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
High Inca trail trek in Peru
Machu Picchu, Inca fortresses and cloud forest
From
US $2325 to US $2475
14 days
ex flights
Hiking the Inca trail vacation
An unrivalled combination of history and spectacular scenery
From
US $1705 to US $1825
9 days
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Peru highlights tour, Inca trail, Titicaca and Nazca
Taste Peru's diverse landscapes and fascinating culture
From
US $2865 to US $3175
15 days
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Inca Trail trek in Peru
Classic trek on Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
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US $2212 to US $2845
10 days
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Peru adventure vacation, small group
Experience coastal deserts, mountains and the Amazon Jungle
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US $2599 to US $2699
19 days
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Learn Spanish in Peru & trek the Inca trail
Inca trek & relaxed, professional Spanish lessons
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US $1480
13 days
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Peru adventure vacation
Go on a breath-taking adventure along the Inca Trail
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US $2204 to US $2650
10 days
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Family adventure vacation in Peru, Inca & Amazon
Pretty Sherpa villages and spectacular mountains
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US $3025 to US $3095
13 days
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Hiking the Inca Trail, Peru
An authentic trek through the land of the Incas
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US $1219 to US $1259
7 days
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Inca Trail hiking vacation, Peru
The Sacred Valley, one of the world’s best known hikes
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US $1149 to US $1249
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Inca trail trekking vacation
Andean adventure small group vacation
From
US $1630 to US $1700
11 days
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Hiking the Inca Trail
Fully supported Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu
From
US $880
4 days
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Inca trail experience, 10 days
Experience the cultural wonder that is Peru in just 10 days
From
US $2555
10 days
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Lake Titicaca & Peru highlights vacation
Explore the attractions of south Peru with Inca Trail trek.
From
US $3375
17 days
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Peru & Inca Trail small group vacation
Get an in depth insight into the lost land of the Incas
From
£2299
19 days
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Alternative Inca trail trek in Peru, Salkantay Trek
Salkantay trek - an alternative Inca Trail adventure
From
US $840
5 days
ex flights
Classic Inca Trail vacation, 10 days
10-days: Lima, Cusco, 4-day Inca Trail & Machu Picchu
From
£1695
10 days
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Peru 8 day trekking vacation, ultimate Machu Picchu
Trek into the Andes to reach Machu Picchu
From
US $1950
8 days
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Inca Highlights, adventure tour
Allow yourself to absorb the magic of Peru
From
US $2179 to US $2269
14 days
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Peru and Inca trail small group vacation
Travel from the Andes to the Amazon
From
US $2448 to US $3420
12 days
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Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Peru
An adventure of a life time hiking to Machu Picchu, Peru.
From
£4250
9 days
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Inca trail & Amazon Rainforest vacation
Inca Trail, Machu Picchu & rainforest
From
US $3485 to US $3715
15 days
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Tailormade vacation in Peru
Highlights of southern Peru in comfort
From
£3285 to £3910
13 days
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Alternative Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu
Remote trekking to Machu Picchu
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US $2599 to US $2675
15 days
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Southern Peru tailor made vacation
Enjoy the unforgettable highlights of southern Peru in comfort
From
£4090
19 days
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Choquequirao to Machu Picchu hiking vacation, Peru
Choquequirao - trek to a lost Inca City, Peru
From
US $1055
7 days
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Peru walking and cultural vacation
Trek the cultural sites and mountain scenery of Peru
From
US $2300
10 days
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Machu Picchu & Amazon small group vacation, Peru
Explore Peru from Machu Picchu the Amazon rainforest
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US $2749 to US $2899
12 days
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Peru small group vacation, Inca Trail & Amazon
Exciting journey into enchanting Peru from Amazon to Andes
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US $3735 to US $4525
21 days
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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
Hiking the Inca trail vacation
An unrivalled combination of history and spectacular scenery
From
US $1705 to US $1825
9 days
ex flights
Small group travel:
2018: 19 Dec, 26 Dec
2019: 27 Mar, 3 Apr, 10 Apr, 27 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 ...
2018: 19 Dec, 26 Dec
2019: 27 Mar, 3 Apr, 10 Apr, 27 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 ...
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.
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 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
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