Inca Trail travel guide
The Inca Trail is a journey and a destination rolled into one, waymarked with natural and cultural rewards. The Andean scenery – from high, windswept tundra to humid cloud forest – is one well-earned prize for those who follow these ancient paths. Another is the hidden ruins, inaccessible by other means, which build up to the final destination of Machu Picchu. For others, the reward is the chance to spend days immersed in this lost world, of traditional Quechua villages and the sensation of being a true explorer.
What is the spell that the Inca Trail casts over its hikers - and what lures so many modern pilgrims to this ancient pathway above the clouds?
Of course, Machu Picchu is one of the most spectacular wonders of the world – but there are easier ways to get there. The trail is a high-altitude battle against slippery rocks and erratic weather – yet its mystical Andean appeal draws thousands to hike it every year, and virtually every one of them would describe it as the highlight of their South American adventure. Whatever the reason, this pilgrimage continues to captivate as it did five centuries ago, and there is, undoubtedly, a little sparkle of magic in every strenuous step. Find out more in our Inca Trail travel guide.
Our Inca Trail trek Vacations
Hiking the Inca trail vacation
An unrivalled combination of history and spectacular scenery
From
US $1735 to US $1885
9 days
ex flights
Peru highlights tour, Inca trail, Titicaca and Nazca
Taste Peru's diverse landscapes and fascinating culture
From
US $2865 to US $3265
15 days
ex flights
High Inca trail trek in Peru
Machu Picchu, Inca fortresses and cloud forest
From
US $2325 to US $2555
14 days
ex flights
Inca Trail trek in Peru
Classic trek on Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
From
US $2212 to US $2845
10 days
ex flights
Peru 8 day trekking vacation, ultimate Machu Picchu
Trek into the Andes to reach Machu Picchu
From
US $1950
8 days
ex flights
Peru walking and cultural vacation
Trek the cultural sites and mountain scenery of Peru
From
US $2300
10 days
ex flights
Alternative Inca trail trek in Peru, Salkantay Trek
Salkantay trek - an alternative Inca Trail adventure
From
US $840
5 days
ex flights
Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Peru
An adventure of a life time hiking to Machu Picchu, Peru.
From
£4250
9 days
ex flights
Machu Picchu & Amazon small group vacation, Peru
Explore Peru from Machu Picchu the Amazon rainforest
From
US $2062 to US $2899
12 days
ex flights
Peru and Inca trail small group vacation
Travel from the Andes to the Amazon
From
US $2448 to US $3420
12 days
ex flights
Peru adventure vacation, small group
Experience coastal deserts, mountains and the Amazon Jungle
From
US $2633 to US $2985
19 days
ex flights
Peru & Inca Trail small group vacation
Get an in depth insight into the lost land of the Incas
From
£2299
19 days
ex flights
Inca Trail extension vacation
Conquer ancient pathways on the historic Inca trail hike.
From
US $1240
6 days
ex flights
Hiking the Inca Trail
Fully supported Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu
From
US $880
4 days
ex flights
Tailormade vacation in Peru
Highlights of southern Peru in comfort
From
£3285 to £3910
13 days
ex flights
Lake Titicaca & Peru highlights vacation
Explore the attractions of south Peru with Inca Trail trek.
From
US $2350 to US $3540
15 days
ex flights
Hiking the Inca Trail, Peru
An authentic trek through the land of the Incas
From
US $0 to US $831
7 days
ex flights
Lima to Cuzco overland truck tour in Peru
Explore Peru and the majestic Machu Picchu
From
US $712 to US $945
17 days
ex flights
Learn Spanish in Peru & trek the Inca trail
Inca trek & relaxed, professional Spanish lessons
From
US $1480
13 days
ex flights
Alternative Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu
Remote trekking to Machu Picchu
From
US $2599 to US $2675
15 days
ex flights
Peru small group vacation, Inca Trail & Amazon
Exciting journey into enchanting Peru from Amazon to Andes
From
US $3990 to US $4570
21 days
ex flights
Peru adventure vacation
Go on a breath-taking adventure along the Inca Trail
From
US $2100 to US $2940
10 days
ex flights
Inca trail trekking vacation
Andean adventure small group vacation
From
US $1630 to US $1710
11 days
ex flights
Inca Trail hiking vacation, Peru
The Sacred Valley, one of the world’s best known hikes
From
US $1149 to US $1249
7 days
ex flights
Inca trail experience, 10 days
Experience the cultural wonder that is Peru in just 10 days
From
US $2555
10 days
ex flights
18-29's Inca Trail hiking trip, Peru
Get straight down to business and up the Inca Trail.
From
US $969 to US $1240
6 days
ex flights
Inca trail vacation, Peru
Retrace the steps of a fascinating civilisation
From
US $1305 to US $2070
8 days
ex flights
Classic Inca Trail vacation, 10 days
10-days: Lima, Cusco, 4-day Inca Trail & Machu Picchu
From
£1695
10 days
ex flights
Choquequirao to Machu Picchu hiking vacation, Peru
Choquequirao - trek to a lost Inca City, Peru
From
US $1055
7 days
ex flights
Is the Inca Trail for you?
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Our top Inca Trail trek Vacation
Hiking the Inca trail vacation
An unrivalled combination of history and spectacular scenery
From
US $1735 to US $1885
9 days
ex flights
Small group travel:
2019: 27 Mar, 3 Apr, 10 Apr, 17 Apr, 1 May, 9 May, 15 May, 23 May, 29 May, 6 Jun, 12 Jun, 15 Jun, 20 Jun, 4 Jul, 10 Jul, 13 Jul, 18 Jul, 24 Jul, 1 Aug, 7 Aug, 10 Aug, 15 Aug, 22 Aug, 29 Aug, 4 Sep, 7 Sep, 12 Sep, 18 Sep, 21 Sep, 26 Sep, 2 Oct, 10 Oct, 16 Oct, 23 Oct, 30 Oct, 6 Nov, 13 Nov, 4 Dec, 18 Dec
2020: 25 Mar, 1 Apr, 8 Apr, 15 Apr, 22 Apr, 29 Apr, 7 May, 13 May, 21 May, 27 May, 4 Jun, 10 Jun, 18 Jun, 2 Jul, 8 Jul ...
2019: 27 Mar, 3 Apr, 10 Apr, 17 Apr, 1 May, 9 May, 15 May, 23 May, 29 May, 6 Jun, 12 Jun, 15 Jun, 20 Jun, 4 Jul, 10 Jul, 13 Jul, 18 Jul, 24 Jul, 1 Aug, 7 Aug, 10 Aug, 15 Aug, 22 Aug, 29 Aug, 4 Sep, 7 Sep, 12 Sep, 18 Sep, 21 Sep, 26 Sep, 2 Oct, 10 Oct, 16 Oct, 23 Oct, 30 Oct, 6 Nov, 13 Nov, 4 Dec, 18 Dec
2020: 25 Mar, 1 Apr, 8 Apr, 15 Apr, 22 Apr, 29 Apr, 7 May, 13 May, 21 May, 27 May, 4 Jun, 10 Jun, 18 Jun, 2 Jul, 8 Jul ...
Helpdesk
Hello. If you'd like to chat about Inca Trail trek or need help finding a vacation to suit you we're very happy to help. Rosy & team.
Hiking the Inca Trail
The classic Inca Trail trek involves three to four days of hiking across varied terrain. Although you don't need to be exceptionally fit to complete it, taking up regular exercise beforehand is highly recommended, as you'll enjoy the hike much more, and be in less pain! Guides walk at the front and back of the groups, so that each person can walk at their own pace - you should never push yourself more than you are comfortable with. The altitude will slow everyone down, particularly on the second day, which is by far the most arduous.
Porters carrying your luggage walk ahead of the group in order to set up camp and prepare meals in time for your arrival; you can carry water, snacks and extra items in your own small daypack. Operators usually provide two-man tents, sleeping mats and larger communal tents for dining. Basic toilets or toilet tents are available at the campsites, and several operators offer premium tours with portable showers and more luxurious camping options. Some larger campsites may also have their own showers – but be prepared to queue!
Food is plentiful and hearty, especially considering the rustic conditions, and any dietary requirements should be catered for if you request this well in advance.
Porters carrying your luggage walk ahead of the group in order to set up camp and prepare meals in time for your arrival; you can carry water, snacks and extra items in your own small daypack. Operators usually provide two-man tents, sleeping mats and larger communal tents for dining. Basic toilets or toilet tents are available at the campsites, and several operators offer premium tours with portable showers and more luxurious camping options. Some larger campsites may also have their own showers – but be prepared to queue!
Food is plentiful and hearty, especially considering the rustic conditions, and any dietary requirements should be catered for if you request this well in advance.
The Inca Trail day by day
a sample itinerary
Day 1: This covers the longest distance at 12.5km, but the walking is relatively easy. You'll follow the Urubamba river for 5km, then ascend gently after a lunch break.
Day 2: This is easily the toughest day. You'll cover just over 8km, as you climb steeply to Dead Woman's Pass (4,200m) in around two and a half hours. You'll break for lunch here to recharge, then continue onto camp.
Day 3: Today's 7.3km trail climbs two passes and traverses cloud forest, spectacular ruins and glorious views. Some operators include a visit to Wiñay Wayna at the end of today's hike.
Day 4: If you've camped at Wiñay Wayna, you will reach Machu Picchu at sunrise. If not, this morning you'll descend 11km down stone steps to Machu Picchu, reaching the ruins in the early afternoon, before continuing onto Aguas Calientes where you can spend a final night, or return to Cuzco.
Day 2: This is easily the toughest day. You'll cover just over 8km, as you climb steeply to Dead Woman's Pass (4,200m) in around two and a half hours. You'll break for lunch here to recharge, then continue onto camp.
Day 3: Today's 7.3km trail climbs two passes and traverses cloud forest, spectacular ruins and glorious views. Some operators include a visit to Wiñay Wayna at the end of today's hike.
Day 4: If you've camped at Wiñay Wayna, you will reach Machu Picchu at sunrise. If not, this morning you'll descend 11km down stone steps to Machu Picchu, reaching the ruins in the early afternoon, before continuing onto Aguas Calientes where you can spend a final night, or return to Cuzco.
A brief history of the Inca Trail
The romantic tale states that the 'Lost City of the Incas' was rediscovered by a young explorer and Yale history lecturer named Hiram Bingham in 1911. However, most historians now claim that not only was Machu Picchu not 'lost' - as several farmers continued to live there - but neither was this the Inca City that Bingham was seeking. That was a city named Vilcabamba, whose ruins lie some 80km away in the jungle.Read more
More about Inca Trail trek
The best time to trek the Inca Trail is in the cooler, drier months of May to September - but you'll need to book early to secure a permit. Find out more in our guide.
Our Inca Trail map showcases the highlights along the trail, along with a detailed day by day itinerary, to help you get your head around the hike.
In between trekking, you can learn about archaeology, visit local communities and stay with your porters. The Inca Trail is about so much more than Machu Picchu.
Our guide to Machu Picchu reveals the history of this sacred site, with tips on what to see, how to travel there and the best time to visit...
There are alternative Inca Trails that lead to Machu Picchu, taking in cloud and rainforest, high passes and indigenous villages, including the Salkantay and Lares treks...
Trekking the Inca Trail with kids is not going to suit every family, but there are wonderful opportunities for bonding, education and exploration. We offer tips for parents and kids.
Get tips on everything from planning and packing, to how to travel safely on the Inca Trail. Our tour operators and travelers share their top Inca Trail advice.
Find out about Quechua homestays, porters' rights and responsible trekking on the Inca Trail, to ensure this path and its people are treated as respectfully as possible.
Why book with Responsible Travel
Photo credits: [Page banner: Giacomo Buzzao] [Do/Don't hike: Bex Walton]
[Hiking the Inca Trail: Bex Walton]
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