- Cusco, Perú.
- info@machu-picchu-tours.com
The Inca Trail is perhaps the most iconic trekking route in South America, offering adventurers a historic and awe-inspiring journey through the Peruvian Andes. This legendary trail spans approximately 26 miles (42 kilometers) and typically takes four days to complete, starting from the Sacred Valley near Cusco and culminating at the breathtaking Machu Picchu. Along the way, trekkers traverse diverse landscapes ranging from high-altitude mountain passes to lush cloud forests, passing through ancient Inca ruins such as Wiñay Wayna and Sayacmarca.
The Inca Trail not only challenges hikers with its steep ascents and descents but also rewards them with spectacular vistas of snow-capped peaks and the opportunity to explore significant archaeological sites that are inaccessible by road. The final approach to Machu Picchu, often culminating with an early morning ascent to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), offers a dramatic and unforgettable view of the iconic citadel nestled among mist-shrouded mountains. Recognized as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, the Inca Trail is not just a physical journey but a cultural and historical immersion into the legacy of the Inca civilization, making it a bucket-list experience for adventurers and history enthusiasts alike.
If trekking the Inca Trail is on your bucket list, you have a few options, ranging from just 1 days to 7 days long, which includes a part of the incredible Salkantay Trail as well. Bear in mind that the 4 day trail is the classic route and the one that most people want to take part in, so you need to book months in advance.
We are dedicated and commited to our clients, to the environment, and to our fellow compatriots
The incredible experience we offer is made possible by the tireless dedication of our team of porters. These hardworking men, of various ages, leave their homes—often several hours away—for days at a time to support our expeditions. Many of them are farmers by trade.
We are committed to treating our porters with the utmost respect, ensuring they receive fair wages and proper equipment. We also prioritize their health and the well-being of their families. In their communities, we actively engage in numerous social projects, particularly in education and health. We establish reinforcement schools with specialized teachers for the children of our porters, implement libraries, and even construct school buildings.
At Peru Hike, we depend on a vast network of highly trained guides and expert ambassadors to ensure the excellence of our services. We understand that an exceptional guide is crucial to making your trip an unforgettable experience. Therefore, we are very selective in our recruitment process and continuously provide regular training to our guides.
On all our trekking trips, our chefs ensure timely, high-quality meals that are both nutritious and abundant. The secret to our culinary excellence is our carefully selected team of chefs, who come from top-quality restaurant backgrounds and bring creativity and passion to their work. We avoid set menus to give our chefs the freedom to innovate, creating and surprising our clients with delicious dishes on every trip.
We don’t use set menus because we want our chefs to have the freedom to create, innovate, and surprise our clients with delicious dishes on every trip. We provide general guidelines, guest information on dietary restrictions and preferences, and the resources for our chefs to continually update their knowledge of both Peruvian and international cuisine through specialized courses and training.
The incredible experience we offer is made possible by the tireless dedication of our team of porters. These hardworking men, of various ages, leave their homes—often several hours away—for days at a time to support our expeditions. Many of them are farmers by trade.
We are committed to treating our porters with the utmost respect, ensuring they receive fair wages and proper equipment. We also prioritize their health and the well-being of their families. In their communities, we actively engage in numerous social projects, particularly in education and health. We establish reinforcement schools with specialized teachers for the children of our porters, implement libraries, and even construct school buildings.
Before You Go, What You Should Know
The Inca Trail is a renowned trekking route in Peru that leads to the ancient Incan city of Machu Picchu. It combines stunning mountain scenery, lush cloud-forest, subtropical jungle, and fascinating Inca ruins.
The classic Inca Trail is approximately 42 kilometers (26 miles) long and typically takes 4 days to complete.
Yes, a permit is required to hike the Inca Trail, and they are limited to 500 per day, including guides and porters. It’s essential to book your permit several months in advance.
The best time to hike the Inca Trail is during the dry season, from May to September. The trail is closed for maintenance in February.
The Inca Trail is considered moderate to difficult. It involves steep ascents and descents, high altitudes, and long days of hiking.
To acclimatize, spend a few days in Cusco or another high-altitude location before starting the trek. Drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol, and consider medication for altitude sickness.
Basic toilet facilities are available at some campsites and rest stops. However, they may not be very clean, so be prepared with toilet paper and hand sanitizer.
No, the Peruvian government requires all hikers to be accompanied by a licensed guide.
Meals typically include a mix of Peruvian and international cuisine, with dishes such as soups, rice, vegetables, chicken, and pasta. Special dietary requirements can usually be accommodated with advance notice.
Accommodation on the trail is camping. You will sleep in tents provided by your trekking company.
How do I prepare physically for the Inca Trail?
No, there are no charging facilities on the trail. Bring extra batteries or a portable power bank.
Guides are trained in first aid and can handle most minor injuries and illnesses. For serious emergencies, evacuation to the nearest medical facility is arranged.
Yes, tipping is customary. The amount varies, but a general guideline is:
Common sightings include:
The ultimate highlight is reaching Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) at sunrise, offering a breathtaking view of the ancient city.
dream trip to Peru
All of our tour itineraries are 100% customizable. Just let us know your preferences below and we’ll get back to you within 24-48 hours.
infio@machu-picchu-tours.com
+51999999
Calle Cusco 124, Peru
