Inca Trail

The basics

For many travelers to the Sacred Valley, hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is as much a part of the bucket list experience as seeing the ruins themselves.  If you want to visit the site but aren't an experienced hiker, you can instead look for day tours to Machu Pichu that don't involve trekking, along with 1- and 2-day treks on the "short Inca Trail."

It typically takes four days to cover the distance between Cusco and Aguas Calientes, with overnights at Huayllabamba, Pacamayo, and Huinay Huayna on the way. To walk the trail, you need to join a small group of fellow hikers led by a licensed guide. 

Tour companies will sort out your trail permits in advance. Inca Trail tickets are limited, and the Peruvian government only allows 500 hikers to be on the trail at any given time (including tour guides and porters). Make sure to book ahead.

Things to know before you go

• The trail is a must-see for adventure travelers.

• Inca Trail permits are limited, so it's important to book ahead.

• You cannot hike the trail without a licensed guide. 

• Dress comfortably and in layers. Don't forget sturdy hiking shoes.

• Bring a pair of trekking poles, even if you don't think you'll need them.

• To avoid altitude sickness, spend a couple of days in Cusco before your hike to get used to the high elevation.

How to get there

Inca Trail tours start in the city of Cusco. Regular flights to the city's Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport depart from Lima and beyond. Inca Trail tours typically include pickup from Cusco hotels and the cost of the bus ride to Kilometer 82 along the railway between Cusco and Aguas Calientes, where the hike begins.

When to get there

The June–October dry season brings the best weather and the biggest crowds to the Inca Trail; if you plan to hike during this time, be sure to book months in advance. The spring and fall shoulder seasons—May in particular—see fewer tourists hiking to Machu Picchu, but rain is a possibility. The winter months are prohibitively wet for most trekkers, and the trail closes for maintenance in February.

Alternatives to the classic Inca Trail trek

With the growing popularity of the Inca Trail—and the limited number of permits—visitors are considering alternative treks to Machu Picchu. These include the Lares trek, beginning in the town of Lares and finishing at the Ollantaytambo Ruins (a short train ride from Machu Picchu). Salkantay treks are also popular, and the route is famous for its diverse scenery.

Ways to explore

For many travelers to the Sacred Valley, hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is as important as seeing the ruins themselves. If you want to visit the site but aren't an experienced hiker, look for day tours to Machu Picchu that don't involve trekking, along with 1- and 2-day treks on the “short Inca Trail.” It typically takes four days to cover the distance between Cusco and Aguas Calientes, with overnights at Huayllabamba, Pacamayo, and Huinay Huayna on the way. To walk the trail, you need to join a small group of fellow hikers led by a licensed guide.

Accessibility

The steep stairways and rugged terrain of the Inca Trail make it unsuitable for those with limited mobility.

Age limits

This strenuous route isn’t suitable for young kids or people with a low fitness level, as the altitude can feel extreme at this height.

What to pack

Pack light and well for this trail, which is completely exposed to the elements; many tours give you the option to pay a porter to carry your luggage to lessen your burden.

What to wear

Make sure you’ve already worn your hiking boots before you begin the trek. Also, bring flip-flops to give your feet a well-earned break at camp.

Not allowed

Metal-tipped hiking poles, single-use plastic

Amenities

Campsites, restrooms, cold showers

Address 

Inca Trail tours start in the city of Cusco. Regular flights to the city’s Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport depart from Lima and beyond. Inca Trail tours typically include pickup from Cusco hotels and the cost of the bus ride to Kilometer 82 along the railway between Cusco and Aguas Calientes.

Driving

Aguas Calientes is car-free, so the closest you can get to the town by road is Hidroelectrica. From Cusco, it takes 6–7 hours on a mountainous, gravel road that’s best navigated by an experienced driver who knows the area well.

Public transportation

Trains to Aguas Calientes go from four departure stations: San Pedro and Wanchaq (both in Cusco), Poroy (around 20 minutes outside of town), and Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley, from which special services with panoramic views depart.

Best times to visit

Most Inca trail tours set out super-early in the morning, so be prepared to rise with the sun and arrive at camp in the afternoon to rest.

Best days to visit

Treks start every day throughout the week, but weekday slots tend to be slightly less crowded, so permits often sell out.

Best months to visit

By far the best time to embark on the Inca Trail is the dry season from May through September, when conditions are ideal for hiking.

Special events

One of the most famous Inca celebrations takes place in Cusco at the winter solstice; the Inti Raymi (Festival of the Sun) in June sees widespread parades and performances.