The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, known worldwide, begins at Kilometer 82 — Piscacucho Village, located in the Ollantaytambo district, Urubamba Province, in the Sacred Valley of Cusco, Peru.

The Incas built the iconic Classic Machu Picchu Inca Trail in the 15th century. It is believed that the same people who built Machu Picchu also built the Inca Trail, using it for trade and communication between Cusco and the Amazon region.

After the Spanish conquest, this trail—like Machu Picchu—was lost for many years and was rediscovered in 1911 by the American explorer Hiram Bingham III during his expeditions in search of the Lost City of the Incas. Today, the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu rank among Peru's most famous travel experiences.

The weather on the Inca Trail is variable and can change quickly. There are 2 main seasons; however, you should be prepared for all conditions when hiking to Machu Picchu.

• The wet season runs from November to March
• The dry season runs from April to October

Temperatures during the Machu Picchu Trek vary by altitude and season; daytime highs can reach 80°F (27°C), while nights can drop below freezing. Pack for both warm days and cold nights.

Hiking the Machu Picchu Inca Trail can be challenging due to its length and high altitudes; however, the rewards are immense. The scenery is spectacular, and the sense of achievement is priceless.

To participate in the Classic Machu Picchu Trek, you must secure permits well in advance. Each day, only 500 permits are available, including porters, chefs, tour guides, and travelers.

The Inca Trail trek stretches for about 26 miles (42 kilometers) from the Sacred Valley (Km 82), through the Andes Mountains, to the lost city of Machu Picchu.

The Inca Trail is one of the most popular trekking routes in the world, but if it is sold out, you might consider alternative treks to Machu Picchu. Below is a fair comparison of the most sought‑after tours.

Inca Trail vs. Salkantay Trek

There are two main options for trekking to Machu Picchu: the Inca Trail and the Salkantay Trek. Both offer stunning scenery and an unforgettable experience, but they differ in pace and feel.
The Inca Trail hike is the classic choice for a Machu Picchu trek—a remarkable journey through history and breathtaking landscapes, ending with a dramatic entrance to Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate.

The Salkantay Trek is an excellent alternative to the Inca Trail. It’s less crowded, often more affordable, and showcases wild Andean terrain. The highlight is Mount Salkantay, at 6,271 meters (20,549 feet). The views are extraordinary, and the trek ends in Aguas Calientes, where you can relax at a hotel before visiting Machu Picchu.

Inca Trail vs. Lares Trek

Another great alternative Trek to Machu Picchu is the Lares Route, known for being more cultural and less intense than the Salkantay and Inca Trails.

The Inca Trail takes you on a 4-day hike directly to the great citadel of Machu Picchu. You’ll camp in the mountains and arrive at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate—the only trek that lets you arrive hiking to Machu Picchu.

The Lares Trek is a 4-day option starting in Lares and ending at Machu Picchu. While it has fewer Inca ruins, it’s ideal for avoiding crowds and engaging with local communities. You’ll reach Machu Picchu by train and stay one night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes.

Classic Inca Trail vs. Short Inca Trail hike

The original Classic Inca Trail 4 days is a longer, more demanding trek, but there’s a shorter version called the Short Inca Trail. Which one is right for you?

The Classic Machu Picchu Inca Trail is a 26‑mile (42‑kilometer) hike completed in four days. It starts at Km 82 in the Sacred Valley and ends at Machu Picchu. Expect alpine forests, mountain valleys, and lush cloud forest, with a maximum elevation of 13,829 feet (4,215 meters).

The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is 10 miles (16 kilometers) and can be done in just 1 day. It starts at Km 104 and ends at Machu Picchu, passing through beautiful cloud forests along the way.

Inca Trail vs. Quarry Trek

For travelers seeking unique adventures, there’s the Cachicata Trek or Inca Quarry Trail to Machu Picchu—a newer but amazing route to Machu Picchu that few people hike.

The Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu is a once‑in‑a‑lifetime journey many dream of—an experience that blends adventure, camping, hiking, challenge, history, and culture, culminating in a triumphant arrival on foot.

The Quarry Trek is a great choice if you want a shorter, easier route. It’s about 20 miles long and takes you to some of the best viewpoints in the Sacred Valley—perfect if you want to avoid the crowds of the Inca Trail.

Inca Trail vs. Choquequirao trek

The Inca Trail and Choquequirao Hike are two of the most epic journeys to ancient citadels in Peru. Both offer grand Andean vistas and remarkable ruins, but they’re quite different.

• The Inca Trail is much more popular than the Choquequirao trek.
• The Choquequirao trek is more challenging, less crowded, and delivers a more rugged, authentic experience.
• The Inca Trail trek takes 4 days, while the Choquequirao trek can be 4, 5, or up to 8–10 days.

One of the most iconic endurance events is the Inca Trail Marathon. This race follows the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in Peru and is considered one of the toughest in the world due to high altitude and rugged terrain. For many runners, the challenge is worth it for the once‑in‑a‑lifetime views and atmosphere.

The Inca Trail Marathon is held every May or June. It starts at KM 82 of the Inca Trail, about 2,000 meters above sea level. Runners pass through jungle, mountains, and ancient ruins before finishing near Machu Picchu. The total distance is approximately 42 kilometers.

If you plan to join the Classic Machu Picchu Trek, you’ll need a reservation. This is one of the world’s most popular hiking routes, and spaces are limited.

• There is only one way to reserve the trail: book through an authorized tour company like TreXperience.
• When booking, you must provide passport details and select your start date.
• Note that the Inca Trail is closed in February.
• Book at least six months in advance—permits sell out fast.
• Once your reservation is confirmed, it’s time to start packing for your adventure!

Dead Woman's Pass is the highest point on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu at 4,215 meters (13,829 ft) above sea level. Named for its distinctive profile, this stretch includes steep ascents and descents and rewards you with sweeping views.

The Short Inca Trail is perfect if you’re short on time. This 2‑day route lets you see some of the most incredible views of the Andes. The trek starts at Km 104, about 1 hour from Cusco by train from Ollantaytambo. You’ll hike 4–5 hours to Wiñay Wayna, enjoy a box lunch, and continue the final stretch to the Sun Gate (Intipunku) for your first and most amazing view of Machu Picchu.

The Inca Trail 5‑day slow version is ideal if you want to savor the scenery and take your time. A gentler pace means more time for photos, viewpoints, and exploring ruins. It’s also a good option if you prefer a less strenuous experience. Book early—tours often fill months in advance, especially in peak season (May–September).

The Sun Gate, or Intipunku, is the official entrance to Machu Picchu from the Inca Trail. The views are breathtaking—it’s amazing to stand above Machu Picchu and take it all in.

The Inca Bridge spans a deep gorge roughly 60 meters (200 feet) high and was built in the 15th century. Its exact purpose is unclear, but many believe it allowed the Incas to cross the cliff safely without descending into the valley.

It may also have served as a defensive feature to protect the citadel. The Inca Bridge at Machu Picchu is a remarkable engineering achievement that impresses every visitor.

Preparing for the Machu Picchu Inca Trail can be demanding. Below are some recommendations to help you enjoy this amazing hike. 

• After booking the tour, start training with regular hikes.
• Increase your physical activity gradually.
• Walking or running for 30 minutes, three to five days a week, builds endurance.
• Fitness requires strong legs. Untrained legs may struggle in the Andes’ hilly terrain.
• Squats and lunges at home—or mountain hikes—will prepare you for your holiday.

Before hiking to Machu Picchu, allow time to acclimate to Cusco’s high altitude. The trail reaches 4,000 meters (13,000 feet). Progressive acclimatization helps prevent altitude sickness.

The Inca Trail has different routes with varying numbers of stairs depending on maintenance and yearly updates, so exact counts vary. Still, past hikers’ feedback offers a helpful idea of what to expect.

Many hikers log tens of thousands of steps on the Inca Trail. On average, a person takes about 2,000–2,500 steps per mile—roughly 1,200–1,600 steps per kilometer. Expect lots of stairs, stay positive, and remember: every step brings you closer to Machu Picchu!

• The Inca Trails are an ancient network of roads and paths spanning more than 4,000 miles through the Andes Mountains. The Classic Inca Trail connects Cusco with Machu Picchu.
• Built over 500 years ago, it remains one of the world’s premier hiking routes. Reaching heights above 13,000 feet in the Andes, the Inca Trail covers 26 miles and takes four days to complete.
• The Inca Trail rewards trekkers with panoramic views of mountains, valleys, rivers, and ancient ruins—but expect narrow paths, steep ascents/descents, and changeable weather.
• Most trekkers complete the route in four days, though shorter and longer options are available.

The Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu is one of the best and most popular hikes in the world—and the number one in Peru. This trek sells out very fast, especially in high season from May to September. Permits can sell out up to 6 months in advance, so booking the Inca Trail far in advance is a must.

It’s also important to book with a local, official Inca Trail tour operator to secure permits. Consider the following before choosing your tour operator:

• Book with a Local Company: Inca Trail permits must be paid for in person and in cash at the Machu Picchu ticketing office in Cusco. Booking with a local company is essential.
• Book with an Official Tour Operator: Once Inca Trail permits are sold out, there is no way to get permits for that date—no waiting list, no cancellations. Only official tour operators have access to the booking system and can see live availability. You cannot see live availability online or book Inca Trail permits by yourself. Secure permits with an authorized Inca Trail tour operator.
• Alternative Treks: If permits are sold out, you can still book the Short Inca Trail, Salkantay Trek, Lares Trek, or Choquequirao Trek. Be careful—some companies sell these alternatives as Inca Trail tours. We often get calls from guests who “found” an Inca Trail tour elsewhere when permits were sold out and ended up hiking the Salkantay Trek instead.

Booking the famous Inca Trail Machu Picchu Trek is easy with TreXperience. Click any BOOK NOW button on our website, select your departure date, fill out the form with all requested details (including passport information), and submit the initial payment required to book the Inca Trail Trek.

Due to strict permit policies administered by the Peruvian Government, all Inca Trail bookings must be confirmed manually. Your tour is 100% guaranteed only after manual confirmation from our side. This process could take up to 48 hours on weekends.

The Classic Inca Trail Machu Picchu offers an authentic camping and hiking experience. Over four days and three nights, we will be in the mountains staying in camping tents. There are no hotels or other buildings; we camp in nature and carry all equipment from beginning to end.

At TreXperience, we provide comfortable 4-person tents for every 2 travelers. We also provide kitchen tents, dining tents, and private portable toilets, all supported by an expert trekking team.

The Inca Trail offers a true camping and hiking adventure. Over four days and three nights, we are out in the mountains sleeping in camping tents. There are no hotels or buildings on the route; we camp in nature and carry the full set of gear from start to finish.

With TreXperience, you’ll use spacious 4-person Eureka tents for every 2 travelers, plus kitchen tents, dining tents, and private portable toilets—managed by our experienced trekking team.

Before starting your Machu Picchu hike, follow these tips to reduce the risk of altitude sickness:

• Arrive in Cusco two days in advance so your body has time to acclimatize.
• Avoid rapid ascent so your body can adapt gradually to the new altitude.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and avoid alcohol.
• At high altitude, eat smaller, lighter meals.
• Get enough sleep so your body can recover from daytime exertion.

If you feel symptoms of altitude sickness, descend to a lower altitude immediately and rest. If you are in Cusco City, consider traveling to the Sacred Valley to recover and prepare for your Machu Picchu Trek.

Before starting your hike to Machu Picchu, here are a few practical ways to reduce the risk of altitude sickness:

• Arrive in Cusco at least two days early to acclimatize.
• Avoid rapid ascent and allow time for your body to adapt.
• Drink plenty of fluids and avoid alcohol.
• Choose smaller, lighter meals at high altitude.
• Sleep well each night to help your body recover.

If symptoms appear, descend and rest. From Cusco, you can go to the Sacred Valley to recover and get ready for the amazing Machu Picchu Trek.

You cannot fly directly from your country to Cusco. Book your international flight to Lima. From there, either stay a few days on the coast or connect to a domestic flight to Cusco. Once in Cusco, we recommend staying near the historic center and choosing hotels with easy access to main routes.

• On the first day, rest in Cusco and, if possible, take a guided Cusco City Tour in the afternoon.
• On the second day, take a full-day Super Sacred Valley Tour and, if possible, stay in Ollantaytambo. Staying there saves a 2-hour bus ride on the day you start the Machu Picchu Inca Trail.

Exploring Cusco City and the Sacred Valley helps you acclimatize gradually and visit the most remarkable places nearby.

If possible, after the Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu, rest for one day to recover. Then explore more of Cusco, take day hikes, or travel to other regions.

• Rainbow Mountain: The most popular day tour from Cusco after the Machu Picchu Inca Trail. This fantastic hike takes you to the 5,200-meter colored mountain and the Red Valley.
• Humantay Lake: Another classic day tour located at 4,200 meters.
• You can travel to Puno by bus and explore the floating islands.

The Machu Picchu Inca Trail is the most popular trek in South America; only 500 permits are sold daily, including porters, tour guides, chefs, and travelers. Book far in advance to secure your preferred date.

For months like April, May, June, and July, we recommend booking the previous year before October. In the first days of October, the Inca booking system opens for the next year, and some dates sell out immediately.

We recommend booking at least 6 months in advance for high season (April to October) and 4 months in advance for the slower season (November to March).

If the Classic Inca Trail is sold out, our team will contact you to offer alternative dates or tours to Machu Picchu. Submitting payment does not guarantee an Inca Trail permit—you must wait for manual confirmation from our team indicating that we have successfully secured your permits. This process could take around 24 hours; if it is a weekend, confirmation will be sent on Monday.

The maximum group size is 16 travelers. However, this number is rarely met since it depends on how many spots we sell before permits are sold out. These are general rules of the Inca Trail and apply to all tour operators.

The average group size is 8 to 12 travelers per group. Some days, we might have 2 travelers, 10 travelers, or a full group of 16. For every 8 travelers, there is 1 tour guide—this is a general rule on the Inca Trail.

Some operators only offer groups of 8, promising “personalized service.” However, this isn’t always best for the following reasons:

• Groups of 8 people or fewer are allowed only 1 tour guide.
• Groups of 9 or more have 2 tour guides.

From a tour guide’s perspective, managing 8 hikers alone is challenging—different ages and speeds make it hard for one person to lead.

With 9, 10, or 12 travelers and 2 guides, one guide can lead from the front while the other supports from the back. On group hikes on the Inca Trail, everyone walks at their own pace and regroups at planned rest and briefing points.

When organizing a group tour, it’s hard to know the final group size for a specific date. We always aim for numbers that allow 2 tour guides.

For the Inca Trail Trek, we rent sleeping bags designed for the temperatures and altitudes on the Machu Picchu hike. We also rent high-quality, adjustable, lightweight Black Diamond trekking poles. Additionally, we provide inflatable mattresses that are light and comfortable. You can bring your own gear; if you are very tall, we recommend bringing your own sleeping bag.

• Sleeping bag: $25
• Trekking poles: $20
• Inflatable mattress: $20

Prices are in USD and for the whole tour. We provide a foam sleeping pad for the Inca Trail tour; the air mattress is optional if you want more comfort.

The total distance of the Classic long Inca Trail is 26 miles or 42 km. The average person takes about 4 days to complete the entire trail; if you’re not used to hiking, you may want to allow extra time before or after. The Short Inca Trail is a great option if you don’t have time for the full hike; it covers 13 km (8 miles).

When hiking to Machu Picchu through the Inca Trail, we traverse different altitudes and microclimates. We start in the Andes, climb to cold mountain passes, and finish in the warm cloud forest. Pack for warm, hot, cold, rain, sun, wind—every kind of weather. Key altitude references:

• Cusco City: 3,399 m / 11,151 ft.
• Start point (KM 82): 2,642 m / 8,867 ft.
• Average altitude on the trail: 3,000 m / 9,842 ft.
• Dead Woman's Pass (highest point): 4,215 m / 13,835 ft.
• Runkuraqay Pass (second highest): 4,000 m / 13,123 ft.
• Machu Picchu (end point): 2,430 m / 7,972 ft.
• Aguas Calientes town (train station): 2,040 m / 6,692 ft.

Learn more about the altitude of the Inca Trail on our blog: Inca Trail Altitude.

The Classic Inca Trail starts at Km 82, Piscacucho village (2,642 m / 8,867 ft), in the Ollantaytambo district, Urubamba Province. The main checkpoint is on the right side of the Urubamba River. Once you cross the river, you enter the protected Inca Trail area. To join the Inca Trek to Machu Picchu, arrive in Cusco about 2 days before departure. You can book a hotel in Cusco City or stay in the Sacred Valley near Ollantaytambo. We can collect you from either location near the main route.

The Short Inca Trail starts at Km 104 (Chachabamba). This is the express Inca Trail for 1 day of hiking, with Machu Picchu visited the next day.

This is tricky to answer. The Inca Trail operates year-round, and in any season you’ll have amazing views—just bring the right gear. Be prepared for sun, rain, wind, and cold.

• The best months to hike and visit Machu Picchu are April to October.
• May, June, July, and August are the driest months on the Inca Trail—but also the busiest in Machu Picchu.
• The rainy season runs from November to March; full dry weeks are still possible.
• The Inca Trail is closed during February for heavy rains and maintenance.

The Inca Trail lies in the cloud forest and is known for highly changeable weather—pack smart.

The Inca Trail, or Camino Inca, was built by the Inca civilization in the 15th century as part of a vast network connecting the empire across modern-day Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Bolivia, Argentina, and Chile. The most famous section leads to Machu Picchu and features well-preserved stone paths, tunnels, and stairways that blend with the landscape.

The Inca king who expanded these routes was Pachacuti Inca Yupanqui (Pachacuti), who ruled from 1438 to 1471. Under his leadership, major infrastructure—including the Inca Trail—helped communication, transport, and control across the empire.

After Hiram Bingham rediscovered the Inca Trail in 1915, archaeologists explored the route and found many Incan temples, religious sites, and administrative areas such as Patallacta, Runkuraqay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, Intipata, Wiñaywayna, and Intipunku.

The Classic Inca Trail matters for many reasons:

• It connects hikers with the history and culture of the Inca civilization through ancient paths and ruins.
• The trail passes through spectacular landscapes—from cloud forests to high mountain vistas.
• Along the way, you can meet local people and our porters and learn about their traditions.
• The hike is challenging yet rewarding and offers a true adventure.
• The Inca Trail and Machu Picchu form part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, protected for future generations.

It’s the only trek that leads directly to the Sun Gate above this world‑famous site, making the Classic Inca Trail a unique journey.

Arrive in Cusco at least two days before your Inca Trail trek begins. This gives you time to adjust to altitude and settle in before the hike. Cusco is a beautiful city with plenty to see and do while you prepare. You’ll also have time to buy any last‑minute gear or supplies.

In the two or three days before the Inca Trail, explore Cusco City and its surroundings. You can also travel to the Sacred Valley to see Inca sites, visit traditional markets, and experience local villages.

After the Inca Trail, allow a couple of days to recover from the trek. Use this time to visit more highlights like the Rainbow Mountain trek.

The Classic Inca Trail is closed every February for maintenance and heavy rains. It may also close occasionally due to bad weather or unforeseen circumstances. Before planning your trek, check the latest updates or contact us.

While the Inca Trail is closed in February, Machu Picchu remains open year-round. If you can’t hike the Inca Trail, you can opt for alternative treks or take a tour by train. The most recommended February trek to Machu Picchu is the Lares Trek.

There are many Inca Trail tours to Machu Picchu, including long, short, and combined versions. The Inca Trails are divided into two main routes. The first and most popular is the long version, completed in at least 4 days and 3 nights, with hiking and camping in the mountains. The second is the short version, with one day of hiking and the next day visiting Machu Picchu. Both routes arrive at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate.

The most popular and best Inca Trail tours to Machu Picchu are:

The Classic Inca Trail:

• Duration: 4 days and 3 nights.
• Details: Chosen by 90% of travelers. Camping only—no hotels, shops, or vehicle access. Starts in the Sacred Valley and finishes with a hike to Machu Picchu.

The Short Inca Trail:

• Duration: 1 day of hiking the last part of the Inca Trail, followed by visiting Machu Picchu the next day.
• Details: A shorter yet rewarding Inca Trail experience.

Extended Versions of the Long Inca Trail:

• Inca Trail 5 days: Hike the long Inca Trail at a slower pace.
• Salkantay Inca Trail 6 days: Combines the Salkantay Trek with the Inca Trail.
• Ultimate Inca Trail 5 days: Explore more places and hike longer distances.

Details: These variations follow the same long route, using similar campsites but at a different pace.

Variants of the Short Inca Trail:

• Short Inca Trail Hotel Version: Includes hotel accommodations in Aguas Calientes Town.
• Short Inca Trail Camping: Includes camping near Aguas Calientes town.
• 1 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu: Full‑day tour from Cusco.

Details: Both options follow the same route but offer different accommodation experiences.

You cannot see live Inca Trail availability online or purchase permits directly. Only authorized local, registered tour operators like TreXperience can verify availability. While some websites display availability, that does not guarantee permits. Only 500 Inca Trail permits are available each day. You might book a date just as someone else confirms it.

After booking the Inca Trail, wait around 24 hours, especially on weekends, before booking flights and hotels. Another tip: book directly with a local tour operator to speed up the process.

To hike the Inca Trail on your preferred dates, book at least 6 months in advance. Permits for the next year are released in the first days of October. During that first week, some dates sell out within minutes—especially May, June, and July. It is essential to receive manual confirmation that your tour operator secured your permits.

If you’re planning to hike the Inca Trail next year, follow these recommendations to secure your date:

• Choose the best local tour operator: research and select a reputable company.
• Make your reservation before October to increase your chances of getting your preferred dates.

After booking, wait for final confirmation that permits have been secured for your preferred date. This will be sent after the first week of October when permits are officially confirmed.

Another tricky question! The Inca Trail is challenging but doable. You must be able to hike on uneven terrain for about 8 to 10 hours per day, sleep above 3,000 meters, and handle many uphill and downhill stone stairs.

If you’re in average physical condition, train regularly before the Inca Trail and you’ll have a wonderful time.

When searching online, you’ll find many tour operators with reasonable prices, making it hard to decide which company to choose.

• The average price for a 4‑day Classic Inca Trail tour is 800 to 890 USD.
• The average price for the Inca Trail 5 days trek is 950 to 1400 USD.
• The average Short Inca Trail tour price is 500 to 580 USD.
• The 1 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is around 400 USD.

You may find lower prices or different options, but always verify what’s included. Some operators do not offer a personal porter or bus from Machu Picchu. TreXperience provides a personal porter and all transportation from start to end with panoramic trains.

Any adventure trip carries risks. On the Inca Trail, hazards can arise from negligence or natural forces. For a safe journey, follow your tour guide’s instructions closely and hike carefully—especially on uneven stairs and exposed sections.

You cannot enter the Inca Trail without hiring a registered tour company. You must hike the Inca Trail with a licensed tour guide, chef, and porters.

During the Machu Picchu Inca Trail, you’ll carry only your daypack and a small duffle bag with 7 kg (15 lb). Your main luggage must remain in Cusco. You can store it at your hotel or with TreXperience.