FAQs
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Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply.
Limited seat/spaces and all pricing is subject to change and availability.
Rates for solo traveler, triple share or more travellers are available on request - please inquire.
Only a special few actually get to hike the Inca Trail every year. Peru’s permit system means that just 500 people are allowed on the trail every day – approximately 200 visitors and 300 trekking staff. Permits are sold on a first-come, first-served basis, and are in very high demand: they can sell out as much as 6 to 8 months in advance! Once spaces have been booked, NO OPERATOR CAN OFFER YOU A SPACE. All spaces are personal and non-transferable, and there is no waiting list, so if someone cancels, their spot cannot be taken by someone new. Also note that the Classic Inca Trail is closed in February for maintenance.
The Classic Inca Trail follows an ancient Inca road, meaning that you will be hiking along a combination of ground trails and stone-paved paths. Some sections are very steep, and require sustained uphill or downhill climbing. Much of the trail consists of stone steps, some of which are quite tall, as much as 30 cm (12 inches). This can be hard on the knees, and could be a problem for someone with a knee injury. The Inca Trail may also be a problem for you if you suffer from vertigo or have a severe fear of heights, as there are sections with steep drop-offs, where the path narrows and becomes single file.
You will hike through a wide-ranging series of micro-climates, from alpine tundra to lush cloud forest. Expect to see a variety of flora and fauna, including different species of cacti, orchids, birds and possibly a vizcacha or two. Majestic views at high altitude of neighboring mountain ranges also await, as well as the chance to see several impressive Inca ruins along the way.
This is a very popular and busy trek. If you hike the Inca Trail, you will be hiking with hundreds of other people, and staying in busy (sometimes noisy) campsites. If you want a remote, wilderness trekking experience, the Inca Trail is not the trek for you.
By mountain hiking standards, the Inca trail is not dangerous. The terrain is moderate, and the trail well maintained. There is no need for special ropes, harnesses or technical training. But – You do need to be fit to hike the Inca Trail!
There are of course risks associated with any high altitude activity, as we’ve mentioned early, the hike does reach 13,828 feet (4,215 meters).
The rainy season in Peru brings risks to all mountain routes, due to landslides and rocks falling above. There have been few deaths on the Inca trail which occurred during extremely wet conditions in January. This is the reason why the Inca trail is closed in February.
For most people, of average fitness, the Inca trail is a moderately difficulty hike. As we have covered above in our facts about the Inca trail, the Classic Inca Trail path is a moderate 43km/ 26 mile hike. The hike typically takes 4 days to complete while reaching a maximum elevation of 13,828 feet (4,215 meters). The trek is challenging, but with a good fitness routine prior to the hike most hikers complete the trek. In our opinion the most difficult thing about the Inca Trail is the stairs.
As high altitude temperatures can change quickly and radically. It can get pretty cold during the nights during the Inca trail trek. In winter (May-September) temperature may drop below 0°C/32°F, while it’s slightly warmer (and wetter) during the rest of the year.
During the trek you will be sleeping on tents “NORTH FACE” designated for 4 seasons.
We provide you with 4-person capacity tents; however, just 2 trek participants use it! In this way, we provide you more space and comfort.
In case of being a single traveler, we also can provide with a 2-person capacity tent.
After each trek, we carefully check our tents and fix them if necessary (to bring the best service to our travelers).
Trekkers reach the highest point at Dead Woman’s Pass at 13,828 feet (4,215 meters).). By comparison, Whistler’s peak is a mere 2184m and even the majestic El Capitan in Yosemite National Park is just 2307m. For those that do the Inca Trail they can be very proud of summiting such a high altitude pass!
Hiking boots – very comfortable, worn-in if possible, waterproof.
Luggage: daypack designed for hiking, adjustable hip and shoulder straps. Main luggage should be easy to carry
Wind and rainproof jacket
Fleece pullover (layering lighter garments is better than one heavy fleece).
Thermals – long johns and vest (it gets extremely cold at night)
Hat and gloves (fleece or other)
Sun hat – with visor or brim, sunglasses
Clothing should be comfortable, light and fast drying (jeans not recommended). Cotton hiking, trousers cotton long and short sleeve.
Shirts, hiking shorts, plenty of socks, bandana.
Pair of trainers, sandals or other comfortable shoes.
Water bottle canteen or Nalgene bottle
Headlamp / torch and batteries
Toiletries – including sun block and high factor sun cream, insect repellent, lip balm, biodegradable soap and shampoo.
Blister treatment
Camera
Knife (Swiss model)
Medicines (in case you have a special requirement)
Snacks (if you prefer one special)
Inca Trail small group departures only on Wednesday, Thursday & Sunday. For any other day your own Private Inca Trail can be arranged, please contact us.
The Inca Trail is not open in February.
Trekking groups operate with a minimum of 2 walkers.
Actual group size may vary but is based on 1 lead guide for every 8 trekkers.
Guided tours in Machu Picchu are regulated to 1 guide for every 16 visitors.
If your Inca Trail trekking group is over 16, you will be broken into two separate groups each not exceeding 16 people.
Yes, children can hike the Inca trail to Machu Picchu! There is no official minimum age for trekking the Inca Trail, but we recommend an age of 10-12 years, and more importantly that the children have certain attributes. This would include resilience; experience not only doing long distance multi day hiking, but camping out at night. Like with adults, the Inca Trail is not something that should be taken lightly, and our general advice for kids is – the older and more experienced you are, the easier it should be!
A copy of your passport and an additional, non-refundable deposit, is required at the time of booking to secure your Inca Trail permits and the passport on which you book your trek must be presented when entering the trail on day 1.
