Inca Trail
Unique experience

Inca Trail to
Machu Picchu 2026

Trek the ancestral route of the Incas to one of the 7 wonders of the world. 4 days of unforgettable adventure.

The Inca Trail

A life-changing experience

Discover the magic of the Inca Trail

The Inca Trail is one of the most famous hiking routes in the world. Over 4 days, you'll walk through stunning Andean landscapes, cloud forests, and visit incredible Inca ruins before arriving at majestic Machu Picchu at sunrise.

Featured tour

Classic Inca Trail 4 Days

The ultimate classic trek. Enjoy the original Inca route with expert guides and small groups.

  • Official trekking permit included
  • Certified bilingual guide throughout
  • Professional porters (carry camp equipment)
  • All meals — breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Camping equipment (tent + sleeping mat)
  • Machu Picchu entrance fee and bus included
Classic Inca Trail trekkers
Inca ruins along the trail
Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate

Why book with us?

Guaranteed permits

We secure your official Inca Trail permit at the time of booking.

Small groups

Maximum 16 people per group for a more personalized experience.

All-inclusive

No hidden costs: meals, equipment, and entrance fees are included.

Certified guides

All our guides are bilingual and officially certified.

Complete guide

Everything you need to know

Prepare properly for this unique adventure

Best time to travel

  • May–October: dry season — best conditions
  • June–August: peak season, book 6 months ahead
  • Trail closes every February for maintenance
  • April & September: fewer trekkers, great weather
  • Avoid rainy season (Nov–Mar) — trails can be slippery

Physical preparation

  • Train for 2–3 months: hiking, stairs and cardio
  • Arrive in Cusco 2 days early to acclimatize
  • Cusco is at 3,400 m — altitude affects everyone
  • Break in your hiking boots before the trip
  • The hardest day is Day 2 (Dead Woman's Pass, 4,215 m)

What to pack

  • Broken-in waterproof hiking boots
  • Trekking poles (highly recommended for passes)
  • Warm sleeping bag (rated to -5°C / 23°F)
  • Rain jacket and moisture-wicking base layers
  • Sunscreen SPF 50+, lip balm and sunglasses
TripadvisorVerified experiences

What our travelers say

Over 1,200 verified reviews on TripAdvisor and Google. Consistently rated 4.9 out of 5.

4.9
out of 5 · +1,200 reviews
See all on TripAdvisor
AS

Andrey S.

October 14, 2025

Tripadvisor

"Punctuality, very attentive guide and perfect organization. From the hotel exit, transit by train, lunch schedule and guided tours."

PN

Patricia N.

A year ago

Tripadvisor

"Machu Picchu Peru Tours full day Sacred Valley was an amazing highlight of our trip to Peru. Do not miss it! Our driver Julio Cesar took us on time and safely to all amazing places and experiences beating the crowds. The guide, Erik, was the most passionated guide I've met. An incredible story teller, knowledgeable and giving us a superb experience. It was a real perfect day and an amazing almost private tour feeling like a super engaging history class. Don't think twice."

MR

Maria R.

October 12, 2025

Tripadvisor

"A very enriching experience, a lot of history, although it rained that day, was a good for nothing our tour. Our guide was very attentive and professional."

DK

Daniel K.

2 years ago

Tripadvisor

"We had a amazing tour with Machu pichu Peru tours to the vinicunca mountain, or the rainbow mountain. Tour was well organised and your tour guide took really good care of us. Also the breakfast and lunch was quite good. We can totally recommend this tour organisation."

AC

Alejandra C.

October 12, 2025

Tripadvisor

"The tour starts very early type 3-4 am, how good you can sleep on the way, we breakfast in a very good buffet and then depart for the mountain. Here the height is the problem, you can walk up but it requires a lot of condition, the good thing is that there are horses that you can pay and for 90 suns they leave you 15-20 minutes from the top. Wear layered clothes as you can warm up when climbing. We already walk down and the road is much easier. On horseback you go up in 40 minutes, you are on the mountain an hour to take pictures and the return is about 1 hour or so. In the end we still had lunch in the same very rich buffet!"

CG

Cesar G.

8 months ago

Tripadvisor

"I highly recommend Machu Picchu Peru Tour. Their service is incredible. I highly recommend their guides, especially Rocio and Jhordi. They are very professional and super friendly. My recommendation is because they have everything arranged and structured so we can fully enjoy the experience: transportation, lodging, food, and tourist attractions. I hope you can take advantage of traveling with them and enjoy it as much as we did."

SM

Salvador M.

September 19, 2025

Tripadvisor

"I liked the Service and attention I received, plus the quality of the guide who touched us to know the sacred valley on the way to Machu Picchu was first class, with extensive knowledge of the Inca culture and with very good explanation, I highly recommend them."

PN

Patty N.

10 months ago

Tripadvisor

"It was a wonderful experience. Getting to know one of the wonders of the world and learning its history in detail was very rewarding. We had an excellent guide who answered every one of our questions and her support was unconditional. The guide, Veronica Quispe, and the drivers who supported us were incredible. Thank you so much. They made the trip wonderful."

SE

Sarah E.

October 12, 2025

Tripadvisor

"They were exceptional! Everything very organized, took care of all the details, we hired all the tours, lodging and transfer, we do not regret!"

AS

Ara S.

3 years ago

Tripadvisor

"The quality and friendliness of the staff were impressive. Wendy served us and was always very attentive to everything, responding quickly. They offer good options without breaking your budget. A short but substantial excursion. The guide Jaime knew everything in detail and provided excellent explanations. I recommend him, especially if you're traveling with children or older adults, as he really has everything under control."

VL

Veronica L.

October 12, 2025

Tripadvisor

"Recommended! What a beautiful place!!! Most of us went up there on mules. Important to clarify if the person weighs more than 110 kg he will not be able to carry it and will have to walk up. It is still very expensive, to have proper footwear."

KD

Kevin D.

2 years ago

Tripadvisor

"I had the wonderful experience of coordinating a group trip with Carolina from this agency, and it was very positive. They were always willing to help and facilitate the trip. On the tours, we had the opportunity to meet Alex on the Sacred Valley tour. He is an excellent guide, very friendly and knowledgeable about all the sites, making the tour very entertaining. In Machu Picchu, we were guided by Edmar, an excellent, knowledgeable, and friendly guide."

EG

Enrique G.

10 months ago

Tripadvisor

"I loved that the travel agency made everything easy for me in Cusco. All I had to worry about was being on time for pickup and choosing what to eat at the buffet. The agency itself took care of everything. If I could highlight anything, it's the fact that I had a different guide on each tour, and they were all very kind and polite. They did their jobs well and knew how to explain the history of each place."

AG

Agustin G.

A year ago

Tripadvisor

"The excursion to the Sacred Valley of the Incas was a great one. Our guide, Veronica, accompanied us the entire time and did her best to make the experience as informative as possible."

Frequently asked questions about the Inca Trail

How difficult is the Inca Trail?

Moderate to challenging. Day 2 is the hardest: a 1,200 m ascent to Dead Woman's Pass at 4,215 m. Good fitness is required. The Short Inca Trail (2 days) is accessible to most travelers.

Do I need a permit? How do I get one?

Yes — permits are mandatory and strictly limited to 500 people per day (guides and porters included). We secure your permit at booking. For peak season, permits sell out 4–6 months ahead.

How far in advance should I book?

For June–August: book 5–6 months in advance. For May or September–October: 3–4 months is usually fine. Don't wait — once permits are gone, the date is closed.

What is the best time of year to hike?

May to October (dry season). June and July offer the clearest skies and driest trails. April and September are excellent shoulder months with fewer crowds. The trail is closed every February.

What is included in the price?

Official trekking permit · certified bilingual guide · professional porters · all meals (Day 1 lunch to Day 4 breakfast) · camping equipment (tent, sleeping mat) · Machu Picchu entrance fee · bus from Machu Picchu.

How many people are in each group?

We cap our groups at 16 trekkers. Smaller groups mean more personal attention, faster movement and a better overall experience. Private treks are available for couples and families.

Are there alternative treks if I miss a permit?

Yes. The Salkantay Trek (5 days), Lares Trek (4 days) and Inca Jungle Trail are excellent alternatives that also end at Machu Picchu — no permit required and equally spectacular.

Is the Inca Trail safe? What if someone gets sick?

Our guides carry full first-aid kits and are trained in altitude emergency response. We monitor all trekkers daily. In case of emergency, evacuation is arranged immediately. We have a 24/7 emergency line throughout the trek.

Machu Picchu tour information

Ready for the adventure
of a lifetime?

Inca Trail permits sell out quickly. Secure your spot today and prepare for an unforgettable experience.