Inca Trail Tour: Express and Full + Itinerary + Prices

Embarking on an Inca Trail tour is more than just a hike; it’s a journey back in time, offering an unparalleled blend of natural beauty, ancient history, and cultural immersion.

This legendary trek winds through the Andes Mountains, unveiling a path once trodden by Inca kings and their subjects, leading to the majestic citadel of Machu Picchu.

In this blog article, we’ll explore the magic of the Inca Trail, offering insights into what makes this journey a bucket-list adventure for intrepid explorers around the globe.

What you will find here?

• Best Inca trail tour
• Inca Trail Express
  • Day 1: Cusco, Chachabamba, Wiñaywayna, and Machu Picchu
  • Day 2: Machu Picchu – Cusco
  • Quick overview
• Full Inca Trail
  • Day 1: Cusco – Huayllabamba
  • Day 2: Huayllabamba – Pacaymayo
  • Day 3: Pacaymayo – Wiñaywayna
  • Day 4: Wiñaywayna – Machu Picchu – Cusco
• Compare Inca Trail tours
• Inca trail tour cost
• Can you hike the entire Inca trail without a tour company?

Best Inca trail tour

Inca Trail Express

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Inca empire with the Inca Trail Express, a two-day, one-night adventure that offers a condensed yet exhilarating experience of the famed Inca Trail leading to the majestic Machu Picchu. 

This group tour, available in both Spanish and English, is designed for those eager to witness the awe-inspiring beauty and historical richness of this ancient route without committing to the longer trek. Included in your adventure are train tickets, pick-up service from your hotel in Cusco, and a lunch that promises to energize you for the journey ahead. 

Day 1: Cusco, Chachabamba, Wiñaywayna, and Machu Picchu

Your adventure begins with an early morning pick-up from your hotel in Cusco, whisking you away to the train station where you’ll board the 360° Machu Picchu Train. Disembarking at Km104, the trek starts with a visit to the mystical Chachabamba ruins before ascending through the cloud forest to the stunning site of Wiñaywayna. The journey culminates in a descent from Intipunku, the Sun Gate, offering your first breathtaking glimpse of Machu Picchu in the afternoon light. You’ll then head to Aguas Calientes to rest before the next day’s exploration. 

Day 2: Machu Picchu – Cusco

Greet the morning with a hearty breakfast before taking the bus up to Machu Picchu. A guided tour provides insights into the mysteries and architectural marvels of this New World Wonder, with ample time for photos and exploration. After soaking in the wonders of Machu Picchu, you’ll return to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included) and then board the 360° Machu Picchu Train for the scenic ride back to Cusco, where a transfer awaits to take you to your hotel. 

Quick overview:

• Duration: 2 Days, 1 Night 
• Type of service: Group Tour 
• Languages: Spanish and English 
• Includes: 
• Train Tickets
• Pick-Up Service
• Lunch on Day 1
• Physical Demand: Moderate to Challenging 

 

Full Inca Trail

Embark on the journey of a lifetime with the Full Inca Trail, a 4-day, 3-night trek that weaves through the heart of the ancient Inca empire, culminating in the breathtaking spectacle of Machu Picchu. 

This private excursion, conducted in both Spanish and English, promises an intimate and profound exploration of the iconic trail, complete with a blend of natural beauty, historical richness, and cultural immersion. From the verdant cloud forests to the awe-inspiring archaeological sites and diverse flora and fauna, this trek offers an unparalleled adventure that will etch itself into your memory forever.  

Day 1: Cusco – Huayllabamba

The adventure begins with an early pickup from your Cusco hotel, setting off towards Piscacucho (Km 82), the starting line of your trek. The first day is a gentle introduction to the magnificent Urubamba River, leading you to the archaeological marvel of Llaqtapata. 

The trek to Huayllabamba combines natural splendor with ancient wonders, offering a perfect blend of hiking and historical exploration. 

Day 2: Huayllabamba – Pacaymayo

Introduction Day two challenges you with the ascent to Warmiwañusca, the highest point of the trek at 4200 meters. This section is known for its breathtaking views of the Andean mountain chain and its test of your endurance and spirit. 

The journey from Huayllabamba valley up to Warmiwañusca and down to Pacaymayo is a memorable experience, marked by diverse ecological transitions and panoramic vistas. 

Day 3: Pacaymayo – Wiñaywayna

Introduction The third day is the most diverse, taking you through archaeological sites like Runcuracay and Sayacmarca, and then through the enchanting cloud forest of Phuyupatamarca. 

The descent to Wiñaywayna unveils some of the trail’s most stunning landscapes, making this segment the highlight for many trekkers. 

Day 4: Wiñaywayna – Machu Picchu – Cusco

Introduction The final day begins before dawn, leading you through a cloud forest to Intipunku, the Sun Gate, where you’re rewarded with the first and most iconic view of Machu Picchu. 

After descending to the citadel, you’ll enjoy a guided tour, learning about its history and mysteries, followed by a return journey to Cusco via the scenic 360° Machu Picchu Train. 

Compare Inca Trail tours

Feature	Inca Trail Express	Full Inca Trail
Duration	2 Days / 1 Night	4 Days / 3 Nights
Type of Service	Group	Private
Languages	Spanish and English	Spanish and English
Included Ticket	Yes	Yes
Train Included	Yes, The 360° Machu Picchu Train	Yes, The 360° Machu Picchu Train
Physical Demand	Moderate	High
Pick-up Service	Yes	Yes
Lunch Included	Yes, on the first day	Yes, during the trek
Highlights	Chachabamba and Wiñaywayna archaeological sites  – Cloudy Forest and a beautiful waterfall  – Two views of Machu Picchu (noon and morning)	– Llaqtapata, Warmiwañusca, Runcuracay, Sayacmarca, and Wiñaywayna archaeological sites  – Breathtaking landscapes, cloud forests  – Intense physical challenge  – Multiple panoramic views of Machu Picchu
Start Point	Km 104 (Chachabamba)	Piscacucho (Km 82)
End Point	Aguas Calientes Town	Machu Picchu
Max Altitude	Not specified, but involves ascending to Wiñaywayna and Intipunku	4226 meters (Warmiwañusca)
Itinerary Complexity	Simpler, direct path	More complex, diverse terrains
Experience Focus	Short, immersive experience with less physical demand	Comprehensive trek with in-depth exploration of Inca trails and archaeological sites

 

Inca trail tour cost

Feature	Inca Trail Express	Full Inca Trail
Duration	2D/1N	4D/3N
Service Type	Group	Private
Base Cost Range (USD)	$798	$1703
Includes	– Entrance fees  – Train tickets  – Bus tickets to Machu Picchu  – 1 night accommodation in Aguas Calientes  – Meals during the trek  – Guide service	– Entrance fees  – Train tickets  – Bus tickets to Machu Picchu  – Camping equipment  – Meals during the trek  – Guide service  – Porters (for equipment)
Additional Costs	– Meals in Aguas Calientes  – Optional tips  – Additional activities	– Optional tips  – Extra beverages/snacks  – Additional activities
Physical Demand	Moderate	High
Advantages	– Shorter duration, less time off work required  – Lower physical demand  – Faster access to Machu Picchu	– Comprehensive Inca Trail experience  – More archaeological sites visited  – Greater immersion in nature and Inca history
Disadvantages	– Less immersive Inca Trail experience  – Fewer archaeological sites	– Higher physical demand  – More time required  – Higher cost

 

Can you hike the entire Inca trail without a tour company?

No, you cannot hike the entire Inca Trail without a tour company. The Peruvian government requires all travelers wishing to trek the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu to do so with a licensed tour operator. This regulation is in place to preserve the trail and its surroundings, manage the number of visitors for conservation efforts, and ensure the safety of all hikers.