TOP EXPERIENCE
One of the World’s Top 10 Treks – A bucket-list adventure that takes you through breathtaking landscapes and ancient Inca pathways.
Walk in the Footsteps of the Incas – Follow the original trails used centuries ago, leading to the majestic Machu Picchu.
Stunning Ecological & Cultural Diversity – Trek through cloud forests, high-altitude mountain passes, and hidden archaeological sites along the way.
Guaranteed Once in a Lifetime Experience – Yapa guarantees the best local authentic experience at incredible value making memories that will last forever!
The classic 4-day Inca Trail is Peru’s top hike and one of the world’s most iconic treks.
Journey through Andean valleys, grasslands, and cloud forests, exploring ancient Inca ruins en route to Machu Picchu. A once-in-a-lifetime adventure, the Inca Trail with Yapa Explorers is a bucket list item for adventurers of all ages when visiting South America.
Small intimate groups
Max. 8 people
Difficulty
Moderate
Max. Altitude
13,779ft / 4,200 m
Start / Finish
Cusco / Cusco
Whatsapp us here to get in touch with our specialized team for help on planning your perfect adventure!
Guaranteed departures– Your trip is 100% confirmed once booked. Unlike others, we never cancel last minute due to low numbers.
All-Inclusive & hassle-free– Tickets, trains, buses, guides – everything is covered. No hidden fees, no stress.
Expert local guides– Our passionate guides bring Machu Picchu to life with incredible stories, insights, and top-notch support.
24/7 customer support– We’re available via WhatsApp & email before, during, and after your trip.
Locally owned, globally experienced– Yapa is led by a young Peruvian woman with a vast amount of international tourism expertise, dedicated to providing authentic, sustainable travel that supports the local communities.
Detailed Itinerary IMPORTANT: LAST-MINUTE BOOKINGS (LESS THAN 4 WEEKS BEFORE TOUR DATE)
Booking a last-minute tour with Yapa Explorers? We guarantee your Machu Picchu entrance ticket or a full refund!
Our local team works tirelessly to secure your entrance for your chosen date, keeping you updated every step of the way.
Don’t risk your once-in-a-lifetime Machu Picchu experience—book with Yapa!
Cusco – Km 82 – Ayapata Camp
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Ayapata – Dead Woman’s Pass – Chaquicocha
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Chaquiccocha - Wiñay Wayna
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Sun Gate - Machu Picchu - Cusco
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“From start to finish, Yapa Explorers was exceptional! The communication was seamless, and every detail was perfectly organized—from permits to transport and campsites. I always felt informed and supported, making the entire experience stress-free. The team’s dedication to service was beyond anything I expected. If you want a reliable and professional Inca Trail experience, look no further!”
“I can’t say enough about the guides at Yapa. Our guide, Juan, was incredibly knowledgeable, bringing Inca history to life with fascinating stories and insights. But beyond that, he showed genuine care and empathy, ensuring everyone in our group was comfortable and motivated. Watching the sunrise over Machu Picchu after such an awe-inspiring journey was a moment I’ll never forget. Yapa made this experience truly unforgettable!”
“Who knew you could eat so well on a trek? The Yapa Explorers team treated us to incredible meals, from fresh local dishes to energy-packed snacks. It felt like having a restaurant in the middle of the mountains! The porters and cooks were amazing, always cheerful and working so hard to make sure we were comfortable. The entire team felt like family, creating a great atmosphere. Highly recommend them!”
“From the moment I booked, Yapa Explorers was incredibly responsive and helpful, answering all my questions within hours. The trek itself was breathtaking, but what made it truly special was our guide, Miguel. His knowledge of Inca history and passion for sharing it made every step more meaningful. Everything was perfectly organized, from permits to meals, making it a stress-free and unforgettable adventure!”
Contact our Machu Picchu experts on Whatsapp HERE or email info@yapaexplorers.com for help planning your adventure!
What’s included When you book with Yapa, everything is taken care of – no stress, no surprises, just an incredible Inca Trail experience led by expert local guides.
Seamless pre-trek support Personalized Pre-Trek Briefing – We’ll contact you and meet the evening before departure to go over all details and answer any last-minute questions.
Permits & entry fees covered
Expert guidance
All transport & logistics handled
Camping & support team for maximum comfort Note: It is assumed you will share a tent. There is a single room surcharge if you are a solo traveler and want to secure a private tent.
What to bring Bringing the right gear ensures a comfortable and stress-free trek. Here’s what we highly recommend:
Backpack (40-50L max) Comfortable, lightweight, and spacious enough for essentials.
Original passport Required for permit verification at checkpoints & Machu Picchu
Hiking boots Sturdy, well-broken-in, and waterproof for rough terrain
Comfortable clothes Moisture-wicking layers for changing conditions the 4 days
Hat & sunglasses You’ll need protection from the strong sun for your face and eyes
Insect Repellent Mosquitoes can be persistent, especially in lower altitudes
Soap & Wet Wipes Essential for staying fresh on the trail
Rain poncho Sudden rain showers are common.
Sleeping bag A good quality, warm sleeping bag is crucial for cold nights
CAN RENT FROM US
Sleeping/Air Mattress For extra comfort while camping
CAN RENT FROM US
Frequently Asked Questions Altitude sickness can catch many travelers a little bit off guard. It’s impossible to know who will get affected by it. Some don’t even feel it at all! For most, it’s nothing more than a headache and a dizzy sensation that goes away over a short period of time.
If you want to limit your chances of getting sick, there are a few things you can do. The most important thing to do is acclimatize in Cusco. Take it easy on the first day or two, eat small meals, get plenty of rest and drink water. Other alternatives are Soroche (Diamox) pills and coca leaves.
It’s also important to speak to your physician to make sure you don’t have any underlying conditions.
The 4 Day Inca Trail trek requieres a decent level of physical fitness but it is not essential. Have in mind that although less difficult than other treks, you’ll still cover an average of 10km (6mi) per day at a high altitude, where some parts are uphill.
If looking for an easier option, we suggest checking out the Short Inca Trail – 2 Day Experience.
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Our tour departs with a minimum of 2 people and a maximum of 8 people.
If looking to book a private group tour or solo tour, contact us and we’ll organize one for you.
There’s nothing like that feeling of discovering a new place all by yourself and we can help you with that. Whether looking to travel alone part of a journey or the whole trip, simply contact us and we’ll create the perfect plan.
We take the stress out of booking a group trip of 4 or more people to Machu Picchu, plus the added bonus of including great benefits! Contact our team through our email: info@yapaexplorers.com or by sending a Whatsapp to our number: +51 932 244 986 (09:00am to 6:00pm – Peruvian time) for more information.
Apart from Machu Picchu, the other ruins you’ll discover on the Inca Trail are the ones of Llactapata, Winay Wayna, Runkurakay, Phuyupatamarca and Sayacmarca, as well as other smaller Inca sites. Your tour guide will take you to these sites and explain their history and purpose in the Inca Empire.
An experienced cook accompanies every group on the trail. The cook provides us with delicious food made of local ingredients that will have you asking for more! Vegeterian, vegan and other special dietary requests can be accommodated as well with sufficient notice.
The Inca Trail has designated campsites situated at strategic points along the course of the trail, with each group having there space allocated by the Peruvian government authority. All tents provided are two-people tents, where you’ll share with someone else. It is possible to hire a private tent upon previous request. There are basic toilet facilities with “squat” style toilets situated throughout the trek, usually close to campsites and / or lunch stop locations. Taking your own toilet paper is essential, as it is very unlikely that any will be available during the trek. Basic showers are available at the campsites on the final night only, although it should be noted that these are usually very busy.
We suggest at least 6-8 months in advance. There’s a strict limit of 200 permits for travelers per day, and as you can imagine they can get snatched up really quickly.
The Inca Trail is the most popular route to Machu Picchu and unfortunately, luck can sometimes not be on our side. But the good news is that the Inca Trail isn’t the only trek to the citadel!
The Salkantay Trek is the main alternative to the Inca Trail. Being named one of the most beautiful treks in the world, it offers unbelievable views like nowhere else.
The Inca Jungle Trek is another great alternative which mixes adventure into the journey. Trek, bike zip-line and even river raft on your way to Machu Picchu!
Yapa Explorers is locally owned and female-led, ensuring an authentic, personalized, and seamless experience.
We are more than just a tour operator—we are a group dedicated to exceptional service, expert guiding, and responsible tourism.
Every trek with us supports the local community, ensuring that both our travelers and the people behind the journey benefit from every step.
We promise you can trust that every detail is taken care of – all you need to do is enjoy the adventure!
