Hello! Click on one of our members below to chat on Whatsapp
Discover the difference of traveling with experts who care about every detail of your experience.
Chosen by travelers for its perfect mix of adventure, culture, and scenery.
What is the 4 day Inca Trail ? It is an experience you don’t want to miss. It should inspire some excitement and stir a little sense of wonder in your soul. It is in the top 5 of the most popular excursions in South America and one of the world’s most famous hikes. The hike brings you along ancient paths into Peruvian villages through the Andean highlands. It’s a multi-day hike of 4 days 3 nights to the greatest endpoint in the iconic Machupicchu.
Exploring the legendary Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the most unforgettable adventures you can experience in Peru. This iconic route offers several options, with treks lasting 2, 4, 5, or 7 days, covering parts or the full length of the classic Inca Trail. All itineraries begin in the Sacred Valley, near Cusco, and end at the iconic Sun Gate, where you’ll catch your first breathtaking glimpse of the majestic Machu Picchu.
If you dream of reaching Machu Picchu through an authentic, history-filled journey, the Inca Trail offers a variety of options to match your time and sense of adventure.
A special permit is required to hike any section of the Inca Trail. These permits can only be obtained by travel agencies authorized by the Peruvian government to operate on this route. Therefore, it is important to book in advance.
Be inspired by our tours designed to connect you with the culture, nature and excitement of each destination.
Essential stops, breathtaking views, and meaningful cultural encounters.
Just a few hours into your hike, you’ll reach the impressive archaeological site of Patallacta, also known as Llactapata. Located along the Cusicancha River, this complex was rediscovered in 1912 by explorer Hiram Bingham, a year after his famous discovery of Machu Picchu. “Llactapata” means “high town” in Quechua. It’s believed to have been a key rest stop for Inca travelers heading from Cusco to Machu Picchu. From across the valley, you’ll get stunning views of its wide terraces and numerous structures.
On the afternoon of your second day, you’ll hike up to Runkurakay Pass at 3,950 meters (13,000 ft) above sea level. Midway up, you’ll come across the small, circular ruins of Runkurakay — a rare architectural style for the Incas. Experts believe it served as a tambo, or roadside inn, providing shelter and supplies for chasquis, the Inca messengers who carried important messages across the empire.
Later, you’ll arrive at Sayacmarca, an impressive site perched dramatically on a cliffside. To reach it, you’ll climb 98 stone steps carved into the mountain. Known as the “Inaccessible Town,” it’s surrounded by steep drops on three sides. Originally built by the Colla culture, the Incas later improved the site with a water canal system. Inside, you’ll find a Sun Temple and a maze of narrow corridors that made up the residential area.
After Sayacmarca, you’ll pass through a sloped stone tunnel and reach the third and final mountain pass on day three. From the top, enjoy sweeping views before descending steep steps to Puyupatamarca, meaning “town in the clouds” in Quechua. These ruins cling to the mountainside above the Urubamba Valley and are often shrouded in mist. The site features ceremonial baths, plazas, buildings, and surrounding terraces that give it a mystical, dreamlike feel.
Wiñay Wayna, which means “forever young” in Quechua, is one of the most enchanting spots along the trail. Built in the mid-15th century, its purpose remains uncertain, though it may have been a spiritual retreat or resting place for nobles before reaching Machu Picchu. The site features upper and lower sections connected by an elegant staircase lined with ancient water fountains. Surrounding terraces showcase masterful Inca stonework that defies the limitations of their tools.
After reaching the Sun Gate in the early morning, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking view of Machu Picchu and the surrounding mountains. From there, it’s about an hour’s descent to the citadel. This is the pinnacle of the journey — the grand reveal of the Lost City of the Incas. Words can’t fully capture the awe of standing before Machu Picchu. It’s an experience you’ll carry with you for a lifetime.
Everything you need to know before your adventure begins.
It depends on your chosen tour option. If you’re booking the short Inca Trail to the ancient citadel, we advise you to book two to four months in advance. On the other hand, if you’re aiming for the classic four day Inca trek or the extended five-day option, you’ll need to schedule even earlier to get the date you want.
Depending on your preferred month, you may need to book six months (or more) in advance. The permits for Inca tours are expected to come out in October of every year. Plus, many of the dates are booked up within minutes.
As your tour provider, we do our best to obtain the permits for your chosen date. We are able to secure the preferred dates for our customers most of the time. Just to be on the safe side, we recommend that you provide us with at least two alternative dates in the event that we’re unable to get permits for the date you want. This allows us to secure permits for you and make sure you get the opportunity to experience an incredible Inca trail journey.
We make sure that our hikers’ information is ready to use and up to date to secure the Inca Trail permit on their preferred dates. Peak months, such as April, May, June and July, sell out within minutes. Any delays in booking could prevent us from obtaining your Inca Trail permit, especially for the 4 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
You can make adjustments on the starting date for the 2026 Inca Trails before the permits go on sale in October 2025.
Once we buy the permits, however, you may no longer move the start date, transfer the permit to another hiker, or obtain a refund. If you want to change the date, a new permit purchase is required
It may be possible to book at the last minute with the 2 day or 1 day Inca Trail and perhaps the Classic Inca Trail (4 or 5 day) if you are looking to trek in a month of the year where demand is lower. However, it is not recommended! The permits are not the only item that can book out, trains and hotels can also book out. Please do not wait until the last minute, book now if you have set dates!
We need the personal information appearing on your passport. This includes your complete name, date of birth, passport number, gender and nationality. After booking, please provide us with a copy of your passport. You may also book using the personal details on your driver’s license. Just make sure that the information on your license matches the details on your passport.
If you’ve applied for your passport but haven’t received it, use your driver’s license to book with us. Once you have your new passport, email us a picture of it along with your driver’s license. We’ll update the information that will go on the permit. Please bring both forms of identification when you visit Peru. You can use your passport to book your hike if it is expiring. Once you get your new passport, take a photo of that along with your old passport. Then email us the pictures and bring both passports when you come to Peru
No. The Peruvian government has strictly regulated the Inca Trail. Only fully licensed tour operators can book this hike. We take pride in the fact that we’re one of the few fully licensed Inca Trail tour operators in Peru. You won’t regret putting your trust in us.
We specialize in small groups of two to eight people. We want all our hikers to have the best journey possible. Keeping the groups small allows you to get to know your fellow travelers better and helps you have a great trekking experience.
You have the option to book a private hike at an additional cost. The fee varies, depending on the private group size. If you go on a private tour, you’ll have your own chef, porters, personal guide, toilet tent and dining tent. Take note, though, that you won’t be hiking or camping alone on the trail, as there may be other groups who are camping and hiking on the same path.
You have the option to book a private hike at an additional cost. The fee varies, depending on the private group size. If you go on a private tour, you’ll have your own chef, porters, personal guide, toilet
The process is easy. Just click the BOOK NOW link and follow the instructions. If you have further questions, you can either give us a call or chat with us online.
When booking, get your passport details ready and email us a copy of your passport. Once we get your completed booking form and the deposit fee, we’ll send you an email confirmation. Once the government releases the permits, our staff will send another confirmation stating that we’ve secured the permits for your desired date.
The process is easy. Just click the BOOK NOW link and follow the instructions. If you have further questions, you can either give us a call or chat with us online.
When booking, get your passport details ready and email us a copy of your passport. Once we get your completed booking form and the deposit fee, we’ll send you an email confirmation. Once the government releases the permits, our staff will send another confirmation stating that we’ve secured the permits for your desired date.
An incredible journey awaits you. Book with us today.
We that recommend you bring your own sleeping bag. However, you can rent one from SAM Travel for $20 USD per person, that is guaranteed to be warm and professionally cleaned. If you are planning to purchase a sleeping bag, it is a good idea to purchase a four season (or -10 C) sleeping bag during the winter months. For other months, you will probably be fine in a 3 season (or -4/-5 C) sleeping bag, although this depends on how much you feel the cold and is given as a guideline only.
Discover why thousands of people around the world trust us to explore the best of Peru.
Couples
Trip to Rainbow mountain. First to the mountain thanks to Yair’s expert driving and special thanks to Cristian for being my guide. Highly recommend!
Written July 2, 2025
Family
We had an incredible experience hiking the Inca Trail with Ray as our guide. Ray was amazing. He was super knowledgeable about the history of the Incas, and he brought that history to life. We visited three larger sites, and several smaller ones that we arrived at by foot deep in the Peruvian jungle. Ray's was an incredible, passionate, and experienced guide, and also just a great person we are lucky to have met. I also have to mention Moses, our porter who made an amazing lunch and hiked it up to our resting spot 2000 ft above the Urambamba River to Wiñaywayna.
Written July 4, 2025
Family
Did the short inca trail through sam travel and it was an unforgettable experience. Hiking from the train to the Sun Gate with its beutiful views of macchu piccu was incredible. Our guide, Ray, was extremely knowledgeable, passionate, and always positive. At every location and along the way he had fascinating information to share and no question went unanswered.
Written July 4, 2025
Family
We had a great experience with our guide Cristian during our visit to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. He shared clear and detailed explanations, with a fascinating historical narrative that helped us truly connect with the places we explored. I learned so much thanks to him. The atmosphere was also really positive and friendly throughout the tour. Highly recommended!
Written June 26, 2025