Inca Trail to Machu Picchu: The Best Trekking Adventure in Peru

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the most sought-after trekking experiences in the world. This ancient route, once traveled by the Incas, passes through breathtaking landscapes that include towering mountains, cloud forests, and captivating archaeological sites. Carved centuries ago, this stone-paved trail was used by the Incas to reach the legendary Lost City of Machu Picchu. Today, the Inca Trail remains a popular path that attracts thousands of adventurers from around the globe. Visitors embark on this extraordinary journey to witness one of the New Seven Wonders of the World: Machu Picchu.

Our Inca Trail tours offer a variety of options to suit different schedules and budgets. Whether you’re looking for a short hike or a multi-day adventure, you can choose the experience that best fits your needs. However, securing your spot on the trail is crucial due to strict government regulations. Only 500 permits are issued per day, with around 200 allocated to trekkers and the rest reserved for guides, cooks, and porters. During the high season (May to September), permits can sell out up to five months in advance. To guarantee your spot during these peak dates, it’s highly recommended to book as early as possible.

If permits for the classic Inca Trail are sold out don’t worry! There are several alternative treks to Machu Picchu, each offering its own unique charm. You can explore the challenging Choquequirao Trek, the cultural Lares Trek, or the scenic Salkantay Trek. Each of these routes provides a different perspective of the Andean landscape and leads to the same breathtaking destination: Machu Picchu.

As an authorized trekking agency, we offer a variety of cultural and hiking tours throughout Cusco and Peru. Our team of certified guides, cooks, and porters is dedicated to making your journey unforgettable. Join us and discover the wonders of the Inca Trail and beyond!

ABOUT INKA TRAIL EXPEDITIONS PERÚ

Inka Trail Expeditions Perú has been a leading tour operator in Peru since 2007, specializing in authentic and unforgettable trekking adventures to Machu Picchu and other iconic destinations across South America. Our team of certified professional guides combines passion, expertise, and commitment to deliver the highest quality service.We offer a wide range of trekking routes, from the legendary Inca Trail recognized as one of the most iconic hikes in the world to breathtaking alternatives such as Salkantay, Lares, Choquequirao, Ausangate, and more. Each journey is designed for travelers seeking to connect with nature, immerse themselves in ancestral culture, and embrace a personal challenge.

MOST POPULAR INCA TRAIL TOURS

The Classic Inca Trail is one of the few hikes in the world where the path itself is the destination. Built by the Incas over 500 years ago, the 43 km stone-paved route passes through Inca ruins that see fewer than 500 visitors per day - by government regulation. Permits sell out months in advance, especially between May and September. If you have a travel date in mind, check availability now before your preferred departure fills up. For those who wish to live this unique experience, it is important to keep in mind that places are limited and in high demand, especially during the dry season (May to September), and since entry is regulated by a permit system, it is ideal to book the Inca Trail several months in advance. This way, you will secure your place on one of the world's most iconic treks to the enigmatic city of Machu Picchu.

LUXURY
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4 Days/3 Nights

Luxury Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Cusco - Inca Trail - Machu Picchu

ALTERNATIVE TREKS TO MACHU PICCHU

No permit for the Classic Inca Trail? You have strong options. The Salkantay Trek crosses a 4,600 m glacial pass with no daily visitor cap. The Choquequirao Trek reaches a sister citadel to Machu Picchu that receives fewer than 100 visitors per day - one of the least-visited Inca sites in Peru. The Inca Jungle Trail combines hiking with mountain biking and zip-lining through cloud forest. Each route ends at Machu Picchu; the difference is what you experience getting there.

POPULAR
5 Days/4 Nights

Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu

Soraypampa - Hidroeléctrica - Machu Picchu

POPULAR
8 Days/7 Nights

Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu

Cachora - Choquequirao - Machu Picchu

POPULAR
4 Days/3 Nights

Inka Jungle Trek to Machu Picchu

Cusco - Santa Teresa - Cocalmayo - Machu Picchu

FULL DAY TOURS FROM CUSCO

Not everyone has a week to trek. These full-day tours from Cusco are built for travelers with limited time who refuse to settle for less. Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) sits at 5,200 m and gets its color from mineral deposits - a 2-hour hike from the trailhead. Humantay Lake is a glacial turquoise lake at 4,200 m, reachable in under 2 hours. Machu Picchu by train covers the full citadel experience in a single day, returning to Cusco the same evening.

POPULAR
Full Day

Rainbow Mountain Full Day

Cusipata - Rainbow Mountain - Cusco

POPULAR
Full Day

Humantay Lake Full Day

Soraypampa - Humantay Lake - Cusco

POPULAR
Full Day

Machu Picchu Full Day

Cusco - Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu

HOW TO BOOK THE INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU?

Step 1: Check Inca Trail Availability 2026

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Verify that there are available permits for your preferred travel date.


Step 2: Fill out the Booking Form

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Complete the reservation form with your personal and travel information.


Step 3: Secure Online Booking & Confirmation

Confirmation Here

Make your payment through our secure online system to confirm your booking.


What Defines Us inka trail expeditions

WHY CHOOSE INKA TRAIL EXPEDITIONS?

There´s a reason why our adventure vacations are praised and recommended by countless people.