FAQSClassic 4 Day Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu

What is the Inca Trail Trek?

The Inca Trail is a trekking route built by the Inca Empire in the 15th century. This trail linked Cuzco with Machu Picchu. Today, it is one of the most popular hiking routes in the world, as along its route it has impressive Inca archaeological sites, lush biodiversity and scenic beauty. For this reason, thousands of enthusiasts from all over the world hike it every year.

How much time do you walk per day on the Classic 4-day Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu?

The walking time during the 4-day Inca Trail Trek will depend a lot on how the group progress and also on the distance between the campsites assigned by the Ministry of Culture. But normally it is 6 to 9 hours on the first three days and 3 to 4 hours on the fourth day.

How many kilometers / miles is the 4-day Inca Trail Trek to Machu Pichu?

The total length of the Classic Inca Trail 4 day is approximately 43 km/26.7miles. The Inca Trail is zigzagging, with ascents and descents formed by stone steps, so the route is neither linear nor straight at almost any point.

How can I book the 4-day Inca Trail Hike To Machu Picchu?

You can book the Inca Trail through travel and tourism companies authorized by the Peruvian government to organize Inca Trail tours. “Machupicchu Andes Tours – Matours” is a local travel and tourism company in Cusco, authorized to organize 4-day Inca Trail Tours to Machu Picchu.

How many tickets are available per day for the Classic Inca Trail 4 day Trek?

Due to the natural and cultural protections of the Peruvian Government. The 4-day Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu has a limit of 500 people per day. These spaces are allocated for tourists and support staff; Guides, Cooks and Porters.

Can I do the Classic Inca Trail 4 Day Tour to Machu Picchu with children?

Yes, you can. At the moment, there are no restrictions on the minimum age to do the Classic 4 Day Inca Trail hike. Several children from 5 to 10 years old have already done the 4-day Inca Trail Trek with total normality. If you want to do the Inca Trail with your children, even with children under 5 years old, the most recommended is the 2-day Inca Trail.

Can I do the famous 4-day Inca Trail hike on my own?

No, the only way to enter the 4-Day Inca Trail trek is through a travel and tourism agency authorized by the Peruvian government and with a tour guide. “Machupicchu Andes Tours or Matours” a company authorized to organize tours on the Classic Inca Trail 4 Day tour to Machu Picchu.

Where does the Classic 4-day Inca Trail trek end?

The main destination of the Famous 4 Day Inca Trail hike is Machu Picchu, the wonder of the world. Entrance to Machu Picchu is already included in the 4 Day Inca Trail ticket.

What is the 4-day Inca Trail trek difficulty rating?

In general, the difficulty rating of the 4-Day Inca Trail trek is moderate. The first, third and fourth day will be easy to moderate. Only the second day will be moderate to difficult, because on this day you will ascend to the highest point of the trail (4200masl). The wide path and perfectly constructed stone steps help to reduce the Inca Trail difficulty rating.

What is the Classic 4-day Inca Trail Trek highest point?

The highest point of the 4-day Inca Trail trek is the Warmiwañuska (dead woman Pass) – 4200 masl/13780ft.

What is the Famous 4-Day Inca Trail trek climate?

Most of the Inca Trail is located in the tropical rainforest. Therefore, the weather is unpredictable and you can often experience all 4 seasons in a short time. But during the year there are 2 distinct seasons: dry (April-October) and rainy (November-March). Most of the trip will be temperate, but during the year it will fluctuate between 0°C/32°f (highest point) and 22°C/72°f (Machupicchu).

Is there an age limit to do the 4-day Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu?

No, any age can do the 4-Day Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu as long as they are able to complete the route. But it is not recommended for children under 5 years old and adults over 65 years old.

Are there restrooms on the 4-day Inca Trail trek?

Yes, there are. Latrines have been installed along the route and many of them have water facilities, however, most are silo toilets, which is basically a hole in the ground.

Where do you sleep on the Classic Inca Trail 4 days and 3 nights?

On the Famous 4-Day Inca Trail trek you sleep in the campsites assigned by the Peruvian government through the Ministry of Culture and Sernanp. The camps are strategically located and tents are set up for sleeping, eating and cooking.

How much luggage should I carry on the 4-day Inca Trail Hike to Machu Picchu?

You can carry up to five kilos of luggage and a small backpack to carry your camera and other personal items. If you wish to carry more luggage, you will need to hire an additional porter (maximum 15 kilos).

Why does the Classic 4-day Inca Trail trek sell out so quickly?

It is one of the most famous trekking routes in the world. That’s why tourists from all over the world want it to be part of their experience and book many months in advance. It is the only way to get availability.

How far in advance should I book the ticket for the 4-day Inca Trail hiking tours?

It is recommended to book the ticket for the Inca Trail 2 or 3 months in advance, and if it is more months in advance it will be better. The last time to make a reservation is 4 days before the tour, subject to availability.

Do I need to have a good physical preparation to do the 4-day Inca Trail trek tour?

To live this experience, it isn’t necessary to be an athlete or anything like that. A short practice hike at home before the Classic 4-day Inca Trail trek will be enough. Doing this trekking isn’t a competition, you’ll go at your own pace and your professional guide will accompany you at all times and will make your journey a unique experience.

What can I do if the 4-day Inca Trail trek sells out?

Normally the classic 4-day Inca Trail trek is the one that sells out the fastest. When this happens, you have as a second option the Short 2-day Inca Trail, which is the one that always has availability. When both are sold out, you have the following alternative treks to Machupicchu; Salkantay, Lares, Huchuy Qosqo, Choquequirao and Ausangate.

Is it necessary to have travel insurance to do the Classic 4-Day Inca Trail trek tour?

The Classic 4-Day Inca Trail trek Tour is an outdoor activity; therefore, no one is free from any accident. We recommend that you contract your travel insurance with reliable insurance companies in your country, covering hospitalization, medicines, even repatriation to your country, among others.

Where do I leave my heavy luggage while doing the Classic 4-Day Inca Trail trek?

We recommend that you leave your luggage at your hotel in Cusco. All lodging establishments have luggage storage facilities.

Can I climb Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain at the end of the Classic Inca Trail 4-Day Tour?

Yes, you can explore more places after the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu tour. But to climb either mountain, you need to book your ticket 2 or 3 months in advance, especially for Huaynapicchu. Spaces are limited.