Our top activities
Hike up Huayna Picchu
The famous green peak which serves as a backdrop to Machu Picchu in thousands of photos around the world harbours its own hidden temples - including an arrow-shaped stone which points due south, and the Temple of the Moon, carved into a cave on the mountainside, which is believed to have been a royal tomb or possibly a place of sacrifice.
As you would expect, ascending the mountain is onerous, with exposed steps winding round sheer faces. The climb takes around two hours, and should not be attempted by anyone with vertigo. New regulations only give permits to 400 visitors, who climb in two morning shifts, so you need to arrive at Machu Picchu early to secure your spot on the 'Young Peak'.
As you would expect, ascending the mountain is onerous, with exposed steps winding round sheer faces. The climb takes around two hours, and should not be attempted by anyone with vertigo. New regulations only give permits to 400 visitors, who climb in two morning shifts, so you need to arrive at Machu Picchu early to secure your spot on the 'Young Peak'.
Our Inca Trail trek Vacations
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Peruvian Andes trekking vacation to Machu Picchu
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Hiking the Inca trail vacation
An unrivalled combination of history and spectacular scenery
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High Inca trail trek in Peru
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Inca Trail trekking vacation, alternative route
Discover the beauty of the Inca Trail in a different way
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Inca Trail trek in Peru
Classic trek on Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
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Classic Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu
Hike the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu for 4 days
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Classic Inca Trail vacation, 10 days
10-days: Lima, Cusco, 4-day Inca Trail & Machu Picchu
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Inca Trail trekking vacation
Trek the legendary Inca trail
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Learn Spanish in Peru & trek the Inca trail
Inca trek & relaxed, professional Spanish lessons
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Hiking the Inca Trail
Fully supported Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu
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Alternative Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu
Remote trekking to Machu Picchu
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Ancascocha 5 day trek in Peru
Off the beaten trek to Machu Picchu
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Inca trail trekking vacation
Andean adventure small group vacation
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Luxury Inca Trail trek, Peru
Spectacular trek on the Inca Trail through the high Andes
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Hiking the Inca Trail, Peru
An authentic trek through the land of the Incas
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18-29's Inca Trail hiking trip, Peru
Get straight down to business and up the Inca Trail.
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Peru highlights vacation including Inca trail trek
Discover the diversity of Peru on this fascinating journey
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Inca Trail trek with homestay
World-famous Inca Trail and an active, cultural twist.
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Alternative Inca trail trek in Peru, Salkantay Trek
Salkantay trek - an alternative Inca Trail adventure
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Peru in two weeks vacation
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Lima to Cuzco overland truck tour in Peru
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Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu trek
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The fascinating yet little-visited Museo de Sitio Manuel Chávez Ballón is dedicated to the history and exploration of Machu Picchu.![]()
Learn about the archaeology
Virtually no information exists at the ruins themselves, but this little museum lies a half hour walk from Aguas Calientes, and has exhibits on the construction of this extraordinary city, as well as curious Inca artifacts. There's also a pleasant botanical garden to relax in after your hike.
Stay with your porters
Simon Forster is a co-founder of our supplier The Beyond Tourism Co., who offer homestays in the porters' villages. Here's his top activity for the Inca Trail: "We include an extra day at the beginning of the Trail where you spend the night in the porters' home village, so you get to know them before you go on your trek. This makes for more personal interaction so you enjoy your experience more, but it also gives you a better understanding of the porters' lives. Being a porter has actually become a culture and identity for people from the area, not just a day job, so we want to highlight that as well. Often on the Trail, the porters can be overlooked or taken for granted. You may not understand much about porters' rights, the person you're booking your tour with might not understand it and their incredible hard work goes unappreciated. Staying with them creates better understanding and a better experience for both of you."Our top Inca Trail trek Vacation
High Inca trail trek in Peru
Machu Picchu, Inca fortresses and cloud forest
From
US $2649 to US $2799
14 days
ex flights
Small group travel:
2021: 1 May, 29 May, 26 Jun, 24 Jul, 4 Sep, 18 Sep, 2 Oct
2022: 30 Apr, 28 May, 25 Jun, 23 Jul, 20 Aug, 17 Sep, 1 Oct
2021: 1 May, 29 May, 26 Jun, 24 Jul, 4 Sep, 18 Sep, 2 Oct
2022: 30 Apr, 28 May, 25 Jun, 23 Jul, 20 Aug, 17 Sep, 1 Oct
Travel Team
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.
The ruins become increasingly spectacular along trail, and the last stop before Machu Picchu is Wiñay Wayna, meaning 'eternal youth'.![]()
Discover that it's not all about Machu Picchu
Built into a precarious slope, this large site comprises houses connected by a sheer staircase, with agricultural terraces above and below. The setting is suitably dramatic, as are the views of the Urubamba River. Wiñay Wayna is not always on Inca Trail itineraries, but it is one of the most impressive detours, so try and book a tour that stops here. You can also hike there directly from Machu Picchu.
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 travel guide answers any questions you may have about hiking this iconic trail, along with a day by day sample itinerary and a brief history of the Inca Trail.
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.
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 to Machu Picchu usually takes four days, with three days of camping.
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.
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