Llamas on an Inca stone path in the mountains

8 days · Cusco & the Sacred Valley

The Classic Inca Trail

Two nights acclimatising first, then four days on original stone paths to the Sun Gate.

From US$3,600 per person, excluding international flights

Length: 8 days
Regions: Cusco & the Sacred Valley
Hiking: Challenging trekking
Highest night: ~3,600 m · Very high
Best months: Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct

Overview

Why it works

The walk everyone asks about, paced so you can enjoy it. You'll sleep low in the Sacred Valley, then a night in Cusco, before the trail starts at Km 82. Permits are limited and sold only through licensed operators, so we secure them when you book. The trail is closed in February.

Highlights

Dead Woman's Pass at about 4,215 m
Wiñay Wayna
Sunrise arrival through the Sun Gate
Porters paid and equipped fairly

Altitude profile

How this journey climbs

Highest night about 3,600 m; highest point about 4,215 m (verify). Diamonds mark days with a pacing tip. Altitude, explained

8 days: The Classic Inca Trail8 days. Highest night: Camp at Pacaymayu, about 3,600 m (day 5). Highest point: about 4,215 m at Dead Woman's Pass (day 5). Nights above 3,500 m: 1. All altitudes approximate (verify).

Low 0–1,500 m
Moderate 1,500–2,500 m
High 2,500–3,500 m
Very high 3,500 m+
Day's high point

Hover, tap or use the arrow keys on the chart to see each night. Altitudes are approximate (verify). This is general guidance, not medical advice.

Show as a table

8 days: The Classic Inca Trail: altitude by day
Day	Sleep	Sleep altitude	High point	Tip
Day 1	Lima	~150 m · Low	—	—
Day 2	Sacred Valley	~2,870 m · High	~3,700 m	Sleep lower first
Day 3	Cusco	~3,400 m · High	—	Take it easy today
Day 4	Camp near Wayllabamba	~3,000 m · High	—	Drink plenty of water
Day 5	Camp at Pacaymayu	~3,600 m · Very high	~4,215 m (Dead Woman's Pass)	Big day: start slow, go steady
Day 6	Camp near Wiñay Wayna	~2,650 m · High	~3,950 m (Runkurakay Pass)	Heading lower: easier breathing
Day 7	Cusco	~3,400 m · High	—	—
Day 8	Departure	~150 m · Low	—	—

Day by day

Your itinerary

Arrive, transfer, rest. Sea-level sleep before the climb.

Sleep: Lima, ~150 m (low)
Flight
Road

Stay: A garden house in Miraflores

Getting around

How you travel

Flights: Lima → Cusco, Cusco → Lima
Private road transfers
On foot for four days with a licensed operator
Train: Aguas Calientes → Cusco (Poroy)

Machu Picchu details

The Classic Inca Trail

Entry through the Sun Gate on day 7, on your Inca Trail permit. Permits are named and can't be changed after booking.

Permit: Inca Trail permit, through a licensed operator. Typically booked 3–6 months ahead.

Rules change, we'll confirm the latest. Rules change often, sometimes at short notice. We'll confirm the latest rules, ticket types and circuits when you book.

Machu Picchu planner

Accommodation