FAQs
Prices are "from" per person based on twin beds or double share bedroom in a Luxury Hotel Category.
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.
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 oversized tents with beds.
We provide you with oversizes tents; however, just 2 trek participants use it! In this way, we provide you more space and comfort.
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)
Everyday.
The Inca Trail is not open in February.
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 scanned copy of your passport and a non-refundable deposit must be provided upon booking a Luxury Inca Trail hike. This is due to government regulations which require complete passport details and full payment of the Machu Picchu entrance fee in order to issue a permit. Your reservation will only be confirmed when we have your entrance ticket in our hands.
If your passport number changes after you book, you must tell us immediately or you may lose your booking! If the name or number on your passport is different from the name or number on your Inca Trail permit, you will not be allowed to start the trek and you will not be entitled to a refund.
You must carry your original passport with you on the trail.
If you booked a Luxury Inca Trail hike at a student rate, you must bring the required documentation on the trail with you. If you do not present this documentation, you will not be allowed to start the trek and you will not be entitled to a refund, nor given an opportunity to pay the full rate.
