna Picchu.
Your guide may join you in Aguas Calientes for a farewell lunch at a local restaurant (not included).
In the afternoon, board your train from Aguas Calientes, with departure times between 2:30 PM and 3:45 PM.
Upon arrival in Ollantaytambo or Poroy (depending on your train), an Apple Travel driver will meet you and transfer you by private vehicle to your hotel in Cusco.
All options include private transfer back to your Cusco hotel.
Professional Guides: All of our guides have a strong background in English and tourism, having studied these subjects at Cusco National University. What makes them stand out is their genuine love for the region they grew up in, and their eagerness to share their knowledge about the local culture and heritage with visitors like you. Our guides have a friendly and approachable demeanor but are also highly professional and committed to ensuring your safety and satisfaction throughout your journey. So you can relax and enjoy the experience, knowing that you’re in good hands with our team of experts.
Permits and Machu Picchu: To hike the Inca Trail and visit Machu Picchu, you need a permit to enter the trail. Only licensed Inca Trail tour operators, such as Apple Travel Peru, can obtain this permit. Once you provide us with your details and deposit, we will purchase your permit in your name for a specific date. Please note that the permit cannot be changed once confirmed, except for updating your passport number. The permit includes entrance to Machu Picchu.
Briefing: The night before your trek, you will attend a trek briefing at our office with your guide and other trekkers in your group. At the briefing, you will receive your duffel bag, which will be carried by the porters during your hike. The bag must not exceed 7kg/14 lbs and should include your sleeping bag and air mattress if rented or brought. Dressing in layers is essential.
A Porter for your Personal Belongings: We provide a personal porter who will be responsible for carrying your duffel bag. There is no extra cost for this service. You will not have access to your duffel bag until you reach the evening campsite. The duffel bag must not weigh more than 7kg, including 4kg of clothes, 3 kg for your sleeping bag, and a sleeping mat.
Green Machine Porters: Our porter team, known as Green Machine Porters, consists of men and women who are the most loyal and hardest working on the planet. They are responsible for carrying all camping equipment and food, setting up and breaking down each campsite, and assisting the chef with food preparation. By law, they can carry up to 20kg, which is a rule we take very seriously. For example, with a group of eight trekkers, there will be 15 porters.
Trekking Chef and Food: Our chefs are also incredible and will prepare amazing meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, often starting with a nutritious soup and serving family-style. There will always be protein, salad, assorted sides, and even amazing desserts. They cater to all food restrictions and ensure that everyone has enough food to make it up the mountain. Please inform your Apple Travel Peru booking agent of any food restrictions at the time of booking.
Water: Water is essential to feeling good on the trek. Hydration helps combat the effects of altitude, so bring something that can hold at least 3 liters of water. We provide water at each meal, boiling it, filtering it, and then cooling it down to ensure that it is clean and ready to drink. However, water will not be provided until your first lunch, so bring enough water for your first morning on the trail.
* Water will not be provided until your first lunch when our porters will have the ability to prepare clean water. Please bring enough water for your first morning on the trail.
Equipment: We use the best equipment on the market, including Eureka Timberline 4-person tents shared by only two people. Single tents are available for an extra $30 USD. We also have large dining tents for clients to enjoy their meals. Each client receives a pillow for sleeping and a foam sleeping pad to insulate them from the cold ground. All dining equipment, including chairs and dishes, is provided.
Hotel-to-Hotel Service: We offer hotel-to-hotel service. We will pick you up from your hotel on the morning of your trek and drive you to KM 82 in our comfortable, Apple Travel Peru van. After the trek, we will drive you from the train station back to your hotel or Airbnb.
Transportation and Train Service: All your logistics are included in this trek, including the bus ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes and your tourist class train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo. This is a 2-hour trip, and it will take another 2 hours by car to return to Cusco. If you wish to upgrade to the Vistadome train, a train with larger windows and more comfortable seats, it will cost $75 per person.
First Aid: At Apple Travel Peru, your safety is our top priority. To ensure that our clients are in good hands, all our guides undergo training and re-training every February by a medical doctor. They are also equipped with first-aid kits and full oxygen tanks, and if necessary, we will get you off the trail as quickly and comfortably as possible and take you directly to a clinic for treatment. While these situations are rare, we always prepare for them.
Satellite Phones: We understand that some first-aid issues may require more attention, and that’s why our guides carry fully charged satellite phones with them on every trek. Being a phone call away from any doctor, hospital, or friend helps ensure our client’s safety. We also provide radios for non-emergencies, and while they can be expensive to use, they are available just in case you need to check in on things back home.
Extras: At Apple Travel Peru, we take pride in our attention to small details. We provide every trekker with a small pillow to sleep with, a foam mattress for insulation, a day pack cover to protect their belongings while hiking, and a rain poncho. We also provide hot water bins every day to help our clients feel clean and refreshed at night. In addition, we enjoy happy hour each evening to relax and unwind and discuss the day’s events. We are dedicated to creating the best vacation experience for our clients.
Taxes and Fees: We believe in transparency and honesty, and that’s why all taxes and permit fees associated with our trekking packages are included in our price. There are no hidden fees with us.
The APPLE Difference: While the below list is less tangible, it’s equally important and part of everything we do and include at APPLE TRAVEL PERU
Ethical and Responsible Treatment of our Porters: At Apple Travel Peru, we stand out from other tour companies in many ways. We are committed to the ethical and responsible treatment of our porters, who are the backbone of our company. Not only that but we also provide them with all the necessary gear, including warm jackets, hiking boots, backpacks, hats, headlamps, sleeping bags and pads, and tents.
There is a dedicated Porters House for our porters to sleep in the night before and after their trek, and we even provide a medical doctor to tend to their needs. We also support their families by helping their village schools, bringing doctors and dentists to visit with the families, and planting trees in their valleys and that is why Nancy Rocca Huarca founded this company. We are committed to our social projects and it is appreciated by the more than 300 porters on our team.
Porters Trip: We are thrilled to have the opportunity to take our hardworking porters and their families to Machu Picchu. Despite hiking to the famous citadel numerous times a year, they have never had the chance to explore it themselves. That’s why we organize four special trips every year to give our team the chance to experience the history and culture of their ancestors firsthand. During these trips, we spend two days exploring the ruins and providing a memorable experience for our porters and their loved ones. It’s truly one of our favorite parts of our job.
Equality Matters: Our commitment to equality is another important part of what sets us apart. We believe that every person contributes something unique and valuable to our team. We have had female guides, porters, and chefs on our team since 2017, and we are working towards achieving a 50/50 gender balance.
Sustainable and Responsible Tour Operator: At Apple Travel Peru, we take sustainability seriously. We make sure there is no trace left behind on any of our treks, and we even include an extra porter to help clean up trash left by other groups. We use local products that are biodegradable and organic whenever possible to minimize our impact on the environment.
Additional Items
Below is a quick list of prices, but check our Additional Options section for more details.
Your tickets will be purchased to coincide with when you need to start the trial. Tickets are either for the First Session from 7-8 AM or the Second Session from 10-11 AM. We purchase the Second Session for our clients so you to enjoy your tour of Machu Picchu before you begin. This window is only your start time, and you may take your time up and down, so no rush.
* Only possible to do if you have an extra day to visit Machu Picchu
The Machu Picchu Mountain towers over the ruins and boasts breathtaking views that rival those of Huayna Picchu. However, the ascent to the top takes around 90 minutes. If you’re interested in hiking this mountain, we can secure an additional entrance ticket for you.
It’s worth noting that tickets for Machu Picchu Mountain have a specific timeframe for entry, which is between 9-10 AM. Due to this limited time frame, it’s not possible to hike the Inca Trail and climb Machu Picchu Mountain on the same day. However, you can arrange for a second visit to the citadel on the following day.
All our tours include the Expedition Train. This train is usually booked at 4:22 p.m., leaving from Aguas Calientes. The Vistadome Train is an upgraded train that offers slightly larger seats, windows, and even some entertainment. Usually, the Vistadome train is booked for 4:43 p.m. and travels to Poroy, a train station closer to Cusco. While this is an upgraded fee, we will still include your transportation back to your hotel.
The weather in Cusco can be quite unpredictable, so it’s best to be prepared for anything. Although the dry season typically runs from April to October, don’t be surprised if you encounter some rain in June or sunshine in December. No matter what month you’re planning your trek, make sure you pack rain gear, including a waterproof jacket, pants, poncho, and waterproof gloves. Many people forget about gloves, but trust us, being cold and wet can really put a damper on your hiking experience.
In addition to rain gear, it’s also important to prepare for the various microclimates you may encounter on your trek through the Andes. Layering is key, as it allows you to easily adjust to different temperature changes. It’s a good idea to pack a warm, packable down jacket for the colder evenings.
Lastly, it’s important to keep in mind that the weather can sometimes force us to alter the planned itinerary for your safety. There may be times when certain routes become impassable, and our guides may need to rework your tour.
If you’re planning to travel to Cusco by air, it’s essential to keep in mind that the airport in Cusco only caters to domestic flights. Therefore, international travelers must first disembark in Lima and go through customs before continuing their journey. Even if you’re traveling with the same airline carrier and have a connecting flight to Cusco on the same day, you’ll have to pick up your bags in Lima and then check them in again.
Although there are various airlines to choose from, LAN Airlines is often the most expensive but offers the most flight options. However, flight delays and cancellations are not uncommon, and adverse weather conditions or high altitude in Cusco can affect air traffic. Whereas, bus travel is always an option, especially if you’re coming from a city closer to Cusco, such as Puno. Though it can be a long journey, buses in Peru are generally well-maintained and comfortable. However, if you’re coming from Lima, be prepared for a bus ride that can take up to 20 hours.
We want to make sure you have all the information you need for your Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. That’s why we hold briefings at our office the night before your trek, starting at 6:30 PM. If you can’t make it to that time, please let us know so we can arrange another time that works for you. During the briefing, which lasts about 30-45 minutes, you’ll receive your duffel bags.
Your duffel bags will be an essential part of your trekking gear. They measure 66 cm long x 36 cm wide (2 ft x 1 ft). Your porters will carry them for you and return them to you at each campsite. It’s important to note that the maximum weight for each duffel is 7kg. You’ll need to pack your clothes and personal items in 4kg, leaving 3kg for your sleeping bag and pad.
We know that transportation can be a challenge in Cusco, especially if you’re staying in a smaller hotel or Airbnb. But don’t worry, we’re one of the few tour companies that will pick you up directly from your hotel if it’s in the center of Cusco City. Your guide will let you know the pick-up time during the briefing. Kindly keep in mind that it may vary by 30-45 minutes due to traffic and other pickups.
Cusco’s streets are famous for their cobblestones and narrow passageways, which can make it difficult to navigate with luggage. If you’re booking your own accommodations, we highly recommend choosing a hotel with better access. We have a list of hotels that are comfortable and easy to pick up and drop off at, so please feel free to ask us for recommendations.
Some treks will allow for pickups in the Sacred Valley, which is outlined below.
The following chart refers to possible locations we can pick you up from when beginning the tour.
| Trek | Possible Starting Locations |
| Inca Trails | Cusco, Urubamba, Yunahuara & Ollantaytambo |
| Salkantay Treks | Only Cusco |
| Lares Trek | Only Cusco |
| Huchuy Qosqo Trek | Only Cusco |
| Ausangate and Rainbow Treks | Only Cusco |
| Day Tours | Cusco, Urubamba & Ollantaytambo |
Leaving Machu Picchu requires a lot of logistics, which are all included in your tour.
One of the best ways to fully appreciate the beauty of Machu Picchu is by hiking one of the mountains surrounding the ruins. Among them, Huaynapicchu is the most popular, and it’s important to book in advance since tickets sell out quickly. The hike takes about 45 minutes to reach the top and another 45 minutes to come back down. Tickets are sold in time sessions, and we recommend booking the second session from 10-11 AM so that you can first enjoy your guided tour of the ruins. Your guide will show you where to start the hike, but you will do it on your own.
Machu Picchu Mountain is less popular but longer, taking about 1.5 hours to reach the top and another 1.5 hours to come back down. There are two-time windows for this hike, from 7-8 AM and 9-10 AM, and we recommend the second one. However, if you’re doing the 4-Day or 7-Day Inca Trail trek, you won’t have time to do this hike and enjoy a tour of the ruins as well.
After completing either hike, you’ll have some extra time to spend exploring the ruins. It’s a great way to experience Machu Picchu from a different perspective.
It’s important, to be honest with your guide about any health conditions or concerns you may have. While our guides aren’t medical professionals, they have first-aid training and we also work with a clinic in Cusco that can help if needed.
Please make sure to assess whether a tour is suitable for you and consult with your physician to confirm your fitness for travel and participation in planned activities. You should also seek your physician’s advice on vaccinations and medical precautions as APPLE TRAVEL PERU will not provide medical advice. It’s your obligation to assess the dangers and prerequisites of every part of the visit in view of your remarkable conditions, limits, wellness level, and clinical requirements.
If you develop extreme altitude sickness or any other illness that prevents you from hiking but still want to visit Machu Picchu by train, we’ll work with you to organize the trip. However, please note that this new trip may require additional fees. We’ll try to use as much of the original itinerary as possible to keep the costs low.
In case you experience any issues while hiking and cannot continue, a porter will accompany you to the nearest road and wait while a car comes to pick you up and take you to the nearest health clinic.
When you join a group tour, you’ll be with people of all different ages and skill levels. It’s important to remember that some people may be slower or faster than you on the hike, but that’s okay! You’re free to trek at your own pace, and our guide will make sure to spend time with everyone in the group. If the group requests any changes to the tour, the guide will work with everyone to make the best decision.
Please keep in mind that you’re responsible for your own belongings during the tour. Be diligent about where you leave your things and remember to remove all items from our vans, tents, restaurants, and other places. Don’t leave anything unintended during your hike, as other trekkers or teams may pick it up without knowing who it belongs to.
Tipping is a tradition on the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, but it’s not mandatory. We pay our entire team good wages, but any extra tips are always appreciated. Usually, participants in a group pool their tipping money together for the porters and chef. The recommended amount varies per trek and is listed below. For the guide, it’s more personal and should be decided based on your relationship with them and done separately from the group. Note that porters and chefs prefer soles if possible, while guides are happy with U.S. dollars, Peruvian Soles, or even credit cards.
| Trek | Per Porter | Chef |
| Inca Trails (4, 5, and 7 Days) | 60 – 80 soles | 150 soles |
| 2D/1N Inca Trail with Camping | 50 soles | 100 soles |
| Salkantay Treks | 100-120 soles | 200 soles |
| Lares Trek | 100-120 soles | 200 soles |
| Huchuy Qosqo Trek | 50 soles | 100 soles |
| Ausangate | 100-120 soles | 200 soles |
* These numbers refer to what each member of Apple Travel should receive after the group pools their money. This is just a reference guide
Travel insurance is an important consideration when planning any trip, especially one that involves adventure travel. Although it’s impossible to predict what could happen, insurance can help protect your investment in case something unexpected occurs. Fortunately, travel insurance is usually quite affordable, so it’s a small expense that can provide peace of mind. If you need help finding the right insurance agent, we’re happy to recommend someone who can guide you through the process.
When it comes to weather, it’s always best to be prepared for anything. Even though the dry season in Cusco typically runs from April to October, rain can still fall in June and the sun can come out in December. So, it’s a good idea to pack for all eventualities. Make sure to bring rain gear, including a waterproof jacket, pants, poncho, and waterproof gloves. And don’t forget to pack a warm, packable down jacket for the chilly evenings. Since many treks through the Andes involve various microclimates, it’s important to pack layers that can be easily adjusted to different temperature changes.
Porters will carry up to 7 kg of your items. This must include your sleeping bag and air matt (if you bring/rent one). From us, these two items weigh 3.5 kg.
It’s also important to note that the weather can change a listed itinerary. There are times when routes become impassable, and our guides will be forced for your safety to rework your tour.
Daypacks can be any size for hiking, but we always say the smaller, the better. Inside Machu Picchu, bags larger than 25L will not be allowed in. If it is larger, you will need to store it outside the citadel gates. But don’t worry, they have a secure storage facility.
January 10, 2024 · Apple Travel Peru
It was my best experience with Apple Travel. I had incredible excellent service. The team is very attentive and friendly.
Read moreOctober 21, 2022 · Apple Travel Peru
Incredible service and experience in Inca Trail 4 days travel. Everything was top of the notch. Thanks Ivanoe, my guide.
Read moreOctober 19, 2022 · Apple Travel Peru
The 2 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu was everything I expected and more. Gorgeous from beginning to end. The tour guides were great and very knowledgeable.
Read moreOctober 11, 2022 · Apple Travel Peru
It was a great experience with all the team Apple Travel. I enjoyed my whole trip. Thanks a lot for being part of my vacation in Cusco.
Read moreMar 2026 · SAM Travel Peru
A very organized Salkantay experience with caring guides, strong support at altitude, and memorable food after long hiking days.
Read moreMar 2026 · SAM Travel Peru
The guide and chef made the trek feel safe, enjoyable, and personal, even when altitude made the journey challenging.
Read moreMar 2026 · SAM Travel Peru
A difficult hike became possible thanks to a patient guide who encouraged the group and helped through the hardest sections.
Read moreMar 2026 · SAM Travel Peru
The guide adapted the pace and itinerary well, combining knowledge, courtesy, and flexibility throughout the tour.
Read moreJan 29, 2026 · SAM Travel Peru
A smooth multi-day trip with patient guiding, careful logistics, clean transport, and thoughtful help at every site.
Read moreJan 29, 2026 · SAM Travel Peru
The experience exceeded expectations with a local guide whose knowledge and enthusiasm made the journey feel meaningful.
Read moreOct 29, 2025 · SAM Travel Peru
The guide brought history and culture to life while keeping the group comfortable and helping capture great memories.
Read moreFeb 29, 2026 · SAM Travel Peru
The team handled planning easily and adjusted the route around weather and walking ability without losing key highlights.
Read moreApril 21, 2024 · SAM Travel Peru
Expert guides, strong porters, and memorable meals helped turn a demanding trail into a remarkable group experience.
Read moreApril 18, 2024 · SAM Travel Peru
The guides kept the schedule smooth and attentive, making the first visit to Machu Picchu easy to recommend.
Read moreApril 9, 2024 · SAM Travel Peru
The guide, cook, and porter team brought great energy, answered questions, and even helped celebrate a birthday.
Read moreApril 17, 2024 · SAM Travel Peru
The guide respected a slower pace, shared useful knowledge, and made the route feel supportive and enjoyable.
Read more
Permits
