Day two of the Classic Inca Trail 4 Days is challenging but unforgettable. After a nourishing breakfast, you’ll begin the ascent to Llulluchapampa, an alpine meadow with breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. The crisp morning air and the calls of mountain birds set the tone for the day.

The trail becomes steeper as you approach Warmiwañusca, or Dead Woman’s Pass (4,215 m) – the highest point on the entire Inca Trail. This section is a true test of endurance, but the rewards are priceless: sweeping views of the Andes, a sense of accomplishment, and the spiritual energy of a place that has inspired travelers for centuries. Many hikers pause here to honor Pachamama (Mother Earth) before starting the descent.

The downhill trail to Pacaymayo Valley Camp takes you through open grasslands and past crystal-clear streams. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted with a hot meal and a peaceful campsite embraced by mountain ridges. At night, the Milky Way shines brightly above – a perfect ending to the most demanding day of your trek.

Often considered the most scenic and culturally rich day of the Classic Inca Trail 4 Days, this section is pure magic. After breakfast, a short hike leads you to Runkurakay, a small, semicircular Inca outpost believed to have served as a watchtower or resting spot for messengers.

From there, you’ll cross Runkurakay Pass (3,950 m) and descend toward Sayacmarca, an ancient fortress with intricate stonework, narrow paths, ceremonial fountains, and panoramic valley views. The silence here is profound – broken only by the sound of flowing water and the whisper of the wind.

The trail then enters a lush cloud forest, where sunlight filters through moss-covered branches and colorful orchids cling to tree trunks. In the afternoon, you’ll reach Phuyupatamarca, the City Above the Clouds, known for its ceremonial water channels and breathtaking mountain views.

A long, picturesque descent takes you to Wiñay Wayna (Forever Young), a stunning archaeological complex with terraces, temples, and ritual baths. As the last campsite before Machu Picchu, this is the perfect place to reflect on your journey while enjoying a final dinner prepared by your trekking chef.

The final day of your Classic Inca Trail 4 Days starts before dawn. By torchlight, you’ll walk the last stretch of the Inca Trail toward the legendary Sun Gate (Inti Punku). As the first rays of sunlight break through the mist, Machu Picchu reveals itself in all its glory – a view so beautiful it’s often described as life-changing.

You’ll descend into the citadel for a guided exploration of its most iconic landmarks: the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana, the Sacred Plaza, and the agricultural terraces that showcase the engineering genius of the Incas. Your guide will bring the site to life with fascinating stories and historical insights.

After the tour, you’ll have free time to explore Machu Picchu at your own pace before taking the bus to Aguas Calientes. From there, board the train to Ollantaytambo and transfer by bus back to Cusco, arriving in the evening – tired, proud, and forever changed by the magic of the Classic Inca Trail 4 Days.

The Classic Inca Trail 4 Days to Machu Picchu is one of the most famous hikes in the world, and access is strictly regulated by the Peruvian government. Only 500 permits are issued per day (including tourists, guides, and porters), which means spots sell out very quickly, especially during the high season (April to September).

For this reason, we highly recommend booking 6 to 8 months in advance to secure your permit. In the busiest months, permits can even sell out 9 to 10 months ahead of time. During the low season (November to March), it may sometimes be possible to find availability closer to the date, but to avoid disappointment, the earlier you book, the better.

Walking through the Sun Gate and arriving at Machu Picchu is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience — planning ahead ensures you won’t miss it.

The Classic Inca Trail 4 Days is the only route that takes you directly into Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), just as the Incas once did. This makes it a truly unique experience, combining breathtaking Andean scenery, cloud forest landscapes, and remarkable archaeological sites along the way.

On the other hand, alternative treks such as the Salkantay Trek, Lares Trek, or Inka Jungle Trail also offer stunning landscapes and rich cultural encounters, but they all end in Aguas Calientes, from where you take the bus up to Machu Picchu on the final day. These alternatives usually have more availability and are excellent choices for travelers who prefer more flexibility.

What sets the Classic Inca Trail apart is the once-in-a-lifetime moment of arriving at Machu Picchu on foot at sunrise — an experience that no other route can match.

Over the 4 days of the Classic Inca Trail, you will hike approximately 42 kilometers (26 miles) in total. The distance is spread out over several stages, with some days more challenging than others. The second day is the toughest, as it involves climbing to the highest point of the trek, Warmiwañusca Pass (4,200 m/13,800 ft).

While the total distance may sound demanding, the trail is designed to be enjoyed step by step. Each day offers a mix of breathtaking Andean scenery, fascinating Inca archaeological sites, and lush cloud forest, making the effort a meaningful part of the adventure. With some preparation and a steady pace, most travelers complete the trek successfully — and with an incredible sense of achievement.

During the Classic Inca Trail 4 Days, travelers are provided with complete and well-balanced meals, prepared by experienced mountain chefs. Each day includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks, with nutritious dishes made from fresh local ingredients such as quinoa, potatoes, corn, vegetables, chicken, beef, and fish.

Meals are designed to give you the energy needed for the hike, so portions are generous and varied. We can also accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or other special dietary requirements, as long as you let us know in advance.

For many travelers, the food on the Inca Trail is a highlight of the journey — it’s not just about staying nourished, but also about enjoying Peruvian hospitality and flavors in the heart of the Andes.

The Classic Inca Trail 4 Days can be done by children and older travelers, as long as they are in good health and reasonably fit. The trek involves challenging ascents, descents, and high altitude, so it’s important to consider each person’s stamina before booking.

Many children from around 10–12 years old and active seniors have successfully completed the trail. In these cases, we recommend taking a slower pace, arranging for extra porter support, and, if necessary, hiring a personal porter to help carry the backpack.

The most important factors are prior preparation and proper acclimatization. With these precautions, the trek can be a truly rewarding adventure for families and travelers of different ages — a once-in-a-lifetime memory to share together.

On the Classic Inca Trail 4 Days, luggage is organized with the help of local porters, who play a vital role in making the trek possible. At the start of the hike, you will receive a duffel bag where you can pack up to 6–7 kg (13–15 lbs) of personal belongings, including your sleeping bag and mattress. This duffel will be carried by the porters throughout the trek.

Meanwhile, each traveler carries a daypack with only the essentials needed for the day: water, snacks, camera, sunscreen, rain poncho, and other small personal items.

This system allows you to enjoy the trail more comfortably without the burden of a heavy backpack. It’s also a special way to appreciate the dedication of the porters, whose support makes it possible for thousands of travelers to live this once-in-a-lifetime adventure each year.

If the Classic Inca Trail 4 Days is fully booked, don’t worry! There are several amazing alternative treks to Machu Picchu that provide breathtaking scenery, authentic cultural experiences, and, in many cases, more flexible availability.

Some of the most popular options include the Salkantay Trek, the Lares Trek, and the Inca Trail 2 Days. Each has its own unique charm — from snow-capped peaks and high mountain passes, to traditional Andean villages and shorter hikes that are perfect for those with limited time. All of them end in Aguas Calientes, from where you take the bus up to Machu Picchu on the final day.

While the Classic Inca Trail is special for its arrival through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), the alternative routes are equally unforgettable and often less crowded, giving you a different but truly rewarding way to experience Machu Picchu.

Yes, the Classic Inca Trail 4 Days can be customized with extra nights in both Cusco and Machu Picchu (Aguas Calientes). Many travelers choose to stay an additional night or two in Cusco either before or after the trek, to explore the city, visit the Sacred Valley, or simply rest.

In Machu Picchu, it’s also possible to add an extra night in Aguas Calientes after finishing the hike. This gives you the chance to explore Machu Picchu more leisurely the next day, climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, or just relax in town before returning to Cusco.

The great advantage of customizing your itinerary is that you can set your own pace and make the most of your Andean adventure.