Inca Trail

The Inca Trail is a world-famous trek in the highlands of Peru that finishes in Machu Picchu. The trail is 43 kilometers long. This historic trek is a multi-day experience traveling through stunning landscapes and spectacular Inca ruins. The Inca Trail provides the trekker unforgettable adventure in the mountains and the jungle of the Andes. All treks on the Inca Trail require permits, so book in advance.

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Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

The Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu is one of the most famous and popular trekking routes in the world. It is a stunning hiking trail that leads to the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, located in the Andes Mountains of Peru. This trek is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, Inca archaeological sites and the sense of adventure it offers to those who undertake it.

The trail traverses through the magnificent Andean mountain range, taking hikers through a variety of landscapes, including lush forests, high-altitude passes and stunning Inca ruins. The trail’s most famous destination is the ancient city of Machu Picchu, which was built in the 15th century and is considered one of the greatest architectural wonders of the world.

To hike the Inca Trail, you must obtain a permit, and there is a limit on the number of permits issued each day. This means that it’s essential to book your trip well in advance and to ensure that you have all the necessary documentation before embarking on your journey.

To fully enjoy the trail, it’s recommended to book with a licensed tour operator, who will provide you with a guide, porters, and all necessary equipment. The porters will carry your camping gear, food, and other supplies, allowing you to focus on the incredible scenery and immerse yourself in the experience.

The Inca Trail can be challenging, with steep ascents and descents, high altitude and variable weather conditions. It’s essential to be physically prepared and to acclimatize to the altitude before starting the trek. However, the trail’s breathtaking views and the unique opportunity to explore the history and culture of the Inca civilization make it a journey that is well worth the effort.

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Inca Trail Permits

Discover how to secure your permits for the legendary Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Get detailed information on availability, booking procedures, and tips for a successful trek.

Inca Trail Permits

Highlights of the Inca Trail Hike.

Stunning Scenery

The Inca Trail winds through some of the most spectacular landscapes in the world, from lush jungles to snow-capped peaks and high-altitude plateaus. Along the way, you’ll see incredible vistas of the Andes and be surrounded by natural beauty.

Patallacta

This archaeological site, is located in the lush and green Urubamba valley, Cusco. The highland terraces of Patallacta were likely used for crop production and Tambos, or resting places for travelers, that accommodated people on pilgrimage to Machu Picchu during Incan times. It’s only accessible from a single narrow stone staircase.

Dead Woman’s Pass

Climb out of the Sacred Valley towards Warmiwanusca, or Dead Woman’s Pass, on the second day of the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4 days. This highest point of the trek at 4,215 m (3,828 ft) with stunning views at the summit.

Inca Ruins

The trail is dotted with numerous Inca ruins, including Wiñay Wayna, Sayacmarca, and Phuyupatamarca. These ancient sites provide a fascinating glimpse into the daily lives of the Inca people and their sophisticated engineering and architectural skills.

Inti Punku (Sun Gate)

The Sun Gate is a stone archway that marks the entrance to Machu Picchu. The trail culminates in a breathtaking view of the ruins from this vantage point.

Machu Picchu

The ancient city of Machu Picchu is the most famous highlight of the Inca Trail. The breathtaking ruins of this 15th-century Inca citadel were rediscovered in 1911 and are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Inca Trail Trek FAQ: Clear Your Doubts for an Unforgettable Adventure

It depends on your chosen tour option. If you’re booking the short Inca Trail to the ancient citadel, we advise you to book two to four months in advance. On the other hand, if you’re aiming for the classic four day Inca trek or the extended five-day option, you’ll need to schedule even earlier to get the date you want.

Depending on your preferred month, you may need to book six months (or more) in advance. The permits for Inca tours are expected to come out in October of every year. Plus, many of the dates are booked up within minutes.

As your tour provider, we do our best to obtain the permits for your chosen date. We are able to secure the preferred dates for our customers most of the time. Just to be on the safe side, we recommend that you provide us with at least two alternative dates in the event that we’re unable to get permits for the date you want. This allows us to secure permits for you and make sure you get the opportunity to experience an incredible Inca trail journey.

We make sure that our hikers’ information is ready to use and up to date to secure the Inca Trail permit on their preferred dates. Peak months, such as April, May, June and July, sell out within minutes. Any delays in booking could prevent us from obtaining your Inca Trail permit, especially for the 4 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

You can make adjustments on the starting date for the 2025 Inca Trails before the permits go on sale in October 2024 .
Once we buy the permits, however, you may no longer move the start date, transfer the permit to another hiker, or obtain a refund. If you want to change the date, a new permit purchase is required

It may be possible to book at the last minute with the 2 day or 1 day Inca Trail and perhaps the Classic Inca Trail (4 or 5 day) if you are looking to trek in a month of the year where demand is lower. However, it is not recommended! The permits are not the only item that can book out, trains and hotels can also book out. Please do not wait until the last minute, book now if you have set dates!

We need the personal information appearing on your passport. This includes your complete name, date of birth, passport number, gender and nationality. After booking, please provide us with a copy of your passport. You may also book using the personal details on your driver’s license. Just make sure that the information on your license matches the details on your passport.

If you’ve applied for your passport but haven’t received it, use your driver’s license to book with us. Once you have your new passport, email us a picture of it along with your driver’s license. We’ll update the information that will go on the permit. Please bring both forms of identification when you visit Peru. You can use your passport to book your hike if it is expiring. Once you get your new passport, take a photo of that along with your old passport. Then email us the pictures and bring both passports when you come to Peru

No. The Peruvian government has strictly regulated the Inca Trail. Only fully licensed tour operators can book this hike. We take pride in the fact that we’re one of the few fully licensed Inca Trail tour operators in Peru. You won’t regret putting your trust in us.

We specialize in small groups of two to eight people. We want all our hikers to have the best journey possible. Keeping the groups small allows you to get to know your fellow travelers better and helps you have a great trekking experience.

You have the option to book a private hike at an additional cost. The fee varies, depending on the private group size. If you go on a private tour, you’ll have your own chef, porters, personal guide, toilet tent and dining tent. Take note, though, that you won’t be hiking or camping alone on the trail, as there may be other groups who are camping and hiking on the same path.

The process is easy. Just click the BOOK NOW link and follow the instructions. If you have further questions, you can either give us a call or chat with us online.

When booking, get your passport details ready and email us a copy of your passport. Once we get your completed booking form and the deposit fee, we’ll send you an email confirmation. Once the government releases the permits, our staff will send another confirmation stating that we’ve secured the permits for your desired date.

The process is easy. Just click the BOOK NOW link and follow the instructions. If you have further questions, you can either give us a call or chat with us online.

An incredible journey awaits you. Book with us today.

PASSPORT: You MUST take your original passport, a photocopy is not acceptable. (Keep it in a plastic bag, in case of rain).
EXTRA MONEY: For tips, extra drinks and souvenirs.
INFLATABLE MATTRESSES: It is recommended to have an inflatable mattress for comfort but not required. SAM Travel Peru foam mattresses are included within the package price. If you would like to rent an inflatable high quality Thermarest mattress, we have them available to rent for $20 USD per person. If you rent the air mattress, you still get the foam mattress to put under it.
WALKING POLES: It is highly recommended that you have walking poles for your trek. SAM Travel Peru has professional extendable poles available to rent for $15 USD a pair, per person.
WATERPROOF, WELL WORN IN WALKING BOOTS: Good quality, comfortable footwear is essential. Whatever you wear on your feet, the most important thing is comfort. It is vital to ensure your boots are well worn in and lightweight. Ankle support and waterproofing is recommended but if you already have something comfortable with good grip, then don’t go rushing out to buy new boots – you are better off with your well worn in pair!
WATERPROOF CLOTHING: A plastic poncho is recommended, which is provided by SAM during your briefing. Some trekkers also like to bring waterproof trousers, however, a poncho will be sufficient if it covers your bag, body and most of your legs.
PLASTIC BAGS: Keep your belongings and clothes dry inside the duffel. Bags are included in your duffel, which you receive during your briefing. We recommend that you wrap everything in plastic because the duffels are not waterproof.
TOILET PAPER: This is an important item to bring during the trek! Bring small plastic bags for rubbish, which can be thrown in the main rubbish bag provided by the porters at camp.
SMALL TOWEL AND BASIC PERSONAL TOILETRIES: There are showers available at the campsite on the third night. Bring travel size shampoo and shower gel, if you would like to use it, plus wet wipes for the rest of the trek.
WATER BOTTLE: Bring one large (1.5 liter) or two or three small reusable water bottles that can be refilled on the trail with boiled water, which will be supplied when possible, usually after meal times. Please do not bring disposable bottles!
WARM CLOTHING FOR THE NIGHT TIME: Fleece, long pants, woolen hat, gloves.
THERMAL UNDERWEAR: If trekking in winter or if you tend to get cold easily.
WALKING CLOTHING – YOU NEED TO LAYER UP: e.g. zip off trousers, fleece, T-shirts.
PERSONAL MEDICATION AND BASIC FIRST AID KIT: Band aids, blister kit, Imodium, Panadol, rehydration salts, and any other medication prescribed by your doctor.
CAMERA AND EXTRA BATTERIES, MEMORY CARDS: Please note: there are no electrical outlets on the Inca Trail so make sure you fully charge up/or have spare batteries!
SNACKS: Chocolates, chips, crackers, granola bars, or energy bars etc. Additional snacks are provided during the trek, but you may like to bring some extras, just in case.
FLASHLIGHT: This is very important! (and extra batteries)
FOR THE SUN: Sunscreen, sunglasses and sunhat
INSECT REPELLENT: Tropical strength
ANTISEPTIC HAND GEL
SWIMWEAR FOR AGUAS CALIENTES HOT SPRINGS: Towels can be rented for 5 soles.
FLIP FLOPS / SANDALS: If you wish to have a shower on the third night.

We that recommend you bring your own sleeping bag. However, you can rent one from SAM Travel for $20 USD per person, that is guaranteed to be warm and professionally cleaned. If you are planning to purchase a sleeping bag, it is a good idea to purchase a four season (or -10 C) sleeping bag during the winter months. For other months, you will probably be fine in a 3 season (or -4/-5 C) sleeping bag, although this depends on how much you feel the cold and is given as a guideline only.

Classic Inca Trail Hike to Machu Picchu 4 days

Overview Inca Trail 4 days hike to Machu Picchu – One of the World’s Ten Best Hikes The 4 day Inca Trail Hike is famous for being one of the world’s best hikes, discover the pathways ....

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