Classic Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu

Trip Overview

The classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the most famous treks in South America, and for good reason. Mixing history and wildlife and spectacular scenery, this four-day, three-night adventure is an unforgettable experience, with a final destination -- Machu Picchu itself -- that ranks among the world’s most impressive archaeological sites. 

The classic Inca Trail hiking tour is only about 42 km (26 miles) long, but it goes up and down and along mountains, rising up through three mountain passes, and generally takes a circuitous route through the tricky terrain in this part of Peru. That makes it a more strenuous 42 km than most, but also one with spectacular scenery, passing through various Andean environments including cloud forest and alpine tundra.

Along the Machu Picchu backpacking trail, you’ll be trekking through an area of great biodiversity. At any moment you could come across orchids, foxes, cocks-of -the-rock (Peru’s national bird), spectacled bears, deer and many more species of flora and fauna. As you trek the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, you’ll also pass by other impressive Inca ruins, such as Wiñay Wayña and Phuyupatamarca. It’s an incredibly rich trekking experience, and that’s before you even reach your destination: the sublime mountaintop Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. 

It’s impossible to overstate the beauty of Machu Picchu, from its incredible architecture to the surrounding mountains and mist-filled gorges. But we won’t describe it all here. Far better if you come with us on the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu guided hike, with our professional guides, porters and talented cooks, and discover this magical trek for yourself.