no alt text

Travel bucket list idea:

Hike the Inca Trail

Cusco, Cusco Region, Peru

|www.incatrailperu.com|
Bucket List Experience
Beautiful green mountains
Last updated: 28 May, 2023
Expert travel writer: Alex Robinson

Plunging valleys dripping with waterfalls, snow-capped peaks looming overhead, Inca ruins cresting high mountain ridges surrounded by hummingbird-filled cloud forest – and the mist rising off Machu Picchu itself, warmed by the rising sun; the Inca Trail truly is one of the world’s greatest treks. 

But it’s no walk in the park. The four-day route follows an ancient Inca road for 43km; rising and falling over passes and valleys and reaching a maximum elevation at the ominously-named Dead Woman’s Pass at 4200 metres. It’s breathy, muscle-aching work, but the views of lost Inca ruins and spectacular scenery make it an unforgettable experience. 

The standard trek takes four days; however, some operators offer the option of five days on the trail. This allows for a more leisurely pace and time to linger and explore some of the Inca ruins along the way.

Price from: ££377
Minimum age: 18
Age suitable: 18+
When: All year around
Duration: 4-5 days

Getting there & doing it

A permit is needed to trek the Inca Trail and numbers are limited to 500 people a day (including porters), so it’s important to book months in advance if possible. The trail can only be tackled using a licensed tour operator, who will make all arrangements for you, including transport from Cusco to the start of the trail.

Food and drink are provided, but check with your operator what items you should pack. Porters can be hired to carry your backpack, though you can opt to carry your own if you prefer.

Don’t underestimate the challenges of walking 43km at altitude. It’s a challenging hike, but doable with reasonable fitness. Parts of the trail are very steep, but no climbing is involved. It’s a good idea to try shorter hikes around the Sacred Valley first.

When to do it

The Inca Trail is accessible to permit-holders from March to January. It closes in February for conservation projects. 

The driest months are June-August, but the trail is often booked far in advance then. The May, September and October, shoulder seasons are better and it’s warmer than June to August. 

During the rainy season (November to March), trekking becomes sticky and wet, with views obscured by clouds. The Inca Trail is closed for maintenance for the entire month of February.

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

2-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Cusco

2-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
The 2-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is ideal for people with little time, or for those people who did not reserve the full "Classic" Inca Trail on time. The 2-day Inca Trail is a challenge that makes it the perfect place for an unforgettable vacation. The walk lasts approximately 6 to 7 hours until you reach the Puerta del Sol known as Inti Punku, where you can get the first panoramic views of Machu Picchu.

Price: $480

Min age: 7

Rating 4.92 / 5 [159 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo

Short Inca Trail 2 Days to Machu Picchu || Private Service ||

Cusco

Short Inca Trail 2 Days to Machu Picchu || Private Service ||
Meals: Breakfast Considered: Easy Weather: Warm and humid Maximum altitude: 2,490 m.a.s.l. Minimum altitude: 2,040 m.a.s.l. Get pictures of Machu Picchu without crowds Bus to Aguas Calientes Night in a hotel with hot shower included Meals: packed lunch, Dinner Walking distance: 15 km / 6 miles, 7-8 hours total Weather: Hot and humid Trek starting point: 2000 m.a.s.l. Highest point is Sun Gate: 2720 m.a.s.l. Machu Picchu elevation: 2400 m.a.s.l. Considered: Moderate

Price: $495

Min age: 0

Rating 5 / 5 [40 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo

Short Inca Trail To Machu Picchu 2 Days and 1 Night

Cusco

Short Inca Trail To Machu Picchu 2 Days and 1 Night
The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is ideal for travelers who have limited time or want something less strenuous. This adventure hike starts at KM 104 of the Machu Picchu train line on a trail that leads to two archaeological sites Chachabamba and Wiñay Wayna. This hike also gives you the opportunity to enter the lost city via the famous Sun Gate, the dramatic entrance that provides Inca Trail trekkers with their first glimpse of the site. Spend the night in Aguas Calientes and then wake up on Day 2 for a Machu Picchu tour.

Price: $530

Min age: 6

Rating 5 / 5 [229 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo

2-Day Inca Trail To Machu Picchu

Sacred Valley

2-Day Inca Trail To Machu Picchu
The Short Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu is a spectacular hike with beautiful scenery, a wide variety of flora and fauna with fantastic panoramas of the Andes mountains on the way to the lost citadel of the Incas. See our short Inca path reviews on TripAdvisor, ask for Inka tours permits and check the best inca trail tours → Let’s take a great adventure before arriving Machu Picchu; with our group service and enjoying at the same time a light hike through many archaeological sites. Arrive to Sun’s Gate (Inti Punku), prepare yourself to be amazed with the best panoramic view of the wonder of the world - Machu Picchu-

Price: $550

Min age: 0

Rating 4.87 / 5 [56 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo

Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2D/1N

Cusco

Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2D/1N
Travel confidently with Alpaca Expeditions, Peru's #1 Tour Operator! The Short Inca Trail tour is perfect if you are short on time but still want to experience a full day of hiking on the famous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Hike with expert, indigenous guides through the vibrant rainforest & visit the ancient Inca archeological sites of Wiñay Wayna on your way to the Sun Gate entrance of Machu Picchu. Your adventure starts at KM104 instead of KM82 on the Inca Trail. Then we will take you to your hotel in Machu picchu town at night, at last enjoy a guided tour of Machu Picchu by an professional expert guide on day two.

Price: $550

Min age: 5

Rating 4.99 / 5 [733 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo

2-Day Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Cusco

2-Day Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
This version of the famous Inca Trail is a perfect deal for travelers short on time but rich with an interest in cultural exploration and understanding. Begin your trek with a traditional Andean Blessing and transverse through beautiful archeological sites Wiñaywayna, around the winding bends of the Inca stone paths. Our guides specialize in providing you with rich information on Inca traditions and the secrets of Pacha Mama (mother earth), creating a memorable and informative trekking experience. After a short day hike, be prepared to stand tall above Machu Picchu, gazing down on the Archeological World Wonder in awe, a much richer understanding and appreciation of Inca traditions than ever before.

Price: $564

Min age: 12

Rating 4.86 / 5 [15 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo

Inca Trail: 2-Day Machu Picchu with Panoramic Train

Cusco

Inca Trail: 2-Day Machu Picchu with Panoramic Train
Overview: The hike starts in KM 104- Chachabamba. You will be hiking along the last portion of the Classic Inca Trail, visiting Chachabama, Wiñaywayna, and enjoying the view of Choquesuysuy and Intipata Inca sites. After 7 hours of hiking, you will arrive at the Sungate, from where you will have the first and most amazing view of Machu Picchu during the sunset. On the second day, we visit the great citadel with an expert tour guide. Highlights: • Travel with an authentic Local Tour Operator • Arrive at Machu Picchu twice at exclusive hours • Return on the Panoramic trains

Price: $580

Min age: 3

Rating 4.97 / 5 [563 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo

Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu - 2 days - Glamping Service

Cusco

Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu - 2 days - Glamping Service
Let’s have a great adventure before arriving Machu Picchu with our Comfort service and enjoying at the same time a light hike through many archaeological sites and arrive to Sun’s  Gate (Inti Punku), prepare yourself to be amazed with the best panoramic view of Machu  Picchu.There are a lot of trekking routes which lead us to Inca Citadel Machu Picchu, but only in this  route you will have the opportunity to visit Machu Picchu for 2 consecutive days! It is ideal for  those whom do not have much time. During the trek our visitors will enjoy a short ride in a  comfortable touristic train with service on board crossing the Sacred Valley of the Incas 

Price: $604

Min age: 10

Rating 4.98 / 5 [67 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo

2 Day Inca Trail Hike to Machu Picchu

Cusco

2 Day Inca Trail Hike to Machu Picchu
The short Inca trail is a good option for lovers of Inca nature and culture. This trail runs through very sacred archeological sites, which were used exclusively by the Inca nobility. During the trip you will see many orchids, birds, waterfalls and ruins of Inca temples. The level of the walk is moderate, so it is recommended for all types of travelers. The climate is tropical and does not go through high mountains.

Price: $655

Min age: 8

Rating 4.75 / 5 [8 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo

Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (2 Days & 1 Night)

Cusco

Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (2 Days & 1 Night)
Machu Picchu Peru Tours, Recommends this excellent alternative of short Inca trail for those tourists who do not have much time or do not have the necessary physical preparation.

Price: $712

Min age: 5

Rating 4.95 / 5 [41 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo

2-Day Inca Trail Express Trek to Machu Picchu from Cusco

Cusco

2-Day Inca Trail Express Trek to Machu Picchu from Cusco
Hike deep into the Peruvian jungle and spend time in the backwoods of the breathtaking Andes mountains during this 2-day trek along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. If you are looking for an easier alternative to the 4-day trek but still want to enjoy time in the breathtaking Andean Mountains, this trip is for you! Hike along the original stone staircases of the Inca Trail up to Inti Punku, and be amazed by the views over the magical site of Machu Picchu.

Price: $757

Min age: 7

Rating 4.92 / 5 [14 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo

Inca Trail 4 days to Machu Picchu/ with Panoramic Train

Cusco

Inca Trail 4 days to Machu Picchu/ with Panoramic Train
The Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4 days 3 nights is considered one of the world’s oldest pilgrimages and is consistently ranked among the ten best hikes on the planet. Over 4 days you will be hiking an ancient trail that was lost and reminded untouched together with Machu Picchu for hundreds of years. Why book with TreXperience? • Travel with an authentic Local Tour Operator • Authentic camping experience with tents • Support social projects that help the education of children • Fare wages & proper treatment to porters and staff • Arrive at the archeological sites at exclusive hours • Return on Panoramic trains (Vistadome or 360°)

Price: $790

Min age: 3

Rating 4.98 / 5 [2479 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo

4 Day - Inca Trail to Machu Picchu - Group Service

Cusco

4 Day - Inca Trail to Machu Picchu - Group Service
This 4-day trek will give you the chance to go back in time and experience the long journey the Incas took along the Inca trail. Enjoy four days filled with exciting adventures exploring what Cusco and the Sacred Valley have to offer. A guided walking tour in Machu Picchu is included.

Price: $805

Min age: 8

Rating 4.97 / 5 [291 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo

4-Day Inca Trail Tours to Machu Picchu

Cusco

4-Day Inca Trail Tours to Machu Picchu
Enjoy the hiking the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu as you see many archaeological sites along the way and get completely in touch with Mother Earth ("Pachamama" in Quechua native language). During your 4-day journey, you will admire the surrounding snow-peaked mountains, mountain rivers and amazing diversity of flora and fauna.

Price: $825

Min age: 4

Rating 4.95 / 5 [107 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo

4-Day Trek to Machu Picchu Through the Inca Trail

Cusco

4-Day Trek to Machu Picchu Through the Inca Trail
Enjoy this trek to Machu Picchu, which is the only one to take you along the original Inca Trail, and reach the Sun Gate before sunrise. Along the way, you will enjoy incredible landscapes and changing environments. This is a spectacularly rich experience in the Andean Mountains in which you will immerse yourself in the Inca culture as you hike 26 miles (43 kilometers) through the heart of the beautiful Andes. Please note that Inca Trail Trek permits (INCLUDED in your booking) sell fast, so we recommend booking in advance. If there are no more permits at the time you book the trip, we will suggest you an alternative hike to Machu Picchu, or you can get a full refund.

Price: $839

Min age: 7

Rating 4.85 / 5 [341 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Peru

Peru

Peru

A land of spectacular deserts, high mountains and rainforests that teem with wildlife, Peru is also home to an array of dramatically situated pre-Colombian ruins, including Machu Picchu.

Website >
More details >