Classic Inca Trail Information

Peru’s best-known hike is visited by thousands of tourists every year; the classical 43-km trek leading to the Sacred Inca City of Machupicchu combines the visit of mysterious archaeological sites, fantastic mountain scenery and lush cloud forest rich in Andean flora and fauna. Machupicchu is reached at sunrise on the fourth day by the Sun Gate.

What is the Inca Trail?

The Classic Inca trail is a 4-day trek on foot that follows the original pathways of the Incas. Trails from this ancient civilisation spur from Cusco and reach out to important sites such as Machu Picchu. The classic Inca trail starts at Ollantaytambo at 82km above sea level and passes several important ruins and settlements, climbing mountains anad disappearing into amazon rainforest before leading through the original entrance (Sun Gate) to the ancient city of Machu Picchu. The sites around the trail, the path itself and the cloud forest region is protected by the state to ensure responsible tourism and conservation of heritage and nature. Due to this you will need a permit which is booked in advance to be able to undertake this trek. Please see Inca Trail Availability to discover more about availability, bookings and requirements.

Trek Options

Southern Peru Explorers also provides variations of The Classic Inca trail, so we suit everyone. We have options to; either shorten the trek to accommodate for time restrictions or fitness level; lengthen it to include other historical or natural sites; or to swap from camping to hotels to provide a more comfortable luxurious experience. Options include :

It is a trek that consists of hiking, progressively getting more challenging. The heavy stoned pathways and iconic Incan steps make up this historic route. You will literally be following in the footsteps of an ancient civilization. This gives purpose and pride to the trek; however, this kind of route is demanding and at least a moderate level of fitness will be needed to undertake it.

  • Classic Inca Trail 4D/3N
  • Shortened Trail – Hotel 2D/1N
  • Shortened Trail – Camping 2D/1N
  • Inca Trail + Sacred Valley 5D/4N
  • Inca Trail – Experience 5D/4N
  • Inca Trail + Salkantay 7D/6N

History Culture

The Incan civilization was an ancient culture who rained over the 15th century. They built wide reaching and elaborate pathways to connect their empire like veins to a heart. They were used as transportation routes, pilgrimages to sacred sites and to allow for more expansion and conquest. The empire touched almost every country as we know it today within South America; colonizing the entire west coast and branching out North from Peru to reach Ecuador, along the Southern Andes into modern day Chile and Argentina and spreading into the Brazilian Rainforest.

The Inca Trail Road

The world-famous 4-day classic Inca Trek is a part of the Incan empires extensive network of roads which spanned over 40,000km. The footpaths towards the mysterious ancient city of Machu Picchu which are hiked every day is attributed the name Qhapaq Ñan, meaning “Royal Road.” These roads were not constructed of that of European civilisations at the time. The Inca roads are infamous for their large blocks of granite and serpentine stone with sharp and wide inclines. It is believed one reason is due to the altitude; not only the need to ascend into high places but the people and the animals of transport where accustomed to the altitude and elevations.

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Inca Trail 4D/3N

√ Door to door service  
√ Best camping equipment
√ Fantastic meals
√ Expert and informative guides 
√ Environmental respect

Inca trail 2D/1N

No rush, moderate physical fitness
Meals, Hotel, Guides, All Inclusive
Enter through the Sun Gate to MP
Visit Machu Picchu twice
Experience the sunrise at Machu Picchu

Inca Jungle 4D/3N

Full actions packet tour
Biking, Rafting & Zipline
Fully delicious meals
Cultural experience
 Best Adventure gear

Salkantay 5D/4N

5days life time experience  
Best Camping Equipment & Gear
 Full Delicious Meals & Drinks
Knowledge, leadership Guides
Sustainable & Responsible Travel

Best of Cusco 6D/4N

Pick up Hotels All Inclusive
Start early avoid crowds
 learn more Private small groups
 Explore Rainbow Mountain 
 Train Journey to Machu Picchu