What is the Inca Trail?


The Inca trail, was used by the Incas to get to Machu Picchu and is also the most famous trail today for tourists trying to get there on foot, is considered sacred and during the trail you can see many archaeological sites like Llaqtapata, Runkuraqhay and Wiñayhuayna before arriving to the sacred city of Machu Picchu.

Inca Trail tour in 2 days
Complejo arqueologico de Phuyupatamarka

Every February the trail is closed for hikers, because the route needs to be cleaned. In 2004, the Peruvian government passed a law concerning the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

The regulations restrict the number of people permitted to enter the Inca Trail to 500 per day. Of the 500 people allowed daily on the Inca Trail, only about 150 are trekkers, since the rest of the spots are reserved for the guides, cooks, and porters. The trekking companies who are allowed to work the Inca Trail have to have an operating license specifically for the Inca Trail (operating licenses are issued yearly) and those trekking companies also need to have an office in Peru.

The most popular Inca Trail trek is the Classic Inka Trail and those spaces are reserved quickly! It’s advisable to book your Classic Inka Trail trek months to a year in advance and only afterwards book the rest of your trip to Peru (flights, other tours, hotels, etc.).

The tickets sold according to the new regulations are nonrefundable and nontransferable, but there is no limit of how long beforehand you can buy them. During the peak season (between June and October), the spaces sometimes fill up six months in advance!


More Information

  • How difficult is the hike?

    The entire hike is approximately 72 kilometers...

    Read more

    This is an important information
  • When is the best time to hike?

    Weather conditions during the rainy season makes...

    Read more

    This is an important information
  • FREE LUGGAGE STORAGE

    We understand that traveling involves taking extra luggage especially if you are on an extended vacation...

    See more
    This is an Alternative Trek

Certifications

ISO 9001

Demonstrating our commitment to quality, we hold ISO 9001 certification, ensuring excellence in our services.

ISO 14001

With ISO 14001, we prioritize environmental sustainability, reducing our impact on the planet.

Trip Advisor - Traveler's Choice 2023

We're honored to be recognized with the Traveler's Choice Award in 2023, a testament to our dedication to exceptional travel experiences.

Official Agency - Tour Operator

We are an official agency and tour operator, ensuring a unique and high-quality travel experience to the destinations of your choice in Cusco and Peru.

Recommended by

TripAdvisor 2017
trip advisor 2018
trip advisor 2019
Trip Advisor 2022
Trip Advisor 2022
Trip Advisor 2022

Travel Associations

Sernamp & Inka trail
Mincetur & Inka Trail
Turismo responsable & INKA TRAIL
Safe Travels & INKA TRAIL
Gercetur & Inka Trail
Official Agency & Official Tour Operator
I agree
We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing to visit this site you agree to our use of cookies. More about Cookie Info Script