Inca Trail 2026 4-Day Adventure or Short Inca Trail – Book Now!

Ausangate Trek 3 days with Rainbow Mountain & 7 Lakes

A high-altitude traverse of Glaciers & Color linking Vinicunca and the Ausangate glacier system through one continuous 3-day circuit.

Designed to move beyond the standard tourist corridors, this route connects Rainbow Mountain, the Red Valley, and the Seven Lakes through remote terrain shaped by 6,000-meter peaks of the Vilcanota Range.

From mineral ridges to glacial basins, the landscape shifts each day as you move through one of the most striking high-altitude environments in the Andes.

Highlights

• Sunrise at Rainbow Mountain (5,020 m)
  Stand on Vinicunca with clear morning light with early access before tour groups arrive, with uninterrupted views of Vinicunca.
• Full Afternoon in the Red Valley
  Hike the Mars-like mineral ridgelines while day tours are already back on the highway. Golden hour light, zero people.
• Two Nights Camping at 4,900 m
  Sleep directly beneath Ausangate glacier. Proper acclimatization means you feel strong, not rushed, at altitude.
• The 7 Lakes of Ausangate
  Trek past all seven alpine lakes on day three — turquoise, emerald, and cobalt pools fed by glacial melt. Most day tours never see them.
• Pacchanta Hot Springs Finish
  Soak in natural volcanic pools with Ausangate in view after three days on the trail. Hot showers and cold beer waiting.
• Andean Pastoral Landscapes
  Walk through high grazing lands with alpacas, llamas, and Quechua communities. Vicuñas on the ridgelines, condors overhead if you’re lucky.
• Chef-Cooked Mountain Meals
  Fresh meals prepared for energy and recovery at high altitude.
• Conditions most day tours never experience.
  Sunrise on Vinicunca, empty Red Valley trails, Milky Way over Ausangate, mirror lakes at midday. Uninterrupted views.
• Return to Cusco by Late Afternoon (Day 3)
  Back in Cusco with time for dinner. You completed the full circuit without losing an extra day.

1-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (Circuit 2 Classic)

Experience the only Short Inca Trail that brings you into Machu Picchu at 2:00 PM, just as the morning crowds depart.

This express route follows the original Inca stone path from KM 104, through the cloud forest, and past the spectacular ruins of Wiñay Wayna. You’ll hike the final 12 kilometers of the Royal Inca Road, arriving at the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) when the citadel is quiet and bathed in golden afternoon light.

2026 Circuit 2 Guaranteed: This itinerary includes the coveted Classic Route, granting you the complete, unrestricted Machu Picchu experience. On this circuit, you will explore:

• The Upper Terraces: The absolute best vantage point for the iconic, classic postcard photo.
• The Guardian’s House: The famous overlook structure guarding the citadel.
• The Main City Gate: The formal stone entrance used by the Incas.
• The Temple of the Sun: The incredible semi-circular tower showcasing the finest Inca masonry.
• The Sacred Plaza & Principal Temple: The religious heart of the citadel.
• The Intihuatana Pyramid: The sacred hitching post of the sun (viewed from the designated pathway).
• The Sacred Rock: The massive monolithic stone mirroring the mountain peak behind it.
• The Royal Sector & Water Mirrors: The elite residential quarters and ceremonial pools.
• Permits: Strictly limited to 250 per day (we secure yours 6 months in advance).
• Group Size: Maximum 8 travelers for an intimate, boutique experience.

Highlights for the 1 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu with Circuit 2

• KM 104 Direct Start
  Early Expedition train from Ollantaytambo. Cross the Urubamba River and step straight onto original Inca Trail pavement. No buses and no queues.
• Wiñay Wayna Unhurried
  Explore the best-preserved ruins on the trail at 2,650 meters. Walk the terraces, fountains and temples with your guide before the afternoon clouds arrive.
• Chef Lunch with a View
  Enjoy a gourmet box lunch overlooking Wiñay Wayna. Fresh, high-energy food with vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options included.
• Sun Gate at Golden Hour
  Reach Inti Punku around 2 pm when most visitors have left. Get your first view of Machu Picchu in soft afternoon light, perfect for photos.
• Circuit 2, the Classic Route
  Guaranteed 2026 Circuit 2 ticket. This is the full Machu Picchu experience with the upper terraces for the postcard shot, plus the Temple of the Sun, Sacred Plaza, Intihuatana and Royal Sector.
• Real History, Small Group
  Travel with a licensed Cusco guide in a group of maximum eight. Learn how the citadel is divided into agricultural, urban and religious sectors, with time for all your questions.
• Scenic Train Return
  Relax on the evening Expedition train back through the Sacred Valley. A Vistadome panoramic upgrade is available on request.
• All Permits Handled
  We secure your 1-Day Inca Trail permit, Machu Picchu Circuit 2 entry, train tickets and bus transfers. You hike with only a light daypack.

Our Approach

Engineered for the Classic Arrival

1-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Circuit 2

We designed this day for travelers who want the Inca Trail experience without camping. You start at KM 104, not in a bus line. You hike the original stone path through cloud forest to Wiñay Wayna, eat a chef lunch overlooking the ruins, then reach the Sun Gate in the early afternoon when the morning crowds have left. You enter Machu Picchu on foot, the way the Inca intended, then tour the full Circuit 2 for the classic postcard view.

Most agencies sell this as a rushed hike with Circuit 3 or 4. We do not. We secure the limited 1-Day Inca Trail permits and the Circuit 2 ticket for 2026, so you get the upper terraces, Temple of the Sun, Sacred Plaza and Intihuatana in one visit. No backtracking to Aguas Calientes for a second day.

Dedicated to You, Hotel to Hotel

Book direct and we handle the logistics that stop most travelers. 4:00 am pick-up from your Cusco hotel, private van to Ollantaytambo, 6:10 am Expedition train to KM 104. Your guide carries your permits, meets you at the trail checkpoint, and leads a maximum of eight hikers. You walk 12 kilometers with only a daypack. We include the train back, the bus down from Machu Picchu, and the private van return to Cusco around 10 pm.

Our guides are Cusco locals with degrees in archaeology or tourism, fluent in English, and wilderness first aid certified. They set a steady pace for altitude, not a race.

Our People

Orange Nation is family owned in Cusco. Our founder started as a porter on the Inca Trail, so we pay fair wages, provide full health insurance, and limit loads. We hire guides from the Sacred Valley communities you hike through. Your permit fees directly support trail maintenance and the Machu Picchu sanctuary.

Things To Know Before You Go

• Altitude is manageable, fitness matters
  The trail starts at 2,000m at KM 104 and climbs to 2,730m at the Sun Gate. It is not the altitude that is hard, it is the steps. You will hike six to seven hours with sustained uphill sections, including the stone stairs known locally as the Gringo Killer. Train with hills and stairs for three to four weeks before.
• Weather changes by the hour
  You pass through three microclimates. The river start is warm and humid, Wiñay Wayna is cloud forest with possible rain, the Sun Gate is windy and cooler. Bring layers, a rain jacket, sun hat and sunscreen every month of the year.
• Timing is everything
  We reach Inti Punku around 2 pm. That means soft light for photos and space on the terraces. Your Circuit 2 tour starts right after, about two hours, then you have free time before the bus down. You cannot climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain on this itinerary due to park time limits.
• Small group means small group
  We cap at eight travelers. You get a dedicated guide all day, not a rotating contractor. No forced shopping stops in Aguas Calientes.

At A Glance

The only one-day hike that delivers the full Inca Trail arrival and the complete Machu Picchu Circuit 2 experience.

• Duration: 1 long day, about 18 hours, 4 am to 10 pm.
• Walking: 12 km, six to seven hours, max 2,730m at Sun Gate. Moderate to difficult.
• Transport: Private van, Expedition train, shuttle bus.
• Sites: Chachabamba, Wiñay Wayna, Inti Punku Sun Gate, Machu Picchu Circuit 2.
• Best for: Fit travelers short on time who want the trail and the classic citadel view in one day.
• Tickets required: Yes, 1-Day Inca Trail permit and Machu Picchu Circuit 2 entry included and secured by us.

Who It Is Perfect For

• Time-Limited Travelers
  You have one day for Machu Picchu but want more than the train and bus. This is the authentic approach.
• Hikers Not Campers
  You want the Inca Trail experience, Wiñay Wayna and the Sun Gate, without sleeping in a tent.
• Photographers
  You want the afternoon light at Inti Punku and the upper terrace postcard shot on Circuit 2 with fewer people.
• Active Families with Teens
  Kids 12 and up who are fit and can handle a full day of walking on stone steps.
• Return Visitors
  You have done the train before and want to enter Machu Picchu on foot the right way.

Other Expeditions to Consider

• 2-Day Inca Trail with Hotel
  Same KM 104 hike and Sun Gate arrival, but you sleep in Aguas Calientes and return to Machu Picchu the next morning for a relaxed tour. Best if you worry about the pace.
• Classic 4-Day Inca Trail
  Four days camping from KM 82 to the Sun Gate with Dead Woman’s Pass at 4,215m. Permits sell out six months ahead.
• Salkantay Trek 5 Days
  No permit needed. Cross the 4,630m Salkantay Pass, stay in glass lodges, finish at Machu Picchu. More mountains, fewer ruins.

How to Book the 1-Day Inca Trail

Booking takes two steps, permits are limited to 250 people per day.

Step 1: Check availability
Click BOOK NOW and send your date, full name exactly as in your passport, passport number, nationality and date of birth. We need this for the government permit.

Step 2: Confirm with deposit
Pay 40 percent deposit by card online to lock your permit and Circuit 2 ticket. Balance due 30 days before, or cash in our Cusco office if booking last minute.

Paying
Price from $447 USD per person for groups of two or more. Private service from $547 USD. Includes all trains, buses, permits, guide and lunch. Free airport transfer in Cusco included.

Once booked, we send your confirmation with permit number, briefing time at our office at 6 pm the night before, guide name and WhatsApp. Your guide meets you in your hotel lobby at 4:00 am with tickets ready.

Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu with Camping

Walk the last 12 km of the original Inca Trail and see Machu Picchu twice, once at sunset, and again at sunrise.

This is the classic Short Inca Trail, with one key difference: you don’t go down to a hotel. You arrive through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) in the quiet afternoon, after the morning trains have left, then sleep in the mountains at our private riverside camp at Puente Ruinas. The result is a calmer first view from the Guard House, with space for photos and no rush.

You start at KM 104 (Chachabamba, 2,000m), climb through cloud forest past waterfalls and original Inca staircases, and explore Wiñay Wayna, the most complete ruin on the entire trail outside Machu Picchu itself. It’s 12 km of real Inca paving, not a day-hike shortcut.

Day 2 you are first on the bus up from camp. While hotel groups are still having breakfast in Aguas Calientes, you’re already inside the citadel for a full private guided tour of Circuit 1 & 3. You get the lower terraces, the temples, and the classic postcard angles, then train back to Cusco by 7pm. No high passes, no 4am starts on the trail, just the best part of the Inca Trail with a night under stars.

Highlights

• Sun Gate Arrival at Golden Hour
  Reach Inti Punku in the afternoon when the site empties. First views of Machu Picchu in soft light, with time to sit, photograph, and walk down slowly.
• Wiñay Wayna Exploration
  Climb the terraces of Wiñay Wayna (2,650m), the Forever Young city. Fountains, ceremonial baths, and agricultural terraces still hidden by jungle.
• Chachabamba Trailhead – KM 104
  Start where the real Inca Trail begins. Cross the Urubamba on the footbridge, show your permit at the official checkpoint, and walk original stonework through three microclimates in one morning.
• Private Riverside Camp, Not a Hotel
  Sleep at Puente Ruinas, 20 minutes walk from Aguas Calientes but completely in the forest. 4-season tents (2 people per 4-person tent), foam mats, pillows, hot chef dinner, and biochemical toilet. No town noise, no early check-out.
• Gourmet Mountain Dining
  Box lunch on the trail at Wiñay Wayna, three-course dinner at camp cooked by our trek chef, hot breakfast before Machu Picchu.
• Dual Machu Picchu Access
  Day 1: afternoon entry for photos from the Guard House platforms. Day 2: full 2-hour private guided tour of the lower citadel (Circuit 3). Two perspectives, one permit.
• The Gringo Killers
  The final Inca-carved staircase before the Sun Gate, steep, dramatic, and the exact path pilgrims used 500 years ago.
• Small Groups, Direct Permits
  Maximum 8 travelers (average 5). As a licensed operator, Orange Nation holds its own Inca Trail permit. Permits are capped at 250 people per day total and sell out 4–6 months ahead for 2026.
• Moderate & Family-Friendly
  12 km in ∼6 hours on Day 1, max altitude 2,730m at Sun Gate. No Dead Woman’s Pass. Perfect for active kids 12+, first-time trekkers, and anyone short on time.
• Everything Handled from Cusco
  4am hotel pick-up, private van to Ollantaytambo, 6:10am train to KM 104, all bus tickets, Inca Trail and Machu Picchu entry, camping gear, first-aid with oxygen, and return train at 2:55pm or 3:20pm with private transfer to your Cusco hotel by 7pm.

Circuit 1: Panoramic Route (Upper Terraces Only)

Classic postcard views, no citadel interior

• Classic viewpoint from Upper Terrace for the postcard photo.
• Lower Terrace platform just below Guardian House for wider angle shots.
• Guardian House overlook, the stone hut in every Machu Picchu photo.
• Llama terraces on the upper agricultural platforms.
• Kallanka ruins, probable chicha beer hall outside the city walls.
• Inca Trail arrival path through cloud forest (entry walk).
• Optional side hike gates: Sun Gate (Intipunku), Inca Bridge, or Machu Picchu Mountain depending on ticket.

Circuit 3: Royalty Route (Lower Citadel)

Full access to lower temples and houses

• Temple of the Sun (Torreon) viewed from below with curved wall.
• Royal Tomb beneath the Torreon, carved altar and niches.
• Temple of the Condor, natural rock wings with head carving.
• Sacred Rock, massive carved boulder mirroring Yanantin mountain.
• Water Mirrors, ceremonial basins fed by original Inca channels.
• Temple of Three Windows viewpoint from lower plaza.
• House of the Inka and Royal Residence sector.
• Agricultural terraces on the lower east flank.
• Sacred Plaza access (limited) and Grand Staircase descent.
• Optional side-hike gates: Huayna Picchu, Huchuy Picchu, or Temple of the Moon depending on ticket.

Where You Sleep

Trail first, camp under stars, no town.

• Night 1 | Puente Ruinas Camp, 2,040m
  Private riverside campsite 20 minutes from Aguas Calientes, inside the Machu Picchu sanctuary buffer zone. Spacious 4-season Eureka tent (2 people per 4-person tent), foam mattress, pillow, and warm sleeping bag rental available. Chef-prepared dinner and hot breakfast included. Private toilet tent, no town noise, no hotel check-in.

You leave your main luggage in Cusco or Ollantaytambo — we move your overnight duffel to camp by train.

Our Approach

Engineered for the Sun Gate

We designed this version in Cusco because the standard hotel option misses the magic. You arrive at Machu Picchu at 3-4pm via Inti Punku, when 80% of day visitors have left. You get the Guard House photos in afternoon light, then sleep in the forest instead of descending to a busy town.

Next morning you’re first on the bus up. While hotel groups queue at 6am, you’re already inside for your Circuit 3 guided tour of the lower citadel. It’s two entries on one permit, exactly how the Inca Trail was meant to be walked.

Dedicated to You, Permit to Permit

Book direct and we handle everything. Hotel pick-up at 4am, private van to Ollantaytambo, 6:10am train to KM 104, all Inca Trail and Machu Picchu tickets (Circuit 1 on Day 1, Circuit 3 on Day 2), 3 bus tickets, camping gear, meals, and return train at 2:55pm. You carry only a daypack with water and camera. Our guides are Cusco locals, fluent in English, Wilderness First Aid certified, and carry oxygen. Groups capped at 8, average 5.

Our People

Orange Nation is family-owned in Cusco. Our founder started as a porter on the Classic Trail, so we built this company differently. Porters are not needed on the Short Trail, but our chefs and camp crew receive the same living wage, health care, and full gear provided free. Women have guided Short Inca Trail departures since 2019. We pay park fees directly to the KM 104 communities you walk through.

Things To Know Before You Go

• Fitness
  This is a moderate 12km hike, not a high pass. The challenge is getting a permit, only 250 Inca Trail permits exist per day (including guides/porters) and they sell out 4-6 months ahead for May-September. Book early, train lightly.
• Altitude is easy here
  Max altitude is 2,730m at the Sun Gate, lower than Cusco. You do not need extra acclimatization days, but arrive in Cusco the night before for the 4am pick-up.
• Camping, not glamping
  This is expedition camping: real tents, foam mats, chef-cooked meals, toilet tent. No showers at camp (you shower next day back in Cusco). Pack a headlamp, warm layer for night (can drop to 10°C), and earplugs for river sounds.
• Weather changes fast
  KM 104 is humid cloud forest, expect rain even in dry season. Pack rain jacket, sun hat, and layers. Trail can be slippery on the Gringo Killer
• Trains run on time
  Your permit is tied to your passport and train ticket. Bring your original passport for the KM 104 checkpoint. No passport = no trail.
• Small group means small group
  We cap at 8 hikers. You get a dedicated guide for both days, not a different guide in Machu Picchu.

At A Glance

The only Short Inca Trail that lets you sleep in the mountains and see Machu Picchu twice, sunset on Day 1, sunrise tour on Day 2.

• Duration: 2 days / 1 night.
• Walking: 12 km total, ∼6 hours Day 1, max 2,730m at Sun Gate. No steep climbs.
• Accommodation: 1 night private camping at Puente Ruinas. Dinner and breakfast included.
• Sites: Chachabamba, Wiñay Wayna, Inti Punku (Sun Gate), Machu Picchu Circuit 1 (afternoon photos), Machu Picchu Circuit 3 (morning guided tour).
• Best for: Travelers short on time who want the real Inca Trail experience with a night under stars.
• Permits required: Yes, Inca Trail permit + Machu Picchu entry included. Must book with passport details.

Who It Is Perfect For

• Time-Limited Trekkers
  Wanting the Sun Gate arrival and Wiñay Wayna in 2 days without the 4-day commitment.
• Wilderness Travelers
  Preferring a quiet riverside camp to a hotel in Aguas Calientes with traffic and bars.
• Photographers
  Wanting golden-hour light at the Guard House on Day 1 and empty morning terraces on Day 2.
• First-Time Inca Trail Hikers
  Needing a moderate distance, low altitude, and full support — ideal for families with teens 12+.
• Efficient Explorers
  Who want to hike the original stone trail, not just take the train and bus.

Other Expeditions to Consider

• Short Inca Trail + Hotel (2 Days)
  Same KM 104 route with a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes instead of camping. Best if you want a hot shower and bed.
• Classic Inca Trail (4 Days)
  Full pilgrimage from KM 82 over Dead Woman’s Pass (4,215m) with 3 nights camping. For experienced trekkers.
• 1-Day Inca Trail Express
  Hike KM 104 to Sun Gate and tour Machu Picchu same day, return to Cusco by train that night. No camping, fastest option.

How to Book the Short Inca Trail with Camping

Booking takes two quick steps and we secure your permit immediately.

Step 1: Complete your booking form
Click BOOK NOW and fill out details for each traveler exactly as on your passport:

• Full name.
• Passport number.
• Date of birth dd/mm/yyyy.
• Nationality.

Step 2: Confirm with your deposit
A deposit of $200 USD per person locks your Inca Trail permit and Machu Picchu tickets. We confirm within 24 hours with your official permit code.

Paying the balance
Pay the remaining balance in cash at our Cusco office in USD or soles to avoid card fees. Online payment accepted with 5.5% fee.

Once we receive your deposit, we send your official confirmation, packing list, and meeting time within 24 hours. Your briefing is at 6pm the night before departure at our Cusco office on Calle Garcilaso, or by video call if you arrive late.

Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2 Days Hiking via the Sun Gate

The Short Inca Trail is the only 2 day route that lets you walk into Machu Picchu through Inti Punku on original Inca pavement. You start at KM 104 (2,000m), climb 6 hours through cloud forest to Wiñay Wayna, then follow the ridge to the Sun Gate. That first view of the citadel comes in the afternoon, after the morning crowds have left. You will sleep one night in a 3★ hotel in Aguas Calientes with a hot shower for a good nights rest, then return to Machu Picchu very the next morning for a full guided tour. For 2026, this itinerary includes both Circuit 1 and Circuit 3.

No camping. No 4,215m pass. Just 12km of the best-preserved Inca Trail.

Highlights

• KM 104 Trailhead
  Day 1 starts with the early train to KM 104. After crossing the Urubamba River you hike the most intact 12km section of the Inca Trail, passing Chachabamba and climbing through cloud forest.
• Wiñay Wayna
  Midday stop at the terraced complex at 2,650m. Explore agricultural platforms, ceremonial fountains, and jungle-covered structures before lunch at the site.
• Sun Gate Arrival (Inti Punku)
  Reach the Sun Gate in the afternoon for your first panoramic view of Machu Picchu. Arrive after the 2pm departure wave for quieter photos in golden light.
• Circuit 1 – Panoramic Route
  Enter the citadel on Day 1 for the upper terraces and Guardhouse viewpoint. This is the classic postcard angle with Huayna Picchu behind, done when light is best.
• Hotel Not Camping
  Sleep one night in Aguas Calientes in a 3-star hotel with private bathroom and hot shower. Your overnight bag travels by train, you hike with a daypack only.
• Circuit 3 – Royal Route
  Return early on Day 2 for a 2-hour guided tour of the lower citadel. Visit the Temple of the Sun, Temple of the Three Windows, Intihuatana, Temple of the Condor, and Royal Sector.
• Scenic Train Journey
  Travel both ways through the Sacred Valley on the Expedition train along the Urubamba River, with views of Wiñay Wayna high on the canyon wall.
• Small Groups, Full Permits
  Maximum 8 travelers. Licensed English-speaking guide, Short Inca Trail permit secured 6 months in advance, all logistics handled from Cusco.

Circuits

Circuit 1: Panoramic Route (Upper Terraces Only)

Classic postcard views, no citadel interior

• Classic viewpoint from Upper Terrace for the postcard photo.
• Lower Terrace platform just below Guardian House for wider angle shots.
• Guardian House overlook, the stone hut in every Machu Picchu photo.
• Llama terraces on the upper agricultural platforms.
• Kallanka ruins, probable chicha beer hall outside the city walls.
• Inca Trail arrival path through cloud forest (entry walk).

Circuit 3: Royalty Route (Lower Citadel)

Full access to lower temples and houses

• Temple of the Sun (Torreon) viewed from below with curved wall.
• Royal Tomb beneath the Torreon, carved altar and niches.
• Temple of the Condor, natural rock wings with head carving.
• Sacred Rock, massive carved boulder mirroring Yanantin mountain.
• Water Mirrors, ceremonial basins fed by original Inca channels.
• Temple of Three Windows viewpoint from lower plaza.
• House of the Inka and Royal Residence sector.
• Agricultural terraces on the lower east flank.
• Sacred Plaza access (limited) and Grand Staircase descent.
• Optional side-hike gates: Huayna Picchu, Huchuy Picchu, depending on ticket.

Our Approach

Built for the Sun Gate, Not the Campsite

Some agencies sell the Short Inca Trail as a rushed day hike. We built it as a proper 2 day experience. You walk the best 12km of original Inca pavement from KM 104, arrive at Inti Punku in the afternoon when the morning crowds have left, and you get Circuit 1 for the classic postcard photo in golden light. Then you sleep in a real hotel in Aguas Calientes with a hot shower and private bathroom, not in a tent.

We designed this for 2026 permits. You get both Circuit 1 on Day 1 and Circuit 3 on Day 2, the Panoramic Route plus the Royal Route. That means you see the Guardhouse viewpoint and the Temple of the Sun, the Temple of the Condor, and the Intihuatana, not one or the other.

No 4,215m Pass, All the Magic

The Classic 4 day trail takes you over Dead Woman’s Pass at 4,215m. The Short Trail starts at KM 104 at 2,000m and climbs to 2,720m at the Sun Gate. You get cloud forest, Wiñay Wayna terraces, and the Inca steps without the altitude suffering or camping. Your overnight bag travels by train, you hike with a daypack only.

Small Groups, Real Guides

We run a maximum of 8 trekkers, not 16. Your guide is a licensed Inca Trail specialist from Cusco who hikes this route weekly. Groups are small so you get time at Wiñay Wayna for explanations, time at the Sun Gate for photos without being rushed, and real interpretation inside Machu Picchu on Circuit 3 the next morning.

At A Glance

• How the Two Days Flow
  No rushed timetable. Day 1: pick up 4:00am in Cusco, train to KM 104, hike 6 to 7 hours to Wiñay Wayna for lunch, continue to Sun Gate for afternoon arrival, Circuit 1 panoramic entry, bus down to hotel. Day 2: early 5:30am bus to Machu Picchu, Circuit 3 guided tour 2 to 3 hours, free time, train back to Ollantaytambo, drive to Cusco around 7:00pm. We adjust pace for your group.
• What to Wear
  Hiking shoes with good grip, required for Inca stone steps. Layers for 10°C cloud forest morning to 24°C afternoon. Rain jacket year round, sun hat, sunglasses, SPF 30+. Small 20L daypack for water, snacks, passport, and rain gear. Trekking poles with rubber tips recommended.
• Not Big on Camping?
  You sleep in a 3 star hotel in Aguas Calientes with hot shower, wifi, and restaurant. No tent, no sleeping bag, no cold nights. Same Inca Trail experience, hotel comfort.
• Can We Upgrade?
  Vistadome train upgrade $67 per person for panoramic windows on the return. Add Huayna Picchu $75, Machu Picchu Mountain $75, or Huchuy Picchu $50 if booked 3 to 4 months in advance. Stay in Ollantaytambo the night before for a 5:30am pickup instead of 4:00am from Cusco.

The only 2 day Short Inca Trail that includes both Circuit 1 and Circuit 3 in 2026, with a hotel night instead of camping, and a maximum of 8 trekkers.

• Duration: 2 days, 1 night hotel.
• Distance: 12 km hiking on Day 1, 2 to 3 km walking on Day 2.
• Surface: Original Inca stone pavement, dirt cloud forest trail, stone steps.
• Max altitude: 2,720m at Inti Punku, most hiking between 2,000m and 2,650m.
• Walking: Moderate, 6 to 7 hours Day 1 with steady climb, stone steps known as Gringo Killer.
• Transport: Private van Cusco to Ollantaytambo, Expedition train both ways, Machu Picchu shuttle buses.
• Start and end: Your Cusco hotel Day 1 at 4:00am, finish at Cusco hotel Day 2 around 7:00pm.
• Best for: Active travelers short on time, hikers who want the Sun Gate without camping, photographers wanting afternoon light, anyone avoiding high altitude passes.
• Minimum age: recommended 8 years old, comfortable hiking 6 hours.
• Fitness level: Moderate, you must be able to hike uphill for 3 hours with breaks.

Transport and Guide

Your Train and Transfers

Private modern van from Cusco to Ollantaytambo station. Expedition train to KM 104 and return from Aguas Calientes, with large windows along the Urubamba River. All Machu Picchu shuttle buses included. Your main bag travels by train to your hotel.

What We Provide

• Licensed English speaking Inca Trail guide for both days, maximum 8 people.
• Short Inca Trail permit secured 6 months in advance.
• Machu Picchu entrance for Circuit 1 on Day 1 and Circuit 3 on Day 2.
• 1 night in 3 star hotel in Aguas Calientes with private bathroom.
• All transport: private van, trains, and buses.
• Box lunch on Day 1, breakfast at hotel Day 2, dinner Day 1.
• First aid kit and emergency oxygen on trail.
• Orange Nation office support 24/7.

Salkantay Trek & Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

A 6-day crossing from glacial Andean peaks to the Sun Gate of Machu Picchu, combining the Salkantay wilderness with the final stretch of the original Inca Trail. The journey begins at Humantay Lake, climbs to the 4,880m Incachiriasca Pass, then descends through cloud forest before joining the Inca Trail at KM 104. From Wiñay Wayna, the route continues along ancient stone paths to Inti Punku, where Machu Picchu is revealed in late afternoon light.

Highlights

• Humantay Lake Ascent
  A turquoise glacial lake beneath the Vilcabamba range, dramatic high-Andean introduction to the journey.
• Incachiriasca Pass Crossing
  A high-altitude traverse at 4,880m with glacier views and remote, rugged mountain terrain.
• Salkantay Wilderness Camps
  Remote expedition camps in isolated Andean valleys, far from standard trekking routes.
• Cloud Forest Transition
  Alpine landscapes descend into lush green valleys, waterfalls, and dense vegetation.
• Wiñay Wayna Terraces Exploration
  Visit a remarkable Inca site with terraces, fountains, and ceremonial stonework.
• Inti Punku (Sun Gate) Arrival
  Final approach point revealing Machu Picchu in a sweeping panoramic mountain view.
• Machu Picchu Circuit Access
  Guided exploration of temples, agricultural sectors, and sacred stone architecture.
• Dual-Route Experience
  Combines Salkantay wilderness trekking with the classic Inca Trail approach.
• Light Trek Support System
  7kg personal gear allowance carried by support team for greater comfort at altitude.
• Mountain Cuisine Program
  Chef-prepared high-altitude meals designed for energy, recovery, and performance.

7-Day Salkantay Trek & Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Walk the full Andes, from glacier to jungle to the Sun Gate, with no shortcuts.

This is not two separate treks stitched together. This is one continuous 75 km foot journey that links the remote Salkantay highlands with the original Inca stone highway to Machu Picchu. You start beneath the ice of Salkantay at 6,277m, cross the wild Incachiriasca Pass at 4,880m where almost no one goes, then drop into the Vilcabamba range before joining the Classic Inca Trail at Wayllabamba.

You will climb Dead Woman’s Pass at 4,215m on Day 5, walk through cloud forest ruins at Sayacmarca and Phuyupatamarca, sleep above the clouds at Wiñay Wayna, and arrive at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate at sunset on Day 6. On Day 7 you return for a full sunrise tour of the Royal Sector.

From $977 USD per person. No buses, no trains until the end. Just 7 days of wilderness camping with a private chef, WFR certified guides, and a maximum of 8 trekkers. This is Salkantay and the Inca Trail done properly, for experienced hikers only.

• Duration:7 days / 6 nights, 6:00 am Day 1 to 7:30 pm Day 7.
• Start and End:Cusco hotel pick-up and drop-off.
• Max Altitude:4,880 m at Incachiriasca Pass, plus 4,215 m at Dead Woman’s Pass.
• Group Size:Maximum 8 trekkers, average 4 to 6 for safety and pacing.
• Difficulty:Strenuous, high endurance. Two passes over 4,200m in one week.

Highlights for the 7-Day Salkantay & Inca Trail

• Two World-Class Passes
  Cross Incachiriasca at 4,880m on Day 2 in complete solitude, then Dead Woman’s Pass at 4,215m on Day 5 on the Classic Trail. No other itinerary includes both.
• True Wilderness First
  Days 1 to 3 follow the back side of Salkantay through the Apurímac watershed. You will see more condors than trekkers. We camp at remote alpine lakes where standard 5-day routes never go.
• Complete Ecological Traverse
  Walk every zone of the Andes in one week. Start on glacial moraine, cross puna grasslands, descend through Polylepis forest, enter cloud forest with orchids, and finish in high jungle with bamboo and coffee.
• Classic Inca Trail Integration
  Join the official Inca Trail at Km 82 with full permits included. You get the original stonework, the three famous passes, and the campsites at Wayllabamba and Wiñay Wayna that day-hikers cannot access.
• Sun Gate Arrival at Sunset
  Arrive at Inti Punku on Day 6 in late afternoon light after the day crowds have left. This is the historic pilgrim approach, not the bus entrance. You get Circuit 1 for the panoramic photo.
• Sunrise Royal Sector Tour
  Return on Day 7 for Circuit 3, the lower temples. Your guide walks you through the Temple of the Sun, Intihuatana, Temple of the Condor, and Three Windows with no rush. Dual circuit access is included as standard for 2026.
• Private Wilderness Camps
  Five nights of professional mountain camping with 4-season tents, thick mattresses, dining tent with chairs, and private toilet tent. Our chef cooks three hot meals daily. You carry only a daypack, mules carry 7kg of your gear.
• Elite Mountain Team
  Every group is led by a Cusco-born guide with Wilderness First Responder certification, plus assistant guide for groups over 6. We carry emergency oxygen, satellite phone, and have evacuation horses on both passes.
• No Permit Lottery Stress
  We secure your Inca Trail permits 6 months ahead as part of your booking. Salkantay requires no permit, so we can guarantee the full route even in high season.

Circuits

Circuit 1: Panoramic Route (Upper Terraces Only)

Classic postcard views, no citadel interior

• Classic viewpoint from Upper Terrace for the postcard photo.
• Lower Terrace platform just below Guardian House for wider angle shots.
• Guardian House overlook, the stone hut in every Machu Picchu photo.
• Llama terraces on the upper agricultural platforms.
• Kallanka ruins, probable chicha beer hall outside the city walls.
• Inca Trail arrival path through cloud forest (entry walk).

Circuit 3: Royalty Route (Lower Citadel)

Full access to lower temples and houses

• Temple of the Sun (Torreon) viewed from below with curved wall.
• Royal Tomb beneath the Torreon, carved altar and niches.
• Temple of the Condor, natural rock wings with head carving.
• Sacred Rock, massive carved boulder mirroring Yanantin mountain.
• Water Mirrors, ceremonial basins fed by original Inca channels.
• Temple of Three Windows viewpoint from lower plaza.
• House of the Inka and Royal Residence sector.
• Agricultural terraces on the lower east flank.
• Sacred Plaza access (limited) and Grand Staircase descent.
• Optional side-hike gates: Huayna Picchu, Huchuy Picchu, depending on ticket.

How to Book the 7-Day Salkantay & Inca Trail

Booking takes two steps and we secure your Inca Trail permits immediately.

Step 1: Complete your booking form
Click BOOK NOW and fill out details for each traveler exactly as on your passport:

Full name
Passport number
Date of birth, dd/mm/yyyy
Gender
Nationality

Step 2: Confirm with your deposit
A deposit of $350 USD per person locks your Inca Trail permits and Machu Picchu dual circuit tickets. Permits sell out 6 months ahead for May to September, so we confirm within 24 hours.

Paying the balance
Pay the remaining balance in cash at our Cusco office in USD or soles to avoid card fees. Online payment accepted with 5.5% fee. Balance due 30 days before departure.

Once we receive your deposit, we send your official Inca Trail permit confirmation, packing list, and briefing info within 24 hours. Your pre-trek briefing is at 6:00 pm two nights before departure at our Cusco office.

5-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Extended Trek with Circuit 1 & 3 Access

Experience the ultimate 5-day Inca Trail, designed for travelers who want a slower, more immersive journey to Machu Picchu. By adding an extra day on the route, you bypass the morning crowds, enjoy quieter camps, better acclimatization, and more time to explore every archaeological site.

This itinerary features two-day access to Machu Picchu, including a sunset arrival via the Sun Gate for panoramic Circuit 1 views, followed by a private guided tour of Circuit 3 and the Royal Sector the next morning.

Along the trail, explore key sites like Wiñay Wayna and Phuyupatamarca at a quieter, more relaxed pace.

Ideal for travelers seeking fewer crowds, better acclimatization, and more time at each site, this 5-day trek offers a more complete and balanced Inca Trail experience.

Highlights

• Phuyupatamarca Sunrise
  Wake above the clouds at 3,680 m with clear early-morning views across the valley.
• Patallacta Exploration
  Walk through expansive terraces most trekkers only see from a distance.
• Sun Gate Arrival (Inti Punku)
  Reach Inti Punku in the late afternoon for a quieter first view of Machu Picchu.
• Dual-Circuit Access
  Experience Circuit 1 panoramas on arrival and a guided Circuit 3 tour the following morning.
• Phuyupatamarca Camp
  High-altitude campsite with open views across the Salkantay and Vilcabamba ranges.
• Hotel Night in Aguas Calientes
  Hot shower and comfortable recovery before your Machu Picchu tour.
• Chef-Prepared Meals
  Fresh, locally sourced meals throughout the trek.
• Wiñay Wayna & Sayacmarca
  Explore Wiñay Wayna and Sayacmarca without the typical time pressure.

Permits

Permits are extremely limited, with only 500 issued per day and often selling out six months in advance. As a Direct Operator, Orange Nation handles all 2026 mountain permits, high-altitude campsites, and Dual-Circuit access to Circuit 1 and Circuit 3, helping secure your two-day Machu Picchu experience.

4-Day Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu | Circuit 1 & 3

The Classic Inca Trail is the original stone-paved route to Machu Picchu, following 43 kilometers of the Qhapaq Ñan from KM 82 in the Sacred Valley to Inti Punku, the Sun Gate.

The trail crosses three high Andean passes before descending through puna grassland, Polylepis forest and cloud forest. Along the route are the Inca sites of Runkurakay (3,760m), Sayacmarca (3,600m), Phuyupatamarca (3,600m), Intipata (2,700m) and Wiñay Wayna (2,650m), remote archaeological complexes accessible only on foot.

On the fourth morning the route reaches Inti Punku, where Machu Picchu appears for the first time below, the historic ceremonial approach.

For 2026, this itinerary includes confirmed entry to both Circuit 1 and Circuit 3, combining the upper panoramic terraces with the lower ceremonial and urban sectors.

Access is regulated by the Peruvian Ministry of Culture and limited to 500 permits per day, including guides and porters. As a licensed operator based in Cusco, Orange Nation manages permits, campsites and logistics directly.

Highlights

• The Complete Original Trail
  Follow the full 43-kilometer Classic route from KM 82 to Inti Punku along original Inca stonework.
• Arrival Through the Sun Gate
  Enter Machu Picchu on foot via Inti Punku on the fourth morning.
• Both Machu Picchu Circuits Included
  All 2026 departures include confirmed entry to Circuit 1 and Circuit 3.
• Remote Archaeological Sites
  Guided visits to Runkurakay (3,760m), Sayacmarca (3,600m), Phuyupatamarca (3,600m), Intipata (2,700m) and Wiñay Wayna (2,650m) within the Historic Sanctuary.
• Three High Andean Passes
  Warmiwañusca (4,215m), Runkurakay (3,950m) and Phuyupatamarca (3,680m) through three ecological zones.
• Strategic Campsites
  Ayapata for acclimatization before Dead Woman’s Pass. Wiñay Wayna for first access to the checkpoint.
• Full Expedition Support
  Licensed guide, professional cook and porter team for up to 7kg personal gear. Dining tent, emergency oxygen and first-aid included.
• Small Group Size
  Maximum 12 trekkers per departure.
• Direct Cusco Operation
  No intermediaries. All permits, campsites and transport managed through our Cusco office.

Circuits

Circuit 1: Panoramic Route (Upper Terraces Only).

• Classic postcard views, no citadel interior.
• Classic viewpoint from Upper Terrace for the postcard photo.
• Lower Terrace platform just below Guardian House for wider angle shots.
• Guardian House overlook, the stone hut in every Machu Picchu photo.
• Llama terraces on the upper agricultural platforms.
• Kallanka ruins, probable chicha beer hall outside the city walls.
• Inca Trail arrival path through cloud forest (entry walk).

Circuit 3: Royalty Route (Lower Citadel)

• Full access to lower temples and houses
• Temple of the Sun (Torreon) viewed from below with curved wall.
• Royal Tomb beneath the Torreon, carved altar and niches.
• Temple of the Condor, natural rock wings with head carving.
• Sacred Rock, massive carved boulder mirroring Yanantin mountain.
• Water Mirrors, ceremonial basins fed by original Inca channels.
• Temple of Three Windows viewpoint from lower plaza.
• House of the Inka and Royal Residence sector.
• Agricultural terraces on the lower east flank.
• Sacred Plaza access (limited) and Grand Staircase descent.
• Optional side-hike gates: Huayna Picchu, Huchuy Picchu, depending on ticket.

For 2026, your 4-Day Classic permit includes both Circuit 1 and Circuit 3 on Day 4. you get the upper panoramic photo and the full lower citadel in one morning, without needing a second ticket.

Our Approach

Built for the Passes, Not the Shortcut

Some agencies push the Short Trail to avoid logistics. We run the full Classic. You start at KM 82, hike 42 kilometres of original Inca pavement, and cross Dead Woman’s Pass at 4,215m. You camp three nights at Wayllabamba, Pacaymayo and Wiñay Wayna, and you arrive at Inti Punku on foot at sunrise on Day 4, the way the Inca intended.

We designed this for 2026 permits

You get the regulated Classic Inca Trail permit plus the correct Machu Picchu Circuit 3 entry for the same day. That means you see the Sun Gate, then tour the Temple of the Sun, the Temple of the Condor, the Intihuatana and the Royal Sector in one visit, with a licensed guide who hikes this route weekly.

Three High Camps, All the Magic

The Short Trail starts at 2,000m. The Classic starts low and climbs high. You get Llactapata, Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca and Wiñay Wayna, plus cloud forest, high puna and subtropical jungle in one trek. Porters carry your main gear, you hike with a daypack only.

Small Groups, Real Guides

We run a maximum of 12 trekkers, not 16 to 20. Your guide is a licensed Inca Trail specialist from Cusco with wilderness first aid certification. Groups are small so you get time at Dead Woman’s Pass for photos, time at Phuyupatamarca for explanations, and real interpretation inside Machu Picchu without being rushed.

At A Glance

How the Four Days Flow

No rushed timetable.

• Day 1: pick up 04:30 in Cusco, transfer to KM 82, hike 12km to Wayllabamba camp through Llactapata.
• Day 2: climb to Dead Woman’s Pass at 4,215m, descend to Pacaymayo camp, 16km.
• Day 3: pass Runkurakay, Sayacmarca and Phuyupatamarca, descend to Wiñay Wayna camp, 16km.
• Day 4: early hike to Sun Gate for sunrise, Circuit 3 guided tour, bus to Aguas Calientes, train to Ollantaytambo, van to Cusco around 20:00. We adjust pace for acclimatization.

What to Wear

Hiking boots with ankle support, required for Inca stone steps. Warm layers for -5°C nights at Pacaymayo, plus sun protection for 24°C days. Down jacket, fleece, thermal base, rain jacket year round, sun hat, gloves, SPF 30+. 30L daypack for water, snacks, passport and rain gear. Trekking poles with rubber tips essential.

Camping Comfort

Three nights in quality 4-season mountain tents with inflatable sleeping mats. Dining tent with table and chairs, portable toilet tent, hot water bowls morning and evening. No hotel. You sleep under stars at 3,600m and wake to mountain views.

Can We Upgrade?

Sleeping bag rental -10°C $25 total. Vistadome train upgrade $67 for panoramic return. Add Huayna Picchu $75 or Machu Picchu Mountain $75 only if you stay an extra night in Aguas Calientes, must be booked 4 months ahead. Private porter for personal gear $180.

The only 4-day Classic Inca Trail that limits groups to 12, includes three quality camps, and guarantees your 2026 Circuit 3 permit with a Sun Gate sunrise arrival.

• Duration: 4 days, 3 nights camping.
• Distance: 42km hiking total.
• Surface: Original Inca stone pavement, mountain trail, high steps.
• Max altitude: 4,215m at Dead Woman’s Pass, most camping between 3,000m and 3,600m.
• Walking: Challenging, 6 to 9 hours per day with sustained climbs.
• Transport: Private van Cusco to KM 82, Expedition train Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu shuttle buses, van to Cusco.
• Start and end: Your Cusco hotel Day 1 at 04:30, finish at Cusco hotel Day 4 around 20:00.
• Best for: Fit trekkers who want the full Inca Trail, high passes, archaeology and camping.
• Minimum age: recommended 14 years old, comfortable hiking 7 hours.
• Fitness level: Challenging, you must be able to hike uphill for 4 hours with breaks at altitude.

Transport and Guide

Your Transfers

Private modern van from Cusco to KM 82 trailhead. Expedition train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo with large windows along the Urubamba River. All Machu Picchu shuttle buses included. Private van return to Cusco.

What We Provide

• Licensed English speaking Inca Trail guide for four days, maximum 12 people.
• Classic Inca Trail permit secured at October release.
• Machu Picchu Circuit 3 entry on Day 4.
• 3 nights camping with quality tents, mats, dining tent, toilet tent.
• Full porter team, chef and camp crew (porters carry up to 7kg of your personal gear).
• All meals on trek: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 afternoon teas, 3 dinners.
• First aid kit, emergency oxygen and satellite phone on trail.
• All transport: private van, trains and buses.
• Pre-trek briefing at our Cusco office at 18:00.
• Orange Nation 24/7 office support.