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The Inca Trail is one of the most famous treks in the world and one of the most remarkable hiking routes in South America. More than a trek, it is an ancient and sacred path through the Andes, leading toward the sanctuary of Machu Picchu.
Along the way, you’ll walk original Inca trails and discover archaeological sites accessible only on foot. Most remarkably, the Inca Trail is the only trekking route that allows you to arrive at Machu Picchu on foot through the legendary Sun Gate, Inti Punku, revealing the citadel from its historic entrance.
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the world’s most famous treks—a journey back in time along an ancient path through the Andes. Hike original Inca trails, explore archaeological sites accessible only on foot, and enter Machu Picchu through the legendary Sun Gate, Inti Punku.
Our guides know the mountains, their history, and the traditions of the Andes. More than just leading the way, they walk with you, share what they know, and help you discover the story behind every landscape.
They carry much more than just your luggage: they carry stories, traditions, and a culture that lives on. Hike alongside our porters and discover the Andes through their eyes.
Gaze at the Milky Way under the same sky the Incas once gazed upon. Afterward, enjoy a hot dinner and rest in a comfortable tent, surrounded by the silence of the mountains.
In the mountains, a good meal makes all the difference. Comforting Peruvian flavors restore your energy and give you the boost you need to keep enjoying the trail.
Hiking through the Andes also means caring for them. We reduce waste, promote responsible practices, and strive to ensure that every traveler takes home more than just photographs: respect for these ecosystems.
Tackle the legendary Inca Trail for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to approach Machu Picchu through breathtaking mountain scenery, as the Incas themselves did many centuries ago. Join us on the Inca Trail for an experience you'll never forget.
The world-famous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the best trekking routes in South America. Walk in the footsteps of our Inca nobility ancestors to their incredible Inca fortress, Machu Picchu, and dare to discover their secrets.
The world-famous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the best trekking routes in South America. Walk in the footsteps of our Inca nobility ancestors to their incredible Inca fortress, Machu Picchu, and dare to discover their secrets.
The Inca Trail is where those most daring choose to trek to Machu Picchu, UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit unique archaeological sites that can only be accessed on foot along this route and become enveloped in the stunning Andean mountain landscape and thick vegetation. You’ll be challenged along the way but will receive the most amazing reward when you enter through the Sun Gate to look over mystical Machu Picchu for the first time.
If the Inca Trail is on your bucket list, here are different ways to experience it, from short hikes to multi-day adventures. Choose the hike that best fits your schedule, your pace, and the level of challenge you’re looking for.
Make the Inca Trail truly your own. Share it only with the people you choose, and enjoy every challenge, every discovery, and every moment at your own pace as you journey together to Machu Picchu.
Make the Inca Trail truly your own. Share it only with the people you choose, and enjoy every challenge, every discovery, and every moment at your own pace as you journey together to Machu Picchu.
Fewer days, without losing the essence. Venture into the cloud forest, discover Wiñay Wayna and its Inca terraces, and cross Inti Punku in the evening light for your first encounter with Machu Picchu.
Fewer days, without losing the essence. Venture into the cloud forest, discover Wiñay Wayna and its Inca terraces, and cross Inti Punku in the evening light for your first encounter with Machu Picchu.
Short on time but eager to hike? Turn a single day into a great challenge: hike along stone trails and visit Inca sites, reach Inti Punku, and earn your arrival at Machu Picchu one step at a time.
Short on time but eager to hike? Turn a single day into a great challenge: hike along stone trails and visit Inca sites, reach Inti Punku, and earn your arrival at Machu Picchu one step at a time.
Take a more leisurely pace along the Inca Trail and give yourself time to enjoy the scenery, archaeological sites, and moments along the way. An extended version of this legendary route for those who want to savor the experience without rushing to Machu Picchu.
Take a more leisurely pace along the Inca Trail and give yourself time to enjoy the scenery, archaeological sites, and moments along the way. An extended version of this legendary route for those who want to savor the experience without rushing to Machu Picchu.
First, disconnect from the world. Hike along the peaceful trails of Lares, passing glaciers, lagoons, waterfalls, and herds of llamas and alpacas, while discovering Andean communities where ancient traditions remain part of daily life. Next, move from the living culture to the history you can still touch. Set out on the Short Inca Trail, hike ancient paths and explore archaeological sites hidden in the cloud forest, and follow the Inca’s footsteps to Inti Punku, where Machu Picchu provides the grand finale to five days of discovery.
First, disconnect from the world. Hike along the peaceful trails of Lares, passing glaciers, lagoons, waterfalls, and herds of llamas and alpacas, while discovering Andean communities where ancient traditions remain part of daily life.
Let yourself be enveloped by the quietest side of the Andes, among lakes, waterfalls, and mountains that seem to go on forever. Hike under the watchful gaze of snow-capped Mount Verónica, feel the challenge of reaching the Huayanay Pass, and enjoy that feeling of being far away from it all, where only you and the trail matter. Then, join the Short Inca Trail and transition from the vastness of the mountains to ancient stone paths, archaeological sites, and cloud forests. Follow the Inca footprints to Inti Punku and cap off five days of exploration with a view of Machu Picchu.
Let yourself be enveloped by the quietest side of the Andes, among lakes, waterfalls, and mountains that seem to go on forever. Hike under the watchful gaze of snow-capped Mount Verónica, feel the challenge of reaching the Huayanay Pass, and enjoy that feeling of being far away from it all, where only you and the trail matter.
Are you drawn to the freedom of Salkantay, but don’t want to miss out on the history of the Inca Trail? Hike the Indomitable Mountain through glacial lakes, high-altitude passes, and cloud forests, then connect with a section of the ancient Inca Trail. Hike through history, discover Wiñay Wayna, and continue on to Inti Punku, where Machu Picchu appears before you in a way that few travelers ever get to experience. Two different routes that both lead to an unforgettable arrival.
Are you drawn to the freedom of Salkantay, but don’t want to miss out on the history of the Inca Trail? Hike the Indomitable Mountain through glacial lakes, high-altitude passes, and cloud forests, then connect with a section of the ancient Inca Trail.
Salkantay or the Inca Trail? This time, you don’t have to choose. Begin among glacial lakes and towering mountains, taking on the challenge of reaching Abra Salkantay and experiencing the wildest side of the Andes. Then, the adventure takes a new turn. Venture down a little-explored trail that connects Salkantay with the start of the legendary Inca Trail. The wild landscapes give way to ancient trails, archaeological sites, and a history that begins to accompany your every step. Seven days to experience the power of Salkantay and the legacy of the Inca Trail two great trails united in a single adventure toward Machu Picchu.
Salkantay or the Inca Trail? This time, you don’t have to choose. Begin among glacial lakes and towering mountains, taking on the challenge of reaching Abra Salkantay and experiencing the wildest side of the Andes.
We know that hiking the Inca Trail can be so much more than just a trip: it can be a dream, a challenge, or an adventure you’ve been imagining for a long time. That’s why we take your experience just as seriously as you’ve planned it.
On their backs, they carry much more than just gear: they carry a part of the adventure you’ve dreamed of experiencing. Many of our porters come from communities near Ollantaytambo, speak Quechua, and find new opportunities for their families through this work.
We know that behind every porter there is a person, a family, and a story. That’s why we strive to reward their efforts with fair wages, proper equipment, and care for their health and well-being.
They are an essential part of the Inca Trail. As you make your way toward one of your dreams, they walk alongside you, helping you make it a reality.
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There are stories of the Inca Trail that might go unnoticed if no one told them to you. Our local guides know the trails, archaeological sites, and traditions, and they know how to uncover those details that transform an ancient stone into part of a story.
More than just showing you where to walk, they walk alongside you, answer your questions, and help you understand the Inca world that unfolds with every step.
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Neither the cold, the wind, nor being far from everything stops them from taking care of you through their cooking. Our chefs are prepared to cook in the most remote corners of the Andes, where they know how to keep the fire burning even when the mountains make it difficult.
While you rest, they prepare what you need to recharge your energy; and before you wake up, they’re already up and ready to welcome you with a hot drink. Their experience allows them to adapt to different diets and take care with every dish so that it nourishes you, comforts you, and helps you keep walking.
Because after a great day on the mountain, few things feel as good as finding something warm waiting for you, eating well, and smiling.
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In the mountains, a good meal can make or break your day: it restores your energy and prepares you to continue enjoying the journey.
That’s why we take care to ensure the freshness and quality of our ingredients and offer balanced meals throughout the entire route. Our meals, often served buffet-style, combine variety with the flavors of Peruvian cuisine.
After hours of hiking, sitting down to a good meal, trying a little bit of everything, and recharging your energy becomes one of the best moments of the day.
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After hours of hiking, few things feel as good as arriving to find your campsite all set up. Rest in spacious, sturdy tents with plenty of room to get comfortable, store your gear, and recharge for the next day.
Outside, you’ll find the mountains, silence, and a sky full of stars. Inside, a space ready for you to rest, enjoy a hot meal, and wake up ready to continue exploring the Inca Trail.
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Peru offers world-class tourist attractions, with mysterious archaeological sites, awe-inspiring landscapes and diverse wildlife. In this vast and storied land, ancient, colonial, and modern traditions meld together for an unforgettable cultural experience. No matter the type of traveler—history buff, adventurer, or foodie—Peru offers a myriad of activities to satisfy every appetite.
Preparing well is also part of the journey. Find out what to pack, learn about the weather on the Inca Trail, and get answers to frequently asked questions so you can arrive prepared and enjoy every step of this legendary route to Machu Picchu.
The Inca Trail is hiked at moderate to high altitudes, with some challenging sections. The highest point is Warmiwañusca (Dead Woman’s Pass) at 4,215 m (13,829 ft). Campsites are typically located between 3,000 and 3,600 m (9,842–11,811 ft). It is recommended to acclimatize in Cusco for 2–3 days beforehand.
Weather on the Inca Trail varies by season and altitude. From May to October (dry season), expect sunny days with temperatures between 59°F and 68°F (15°C to 20°C), and cold nights that can drop to 32°F (0°C). From November to April, rainfall and cloud cover increase, with similar temperatures but higher humidity. Dressing in layers is recommended.
Yes. Some campsites and checkpoints have restrooms, although they tend to be quite basic. Salkantay Trekking also provides portable restrooms along the route, offering you a more comfortable option for your needs.
As for showers, they’re only available at the Wiñay Wayna campsite. Keep in mind that these are rustic facilities, so we recommend treating them as a basic option during the trek.
Yes. The Inca Trail is quite a challenge, but with proper preparation, every climb and every step becomes part of the adventure. In the end, the satisfaction of having completed the trail will make all the effort worthwhile.
The Inca Trail is in Peru in South America. It’s located in the Andean mountain range in the department of Cusco. It ends at Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
The Inca Trail is considered a moderate-to-difficult hike, mainly due to the altitude, the constant ascents and descents, and the long stretches of stone steps. With good physical conditioning and prior acclimatization, you’ll be able to tackle the challenge and enjoy the hike much more.
There are only 500 permits available per day, including guides, cooks, and porters from the tour agencies. That means only about 200 are left for visitors from around the world.
The highest point of the route is Dead Woman’s Pass (Warmi Wañusca), which is located at 4,215 meters (13,829 feet).
The Classic 4-day Inca Trail covers a total distance of 44 km (27.34 miles). It begins at kilometer 82 of the railway that runs from Cusco to Aguas Calientes, near the town of Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley. This Km 82 point is accessed by land transport from Cusco. From there, the trek to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu begins.
During the Inca Trail, our porters will carry your heaviest belongings in a duffle bag weighing up to 7 kg (15.4 lb). Space is limited, so we recommend packing only the essentials and choosing versatile clothing and items that you’ll actually use during the trek.
There is no official age restriction for hiking the Inca Trail. However, due to the physical demands of the route, many agencies recommend a minimum age of 12 as a precaution. More important than age is each traveler’s physical condition, hiking experience, and level of preparation.
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