Overview
Inca Trail Hike 3 Days Overview
The 3 Day Inca Trail follows the same legendary route as the Classic Inca Trail but in a more demanding schedule. It is ideal for travelers who want to experience the authentic Inca Trail while maximizing their time in Peru.
Expect long hiking days, high mountain passes, original Inca stone paths, and breathtaking views across the Andes before arriving at Machu Picchu through the iconic Sun Gate.
Is the 3 Day 2 Night Inca Trail Right for You?
This trek is best suited for physically active travelers who want to complete the original Inca Trail route in fewer days. It combines long hiking distances, high mountain passes, and authentic camping experiences with the unforgettable arrival at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate.
Day 1: Cusco (KM 82) – Llulluchapampa
Day 2: Llulluchapampa – Phuyupatamarca
Day 3: Phuyupatamarca – Machu Picchu – Cusco
3 Day Inca Trail Highlights
- Complete the legendary Inca Trail route in a faster-paced 3-day adventure.
- Cross Dead Woman’s Pass, surrounded by dramatic Andean mountain scenery.
- Explore original Inca archaeological sites hidden throughout the trail.
- Camp in remote mountain locations along the ancient Inca pathway.
- Enter Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) at sunrise.
- Ideal for experienced hikers seeking a physically demanding and rewarding trekking challenge.
Why Choose the 3 Day Inca Trail Instead of the 4 Day?
- Many travelers wonder about the difference between the 3 Day and 4 Day Inca Trail. Both treks follow the same legendary route to Machu Picchu and include the iconic climb over Dead Woman’s Pass. The main difference lies in the pace and how the hiking days are structured.
- The 3 Day Inca Trail is slightly more condensed, meaning you’ll cover the route in fewer days with longer hiking segments. It’s a great choice for fit and active travelers who want a rewarding physical challenge without adding an extra night on the trail.
- If you have limited time in Peru but still want to hike the authentic Inca Trail — not just visit Machu Picchu by train — this itinerary allows you to experience the full mountain adventure in a shorter window. You’ll still explore remarkable archaeological sites, camp under the stars, and enter Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate at sunrise.
- In contrast, the 4 Day trek spreads the same distance over an additional day, offering a more gradual pace and slightly shorter daily hikes. If you enjoy physically active adventures and want to complete the full Inca Trail route in fewer days, the 3 Day Inca Trail offers a more intense and rewarding trekking experience through the Andes.
Itinerary
Detailed Itinerary – 3 Day 2 Night Inca Trail
The 3 Day Inca Trail is a physically demanding trek that follows the original Inca pathways through the Andes to Machu Picchu. Along the route, hikers cross mountain passes, explore ancient archaeological sites, and camp in remote high-altitude locations surrounded by dramatic scenery.
This itinerary is ideal for experienced hikers looking for a faster-paced alternative to the traditional 4 Day Inca Trail without missing the most iconic sections of the route.
The magnificent adventure begins at 4:30 am; we head straight to the 82 km railway through the sacred valley of the Incas (a 2-hour and 20-minute ride). We will serve a continental breakfast in the style of KONDOR PATH in the parking area. After packing the adventure baggage with our porters, we will begin trekking through the Inca Trail.
The first four hours of hiking are moderate; it is easy to get to Wayllabamba. The good news is that we will be very far from most groups and be in more contact with the nature of Peruvian treks. In Llulluchapampa, you have afternoon tea (with coca leaf and Andean corn popcorn).
- Hike distance: 17 km–10.5 miles.
- Estimated trek time: 8–9 hours
- Maximum altitude point: 3,850 m – 12,631 ft.
- Camp altitude: 3,850 m–3,850 m–12,631 ft.
- Places to explore: Canamarca and Patallacta
- Meals: breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner.
Walking Distance
17km (10.5 miles)
Starting Altitude
KM 82: 2,703m (8,868 ft)
Minimun Altitude
Wayllabamba: 3,000m (9,842 ft)
Highest Altitude
Llulluchapampa: 3,777m (12,391 ft)
Coca-tea starts the activity of hiking. We are two hours away from the top of Warmiwañusca, 4200 m. The easy part of hiking is between Sayacmarca and Phuyupatamarca.
- Total hike distance: 15 km–9.3 miles.
- Estimated trek time: 8 hours
- Maximum altitude point: 4,200 m – 13,779 ft.
- Camp altitude: 3,600 m – 11,811 ft.
- Places to explore: Warmiwañuka, Runkuracay Pass, Runkuracay, Sayacmarca, and Conchamarca ruin.
- Meals: breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner.
Physical Level
Challenging
Walking Distance
15km (9.3 miles)
Starting Altitude
Llulluchapampa: 3,777m (12,391 ft)
Minimun Altitude
Warmiwañuska Pass: 4,231m (13,881 ft)
Highest Altitude
Phuyupatamarca Pass: 3,665m (12,024 ft)
The whole hikers arrive at Machu Picchu at 9 a.m. to begin our exploration tour through the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu ruins.
- Total hike distance: 11 km–6.8 miles.
- Estimated trek time: 7 hours + Machupicchu visit
- Maximum altitude point: 3,600 m – 11,811 ft.
- Camp altitude: 2,400 m – 7,874 ft.
- Meals: breakfast and lunch.
Walking Distance
11km (6.8 miles)
Starting Altitude
Phuyupatamarca Pass: 3,665m (12,024 ft)
Minimun Altitude
Machu Picchu Ruins: 2,400m (7,874 ft)
Highest Altitude
Inti Pinku: 2,720m (8,920 ft)
Inclusions
What’s Included in the 3 Day Inca Trail Package
- Experienced Kondor guide.
- Private Kondor van: Hotel to Km. 82 (Piscacucho).
- Experienced Cook
- Porters carry camping equipment.
- Extra Porter to carry personal hiker belongings, like sleeping bags and mattresses (maximum of 07 kilos (15.4 lbs. per explorer).
- Meals: 02 breakfasts, three lunches, two dinners, two snacks, and afternoon tea, “coca fresh leaf tea.” Optional: vegetarian food is available upon request, subject to coordination.
- Train back to Cusco from Machupicchu to Ollantaytambo
- Chinchero, “INCA RAIL Peru Company.”
- The bus ride from Machu Picchu Park to Aguas Calientes town is “30 minutes.”
- Machu Picchu guided tour and exploring the highlights of Machu Picchu highlights
- Entrance fee for the Inca Trail Hike: 3 Days
- An emergency oxygen bottle.
- First-aid kit.
- Radio communication between the guide and the cook-porters
*Price based on two people sharing one tent.
What’s Not Included
- Breakfast on day 1 and dinner on day 3
- Sleeping bag on days 01 and 02
- Tips for your Inca Trail staff
What to Pack for the 3 Day Inca Trail Trek
- Official and valid passport.
- Travel Insurance
- Sleeping Gear: Sleeping bag that withstands low temperatures
- The backpack (65 liters) should be sufficient for carrying your belongings.
- Comfortable hiking boots with good ankle support; the Inca Trail path has ascents and descents.
Mountain clothing: Two pairs of long trousers (lightweight), two T-shirts, one short-sleeved shirt, one long-sleeved shirt, one pair of shorts, underwear, and socks. - The fleece jacket on Andes Mountain has a windy afternoon and high passes.
- Rain jacket or poncho (sometimes it rains on the Inca Trail tour)
- Hat or cap to protect from the sun (solar rays in the Andes are more dangerous).
- Toiletries: “soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, toilet paper, etc.”
- Sun cream.
- Flashlight per hiker
- Basic first aid kit.
- Insect repellent.
- Money belt and emergency money
- Water bottle + Gatorade
- We can find many streams of water purification tablets (along with the Inca Trail expedition).
As you walk through the rough land and visit the preserved archaeological sites, you will admire the Inca people’s skill. Standing at the Sun Gate and looking at the famous Machu Picchu is a moment you will never forget.
Remember, this sacred route is a delicate ecosystem that requires our care and respect. Embrace sustainable tourism and leave no trace. This way, future generations can enjoy the wonders of the Inca Trail too. So, lace up your hiking boots, prepare your backpack, and embark on this unforgettable adventure. The Inca Trail 3 Days awaits, ready to reveal its secrets and create memories that will stay with you forever.
Optional Upgrades and Add-Ons
Enhance your 3 Day Inca Trail experience with the following optional train services and upgrades:
Train Services
By PeruRail / PER PERSON
+ $35 Vistadome train (MACHUPICCHU-POROY) Outbound Journey
+ $50.00 Vistadome train (MACHUPICCHU-OLLANTAYTAMBO) + Transfer to Cusco from Ollantaytambo
+ $445.00 Hiram Bingham train (Train MACHUPICCHU-POROY) Inbound Journey
Discounts
This applies to the following services:
3 Day Inca Trail, Machu Picchu Fee
College students: $30 off
Travel Guide
3 Day Inca Trail FAQs
YES! We recommend you reserve the Inca Trail, check available spaces on our Inca Trail availability page, and pay your entrance fee well in advance.
Due to the rainy season and maintenance work, the Inca Trail is closed in February. Machu Picchu is still open for other classic tours.
The trekking permits are limited to 500 per day for 200 tourists and 300 staff (porters, cooks, and guides). Usually, this includes the 2-Day Inca Trail, 4-day treks, and the 6-day Salkantay trek. It estimates 160 hikers enter the 4-day Inca Trail, 25 on the 2-day tour.
See Inca Trail availability.
You can use our booking form with all the necessary information. We will confirm the availability and make the reservation with the corresponding payment. Please fill in the blanks in the reservation form with accurate and complete information.
The total distance covered on the Inca Trail is 42 km (26 miles). The government assigns campsites along the Inca Trail, so it is difficult to determine the distance to be covered in a day, but expect to walk 6 to 9 hours daily.
Altitude or mountain sickness usually occurs to very few of our visitors; Kondor Path Tours recommends good physical preparation and acclimatization for two days in Cusco.
You should avoid drinking alcoholic beverages, drink plenty of water, or take some pills for altitude sickness pre-registered by your doctor. If the illness is more severe, we must return to the point of care to be treated.
Since June 2002, independent hikers have been prohibited on the Inca Trail. Regulations state that a qualified professional guide must accompany each hiker. The government controls access to Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail.
Companies must meet specific requirements that demonstrate professional guides, good camping equipment, radio communicators, and knowledge of emergency first aid, including oxygen. Their license is renewed every year in early March.
Kondor Path Tours, an Inca Trail tour operator since 2014
You must carry your valid ID (passport or DNI) to enter the Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu. Bring your original passport and get the Machu Picchu stamp at the entrance.
During the Inca Trail, our porters set up camping tents with a sleeping bag just for you and an inflatable mattress. The porters carry all the camping equipment for you to enjoy an excellent adventure on the Inca Trail.
Kondor Path Tours offers the following alternative treks to the Inca Trail:
Our staff, always thinking about the environment, will carry the necessary water for the 3-day trek, so we recommend bringing bottled water. Our team will provide you with boiled water for breakfast and lunch. You will also have water to wash your hands. Collecting water from rivers or streams is possible, but it requires using purification tablets.
The shorter Inca Trail is for limited-time hikers who wish to hike more leisurely. This hike starts at km 104 and ascends to the ruins of Wiñay Wayna before continuing to Machu Picchu.
As you do not have much time in Machu Picchu on the first day, most people spend the night in Aguas Calientes and return to Machu Picchu again the next day.
This trail is subject to Inca Trail regulations, and you must book trekking permits well in advance.
Porters carrying your items can be hired separately, costing between US$130 and US$150 for the 4-day trek. If the whole group is satisfied with the service, ensure each porter takes home an extra tip.
The climate in Cusco: The mountainous region of Cusco has well-defined winter and summer seasons. Winter days (June to August) are very sunny and warm, but temperatures drop to nearly zero at night. The rainy season is from January to March. December and January are two of the most pleasant months for hiking.
You have to be fit. It is a common misconception that because so many people use the Inca Trail, it must be accessible. It is not. The trail is 45 km (26 miles) long and involves a lot of physical effort. On the second day, you climb almost 1200 m (about 4000 ft). Combined with the high altitude (low oxygen) and extreme weather (you can easily get sunburned at high altitude during the day, and temperatures can drop below freezing at night), the hike can be hard work.
However, all this suffering can make the final arrival at Machu Picchu even more enjoyable.
The maximum group size allowed is 16 people. Typically, group tours have 12 to 16 people.
Yes, restrooms are available, but they are limited and have little water. If there are no restrooms at the campsites, our staff will set up a restroom tent for the group.
What Is the 3 Day Inca Trail Like?
The 3 Day Inca Trail is one of the most physically demanding versions of the Classic Inca Trail. Hikers can cover the entire trail in fewer days, making it ideal for travelers with strong physical conditioning and limited time in Peru.
The experience combines steep mountain ascents, original Inca stone pathways, archaeological sites, cloud forest scenery, and the unforgettable arrival to Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate at sunrise.
Pricing
3 Day Inca Trail Pricing (2026)
Get ready for an incredible 3-day hike on the legendary Inca Trail! A professional guide will share their expertise about Peru’s awe-inspiring historical sites and stunning nature with you.
| Persons | Price (p/p) | |
| 1 | $ 2 560.00 USD |
| 2 | $ 1 598.00 USD |
| 3 | $ 1 298.00 USD |
| 4 | $ 1 174.00 USD |
| 5 | $ 1 072.00 USD |
| 6 | $ 998.00 USD |
| 7 | $ 931.00 USD |
| 8 | $ 883.00 USD |
| 9 | $ 870.00 USD |
| 10 | $ 836.00 USD |
| 11 | $ 811.00 USD |
| 12 | $ 787.00 USD |
| 13 | $ 768.00 USD |
| 14 | $ 751.00 USD |
| 15 | $ 737.00 USD |
| 16 | $ 724.00 USD |
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Reserve Your 3 Day Inca Trail Trek
3 Day Inca Trail Trek: Experience the thrill of hiking the world-famous Inca Trail and exploring ancient ruins and breathtaking scenery in just three days with this unique guided adventure tour.
Discover the ancient ruins of Peru on a challenging 3-day hiking journey through the famous Inca Trail. Experience its natural beauty and spectacular views!
3 Day Inca Trail Hike
3 Day 2 Night Inca Trail
Inca Trail 3 Days 2 Nights
