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
Hiking the Inca trail vacation
An unrivalled combination of history and spectacular scenery
From
US $2249 to US $2579
8 days
ex flights
High Inca trail trek in Peru
Machu Picchu, Inca fortresses and cloud forest
From
US $3049 to US $3199
14 days
ex flights
Peru walking and cultural vacation
Trek the cultural sites and mountain scenery of Peru
From
US $3390
10 days
ex flights
Peruvian Andes trekking vacation to Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu with an International Guide and Doctor.
From
US $3616
14 days
ex flights
Peru highlights tour, Inca trail, Titicaca and Nazca
Taste Peru's diverse landscapes and fascinating culture
From
US $3999 to US $4249
15 days
ex flights
Inca Trail trekking vacation, alternative route
Discover the beauty of the Inca Trail in a different way
From
US $870
5 days
ex flights
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 $2249 to US $2579
8 days
ex flights
Small group travel:
2022: 30 Jun, 8 Jul, 28 Jul, 5 Aug, 25 Aug, 16 Sep, 22 Sep, 7 Oct, 21 Oct, 4 Nov, 11 Nov, 18 Dec
2023: 7 Apr, 14 Apr, 28 Apr, 4 May, 18 May, 25 May, 9 Jun, 29 Jun, 7 Jul, 20 Jul, 27 Jul, 4 Aug, 17 Aug, 24 Aug, 15 Sep, 21 Sep, 6 Oct, 20 Oct, 3 Nov, 10 Nov, 1 Dec, 17 Dec
2022: 30 Jun, 8 Jul, 28 Jul, 5 Aug, 25 Aug, 16 Sep, 22 Sep, 7 Oct, 21 Oct, 4 Nov, 11 Nov, 18 Dec
2023: 7 Apr, 14 Apr, 28 Apr, 4 May, 18 May, 25 May, 9 Jun, 29 Jun, 7 Jul, 20 Jul, 27 Jul, 4 Aug, 17 Aug, 24 Aug, 15 Sep, 21 Sep, 6 Oct, 20 Oct, 3 Nov, 10 Nov, 1 Dec, 17 Dec
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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.
Our Inca Trail map showcases the highlights along this iconic trekking trail.
Our Machu Picchu guide reveals the history of this sacred site, with tips for visiting.
Useful advice for anyone planning a family trek on the Inca Trail.
The Inca Trail requires good fitness, but it isn’t a particularly challenging hike.
Find out about Quechua homestays, porters' rights and responsible trekking.
