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Inca Trail Hiking Tours & Treks

Walk the Inca Trail - one of the world’s most iconic hiking trips, deserving of a place on everyone's bucket list. Machu Picchu lives up to its status as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, and one of the most exciting and rewarding ways to visit is by hiking the Inca Trail.

 

Why hike the Inca Trail with Explore?

For those considering a guided vacation to Peru’s Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, it’s easy to understand the appeal. Watching the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu appear from the mist as you approach the Sun Gate is an unforgettable moment – and just one of many on the trail. Along the way you'll encounter ancient ruins, dramatic mountain scenery and dense cloud forests, teeming with life. 

You can visit Machu Picchu by train, but most hikers agree that travelling the Inca Trail on foot with a small group tour offers the perfect way to reach the ancient citadel, giving you the opportunity to explore the region’s breathtaking scenery as you hike the Andes mountains. Our popular Inca Trail Trek vacation includes both Cusco and the full Classic Trail. For those who fully wish to explore more of Peru, we also offer extended itineraries of 14 and 19 days, with visits to Lake Titicaca, Arequipa, the Sacred Valley and Palccoyo.

Why not enhance your journey further by adding a stay at an Amazon rainforest lodge? The Peruvian Amazon is a paradise for wildlife lovers, offering encounters with vibrant birdlife, amphibians and reptiles.

Would you prefer to take the train? Visit our Machu Picchu page to discover the trips that take you to the site by train.

Popular Inca Trail Tours

Peru Walking and Trekking Trip code PQ
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What to expect on an Inca Trail trek

The Classic Inca Trail is one of the most scenic and renowned multi-day hikes in the world. Though it can be physically demanding, our team of experienced porters and cooks will ensure your experience is smooth and enjoyable. Travel to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu with Explore and you'll be part of a small group of like-minded adventurers to share this extraordinary journey with.

As you approach the Sun Gate on the final morning of your adventure, four days of effort will pay off as you watch Machu Picchu appear through the dense cloud cover.  

Our Inca Trail tours operate in small groups with an average group sizes of just 10-16 people. Whether travelling solo or taking a travel companion, you’ll be supported by an Explore leader with expert local knowledge alongside a team of porters and cooks to aid you on your hike. The porters will carry your main luggage so you only need to carry a daysack while you walk, set up the campsites and cook your meals.

The Inca Trail demands a good level of fitness, but anyone who’s reasonable active should be able to complete with trek with a little pre-tour training. The longest day covers 9 miles and summits two passes over 13,000 feet in altitude. With a steady pace, support from the crew and time to rest, it’s an achievable and incredibly rewarding challenge.

We strongly suggest some pre-tour preparation: walking on hilly terrain, carrying a weighted pack and using trekking poles if you struggle with steep descents. To get used to walking day after day, doing a multi-day walk is also a good idea to build up your stamina and reduce the risk of injury. And don't forget to wear in your boots before your trip!
 

What is the Inca Trail?

The Inca Trail is a legendary 27 mile hike through the Peruvian Andes, following an authentic Inca route to the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu. The Inca Trail is one of South America’s most iconic treks, and attracts thousands of hikers every year. If you’ve never been to South America or completed a multi-day trek before, the idea of walking 27 miles at altitude may seem a little daunting, but our team of experienced guides are on-hand to support you.
 

Where is the Inca Trail? 

The Inca Trail is in Peru, South America. Most travellers fly into Cusco, the region’s central hub at 11,150 feet above sea level. Our Inca Trail tours also include time in Cusco, Lake Titicaca and Arequipa, and you also have the option to include time in the Peruvian Amazon to your trip. 
 

What is Machu Picchu?

Machu Picchu is the ruins of a 15th-Century Incan citadel (a fortified town or city) located amongst the dramatic scenery of the Andes Mountains. Built with monumental stonework and precision engineering, the site was later abandoned during Spanish colonization. Machu Picchu remained hidden for hundreds of years until it was rediscovered by historian Hiram Bingham rediscovered it in 1911. Today, the ruins are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the highlight of any Inca Trail tour.
 

Do I need a permit and how do I get one?

Yes. The Inca Trail is culturally important to Peru, and the impact of large crowds takes its toll on the route’s ancient pathways and surrounding areas. In 2002, the Peruvian government introduced mandatory permits to hike the Inca Trail, which are limited to 200 trekkers per day. These permits are released annually, usually in October, and sell out very quickly, particularly for high season months. Booking your walking tour at least six months in advance is essential. When you book an Inca Trail tour with Explore we'll sort your Inca Trail permit for you.
 

Altitude and the Inca Trail

Altitude affects everyone differently and very few people experience any significant negative impact from the altitude. Our itineraries are designed to offer plenty of time to acclimatize to the altitude. Beyond acclimatization, there are other ways to effectively manage altitude sickness including staying hydrated and maintaining a steady pace. Your Explore Leader will be instrumental in getting you to the Sun Gate, so make sure you listen to what they are saying and be open about any symptoms that you may be feeling.

The higher you go, the less oxygen there is to breathe and you may find you become out of breath quicker, you may also take slightly longer to recover after exertion. Altitude may also impact your digestive system, so we recommend avoiding large meals, especially in the late evening, as it may impact your sleep. Sun protection is very strongly recommended as UV exposure is stronger at altitude.

How long does it take to hike the Inca Trail?

The classic Inca Trail takes four days to complete. The first day is a gentle introduction, easing you into the altitude with a shorter walk to Llactapata. Day two involves a gradual ascent alongside the Kusichaca River to Llulluchapampa. Day three is the most demanding and rewarding — crossing three mountain passes and ending with sunset views over Salkantay. Day four is a descent into Machu Picchu, with stops at fascinating archaeological sites.
 
Our pacing allows you to acclimatize gradually, using quieter campsites and avoiding the busiest parts of the trail. We return to Machu Picchu the next day for a full guided tour — a key highlight of our Inca Trail tours. 
 

What is the best route to take?

We follow the classic Inca Trail (Camino Inca), which starts at 2,800m and ends at Machu Picchu (2,500m), peaking at Dead Woman’s Pass (4,200m). The trail winds through cloud forests, ancient ruins, and mountain passes — making it one of the most spectacular hiking trips to Machu Picchu.

If permits for the Classic Trail are sold out, we offer the Quarry Trail — a quieter, three-day trek through Andean villages, culminating in entry to Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate.
 

Sustainability and responsible tourism on the Inca Trail


Inca Trail porters

One of the most helpful elements of hiking the Inca Trail are the porters. The porters do an incredible job, often behind the scenes, to help your Inca Trail run seamlessly. The porters carry your main luggage, all food and equipment, as well as setting up and breaking down our camp (pack animals such as horses are not permitted on the Inca Trail).

We ensure the best conditions for our crew and we have been working closely with the Andean community of Misminay, located in the Sacred Valley, for over two decades and all of our porters originate from this village. These relationships are key to the success and consistently positive feedback we receive from Inca Trail trekkers.
 

Plastic and other waste

Single-use plastic has been prohibited on the Inca Trail (and at Machu Picchu) since 2018. All rubbish is weighed at each check-point and at the end to ensure that all waste is taken away. There's no refuse collection on the Inca Trail, so anything that goes with you must come back off the trail (either with you or as part of the porters' rubbish).

We recommend using a Water-to-Go bottle. Their filters remove 99.9% of contaminants, bacteria and viruses, and can also be filled up from any non-salt water sources. Take advantage of the streams and ancient water fountains along the route to top up. The support team also boil water at each stop for you to refill, too.
 

Locally sourced food

Our Inca Trail cooks prepare meals that have been planned to be nutritious and suited to the physical exertion of the trek. Hygiene standards are very high and we prepare typical Andean fare using local ingredients so you will also learn about the local cuisine along the way. Customers are always surprised at how great the food is.

There are three sit down meals: breakfast, dinner and an evening meal under canvas. Seconds are always available if you wish and snacks are provided for in between meals. You’re given a snack bag for each day’s hike plus tea and biscuits to welcome you back to camp. Eating together as group is a change to reflect on the day’s hike and relax and enjoy the company of your group.
 

Wild camping

To protect the history, the locals' livelihoods and the natural environment, no wild camping is allowed on the Inca Trail. Locals till the land that their families have been working for centuries, and no trekkers can hike the trail without a certified guide, ensuring everyone sticks to the designated path and limits any damage to the path and surrounding flora.

Two-man tents are provided with plenty of room for two people and your bags. The tents are well maintained and after a day of fresh mountain air and walking they make for a comfy place to lay your head. The views when you pop your head out in the morning are hard to beat!  As for toilets, there are now permanent toilets along the trail and we provide portable bathrooms (toilet tents) with biodegradable bags, a less rustic alternative for our small group to use.
 

How does the visit to Machu Picchu work?

One-way circuits have been introduced at Machu Picchu, to help preserve and protect the archaeological site for future explorers. In practice, this means that your guided visit will take approximately three hours on a specific circuit around the site. On completion of the circuit, you must exit the site immediately and no re-entrance or free time is permitted. Although we can’t dawdle too much in the site, we are still able to take a leisurely pace with plenty of time for in-depth explanations and photo opportunities. As a rule, we purchase tickets for Circuit 2, which is a route of approximately 3 hours. On the occasion that permits for Circuit 2 are not available, we aim to purchase permits for Circuit 4.
 

The four circuits available are:

Circuit 1: This circuit takes you to the upper and lower levels of Machu Picchu and is about a 2 hour circuit. View circuit map here.
Circuit 2: Pending availability, this is the circuit that we use for the guided tour around the site. The circuit is approximately 3 hours long. View circuit map here.
Circuit 3: This circuit takes you to the start of the Machu Picchu Mountain trek. View circuit map here.
Circuit 4: We offer this 3-hour circuit as an alternative for when there is no permit available for Circuit 2. View circuit map here.
 

What is the difference between the Quarry Trail and the Inca Trail?

Whilst the Inca Trail is more popular, the Quarry Trail is an alternative route we can take. It's a separate 3-night trail that is much quieter than the Inca Trail, and it has more interaction with locals as it passes through more rural towns and villages.

Frequently asked questions - Inca Trail


Peru’s dry season runs from April to October, making this an ideal time to trek the Inca Trail. June to August is particularly cold at night, especially at altitude, and lots of layers are essential for taking you from day to night. March, April, October and November are warmer months but there may be some rain. Many people say that late April - June and October are the best months to travel to Machu Picchu as its a quieter period with fewer tourists. Each year the trail closes in February.

Only about 200 trekkers per day are given permits to walk on the trail, so popular dates such as the peak month of May sell out months in advance. The permits go on sale at the beginning of October each year. We recommend that people book the year preceding their preferred trip. When you book an Inca Trail tour with Explore we will sort your Inca Trail permit for you.

On our Inca Trail tours you'll camp for three nights. After each day's walking you will reach your campsite where our porters will have set up your tents. Two-man tents are provided with plenty of room for two people and your bags. It may be possible (depending on availability) to have your own tent as a solo traveler for an extra cost, check the trip page for the price.

The tents are well cared for and after a day of fresh mountain air and walking they make for a comfy place to lay your head. The views when you pop your head out in the morning are hard to beat. As for toilets, there are now permanent toilets intermittently along the trail so you shouldn’t find yourself left short. At the campsites we provide portable bathrooms (toilet tents) with biodegradable bags, which are available for only our one small group to use.

No, or break the tent down either. The porters do an incredible job – often behind the scenes – to help your Inca Trail run seamlessly and to take the strain. Pack animals are not permitted on the Classic Inca trail which is why porters are needed to carry all equipment.

The porters will also cook your meals and you will dine as a group in a large communal tent. You can expect nourishing meals, usually with warming soup as a starter then a meal featuring local ingredients like quinoa and fish and often a pudding or cake for dessert. For drinks, they'll provide boiled water and tea and coffee. Before you start your walk each day you'll be provided with snacks to pack in your bag like fruit and chocolate.

Walking the Inca Trail requires a good level of fitness but with a little pre-tour training it should be well within the capabilities of anyone who leads an active and moderately healthy lifestyle. It isn’t a race, you have the whole day to cover the distance and take in all the marvelous views and Inca ruins. The longest day is 15km on uneven terrain, summiting two different passes over 4000m altitude. If you are reasonably fit and active in general life and have the mental and physical stamina to walk 6-8 hours per day for 4 days, then you'll comfortably be able to do this hike.

Before your trip we recommend doing some endurance training - walking up hills and climbing stairs are both great ways to get your lower body in shape. As you will need to carry a daysack each day on the trail, we'd also recommend that you add weight to your hikes to get used to it. To get used to walking day after day, doing a multi-day walk is also a good idea. And don't forget to wear in your boots before your trip! Learn more in our how to prepare for a walking holiday blog.

Altitude sickness is something a lot of people worry about, however by walking steadily, keeping well hydrated and drinking coca tea, most people encounter no problems. Your Explore Leader will be instrumental in getting you to the Sun Gate, so make sure you listen to what they are saying, and be open about any symptoms that you are feeling.

Whatever the season, the weather in the Andes can be unpredictable, and you will need waterproofs, sun cream and sturdy walking boots with you everyday. We also recommend walking poles (they must have rubber tips) to help you keep steady on the uneven terrain and for the ascents and descents through the steep Inca ruins. The Inca people may have been short but they built their steps very big! We provide tents, thermosets and a trek kit bag, so no need to worry about this. Sleeping bags are not provided and can be rented locally or you can bring your own.

There are some steep steps and exposed areas along the trail but our porters and guides are very experienced in group management. It is always possible to walk two abreast with one person at the side of the wall. Most parts of the trail are enclosed and well-maintained.

We do the Inca Trail at a slightly different pace to many other companies, staying at quieter campsites that are earlier on the trail than the biggest and most-used ones. We don't cover quite as much distance on days one and two, meaning we do the 'Dead Woman's Pass' on day three when trekkers are more acclimatized and warmed up. We also don't leave really early on the last day to get to the Sun Gate for sunrise - it's often very cloudy anyway and because many of the other companies do this, it's often very busy. Instead, we prefer to leave later in the day and get to Machu Picchu in the afternoon. The difference with our trips is that we don't explore Machu Picchu on the day we arrive, instead we spend the night first in Aguas Caliente and then return back to Machu Picchu the following morning for a guided tour, giving us more time.

All of the porters and cooks for our tours are local people, often farmers, employed from the Sacred Valley area. We ensure that they are all paid fairly - being a porter on the Inca Trail pays much better than a farming job and one trip can often mean that they can support their family for weeks.

In 2018 non-reusable plastic was banned and the porters are asked to weigh their rubbish before and after the hike, to meet regulations. We only use designated campsites on the trail and all water is boiled. The food served is sourced from the local area - you'll likely have fish from the rivers and vegetables from the surrounding farms.

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