Average rating Trek the Inca Trail in Peru

Walk amongst the clouds and trek the Inca Trail in Peru! Starting in Cusco, once the capital of the Inca empire, you cross some intense but beautiful trails in the Andes mountains until you get to the breath taking Machu Picchu. Prepare to be inspired! To read more about trekking to Machu Picchu, the alternatives and best times to trek read our guide to trekking the Inca Trail.

Peru is a magical country with the mix of indigenous and western present in everything from cuisine to clothing to music. Cusco, the ancient Incan capital, is a beautiful town nestled right in the mountains. You will see the legacies of the Spanish conquistadors with the main plaza and cathedral, but what lies beneath is the importance of Cusco to the indigenous Incas. The site of Machu Picchu was only discovered by the wider world in 1911 but it had been an important site since the mid 1400s. Archeologists are still trying to agree on exactly what Machu Picchu was used for and since you get a full guided tour of the site once you arrive, maybe you'll come up with your own theory!

Your four day trek will be against a backdrop of stunning mountain views, lush sub-tropical vegetation and archeological ruins, which you will have chance to explore en-route. As you walk along the walking routes that have been used for centuries, it will be impossible not to feel connected to the history and people of this ancient empire. Some days the hiking will be intense, like on the notorious day two when you will reach Warmiwañusca, otherwise known as Dead Woman's Pass, which sits at an altitude of 4,200 meters (13,780 feet). But after you conquer the trail you will be rewarded with the most beautiful view of the majestic Andes you could ever hope for. On your final day, you’ll reach Machu Picchu in time to see the sun rise over the ancient site and will then have a two hour guided tour which will give you more of a sense of how important Machu Picchu was. Then it’s time to sit back, congratulate yourself on your achievement and muse on the cultural and historical significance of your location.

If you want to participate on a trek where you will push yourself physically, but at the same time gain an insight into an ancient people and culture, then this will be right up your street. If you need to be surgically separated from your hair straighteners, then please stop reading, there is not a plug socket in sight on the Inca trail!!

Let’s not beat about the bush here, this trek is about hiking so you do need to be in good shape to participate. It is recommended that you do some regular exercise in the month before you depart. That said, you don’t have to be a fitness freak; children as young as 7 and adults of 68 have completed the trail. You will be hiking at altitude, so it is recommended that you acclimatize for a couple of days before embarking on the trip.

It has become very popular to trek the Inca trail in Peru and to that end, the government has now limited places on the trail by issuing an allocation of 500 permits per day. This includes all porters, guides and cooks, so it fills up quickly. The high season on the trail is from May – September so you will need to book quite a way in advance – we recommend at least 5 to 6 months in advance. If you want to trek in quieter times, you may want to consider dates outside of the high season.

The maximum group size is 16 people. The guide to walkers ration is 1 : 9. Don’t worry about being rushed along too fast, there will be plenty of time for comfort breaks and chances to admire the views along the way. The guide will always walk at the back with the last person in the group, so you really don’t need to be concerned about taking too long. This is a cultural journey, not a running race!

This trek is organized by a professional and licensed tour operator who has been operating in the region for the past 12 years. They know what they’re doing and treat their porters well, ensuring that they are well equipped and fairly paid. To read more about trekking to Machu Picchu, the alternatives and best times to trek read our guide to the Inca Trail.

Getting there

Cusco is about a one hour flight from Peru's capital, Lima. Getting to Lima should be relatively easy from any other major world city

Price includes

Price includes transfer from your hotel to the start of trek and return (private vehicle), a professional English speaking guide, return train tickets (backpacker tickets, vistadome tickets are available for an extra fee), hot water for washing and boiled water for drinking, meals except breakfast on day one and lunch and dinner on day four (vegetarian option available), Inca Trail Permit and entrance entrance fee for Machu Picchu, all camping equipment and hotel in Aguas Calientes. Sleeping bags can be hired on request and gratuities are extra.

Price details

If there are less than six people on the trek on your dates then higher rates will apply and the.price will be confirmed when you enquire. Private treks just for your group are available, please contact us if you would like to discuss this option.

When is best

The rainy season is from the end of October to the end of March, the trail is closed during February due to the ground being boggy.

Comfort level

Down to earth (hostels, camping, huts)

Experience required

A reasonable level of fitness and interest is all that is needed