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Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu: The Inca Trail Experience
A four-day journey through misty forests and sacred stone to Machu Picchu
Overview
The lowdown
Four days, three nights and one ancient road that changes you. The Inca Trail isn’t just a hike – it’s a pulse-quickening climb through cloud forests, stone steps worn by centuries and passes that test lungs and legs alike. You’ll push over Dead Woman’s Pass, share coca leaves and laughter with fellow trekkers and wake to valleys wrapped in mist. Then, just when the journey has worked its way under your skin, you’ll step through the Sun Gate and watch Machu Picchu ignite with morning light. Choose to walk this path as part of a small group or on a private tour (only available if booking as a group of four or more) – it’s your adventure, your way. Hard? No question. Worth it? Beyond words.
Highlights
The best bits
Hike the Classic Inca Trail
Start at KM82, the trail’s true gateway. Shake hands with your porters, cross the first checkpoint and set foot on stones walked by centuries of pilgrims. This is where the journey begins.
Itinerary
The day to day
Day 1
The Sacred Steps Begin
Day 2
The Reckoning
Day 3
The Descent into Magic
Day 4
The Arrival
Host
The experts
Action Peru Treks
Our on-the-ground legends are the crew at Action Peru Treks – not just seasoned guides, but soulful storytellers and logistical ninjas. Born from the Andes, this Indigenous-owned outfitter blends deep cultural roots with razor-sharp professionalism. Whether navigating Dead Woman’s Pass or introducing you to jungle plant medicine, they carry not just gear – but the spirit of the land. Trusted by us, revered by their community and constantly raising the bar on what ethical adventure looks like.
Accommodation
The quarters
Your first night is spent at Ayapata, a quiet mountain campsite tucked between forested slopes and high peaks. Remote and rugged, it’s the perfect place to acclimatise to the altitude and gather strength for tomorrow’s trek. As night falls, crisp mountain air and a blanket of stars set the tone for the adventure ahead.
Ayapata Campsite
Aguas Calientes, Urubamba...
At 3,600m, your second night is spent at Chaquicocha – ‘the dry lake.’ Surrounded by rugged ridgelines and sweeping valleys, this campsite feels otherworldly. After the challenge of Dead Woman’s Pass, the hard work is behind you. Here, crisp mountain air and vast horizons set the scene for a night of well-earned rest under a canopy of stars.
Chaquicocha Campsite
Inca, Trial, Urubamba, PE
Your third night is spent at Wiñay Wayna, the final campsite before Machu Picchu. Nestled in cloud forest and named after the “Forever Young” orchids that bloom here, it’s a lush and atmospheric spot. With the hardest climbs behind you, anticipation builds – you’re just hours from the Sun Gate and that first glimpse of the Lost City.
Wiñay Wayna Campsite
Aguas Calientes, Urubamba...
Activities
The fun stuff
Cover 43km in four days: misty forests, lost ruins, high passes and the grand finale – Machu Picchu revealed at sunrise.
Trek the Classic Inca Trail
Camino Inca, Urubamba, PE
A two-hour climb into thin air, up to 4,215m. It’s brutal on the lungs, glorious on the soul – the summit delivers a view you’ll never forget.
Climb Dead Woman’s Pass
Urubamba Province, PE
Terraces and stone dwellings carved into the mountainside. Perfectly preserved, impossibly dramatic – a place where the Inca still feel close.
Explore Wiñay Wayna Ruins
Aguas Calientes, Urubamba...
Before dawn, hike the last stretch to Inti Punku. Watch the citadel ignite in golden light as Machu Picchu awakens.
Hike to Sun Gate
Urubamba Province, PE
Two hours inside the citadel with local guides – stories, secrets and legends woven into every stone.
Guided Tour of Machu Picchu
Urubamba Province, PE
For the fearless: scale Huayna Picchu, the peak above the ruins. Narrow stone steps, dizzying drops and a bird’s-eye view of Machu Picchu. Extra costs apply.
Optional Hike to Huayna Picchu
Urubamba Province, PE
Fine Print
The small stuff
Cancel 65+ days out for a 70% refund. Within 64 days, we’ve locked in logistics, so no refund can be offered. Thanks for understanding – it keeps things running smooth for everyone.