Choose from 1-day, 2-day, or 4-day treks along the historic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. All tours include guided hikes, transportation, and entry tickets, with options ranging from express trips to comprehensive camping expeditions.
Hike the Inca Trail with dedicated trail support, expert historical insights, and a total commitment to food safety.
A four-day trek through Andean landscapes and archaeological sites ending at the Sun Gate of Machu Picchu.
Likely to Sell Out Experience the best of the Inca Trail in two days, hiking from KM104 through Wiñay Wayna to the Sun Gate.
Hike the Short Inca Trail to see Machu Picchu at sunset and sunrise, with a return trip via the Vistadome train.
Free Cancellation Hike the 26-mile Inca Trail to Machu Picchu with expert local guides, small groups, and full porter support.
Free Cancellation Hike the final section of the Inca Trail to enter Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate on this two-day trek.
Reach Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate at sunset on this condensed hike through cloud forest ruins.
Free Cancellation Hike the best sections of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in a single day, ideal for families and short schedules.
Hike the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu over two days, including guided tours and an overnight stay in the valley.
Likely to Sell Out Hike the historic Inca Trail through diverse Andean landscapes to witness the sunrise over Machu Picchu.
Read what travelers share about their experience visiting Inca Trail — from practical tips to personal highlights.
Hiking the Inca Trail is a physically demanding but profoundly rewarding journey through the rugged Andes. You will follow the ancient stone paths laid by the Inca Empire over 500 years ago, trekking through diverse ecosystems before making your final descent into the sacred citadel of Machu Picchu.
Challenge yourself with a steep ascent to Warmi Wañusqa, the highest point on the trail at 4,215 meters (13,829 feet). The sweeping, misty views of the Andean peaks from the top make the grueling climb completely worth it.
Explore these breathtaking ancient stone houses clinging impossibly to a steep mountainside. Overlooking the rushing Urubamba River, it's a stunning display of Incan agricultural terraces.
Arrive at the iconic stone portal of Inti Punku just as the morning clouds part. This is where hikers get their unforgettable, emotional first panoramic glimpse of Machu Picchu.
Camp or rest at Phuyupatamarka, an archaeological site perched high above the valleys. It offers spectacular 360-degree views of snowy peaks, often surrounded by a mystical sea of morning mist.
Climb the dramatic agricultural terraces of this high-altitude site. Standing on the stone platforms gives you a true sense of the sheer scale of Incan engineering.
Look down upon these expansive ruins nestled along the Cusichaka River near the beginning of the trek. This site originally served crucial religious, ceremonial, and agricultural functions.
Planning an Inca Trail trek requires careful preparation and early booking due to strict government regulations and high demand.
The Peruvian government limits the trail to exactly 500 permits per day, and only about 200-250 of those go to tourists (the rest are for guides and porters). You must book 6 to 9 months in advance if you plan to hike during the peak dry season from May to September.
You can choose the Classic 4-day, 3-night camping trek covering 42 kilometers, or opt for the Short Inca Trail which takes 1 or 2 days and covers 12 kilometers. Private and small-group options are available, but all require hiking with a certified guide.
Most multi-day tour packages are highly inclusive. They cover your mandatory trail permits, Machu Picchu entry tickets, professional guides, meals cooked by a chef, camping gear (like Eureka tents), and return train tickets (often the panoramic Vistadome or Expedition trains).
Because trail permits are tied to your specific passport number and are non-transferable by law, the vast majority of Inca Trail tours have a strict non-refundable cancellation policy. Make sure your travel dates are locked in before booking.
On 4-day treks, tours typically provide a personal porter who will carry up to 7kg (15 lbs) of your personal belongings in a provided duffel bag. You will only need to carry a daypack with daily essentials like water, sunscreen, and your passport.
If you want to climb Huayna Picchu (Waynapicchu) or Machu Picchu Montaña after your trek, these require separate tickets that are not usually included in the standard trail packages. You must request these from your operator well in advance.
The trail reaches extreme altitudes over 13,800 feet. Operators strongly recommend spending at least 1 to 3 days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley prior to your trek to avoid severe altitude sickness.
You cannot hike the trail without your original physical passport. Rangers will check it against your official permit at multiple checkpoints along the route. Ensure your passport details match exactly when booking.
| Classic 4-Day Trek | Short 2-Day Trek | Private 1-Day Trek | Small Group Premium Trek | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 4 Days / 3 Nights | 2 Days / 1 Night | 1 Day | 4 Days / 3 Nights |
| Best for | Hikers wanting the complete historic camping experience | Travelers short on time or who prefer a hotel bed over camping | Tight schedules wanting a fast-paced, condensed hike | Those wanting extra comfort and smaller group sizes (max 8) |
| Includes | Permits, tents, all meals, porters (7kg), return train | Permits, 3-star hotel night, meals, guided tour, train | Permits, private guide, box lunch, round-trip train | 4-person tents for 2, inflatable mats, private portable toilets, porters |
| Price from | $798 | $585 | $650 | $1149 |
The Inca Trail is open daily from March through January. The entire trail network is strictly closed for the month of February for mandatory conservation, safety maintenance, and heavy rains. However, Machu Picchu itself remains open year-round via train access.
Daily entry to Machu Picchu at the end of your trek is scheduled in specific shifts to control crowds:
Visits inside the citadel are capped at a maximum duration of 4 hours. There is a tolerance time for late entry of 30 minutes in low season and 45 minutes in high season.
Most trekkers begin their journey by flying into Cusco Airport (LIM to CUZ), which takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes and costs around $130 USD round trip. From the airport, authorized taxis to downtown hotels cost between $8 and $12 USD.
Tour operators typically pick you up directly from your hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley (Urubamba or Ollantaytambo) early in the morning (between 4:00 AM and 6:00 AM) and drive you to the trailhead at KM 82 or KM 104.
After completing the trek and visiting Machu Picchu, return transport is included in almost all tours. You will take a 25-minute shuttle bus down to Aguas Calientes, board the PeruRail or Inca Rail train (often the panoramic Vistadome or Expedition class) to Ollantaytambo, and then take a private van back to Cusco.
The absolute best months to hike the Inca Trail are during the dry season from May to September. During this window, the weather is highly stable, offering sunny days, clear skies, and breathtaking unobstructed views of the Andean peaks. However, nights at high-altitude campsites will be very cold.
Because these are peak months, you must book your permits 6 to 9 months in advance.
Avoid hiking in January, November, and April if possible. These months fall in the rainy season, bringing heavy downpours that create extremely muddy paths, slippery stone steps, and severely reduced visibility. February is completely off-limits as the trail is closed for maintenance.
The Classic Inca Trail features rugged terrain, steep inclines, and wobbly ancient stonework, making it highly challenging. However, specialized luxury tour operators offer a modified 2-day Royal Inca Trail experience using expert assistants and all-terrain wheelchairs for travelers with mobility needs.
Within Machu Picchu itself, wheelchair users are restricted to Circuits 3 and 4. These circuits feature smoother pathways, gradual inclines, and ramp access. Advance booking of specific permits and mandatory companion assistance is required.
For families, children under 18 receive a $30 USD discount on official trail permits, though parents must ensure kids are fit enough for 7-hour hiking days. Seniors over 70 can complete the trek but must take acclimatization in Cusco very seriously to prevent severe altitude sickness.
Facilities along the rugged trail are provided entirely by your tour operator. A standard 4-day trek includes a dedicated team of porters and a chef who carry and set up all necessary equipment.
The Peruvian Ministry of Culture enforces strict rules to protect the UNESCO World Heritage site. Violations can lead to immediate removal and penalties.
The government strictly limits the trail to 500 permits per day. Out of these, only about 200 to 250 are allocated for tourists, while the remaining spots are reserved for the required guides, cooks, and porters.
No, the Inca Trail is closed for the entire month of February for conservation and safety maintenance. Teams use this time to reinforce stone structures and repair bridges, though Machu Picchu itself remains open via train.
No. Since 2001, it has been strictly mandatory to hike the Inca Trail with a certified guide and an authorized tour operator. Independent trekking is completely prohibited.
A standard 4-day Classic Inca Trail tour typically ranges from $760 to over $1,300 USD per person. This price includes your trail permits, Machu Picchu entry, professional guides, porters, camping gear, meals, and return train tickets.
Drones are completely banned on the trail and at Machu Picchu; unauthorized use will result in confiscation. Tripods and monopods are also prohibited without a paid professional permit, though small flexible phone grips are usually fine.
The highest point is Warmi Wañusqa, also known as Dead Woman's Pass, sitting at an elevation of 4,215 meters (13,829 feet). It requires a steep, physically demanding ascent.
If you want to hike during the popular dry-season months from May to August, you must book your permits 6 to 9 months in advance. For other months, booking 3 to 4 months ahead is highly recommended.
You can opt for the Short Inca Trail, which covers 12 kilometers (9 miles) and takes 1 or 2 days. The 2-day version includes roughly seven hours of hiking on the first day, ending with a hotel stay in Aguas Calientes before visiting Machu Picchu the next morning.
Yes, all authorized Inca Trail tours include both your official trail trekking permit and your entry ticket into the Machu Picchu citadel (usually Circuit 1 or 3). Extra mountain hikes like Huayna Picchu cost extra.
It is customary to carry extra Peruvian Soles to tip your team at the end of the trek. Average tips range from 100 to 150 Soles per hiker for the communal staff (porters and cooks), plus an additional tip directly for your guide.
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Our Inca Trail expeditions prioritize guest safety through a dedicated support system. A guide always remains at the back of the group to ensure every hiker moves at their own pace and no one is left behind. This constant supervision allows you to focus on the landscape while knowing professional assistance is always available. We maintain strict kitchen protocols to prevent food-borne illness, including rigorous cross-contamination checks, thorough cooking, and the use of treated water. These standards are backed by a full compensation policy if any guest experiences food-related health issues during the trek. Additionally, our guides provide detailed lectures on Inca history throughout the journey. To help you remember the details, we email a written copy of all lecture materials to you after the trek is complete.
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
English, Spanish
This four-day trek follows the historic stone paths used by the Incas, leading travelers through high mountain passes and cloud forests to the Sun Gate of Machu Picchu. Along the route, you will visit several archaeological sites that are only accessible by foot and spend three nights camping in the Andes with professional-grade equipment. The journey concludes with a comprehensive guided tour of the Machu Picchu citadel. As a local operator, TreXperience focuses on logistical precision and ethical trekking. We ensure all porters and field staff receive fair compensation and proper working conditions. Your participation also funds community initiatives that provide educational materials and support to children in local Andean villages. After completing the hike, you will return to Cusco via the Vistadome or 360° scenic trains, which feature panoramic windows for viewing the Sacred Valley.
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
English, Spanish
This two-day trek is designed for travelers who want to experience the highlights of the Inca Trail within a shorter timeframe. Your journey begins at KM104, where you will join indigenous guides for a hike through the high-altitude rainforest. Along the way, you will explore the well-preserved archaeological site of Wiñay Wayna before continuing toward the Sun Gate for your first view of the citadel. After descending from the Sun Gate, you will spend the night at a hotel in Machu Picchu Town (Aguas Calientes). The following morning, you will return to the ruins for a comprehensive guided tour. A professional local expert will lead you through the site, providing historical context and insights into the architecture of this world-famous landmark.
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
English, Spanish
This two-day trek covers the final section of the classic Inca Trail, starting with a visit to the Chachabamba ruins. You will hike through high-altitude cloud forests to the Wiñaywayna archaeological site before reaching the Sun Gate (Intipunku). By arriving in the late afternoon, you can view Machu Picchu at sunset after most day-trippers have left. The first day concludes with a stay at a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes and dinner prepared by the trek's professional kitchen staff. On the second morning, you will re-enter the citadel for a guided tour at sunrise to explore the history and architecture of the site in depth. After the tour, you have time to explore the town of Aguas Calientes before boarding the Vistadome train. This return journey offers panoramic views of the Sacred Valley landscape through floor-to-ceiling windows as you travel back toward Cusco.
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
English, Spanish
This four-day trek follows the original 26-mile stone path used by the Incas, leading you through diverse mountain landscapes and cloud forests to the Sun Gate of Machu Picchu. Our 100% local team includes professional guides who share the history of the region and a dedicated chef who prepares fresh, hot meals at every campsite. We keep groups small, with a maximum of eight hikers, to ensure a more personal experience. Our porters handle all camping gear and personal belongings, allowing you to focus on the trail. We provide high-quality equipment, including portable toilets and satellite phones for safety, and manage all logistics with hotel-to-hotel service. By choosing this trek, you support a local company that prioritizes the respectful treatment of our staff. From ground logistics to expert guidance, we provide everything needed for a safe and rewarding journey to one of the world’s most significant historical sites.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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This two-day trek begins at KM 104 of the railway line, offering a shorter alternative for those who want to experience the Inca Trail without several days of camping. The path climbs through the cloud forest to the archaeological sites of Chachabamba and Wiñay Wayna, where you can see well-preserved terraces and stone structures. Following the original Inca path, you will reach the Sun Gate in the afternoon for your first view of Machu Picchu. From there, you descend to the citadel before taking a bus to Aguas Calientes for an overnight stay. On the second morning, you return to the ruins for a comprehensive guided tour of the historic site.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
Designed for travelers with a tight schedule, this trek covers the final section of the classic Inca Trail. You will walk through the high-altitude cloud forest, passing several archaeological sites that are often less crowded than those on the longer route. This route offers a condensed look at the region's history and biodiversity without requiring several days of camping. As a local operator, we time our arrival at the Sun Gate for the late afternoon, which is the only way to see Machu Picchu at sunset after a day of hiking. This schedule also allows for more exclusive access to the Inca sites along the trail, as we aim to visit them during quieter hours when most tour groups have already moved on.
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
English, Spanish
This one-day trek covers the most scenic sections of the traditional Camino Inca. You will walk through changing landscapes, from high-altitude alpine tundra to lush cloud forests, passing several ancient Incan archaeological sites along the way. The trail leads directly to the Sun Gate, providing your first view of Machu Picchu. Designed for those on a tight schedule or travelers who prefer a less strenuous alternative to the multi-day trek, this route offers a condensed version of the classic experience. It is a practical option for families and hikers of varying fitness levels who still want to reach the citadel on foot.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Portuguese, English, Spanish
This two-day trip begins with a transfer from Cusco to the trailhead to begin a full day of hiking. The route follows the Short Inca Trail, passing the archaeological sites of Chachabamba and Wiñay Wayna before arriving at Inti Punku, the Sun Gate, for a first view of Machu Picchu. The day concludes with a descent into Aguas Calientes for dinner and an overnight stay in a hotel. The second morning is dedicated to exploring Machu Picchu, starting with a guided tour of the citadel followed by free time to walk through the ruins independently. This tour is limited to small groups of no more than nine people and includes all necessary transportation, official trail permits, entrance fees, and three meals.
If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.<br>If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
English, Spanish
This trek follows the stone paths of the classic Inca Trail, crossing high mountain passes and descending into subtropical cloud forests. Along the route, you will visit various archaeological sites, including ancient temples, agricultural terraces, and intricate water systems. The journey leads to the Sun Gate (Puerta del Sol) to watch the sun rise over Machu Picchu, followed by a guided exploration of the citadel and a climb to the summit of Huayna Picchu for a panoramic view of the entire valley. As a locally owned and operated agency, we manage every detail of the trek directly. Our teams are composed of experienced local guides, cooks, and porters who provide high-quality camping equipment and fresh meals throughout the excursion. We emphasize sustainable tourism and personalized service, ensuring that your journey is both environmentally responsible and logistically seamless.
If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
English, Spanish