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Inca Trail Tours 2025 & 2026: 4 day Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu
Salkantay Trek Machu
Sustainable Tourism Operator
+51 912 891560

2025 & 2026 | Inca Trail Tours All Inclusive

2025 & 2026 | Inca Trail Tours All Inclusive

The classic Inca Trail tour to Machu Picchu is the most legendary — and by far the most well-known — hike in Peru. Though there are more than four routes to reach Machu Picchu on foot, the classic four-day Inca Trail tour begins at kilometer 82.

The Inca Trail covers approximately 27 miles (44 km), passing through scenic valleys, sacred mountains, high passes, ancient Inca archaeological sites, irrigation channels, and lush subtropical zones teeming with diverse flora and fauna. Considered the most beautiful Andean trail, it is part of the famous Qhapaq Ñan, the ancient Inca road network.

Each day of the trek includes eight to ten hours of walking, and campsites are set up in remote locations. The trail follows an original Inca path winding through the Andes to the once-hidden citadel of Machu Picchu.

 

The Inca Trail trek includes two major mountain passes:

  • The highest pass, which is 4,250 meters (13,940 feet)
  • The second pass is at 3,900 meters (12,795 feet).

But don’t worry—our professional tour guides, experienced trekking chefs, and strong porters will assist you every step of the way to ensure a smooth and unforgettable journey.

Come to Peru and book your all-inclusive Inca Trail tour to Machu Picchu today! Experience the best hiking adventure in Peru in just four unforgettable days!

Overview
Itinerary
Includes
Before you go

Inca Trail Tour Overview

Sustainable Tourism:
At Salkantay Trek Machu, we are proud to promote and practice sustainable tourism while supporting local communities and reforestation efforts in the Andes to help restore the mountain ecosystems.

 

Hike Difficulty:
Level 3 – Demanding, with some high-altitude sections.

 

Age Requirement:
4+ years old, accompanied by someone 18 or older.

 

Salkantay Trek Machu Staff:
A Salkantay Trek Machu representative in Cusco, along with a professional tour guide, trekking cook, and super porters.

 

Accommodation:
3 nights at designated campsites.

 

Meals Included:

3x Breakfast; 3x Lunch; 3x Dinner; 3x Snack; 3x Afternoon hot beverage.

 

Transportation:
Van and train included.

 

Camping Equipment:
All-inclusive camping equipment provided.
For more details, you can view our complete list of included camping gear.

 

Inca Trail Tour Itinerary:

Day 01: Cusco - Km 82 - Llullucha Pampa

Day 02: Llullucha Pampa - Chaquicocha

Day 03: Chaquicocha - Wiñaywayna

Day 04: Wiñay Wayna - Machu Picchu - Cusco

 

Highlights of the 4 Day Inca Trail:

  • 4-day Inca Trail hike with a professional bilingual tour guide, cook, and porters.
  • Follow the best route of the Inca Trail, which boasts a variety of flora and fauna.
  • Visit Incan monuments that are inaccessible by road.
  • Enjoy a guided tour of Machu Picchu.
  • Guided tour during the Inca Trail.
  • Enjoy Peruvian cuisine while hiking to Machu Picchu.

Why to book with Salkantay Trek Machu

  • A licensed tour guide for 8 trekkers, two licensed tour guides from 9 up to 16 trekkers.
  • Specialist operators for international tour companies.

  • Inca Trail tour operator since 2006
  • Highly experienced english speaking guide.

  • Camping tents for 4 season
  • Inclusion all equipment for your Classic Inca Trail (sleeping bag, thermarest mattress, etc) 

  • Nutritious, well-balanced, hearty and healthy buffet meals with fresh, high quality ingredients, high in energy value and prepared carefully to avoid illness.
  • Drinking water since the second day to fill up your water container for the day hike
  • Daily afternoon tea
  • Gentle wake up each morning! with a hot drink (coca tea, chocolate, coffee, etc)
  • We catter for any food restriction
  • Private bus to head trail
  • Comfortable sleeping foam roll matts (Therma a rest mattress
  • Salkantay Trek Machu hires peruvian professional staff like guides, assistant guides, chefs, and porters and pay them with good wages far lots better than other tour companies do.

 

Inca Trail Tours 2026

2026 Is Near – Start Planning Your Inca Trail Adventure!

If you're planning to hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in 2026, now is the perfect time to start preparing for your next adventure in Peru.

Inca Trail permits for 2026 will reopen in mid-October, so this is your chance to book early and secure your spot.

Booking in advance increases your chances of getting availability for your preferred dates.

Don't wait—book your Inca Trail 2026 now!

 

Responsible Travel

Salkantay Trek Machu porters

At Salkantay Trek Machu, we strongly condemn the exploitation of porters, and we strictly adhere to Peruvian law regarding their working conditions. We ensure that our porters carry no more than the legally permitted weight and provide them with proper meals, backpacks, and accommodations during the trek. However, we acknowledge that much work remains to ensure all porters are treated fairly and ethically within the tourism industry.

 

 

Day 1: Cusco - Km 82 - Ayapata
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Private Inca Trail Tours

To start our 4 Day Inca Trail Hike, we will wake up very early to travel to Piscacucho or commonly known as the "Km 82", thus starting our tour "Inca Trail to Machu Picchu", then go to "Patallacta". Once there, we will continue walking to the place where we will have lunch and then walk to "Ayapata", place where we will spend our first night.

Estimated trekking time: 7-8 hours
Trekking distance: 17 km
Max. elevation: 3,850m (12,630 ft)
Min. elevation: 2,600 m (8,530 ft)
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging

Day 02: Llullucha Pampa - Chaquicocha
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Inca Trail 4 DaysEarly after breakfast, you continue your hike ascending towards the highest point of the trail - Abra Warmiwañusqa ( Dead Woman´s Pass) at 4,200 metres passing through the cloud forests of Yunkachimpa and Corral Punku offering excellent views of surrounding snowcapped peaks. From Warmiwañusqa, you descend to the Pacaymayo Valley (3,300 m), where you have a lunch break. Then you continue hiking through the valley to the Inca´s ruins of Runkuracay where a guided tour follows. Afterwards, you climb up and get over the second pass - Abra Runkurakay (3,860m) walking on this "Royal Inca´s Highway" down to the next Inka site - Sayacmarca. On the way, you pass the Yanacocha Lake. In the end, we get to our second campsite - Chaquicocha (3,670 m).


Estimated trekking time: 7-8 hours
Trekking distance: 12 km
Max. elevation: 4,200 m (12,630 ft)
Min. elevation: 3,500 m (11,480 ft)
Difficulty: Challenging

Day 03: Chaquicocha - Winaywayna
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4 Day Inca TrailToday, we start hiking passing through lovely subtropical vegetation and many important archaeological sites. Before we reach the first site, we get over Phuyupatamarca Pass (3,670 m) and just behind it, we can see the Phuyupatamarca Inka complex (3,600 m), one of the best preserved and most completed sites of this 4 day Inca Trail hike. The complex is located on the top of a mountain and it corresponds with its Quechuan name that means the "Town above the Clouds". After a guided tour, we have lunch there. Then, we start a steep descent via a cloud forest offering an opportunity to see beautiful orchids and different bird species on the way to our last campsite at Wiñay Wayna (2,700 m). There, we have a guided tour of the same-named impressive archaeological complex consisting of a religious sector, urban sector and an agricultural centre with lots of stepped terraces. Afterwards, we are served dinner and then we go to sleep to get ready for the exciting Machu Picchu hike!!

Estimated trekking time: 5-6 hours
Trekking distance: 10 km
Max. elevation: 3,670 m (12,040 ft)
Min. elevation: 2,700 m (8,860 ft)
Difficulty: Moderate

Day 04: Winay Wayna - Machu Picchu - Cusco
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Machu Picchu 4 Day HikeThis is the last day of the 4 day hike to Inca Trail so we get ready early in the morning and after breakfast, we start climbing antique steps to Inti Punku (the Sun Gate) to see the sunrise above the long-expected citadel of Machu Picchu!! Then, you enjoy a 2 and half an hour guided visit of the so called "Lost City of the Incas"!! Afterwards, you have an opportunity to climb either the peak of Huayna Picchu (45 minutes up and the same time back) or Machu Picchu Mountain (1 hour, 30 minutes up and down) on your own to take some panoramic pictures of Machu Picchu!! This 4 day trek to Machu Picchu finishes by afternoon's descend to the town of Aguas Calientes where we take a train back to Ollantaytambo, there you will take the tourist bus to Cusco. Arrival in the evening. 

Estimated trekking time: 3 hours
Trekking distance: 4 km
Max. elevation: 2,700 m (8,860 ft)
Min. elevation: 2,400 m (7,875 ft)
Difficulty: Easy to moderate

What is Included in the trek?
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  • Pre-trek briefing (Our guide will visit your hotel a day before the trek for your briefing);
  • Transfer by private vehicle to the initial point of the Inca Trail at Km 82;
  • Accommodation: camping (3 nights);
  • Inca Trail Permit and entrance fee to Machu Picchu;
  • Meals: 3x breakfast, 3x lunch, 3x dinner, 3x Snack, 3x afternoon´s hot beverages (If you are a vegetarian, please advise us in advance. A vegetarian meal option is for NO extra cost!);
  • Experienced bilingual Tour Guide (a group up to 8 participants has 1 Tour Guide, a groups over 8 participants receives 2 Tour Guides);
  • A professional Cook;
  • Porters to carry food, camping, cooking equipment and and 5 kg of each passenger's stuff;
  • Camping equipment: Personal double tents (4 person tent which allows for greater comfort, and also storage of backpacks);
  • Thermarest mattress with cover (inflatable mattress for more comfort to sleep in the trail)
  • A sleeping bag (for up to -5°C) and cotton sheets for the sleeping bag;
  • A pillow and cover;
  • A pair of hiking poles;
  • Water every day (excluding the first 4 hours of the trek when you need to bring your own);
  • Tables and chairs, cooking tent with cooking equipment, dining and toilet tents and bottled gas;
  • Rain Ponchos;
  • Duffel bag (for your personal belongings);
  • A Machu Picchu T-shirt;
  • Tourist train from Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu) to Ollantaytambo;
  • A shuttle bus down from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes Town;
  • Tourist bus from Ollantaytambo to Cusco;
  • First aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle.

Portable Two-Way Radio Communication

During your Inca Trail Tours, our guide and trekking cook will have two two-way radios each to maintain constant communication along the route. These radios are connected to the Ministry of Culture and SERNANP, ensuring safety and coordination throughout the journey.

 

Sustainable Travel

At Salkantay Trek Machu, we are deeply committed to sustainable travel. When you book your trek with us, you directly support social responsibility projects that benefit porter families and reforestation initiatives in Andean communities.

Learn more about our efforts at: Responsible People.

 

Eco-Friendly Trekking Practices on the Trail

During your Inca Trail tours, our team provides eco-conscious and comfort-focused services.

  • Biodegradable soap for personal hygiene
  • Warm water each morning for washing up
  • Clean towels to dry your hands and face
  • Hot water bottles each night to keep you warm inside your sleeping bag

Our goal is to minimize our environmental impact while ensuring your safety and comfort throughout the experience.

Not Included:
Detail

  • Breakfast on the first day and last lunch in Aguas Calientes Town,
  • Travel Insurance;
  • Entrance fee to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain ($80);
  • Tips to local staff (please note: it is a custom to give tips in Peru; however, it is not obligatory);
  • Other extras not mentioned.

Solo Traveler: Please note that if you have booked the "Solo Traveler" option for this trek, you receive your own single tent for all nights.
Local flights: No local flights are included in the trek´s price!

Group & Go: Save on the Inca Trail!
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If you're ready to hike the Inca Trail, but you're looking for a way to make it more affordable without missing out on all the benefits of a full package, then our "Build Your Group" promotion is perfect for you. With this offer, you'll have an unforgettable trekking experience, save money, and share the adventure with other passionate travelers.

 

Curious about how it works?

It's easy, just follow these 3 simple steps:

  • Book your trek individually: Secure your spot on the Inca Trail with the base price you'll find below.
  • Encourage others to join you: Spread the word! Share the details of your adventure on social media, trekking forums, or recommendation sites.
  • Take advantage of group discounts: For each person who joins your group, you'll receive a discount on the total price. The bigger the group, the bigger your savings!

 

Not sure where to find trekking buddies?

Here are a few suggestions:

  • Post on social media like Facebook, Instagram, or Reddit.
  • Join traveler groups or forums specializing in outdoor adventures.
  • Connect with other local travelers or check out online recommendation sites.

 

Discount Table

 

Group Size Base Price Per Person Discount Per Person Final Price Per Person
1 Traveler U$ 2106 ----- U$ 2106
2 Travelers U$ 2106 U$ 891 U$ 1215
3 Travelers U$ 1215 U$ 175 U$ 1040
4 Travelers U$ 1040 U$ 135 U$ 905
5 Travelers U$ 905 U$ 65 U$ 840
6 Travelers U$ 840 U$ 25 U$ 815
7 Travelers U$ 815 U$ 20 U$ 795
8+ Travelers U$ 795 U$ 10 U$ 785

 

Salkantay Trek Machu Representative & Guides
Detail

All Inca Trail tours to Machu Picchu include a professional tour guide, trekking cook, and porters, as well as a Salkantay Trek Machu representative who is responsible for coordinating all transfers and logistics throughout your 4-day Inca Trail tour.

Our representative will visit your hotel or Airbnb for a pre-trek briefing, where they will provide detailed information, answer any questions you may have about your Machu Picchu hike, and explain the mission of the Responsible People Foundation.

 

Our Professional Tour Guide

Your guide is a trekking specialist with years of experience walking the Inca Trails and guiding visitors to Machu Picchu. Each year, they undergo training in guiding techniques and first aid, ensuring both your safety and an enriching experience.

They have a university degree and are certified in English, allowing for clear communication. More importantly, they are passionate about sharing the culture, traditions, and history of the Andean people and the Inca civilization.

 

Our Trekking Cook and Porters

Our trekking cook is a specialist in preparing delicious and natural meals using fresh, local ingredients from the Andes. Each year, they receive training in food handling and first aid to ensure the highest safety standards.

Our porters are fully paid and treated ethically. In addition to working with Salkantay Trek Machu, they benefit from our collaboration with the Responsible People Foundation, which supports their communities with access to healthcare, nutrition, and new development projects, including reforestation efforts in the Andean mountains.

 

Inca Trail and Huayna Picchu Mountain
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Climb Huayna Picchu after doing the Inca Trail?

Visitors who wish to climb the Huayna Picchu mountain after the Inca Trail must book the Ticket Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu in Group 2 (entrance from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.). This is because, after an arduous walk, tourists will arrive at the Inca site at around 08:00 a.m., tired and with insufficient time to enter Waynapicchu in Group 1.

 

To do both the Inca Trail and the ascent to the Huayna Picchu mountain, a lot of planning is needed. The first thing is to make both reservations months in advance, especially if you plan to do the adventure in high tourist season (from April to October). If the visit is planned in the low tourist season (from October to March), it should be taken into account that the Inca Trail remains closed for maintenance throughout the month of February.

 

Visitors who enter the Huayna Picchu mountain through Group 2, can stay until 02:00 pm. in the Inca site. This provides the opportunity to have time to visit the stone constructions of the Inca Citadel, such as the Temple of the Condor, the Temple of the Sun or the Intihuatana. If you no longer have enough strength to continue walking through the Wonder of the World, another option is to simply enjoy the incredible view that Machu Picchu offers.

 

Recommendations:

  • Before doing the Inca Trail, it is advisable to acclimatize previously (1 or 2 days) to the city of Cusco. The route through the ancient Inca trails crosses altitudes of up to 4,200 meters above sea level.
  • The Inca Trail is allowed to people of all ages. The Huayna Picchu, only for people over 12 years old.
  • For both the Inca Trail and the Huayna Picchu it is recommended to bring sunscreen, water in a canteen, suitable footwear for hiking, repellent against mosquitoes, light clothing during the day and snacks.
  • You do not need to be an expert mountaineer to do the Inca Trail and the ascent to Waynapicchu. The only requirement is the desire to want to reach the goal.
  • The Inca Trail and Huayna Picchu have signs that protect the life of the tourist. It is necessary to follow the signs and not look for a way on your own.

Camping equipment included
Detail

 

Inca Trail tour

 

Solo Travel: Inca Trail Tour
Detail

During the Inca Trail tour, we spend three nights full-service camping, meaning that our camp staff will erect and dismantle the double tents, cook, and do all camp chores for you: you need only carry your day pack. There will also be dining and toilet tents and bowls of warm water are provided both morning and evening for washing.

 

Solo Traveler: If you are traveling on your own, and would prefer to share a tent, we'll pair you with another trekker of the same gender and there will not be an extra cost. If you prefer to have a tent to yourself a surcharge of USD 50 will have to be paid. If you want an upgrade any service to the train or accommodation or do you want to stay an extra night in Machu Picchu, contact us directly at info@salkantaytrekmachu.com for this to be done and confirmed to you.

 

Tips & Extra information
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EXTRA INFORMATION

The camping equipment to Inca Trail will be returned to Cusco on day 4th, you need to give to chef the sleeping bag, mattress.

Camping (double tent) provided in 1st, 2nd, 3rd nights

 

The hike to Inca Trail is included the extra porter. Our porters will carry your clothes, sleeping (5 kg per person). You will need to carry only your a daypack: Camera, water bottle, snacks, cold weather and a poncho in case of rain (unlikely in Dry season May to October)- but as a precaution.

 

TIPPING & EXTRA MONEY

It’s very important to take EXTRA MONEY. You need to take at least 200-300 soles emergency money:

  • The local people built the small markets in the route and you can find the water, snack, chocolate, cola etc. Your first breakfast, last lunch no included
  • Tipping to Inca Trail to Machu Picchu: If at the end of your trek you felt your trekking guide(s), and staff did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference: however as a guideline we suggest each hiker contributes USD 50 per person to a collective tipping pool, more is always appreciated.

Inca Trail Facts
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Three historical facts of the Inca Trail

The Inca Trail is only one part of a route that crosses six countries and has more than 60 thousand kilometers that bears the name of Qhapaq Ñan.

 

The Andean road of Qhapac Ñan is neglected or without facilities for tourists in its thousands of kilometers, only the Inca Trail has everything you need to be enjoyed.

 

The Inca Trail, Qhapac Ñan, was declared in 2014 as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, recognition of one of the best historical trekking routes in the world.

 

Three facts about the Inca Trail for 2026

Every February of each year the Inca Trail is closed for the maintenance and care of the route.

 

By 2022 it will be necessary to make a reservation for the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu at least three months in advance.

 

Today the capacity for Machu Picchu has been considerably reduced, in the case of the Inca Trail the capacity is 500 people, but it is only about 200 spaces for adventurers because the professional staff that accompany it reaches a number of 300.

 

Inca Trail Facts

Inca Trail Elevation
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What is the maximum height of the Inca Trail?

The Inca Trail is considered a difficult expedition not only because of the distance but also because of the high altitude at some point along the way. The highest point on the road is at ‘Abra Warmihuañusca’, at 4,224 meters (13,860 feet).

 

Inca Trail Elevation

 

Recommendations on problems with height on the Inca Trail:

  • Altitude sickness or soroche is a typical discomfort in places of high altitudes. It can cause headaches, nausea, loss of appetite, and lack of energy.
  • The best way to combat soroche is to spend a few days of acclimatization in Cusco or the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
  • One of the most effective ways is to drink plenty of mate de coca (coca leaf-based infusion) or chew it, just as the Incas did hundreds of years ago.
  • In any case, the tour guide has a lot of experience in these ailments and will know how to help the visitor during the Inca Trail.

Inca Trail Weather
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Climate in Cusco: The highland region of Cusco has well defined winter and summer seasons. Winter days (June - August) are very sunny and warm, but the temperature drops to near freezing at night. Rainy season is from January to March. December and January are two of the nicest months for trekking with only the occasional shower and blooming flowers.

 

4 Day Inca Trail Map
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Inca Trail tours: Map

Inca Trail Suggest Items
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BACKPACKER FOR YOU TREKKING

Generally speaking you should pack as lightly as possible. If you have extra porter, the porter carry your luggage from Km82 (1st day) to Wiñay wayna camping (3th day).  You have extra porter. We recommend keeping the weight under 5 kg/10lb (included personal clothes and sleeping bag). You will need to carry daypack.
 

If very important your take best cover backpacker, because the weather in Inca Trail is change every date, we can’t predict it raining or no. If you don’t have, we recommended to putting your clothes, sleeping bag and other personal equipment inside the plastic bag.

 

APPROPRIATE CLOTHING ALONG THIS HIKE

Hiking pants and T-shirts are recommended during the day, complemented by sweaters, fleeces and waterproof jackets. It is very convenient to have light raingear available in the daypack (rain poncho or jacket and/or rain pants) as the weather changes easily and rains can suddenly occur. At night, warm clothing is required, down jackets can be useful, otherwise a fleece and a jacket. During the third day (if sunny) and in Machu Picchu, convertible hiking pants are useful, as can be switched into shorts if necessary. Machu picchu has a warm climate, getting only cold at night. The rest of necessary implements are included in the “What we recommend that you bring your Inca Trail” list.

 

WHAT TO BRING TO THIS HIKE

  • Passport original
  • Original International Student Identity Card (in case you have applied for a student discount)
  • Cash in soles
  • Rain gear (jacket and pants if available)
  • Strong footwear, waterproof trekking boots recommended
  • Sandals or jogging shoes for a higher comfort while at camp
  • Warm clothes, including jacket, fleeces. Thermal clothing is also recommended.
  • Flashlight/headlamp and batteries
  • Camera and batteries (batteries consume more quickly under cold conditions)
  • Hat or cap to protect you from the sun, rain and cold
  • Sun block
  • After-sun cream or hydrating cream for face and body
  • Insect repellent – minimum recommended 20% DEET – no malaria risk has been reported
  • Handkerchiefs
  • Toilet paper
  • Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc. Please note that we do provide a daily morning snack and our meal service is very complete and well supplied. This recommendation applies for all clients being used to a specific snack, as it may happen that it is not included in our selection
  • Water container and water for the first morning. Important notice: plastic water bottles are no longer allowed into Machu Picchu. Plastic water containers (ie. Nalgene) or metal ones are recommended
  • Optionally: water- sterilizing tablets in case you pick up water from streams or rivers along the route. Otherwise, we provide filtered boiled water, which is safe to drink and has not reported any health problem so far
  • Small towel
  • Swimsuit (if you wish to go to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes)
  • Optional: walking sticks or poles (rubber covers required in order not to damage the Inca Trail)

Inca Trail Tour: The Best Budget-Friendly Hike to Machu Picchu
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Inca Trail Backpacker

The 4 day Inca Trail service involves all inclusive equipment, permits and meals and If you want the best price, we recommend the Cheap Inca Trail tours. This service involves the basic equipment, double tent, mattress, food, Inca Trail permits and other services.

 

 

 

No More Inca Trail Permits? Discover the Top Alternatives
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Many people include Peru in their “Things to do” list before they depart the planet, the main reason being to Trek the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, although what most people don’t know is that there are various Inca Trails Trips to Machu Picchu to pick from in the Cusco region. The difference lies in what kind of an experience you want, hiking the Inca trail and how challenging you like your treks.

If you want to say that you’ve hiked the famous hike to Machu Picchu, then the Classic Inca Trail is for you. but usually you will need to book in advance, in case it is fully booked, we recommend the Inca Trail alternatives:

 

Frequently Asked Questions about Inca Trail
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How Many Inca Trail Permits Are Issued Per Day?

Due to the high demand for tickets, you must get entrance tickets to the Inca Trail well in advance (6 months). The purchase is made only online through the website of an authorized tourism agency.

 

In total 500 people enter the trails of the Inca Trail every day. Of them, only 200 are tourists. The rest are support staff such as cooks, porters, guides. The ticket to enter the Inca Trail includes the support staff.

 

How many people can travel the Inca Trail each day?

There are 500 permits available for the Inca Trail each day. However, that number is a bit far from the truth since only 200 tourists will be able to enter each day. The rest of the people make up the support team on the route (porters, guides and cooks).

 

And how to book the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?

To obtain a permit to enter the Inca Trail you will need to enter the website of an authorized tourism agency and follow the following steps:

 

When is the time to book the Inca Trail?

The famous 4-day trek can only be done in the company of an ‘authorized’ tourism agency. Tours must be purchased approximately 6 months in advance.

 

When availability is released (every October 5), permits begin to run out. This happens especially for the months of May to August (high tourist season).

 

When to book the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?

The Inca Trail is one of the best treks on the planet. That is why there is a great demand for tickets. This is why you will need to reserve the proceeds well in advance.

 

Take the following into account before reserving the ticket to the Inca Trail:

  • The income to the Inca Trail runs out 6 months before. Remember that only 500 people can travel this route each day.
  • Only 200 people will end up entering Machu Picchu this way, since the rest belong to the support team, cooks, porters and guides.
  • The entrance to the Inca Trail only includes the Inca City of Machu Picchu. If you want to visit the Machu Picchu Mountain or the Huayna Picchu; request it at the tourist agency.
  • The purchase of the income to the Inca Trail is through the website of an authorized tourism agency.

Didn't find availability to do the Inca Trail?

  • The only way to enter the Wonder of the World is by train through the Sacred Valley of the Incas or by the alternative route from Santa María to Machu Picchu. Entrance tickets to Machu Picchu must also be reserved in advance.
  • Search availability for the Inca Trail on the date of your preference.
  • If you found availability, click on book and start by filling in your personal details on the booking form.
  • To obtain a permit to enter the Inca Trail, you will need the complete information of your passport or your identity document.
  • Make the payment through different payment methods such as Visa, MasterCard or PayPal.
  • After making the payment you will receive a payment receipt in your email.
  • Tourists will receive an informative talk from the tour guide in Cusco 1 night before the start of the Inca Trail.

Can I do the Inca Trail on my own?

The entrance to the legendary Inca highway is strictly controlled. This is how it seeks to protect the Inca Trail that is more than 500 years old and the wonderful natural environment that surrounds it.

 

More information about the Inca Trail permits:

  • The Inca Trail is only allowed with the company of a tour guide. The purchase of the ticket is in an authorized travel agency.
  • The agency will be in charge of reserving the entrance ticket for you and everything you need to do the Inca Trail.
  • Tickets must be reserved 6 months in advance. Permits are limited to 500 people per day.
  • Among the 500 people who do the Inca Trail, cooks, porters and guides are included. So there are only 200 tourists who can enter Machu Picchu through the Inca Trail. 

How much does the Inca Trail cost?

The prices of the Inca Trail vary according to each tourism agency. It is estimated that on average, the 4-day tour has a cost of 600 US dollars per person.

 

How to get the best price for the Inca Trail?

Most tourism agencies offer a discount of $ 20 or $ 30 for university students with an ISIC card.

Children under 18 years of age also have an approximate discount by presenting the passport that certifies their age.

 

When is the income released to reserve the Inca Trail?

Income for the Inca Trail is released approximately on October 5 of every year. However, the date may vary for a few days or weeks depending on the organization drawn up by the Ministry of Culture of Peru.

 

How many people can travel the Inca Trail each day?

There are 500 permits available for the Inca Trail each day. However, that number is a bit far from the truth since only 200 tourists will be able to enter each day. The rest of the people make up the support team on the route (porters, guides and cooks).

 

When is the time to book the Inca Trail?

The famous 4-day trek can only be done in the company of an ‘authorized’ tourism agency. Tours must be purchased approximately 6 months in advance.

When availability is released (every October 5), permits begin to run out. This happens especially for the months of May to August (high tourist season).

 

What are the alternatives to the Inca Trail?

For those people who did not manage to reserve one of the permits for the Inca Trail, know that there are several alternative routes that lead to Machu Picchu.

 

Route through Salkantay:

This hike lasts 5 days, 4 nights and runs through high mountains such as the ‘Abra del Nevado Salkantay’, 4,650 meters from the sea (15,255 ft). This adventure is more difficult than the Inca Trail since it covers almost 70 kilometers. Go through the town of Aguas Calientes to get to Machu Picchu. It is famous for its beautiful landscapes of snow-capped mountains and lagoons.

 

Route through Lares:

This hike lasts 4 days, 3 nights and crosses Andean mountains along with traditional towns such as Lares. The highest point on the route is the Ipsaycocha pass, 4,350 meters from the sea (14,271 ft). There are many variants of this walk. The most popular route through ‘Patacancha’ covers approximately 37 kilometers. It includes a section by train to Aguas Calientes, from where you go up to Machu Picchu. It is famous for its traditional villages.

 

Route through Choquequirao:

The archaeological site of Choquequirao is considered the ‘Sacred Sister of Machu Picchu’ due to its similarity to the Inca City. The route that leads there lasts 4 days, 3 nights and is considered one of the most difficult because it runs through the hot Apurímac canyon. Additionally, there is an 8-day hike that continues that route to Machu Picchu. This extreme hike covers 115 kilometers.

Inca Jungle Route - The Inca Jungle is the commercial name of an adventure tour to Machu Picchu that includes the practice of sports such as: cycling, walking, canoeing, zipline and more experiences. It lasts 4 days, 3 nights and includes a visit to Machu Picchu by the Hydroelectric route.

 

Is the Inca Trail dangerous?

The Inca Trail is not dangerous. The security measures in place include first aid equipment. The tour guides are trained to act effectively in any type of emergency.

 

What dangers can there be on the Inca Trail?

The trails of the Inca Trail are wide and well signposted. For no reason the tourist should risk his life looking for roads on his own.

The maximum height is in the ‘Abra Warmiwañusca’ (4,200 m.s.n.m.). This altitude can cause physical difficulties.

Older adults can feel physical exhaustion more intensely during the Inca Trail. They should check with their doctor before hiking.

 

Can I do the Inca Trail with children?

The Inca Trail is allowed to people of any age. Children or adolescents can do the walk accompanied by their parents. It is preferable that minors like long walks and camping.

 

Tips for doing the Inca Trail with children: 

It is not advisable to do the Inca Trail with children under 8 years of age, unless they have already successfully completed similar walks.

Of course, it is not recommended to do the Inca Trail with babies.

If you have already decided to do the Inca Trail with children, it is advisable to prepare them psychologically for the journey.

 

What is the best time to do the Inca Trail?

Cusco and the entire southern region of Peru are marked by two different climatic seasons: the rainy season (from November to March) and the dry season (from April to October). The best time to do the Inca Trail is the dry season. The climate in those months is warm and with little frequency of rains.

 

What to wear to combat the weather on the Inca Trail?

If you plan to visit the Inca Trail during the dry season, it is advisable to bring a hat, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, sunglasses, light clothing during the day and warm clothes at night.

 

If you plan to visit the Inca Trail during the rainy season, it is recommended to bring a rain poncho, a windbreaker jacket, non-slip shoes and a walking stick.

 

Is the Inca Trail open all year?

The Inca Trail is closed in February. During that month, the rains are heavier and can make the journey through the trails of the Inca Trail very difficult. The guards take advantage of these days to maintain the road and the Inca structures. The rest of the year, this hiking trail is open to the public.

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Salkantay Trek Machu
Sustainable Tourism Operator
We are a tour operator of Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu. We have been providing tours for more than 8 years and our reliable.
Phone +51 84 226 547
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Address Av Tupac Amaru PP-10B, Santiago, Cusco, Peru
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