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Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Trek the most legendary route in South America — the original Inca path to the Lost City

Discover the Legendary Inca Trail

The Inca Trail — known as Capaq Ñan — is the most iconic trekking route in the world. Built by the great Inca emperor Pachacutec, this ancient network of stone paths connects the Imperial City of Cusco with the sacred citadel of Machu Picchu, passing through cloud forests, alpine tundra, and breathtaking mountain passes.

With only 500 permits per day (including guides and porters), access is strictly limited — making it one of the most exclusive and sought-after treks on the planet. Our certified guides will walk you through Inca ruins, diverse ecosystems, and unforgettable landscapes that no road can reach.

Official permits included
Certified bilingual guides
All meals on trek included
Quality camping gear
Porters for your equipment
Train return to Cusco
Hikers on the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu - Cusco Peru

Our Inca Trail Tours

Choose your route — from the classic 4-day adventure to a 7-day epic expedition

2 Days / 1 Night
inca trail

Short Inca Trail & Machu Picchu

We'll pick you up very early from your hotel in Cusco (4:00 am) or, if you prefer, from the Sacred Valley (5:30 am) . For your convenience, we recommend spending the night before in Ollantaytambo to avoid long, early morning transfers. From the train station, we'll begin a spectacular scenic journey through the Urubamba Valley to Km 104, the starting point of the trek . Here, you'll enjoy an al fresco breakfast prepared by our mountain chefs. Remember to have your original passport on hand , as it is required at the Inca Trail entrance checkpoint.

Price per person
$ 540.00 USD
4 days / 3 nights
inca trail

Classic Inca Trail & Machu Picchu

Step out of your comfort zone and embark on the majestic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu , recognized as one of the best treks in the world. Enjoy stunning natural landscapes, explore ancient Inca sites, share unique moments with our local porters, and delight your palate with exquisite Peruvian cuisine. All this while you make new friends and culminate the adventure by reaching Machu Picchu through the imposing Andean mountains.

Price per person
$ 780.00 USD
7 Days / 6 Nights
inca trail

Salkantay Trek & Inca Trail Machu Picchu

Salkantay Trek and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu tour combines two of Peru's most iconic trekking routes , offering a unique adventure between nature, history, and culture. From Cusco, you'll start with a leisurely hike to Marcocasa and then ascend to the imposing Incachiriaska Pass (5028 m), enjoying glacial landscapes and Andean wildlife.

Price per person
$ 1150.00 USD

Which Inca Trail Route Is Right for You?

Compare our options and find the perfect fit for your fitness level and schedule

2 Days

Short Inca Trail

Perfect for travelers with limited time. Hike the final and most scenic stretch of the trail, arriving at the Sun Gate for a stunning first view of Machu Picchu.

  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Distance: ~14 km
  • Max altitude: 2,700m
  • 1 night camping
4 Days ⭐ Most Popular

Classic Inca Trail

The original and most complete experience. Trek the full ancient Inca path through cloud forest, high mountain passes, and dozens of archaeological sites before arriving at Machu Picchu at sunrise.

  • Difficulty: Challenging
  • Distance: ~43 km
  • Max altitude: 4,215m
  • 3 nights camping
7 Days

Salkantay + Inca Trail

The ultimate Andean adventure. Combine the dramatic Salkantay Pass (4,630m) with the Classic Inca Trail for a once-in-a-lifetime expedition through the most diverse landscapes in Peru.

  • Difficulty: Very Challenging
  • Distance: ~74 km
  • Max altitude: 4,630m
  • 6 nights camping
Inca Trail permit information and booking - Cusco Peru

Inca Trail Permits: What You Need to Know

The Peruvian government strictly limits access to the Inca Trail to protect this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Only 500 people per day are allowed on the trail — including guides and porters — which means fewer than 200 trekking spots are available daily.

During peak season (June–September), permits sell out 6 to 8 months in advance. We handle the entire permit process for you — all we need is your passport number and date of birth to secure your spot.

Permits Required

For the Classic 4-day and 7-day routes — book as early as possible

Trail Closure

The trail closes every February for maintenance and environmental restoration

Check Availability 2026

Why Book Your Inca Trail With Us?

Local experts who know every stone of the trail

Officially Certified

Registered with GERCETUR and authorized by the Ministry of Culture to operate Inca Trail permits

All Meals Included

Our cook prepares fresh, hot meals on the trail — breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinner every day

Quality Equipment

4-season tents, comfortable sleeping mats, and a dedicated porter team to carry the camp gear

24/7 Support

Our team is reachable by WhatsApp at any hour before, during, and after your trek

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know before booking the Inca Trail

For the Classic 4-day Inca Trail, we recommend booking at least 4–6 months in advance for the dry season (May–October). Permits for June, July, and August typically sell out within days of becoming available. The Short 2-day trail also requires permits but is generally easier to book.

The Classic 4-day Inca Trail is rated as challenging. The hardest day is Day 2, when you cross Dead Woman's Pass (Warmiwañusqa) at 4,215 meters above sea level. Good physical fitness and prior acclimatization in Cusco (at least 2 days) are strongly recommended. No technical climbing experience is needed.

You must carry your original passport — the same one used when booking the permit. Copies are not accepted. Your name on the permit must exactly match your passport. Students with a valid ISIC card may be eligible for a discounted permit rate.

The Inca Trail closes every year during the entire month of February for maintenance, environmental restoration, and archaeological work. During this period, alternative routes such as the Salkantay Trek or the Lares Trek are excellent options to reach Machu Picchu.

Our tours include: official Inca Trail permit, certified bilingual guide, porters (carrying camp equipment up to 12kg), all meals on the trail (breakfast, lunch, snacks, dinner), camping gear (tent, sleeping mat), train return to Cusco, Machu Picchu entrance ticket, and bus from Aguas Calientes to the citadel.

The Classic 4-day trail requires a reasonable level of fitness. However, the Short 2-day Inca Trail is a more accessible option for those with less experience or time. We also offer the Salkantay Trek as an excellent alternative with a similar level of scenery at different difficulty levels. Contact us and we'll help you choose the right route.

Ready to Trek the Inca Trail?

Permits are limited — secure your spot before they sell out.

Certifications and Credentials

AATC member travel agency in Cusco Peru
Registered travel agency in Cusco Peru
GERCETUR authorized tour operator in Cusco
Municipality of Cusco licensed travel agency
ESNNA commitment safe tourism Peru
Peru tourism official brand
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