4.9/5
2,725 reviewsWalk the original Inca path to Machu Picchu and enter through the Sun Gate, on the classic 4-day trek, the Short Inca Trail or the 1-day hike.
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is the most famous trek in South America: stone paths, Inca ruins and cloud forest, ending at the Sun Gate. Compare our Inca Trail tours of 4, 2 and 1 day: the Inca Trail price starts at USD 400, and Inca Trail 2027 permits are limited, so book early.
The Inca Trail is the most legendary trek in Peru and the only route that arrives at Machu Picchu on foot through Inti Punku, the Sun Gate. Over four days you follow original stone paths laid by the Incas, crossing high mountain passes and cloud forest, and reaching archaeological sites such as Wiñay Wayna that can only be seen on this trail. Permits are limited by the government and sell out months in advance.
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Read recent experiences from travelers who booked with our local team and shared how the service, organization, and on-trip support felt in real situations. These reviews help future passengers understand what to expect before choosing their tour.
Just finished 4 days with Yuri & Jose, they were both amazing, super helpful and attentive. Thank you to the kitchen staff as well! Definitely a challenge, but in the end it all worth it!
Une superbe expérience ! L’équipe est au top, une superbe ambiance un tracé magnifique avec des paysages très variés. Tout est bien rôdé, transport, repas, couchage. On mange très bien et en quantité ! Par contre prévoyez de quoi manger pendant la randonnée ce n’est pas inclus. Pour moi c’est la meilleure façon pour se rendre au Machu Picchu en passant par le col du Salkantay et en montant le dernier jour par les marches du chemin de l’Inca. Un petit bémol sur la transparence du prix annoncé , ce trip se veut all inclusive, en réalité ce n’est pas le cas. Certains frais imprévus viennent s’ajouter tout au long des 5 jours ( frais supplémentaires pour les activités, taxe pour certains passages de pont ou col, Tips un peu forcé ). Ce ne sont pas des gros frais mais au cumulé ça représente aux alentours de 300 soles. Je trouve personnellement que l’organisme ferai mieux d’intégrer ces frais dans le prix de leur expérience car on a vraiment la sensation d’être mis sur le fait accompli. Prévoyez des gourdes filtrantes car les bouteilles d’eau sur place sont vendus à prix d’or !
Not sure which Inca Trail to Machu Picchu fits you best? Compare the 4-day, 2-day and 1-day options by permits, time, altitude and comfort, and choose your route in minutes.
All our Inca Trail routes walk the original Inca path and end at the Sun Gate. Use these six points to decide which one matches your dates, fitness and travel style.
Permits are limited and sell out months ahead. Check availability first, then build the rest of your trip around your Inca Trail date.
The 4-day trek is the complete classic route. The 2-day and 1-day options walk the final 12 km through Wiñay Wayna.
The 4-day trek is demanding, with long stone staircases and a 4,215 m pass. The short routes are moderate and suit most active travelers.
Nights on the 4-day trek can be very cold. Spend 2 days in Cusco to acclimatize; the dry season runs from April to October.
The 4-day route includes 3 nights of camping with porters carrying the gear. The 2-day option includes a hotel night in Aguas Calientes.
All routes return to Cusco by train from Aguas Calientes, connecting by bus or car to the city.
Our three Inca Trail to Machu Picchu programs, all with professional guides, permits and a guided tour of the citadel. Choose the 4-day classic trek for the full experience with camping and porters, the Short Inca Trail 2 Days for a comfortable hotel night in Aguas Calientes, or the Inca Trail 1 Day if you are short on time.
No Inca Trail permits for your dates? You can still reach Machu Picchu on foot. Discover the high mountain scenery of the Salkantay Trek, the biking and jungle adventure of the Inca Jungle Trail, or the quiet Andean villages of the Lares Trek.
Want more mountains or no permits left? The Salkantay Trek and Inca Trail combines both routes in one trip, while Salkantay, Inca Jungle and Lares need no Inca Trail permit and still end with a guided visit to Machu Picchu.
Hike the Inca Trail at your own pace with a private group: your own guide, a schedule adapted to your family or fitness level, and extra nights in Cusco or the Sacred Valley. Tell us your dates on WhatsApp or at info@machupicchuteam.com and we will check permits for you.
Before the trek: spend at least two days in Cusco to adjust to the altitude. A Cusco City Tour or a Sacred Valley tour is the perfect warm-up for the Inca stairs.
After Machu Picchu: still have energy? Add Rainbow Mountain or Humantay Lake. Tell us your dates on WhatsApp and we will organize the full itinerary for you.
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See the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu through our travelers’ eyes: stone paths, mountain passes, cloud forest, Inca sites like Wiñay Wayna and the first view of the citadel from the Sun Gate.
Everything you need to plan your Inca Trail to Machu Picchu: permits, best season, altitude, difficulty, what to pack and how to book. Read this before choosing between the 4-day, 2-day and 1-day routes.
The Inca Trail price for 2027, per person, with permits and your Machu Picchu entrance included:
All our Inca Trail tours include a professional guide, the guided tour of Machu Picchu and the train back.
For the Inca Trail 2027, book 4 to 6 months ahead for the 4-day trek, and earlier for May to August. Permits are limited per day and cannot be changed or transferred once issued.
The 4-day trek is demanding: long stone staircases and Dead Woman’s Pass at 4,215 m. The 2-day and 1-day routes are moderate and suitable for most active travelers.
Every February for maintenance. Machu Picchu stays open, and you can visit by train or on alternative treks such as Salkantay or Inca Jungle.
Yes. Your permit is issued with your passport details, and you must carry the same original passport on the trail and at Machu Picchu.
Permits, professional guide, porters, cook, meals, camping equipment, Machu Picchu entrance, guided tour and train return to Cusco. Check each tour page for full details.
The Short Inca Trail 2 Days walks the final section through Wiñay Wayna to the Sun Gate, with a hotel night in Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu the next morning.
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is ideal for travelers who value history as much as scenery. Use these tips to choose the right program.
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is the only route that reaches the citadel on the original Inca road. The classic 4-day trek covers about 42 km, crosses Dead Woman’s Pass (4,215 m) and visits a chain of Inca sites, with guides, porters, cooks and camping equipment included. If you have less time, the Short Inca Trail 2 Days and the Inca Trail 1 Day follow the last section of the path through Wiñay Wayna to the Sun Gate.
Choose this route if you want history and archaeology as much as scenery. Permits are personal, non-transferable and sell out months ahead, especially from May to September, and the trail closes every February for maintenance.
Original passport, the same one used for your permit.
Comfortable broken-in hiking boots.
Warm layers, gloves and a hat for cold nights.
Rain jacket or poncho.
Sunscreen, sunglasses and insect repellent.
Refillable water bottle and personal snacks.
Trekking poles with rubber tips (metal tips are not allowed).
Cash in soles for tips and extras.
Book your permit early and send your passport details exactly as they appear.
Spend at least 2 days in Cusco to acclimatize before starting the trek.
Train with walks and stairs a few weeks before your trip.
Tell us about any diet or medical condition in advance.
Inca Trail permits are limited per day and can sell out months ahead, especially from May to September. The trail closes every February for maintenance, and permits are personal and non-transferable.
Check availability for your dates on WhatsApp or at info@machupicchuteam.com.
