2025 Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 3 Days

In the morning very early we pick you up from your hotel to travel by bus to the kilometer 82, after passing the control, we begin the trek from the banks of the Urubamba River to the archaeological complex of Llactapata. Continuing the Inca Trail 3 Days 2 Nights, we will arrive to Huayllabamba where we will have lunch, the complete walk will take us approximately 9 hours (approximately 18 km) until we reach the first camp in Llulluchapampa.

Estimated trekking time: 7 - 8 hours
Trekking distance: 17  Km
Max. elevation: 3,850 m
Min. elevation: 1,200 m
Difficulty:Moderate

We will get up very early to contemplate the beauty of the mountains and breathe the pure air that nature gives us after breakfast. This day we will visit the complexes of Runcuracay, Sayaqmarka and Phuyupatamarca.

We start the Inca Trail trek to cross 2 very high steps, including Warmiwañusca, with 4,200 m.a.s.l. place where archaeological remains are found. This is the highest point of the hike, which we will cross breathing with difficulty and the place where we will see stunning views of the geography of the place of beautiful mountains and snowy mountains, and the beautiful semi tropical valley.

Then we continue hiking through the valley to the Inca ruins of Runkuraqay and then climb up over the second pass – Abra Runkuraqay.

After visiting Runkuraqay, we continue walking to Sayaqmarka for about 2 hours (5 km). It is a location brimming with enigma and enchantment. This site is located over 3,600 meters above sea level.

Then we will descend to Phuyupatamarca, where we will have lunch. The last hours of the hike is semi flat to Wiñayhuayna, the campsite.

Estimated trekking time:  8 - 9 hours
Trekking distance: 16  Km
Max. elevation: 3,600  m
Min. elevation: 2,700  m
Difficulty: Moderate

Early in the morning, we will have our last breakfast on the iconic Inca Trail. We will start our walk from the Wiñaywayna campsite to the Inti Punku (The Sun Gate). During the hike, we will appreciate the flora of the trail and the sunrise. Upon arrival at the Sun Gate, we will take in the most beautiful landscapes, including Machu Picchu mountain, Huayna Picchu, the Vilcanota river, and the Inca citadel. Take some time for your best picture. Afterward, we will continue to hike down to Machu Picchu. Our guide will take us to the Guard House, where you can take a panoramic picture of Machu Picchu and stay a short time to appreciate this enigmatic citadel built by the Inca.

Continuing the Intrepid Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, we will leave through the gate of Machu Picchu and check in again. You can use the restroom or have a coffee. Then, we will re-enter Machu Picchu for a guided tour according to the Circuit Machu Picchu booked. During the visit inside the Inca citadel, explore with your guide for 2 hours. According to the new Machu Picchu rules, this ticket is one-way, and you cannot return to the starting point. After the tour, we will exit the citadel and take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, a small town where you will find many restaurants for lunch (not included).

In the afternoon, we will take the train back to Ollantaytambo, where a transfer will be waiting for us to return to Cusco. Then, we will transfer to your hotel.

End the trip to Machu picchu 3 day hike

• The pre-trek briefing (Our guide will visit your hotel a day before the trek for your briefing);
• Transfer by private vehicle to the initial point of the Inca Trail at Km 82;
• Accommodation: camping (2 nights);
• Inca Trail Permits
• Entrance fee to Machu Picchu;
• Meals: 2x breakfast, 2x lunch, 2x dinner, 2x afternoon´s hot beverages (If you are a vegetarian, please advise us in advance. A vegetarian meal option is for NO extra cost!);
• Experienced bilingual Tour Guide (a group of up to 8 participants has 1 Tour Guide, groups over 8 participants receives 2 Tour Guides);
• A professional Trekking Cook;
• Super porters to carry food, camping, and cooking equipment, and 5 kg of each passenger's stuff;
• Camping equipment: Eureka Mountain Personal double tents (4-person tent which allows for greater comfort, and also storage of backpacks);
• Inflatable mattress (Term-a-Rest Mattress); 
• A sleeping bag (for up to -5°C);
• A blanket per person
• A pillow
• Water every day (excluding the first 4 hours of the trek when you need to bring your own);
• Tables and chairs, cooking tent with cooking equipment, dining, and toilet tents, and bottled gas;
• Rain Ponchos;
• Duffel bag (for your personal belongings);
• A Machu Picchu T-shirt;
• Tourist train from Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu) to Ollantaytambo;
• A shuttle bus down from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes Town;
• Tourist bus from Ollantaytambo to Cusco;
• First aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle.

• Breakfast on the first day and last lunch in Aguas Calientes Town,
• Travel insurance (It's not mandatory, but recommended in case you have an emergency during your trip in Peru or need to cancel at the last minute);
• Entrance fee to Huayna Picchu ($80);
• Extra Porter to help you carrying up to 7 kg of your personal belonging;
• Tips to local staff (please note: it is a custom to give tips in Peru; however, it is not obligatory);
• Other extras not mentioned.

Solo Traveler: Please note that if you have booked the "Solo Traveler" option for this trek, you receive your own single tent for all nights.
Local flights: No local flights are included in the trek´s price!

Inca Trail Machu Guides

All Inca Trail Machu travel groups are accompanied by an Inca Trail Machu tour guide, a representative, or our staff. The aim of our tour guides is to take the hassle out of traditional trips and ensure you have the best experience possible. The tour guides provide information on the places visited, offer suggestions on what to see and do, recommend good places to eat, and introduce you to their colleagues. They have broad general knowledge of each country visited during a tour, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. We also work with local tour guides on tours where more specific knowledge could enhance the enjoyment of the visited places.

Meeting with Your Guide

Our guide will visit your hotel 1 or 2 days before the trek. It is very important that you check your email or WhatsApp, as our staff will contact you to coordinate your meeting with your guide and a Inca Trail Machu representative.

All briefings are done at your hotel according to your schedule with our operations manager. Briefings are approximately 30-45 minutes long. This is where you will receive your duffel bags.

Trekking Chef and Porters on the Inca Trail 3 Days

Our trekking chefs receive training in food handling and cooking with natural products. Every year, our trekking chefs have a meeting where they share their experiences cooking on the Inca Trail. They also receive training in emergency health and first aid. Our chefs are prepared to make the best food on the Inca Trail, ensuring you have a great culinary experience.

Super Porters receive annual training in first aid and customer support. In case of an emergency, our trekking staff is prepared to help you. Trust them for your hike on the Inca Trail, and they will provide you with excellent service.

More information about the Trekking chef and porters

Inca Trail Machu Tour operator will provide the double tent. Our tents are of the brand TIMBERLINE 4XTE SQ OUTFILTTER and EUREKA MOUNTAIN PASS 3XTE designated for 4 seasons. We provide 3 and 4 person capacity tents; however, just 2 trek participants use them! In this way, we provide you with more space and comfort. In case of a single traveler, we provide a 2 person capacity tent. After each trek, we carefully check our tents and fix them if necessary. Inca Trail Machu will provide a clean sleeping bag, Inflatable pillow and blanket for 3-Day Machu Picchu Hiking Tours. Our porters will leave inside your tent. Once arrived to the camping, you will find inside your all camping equipment.

Doble Tents on the Inca Trail

Single Tents on the Inca Trail

Sleep equipment on the Inca Trail

Here is everything you need to know about 3 Day Machu Picchu Hiking Tours:

Where is located Machu Picchu?

"Machu Picchu" is located in the south of Peru, belongs to the department of Cusco, "Machu Picchu" is located 112.5 kilometers northeast of the city of Cusco, with a height of 2350 meters above sea level.

Altitudes in Inca Trail 3 Days 2 Nights

During 3 Day Inca Trail Hike to Machu Picchu, we will find the following altitudes:

• "Piskacuchu" at 2,680 m.a.s.l.
• "Llullucha Pampa" at 3,850 m.a.s.l.
• "Warmiwañusqa Pass" at 4,200 m.a.s.l.
• "Runkqurakay" at 3,600 m.a.s.l.
• "Wiñnahuayna" at 2,600 m.a.s.l.
• "Machu Picchu" at 2,430 m.a.s.l.

How many kilometers is walked during the 3 Day Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu and how many hours do we walk per day?

• Piskacuchu to Llullucha Pampa: 15 km (Trekking Time: 8 hours)
• Llullucha Pampa to Wiñay Wayna: 15 km (Trekking Time: 8 hours)

What does "Machu Picchu" mean?

"Machu Picchu" means 'Old Mountain' in the indigenous Quechua language. "Machu Picchu", the lost city of the Incas, is an unprecedented historical, natural and architectural complex, a tourist destination that has earned the category of inescapable.

How difficult is the 3 Day Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu?

The 3 Day Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu is considered an intermediate level trek. Since it does not include rock climbing, or hiking on snow, isn´t required previous experience. Keep in mind that you will carry your personal items, which may include clothing, camera, water, camp equipment, etc; which may add difficulty to the trek because of the weight. 

Is it possible to do the 3 Day Inca Trail Hike to Machu Picchu on my own?

If you are an experienced hiker, you may want to go hiking to the classic Inca Trail Tours to Machu Picchu on your own, without a tour operator, without a guide, without a carrier, just you and the way. However, that is NOT possible.

Do I really need to book the Inca Trail in advance?

Permits for the Inca trail are very limited, there are only 500 entries per day of which 300 will be used by trekking teams, cooks, porters and guides, this makes you have to book many months in advance if you want to secure a place; we recommend doing it six months in advance. However, if you want to come during the high season (from May to September) you must make your reservation 8 or 10 months before.

When is the best time to travel the Inca trail?

The high season on the Inca trail to Machu Picchu is from May to September, because this time coincides with the holidays in the western hemisphere. These months offer probably the best trekking conditions with a dry and sunny climate. However, as we told you before, you must reserve the permits many months in advance. April, October and November are also great months to do the Inca trail; there are fewer hikers, although there is a chance that at least one day will rain during the hike.

It is also easier to find available permits, although they must still be reserved months in advance. The rainy season runs from January to March, and if you decide to come during this time, expect some frequent showers. However, it is perfectly safe to do the trek, with the appropriate gear - waterproof -. Again, it is much easier to get permits to travel the Inca trail at this time of year.

The Inca trail closes the month of February of each year, because it is the rainiest month, and it is used to do maintenance for the conservation of the trails of the road. However, all alternative routes are open during this month.

Can children do the Inca trail?

Children accustomed to walking can do the Inca trail, although personally we believe that to enjoy a route like this they should be at least 12 years old. But we have witnessed smaller children completing the walk. If you want to do the Inca trail to Machu Picchu as a family, contact us to discuss the physical condition of your children in more detail.

Do I need a great physique to travel the Inca trail?

It is recommended that you have a good level of fitness, however, you do not have to be a freak of exercise. If you are not in shape, it would be a good idea to start a regular (uphill) walking workout a few months before your adventure.

One of the biggest challenges about trekking in Peru is the altitude; the highest pass of the Inca trail is at 4.125, at the pass of the dead woman. To help you acclimatize and avoid the symptoms of altitude sickness, we recommend the following: 

• Avoid alcohol and smoking.
• Drink lots of fluids. Coca tea is an ancient ancestral remedy.
• Avoid fidgeting and strenuous exercise upon arrival in Cusco.
• Avoid sleeping pills.
• Allow 2-3 days to acclimatize before starting your hike.

I am worried that I am too slow for my group.

The walk along the Inca trail is considered among the best in the world and if you want to enjoy it, don't see it as a race. “Go at your own pace”, enjoy the views, take photos and catch your breath. Even the most leisurely hikers reach the campgrounds before dark.

The guide will always go with the last person in the group, giving instructions to the fastest walkers, so that they know where the stopping and meeting points are located along the route.

The Huayna Picchu

Huayna Picchu is the summit located north of the Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu. It is located at 2,720 meters above sea level, almost 300 meters above the Inca site. It is known as the ‘young mountain’, as opposed to the Machu Picchu mountain (old mountain). The ascent to the top of this summit is considered one of the most incredible short walks in the world.

The entrance door to Huayna Picchu is located inside and to the north of the Inca Citadel. Ancient Inca trails lead to the top of this vertical mountain. The ascent is popular due to the adrenaline rush that tourists experience when climbing the difficult and steep Inca trails to the edge of terrifying cliffs. From the top of Waynapicchu, you can see all the splendor of the landscape that surrounds the Wonder of the World. When descending, the tourist can visit the Temple of the Moon, a mysterious Inca construction, whose end is not yet fully defined.

The only way to enter the Waynapicchu is by reserving the Ticket Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu. This ticket allows the entry of only 400 people a day, so it is recommended to reserve tickets months in advance. Visitors can enter the mountain in two groups or schedules:

• Group 1: enter from 07:00 a.m. to 08:00 a.m. (Visitors can stay at the Wonder of the World until 01:00 p.m.)
• Group 2: enter from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. (Visitors can stay at the Wonder of the World until 02:00 p.m.) 

Climb Huayna Picchu after the Inca Trail?

Visitors who wish to climb the Huayna Picchu mountain after the Inca Trail must book the Ticket Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu in Group 2 (entrance from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.). This is because, after an arduous walk, tourists will arrive at the Inca site at around 08:00 a.m., tired and with insufficient time to enter Waynapicchu in Group 1.

To do both the Inca Trail and the ascent to the Huayna Picchu mountain, a lot of planning is needed. The first thing is to make both reservations months in advance, especially if you plan to do the adventure in high tourist season (from April to October). If the visit is planned in the low tourist season (from October to March), it should be taken into account that the Inca Trail remains closed for maintenance throughout the month of February.

Visitors who enter the Huayna Picchu mountain through Group 2, can stay until 02:00 pm. in the Inca site. This provides the opportunity to have time to visit the stone constructions of the Inca Citadel, such as the Temple of the Condor, the Temple of the Sun or the Intihuatana. If there are not enough strength left to continue walking through the Wonder of the World, another option is to simply enjoy the incredible view that Machu Picchu offers.

Recommendations.

• Before doing the Inca Trail, it is advisable to acclimatize previously (1 or 2 days) to the city of Cusco. The route through the ancient Inca trails crosses altitudes of up to 4,200 meters above sea level.
• The Inca Trail is allowed to people of all ages. The Huayna Picchu, only for people over 12 years old.
• For both the Inca Trail and the Huayna Picchu it is recommended to bring sunscreen, water in a canteen, suitable footwear for hiking, repellent against mosquitoes, light clothing during the day and snacks.
• You do not need to be an expert mountaineer to do the Inca Trail and the ascent to Waynapicchu. The only requirement is the desire to want to reach the goal.
• The Inca Trail and Huayna Picchu have signs that protect the life of the tourist. It is necessary to follow the signs and not look for a way on your own.

When is the income released to reserve the Inca Trail?

Income for the Inca Trail is released approximately on October 5 of every year. However, the date may vary for a few days or weeks depending on the organization drawn up by the Ministry of Culture of Peru.

How many people can travel the Inca Trail each day?

There are 500 permits available for the Inca Trail each day. However, that number is a bit far from the truth since only 200 tourists will be able to enter each day. The rest of the people make up the support team on the route (porters, guides and cooks).

How to book the Inca Trail 2025?

To do the Inca Trail, yes or yes, you must reserve your space through a tourism agency. Follow these steps to secure your place on the Inca Trail 2022:

• Enter the website of an authorized tourism agency to offer the income to the Inca Trail.
• Choose the date you want to do the Inca Trail and check if there are still spaces available for the Inca Trail 4 days. (The 2-day Inca Trail can be purchased just weeks in advance).
• If there is still availability, take advantage of making your reservation. You just have to click on 'Reserve' and fill in the personal information of you and your companions.
• Make the payment of the tour (includes the entrance to the Inca Trail) with a credit or debit card. It is generally done with Visa, MasterCard, American Express, etc.
• Check your email with the receipt of payment made.
• One night before the start of the Inca Trail, you will meet your tour guide and receive an informative talk about the full itinerary for the next day.

When is the time to book the Inca Trail?

The famous 4-day trek can only be done in the company of an ‘authorized’ tourism agency. Tours must be purchased approximately 6 months in advance.

When availability is released (every October 5), permits begin to run out. This happens especially for the months of May to August (high tourist season).

Where to book the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?

The Peruvian government ensures the well-being of each of the passengers, requiring them to be part of an excursion group led by a guide and with the help of support personnel. Thus, you will not be able to do the Inca Trail on your own. You can only do it through an authorized tourism agency.

There are several tourism agencies that offer tours (including income) to the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Each one offers its own prices according to the quality of the service they provide.

In general, a tour to the Inca Trail includes the following:

• entrance to the Inca Trail
• official tourist guide
• entrance to Machu Picchu
• cooks
• porters
• return transportation
• camping equipment. 

Questions and answers about the Inca Trail reserve

Is there an income limit for the Inca Trail?

The number of visitors who are allowed to enter the Inca Trail trails each day is limited to 500 people. However, keep in mind that this figure includes the 300 people who are part of the support staff. This means that only 200 tourists end up entering Machu Picchu every day.

When is the Inca Trail closed?

The Inca Trail remains closed throughout February due to maintenance work on the Inca route. Then this hiking trail remains open the rest of the year.

Is the Inca Trail dangerous?

No. The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu has security personnel deployed along the way. In addition, the authorities imposed the tour with an organized tour to avoid informality and protect the integrity of tourists.

Can I do the Inca Trail on my own?

No. The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is done yes or yes through an authorized tourism agency. It is not possible to do this hike on your own.

Is there an official page for the sale of income to the Inca Trail?

No. The only way to buy the income to the Inca Trail is through the websites of an authorized tourism agency.

Can I buy my tour to the Inca Trail once in Cusco?

No. Entrances to the Inca Trail must be purchased 5 or 6 months in advance so that once in the city of Cusco no visitor will be able to find availability.

How much does the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu cost?

The prices of the tour to the Inca Trail vary according to the type of service offered by the authorized tourism agency. Prices vary from 400 to 700 US dollars. Most agencies also offer discounts for students and minors.

When does the Inca Trail close to Machu Picchu?

The Inca Trail (the 4-day hiking route to Machu Picchu) is closed to tourists during the month of February.

The rest of the year, the Inca Trail is open to the public except in an emergency.

February brings with it the heaviest rains of the season. So, regardless of whether it is the classic Inca Trail or its short version (2 days), it is impossible to do it in February.

Why does the Inca Trail close in February?

February is the rainiest month in Cusco and Machu Picchu. The institutions in charge indicate that "you will not be able to enter Machu Picchu through the Inca Trail in February."

The objective of this closure is not only to preserve the ancient Inca Trail but also for safety.

During that month conservation and maintenance work is carried out. The deteriorated parts of the road are fixed. The terraces and the camping places are arranged.

So how do you get to Machu Picchu in February?

As you can see, entering Machu Picchu via the Inca Trail in February is impossible.

If you only have free time to visit Machu Picchu in February, you will have to arrive by train through a 2-hour journey through the Sacred Valley.

Another option is to get to Machu Picchu by the alternative Hydroelectric route. This way is longer (approximately 7 hours) but more full of adventure.

Can I do the Inca Trail on my own?

The only way to do the Inca Trail is by hiring the service with an authorized agency. There is no way to do it otherwise.

You can book the Inca Trail for the whole year. Only in February will you have to get to Machu Picchu by train or by the Hydroelectric route.

Alternatives to the Inca Trail in February

If you want to get to Machu Picchu by walking in February, you can choose other incredible routes.

• The Inca Jungle - Offers one of the most adventurous ways to get to Machu Picchu. Combine downhill biking, rafting, zip lining, and hiking.
• Salkantay trek - This alternative trek lasts 5 days. It crosses the imposing Salkantay snowy mountain at 4,650 meters above sea level. until we reach Machu Picchu passing through Aguas Calientes.
• Lares Trek - This hike has many variants. The starting point is the town of Lares in Cusco. After 4 days of hiking, you reach Machu Picchu. 

Does Machu Picchu close in February?

Keep in mind that the closure of the Inca Trail in February does not affect visits to Machu Picchu in any way.

The sale of tickets to the ‘Inca City’ does not close in February. Machu Picchu remains open all year round except for some emergency situation.

Does Huayna Picchu close in February?

Like Machu Picchu, the Huayna Picchu mountain is open all year round, including February.

The Waynapicchu mountain is considered one of the best short walks in the world. Tickets must be purchased 3 or 4 months before.

Machu Picchu Hike

• Machu Picchu Rules
• Inca Trail Permits 2025
• Inca Trail Porters
• Machu Picchu Clossing
• Inca Trail Tours FAQs
• What to bring on the Inca Trail Hike

Inca Trail Hiking Tours

There are a lot of Inca Trail tours to Machu Picchu. The Inca Trail is the most popular trail in South America. Inca Trail Machu offers this challenge for all trekkers who like to have the best experience and short time to hike to Machu Picchu. This Machu Picchu hike is easy and at once difficult , but it's worth it!. you will get to the lost city of the Incas by the sun gate ( Intipunku). Book Online Now the 3 day Inca Trail! and ready your shoes for this trail. If you want to hike the others challenge trails or the classic trail, below you can find the best Inca Trails​:

• Short Inca Trail
• Inca Trail with camping
• 4 Day Inca Trail
• 5 Day Inca Trail
• 7 Day Inca Trail