Inca Trail: Treks and Tours to Machu Picchu

The Inca Trail is the world’s most famous trek, an ancient stone path built by the Incas that crosses cloud forest, mountain passes and hidden ruins before reaching Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate. It is part of the Qhapaq Ñan, the 30,000 km road network of the Inca Empire, and the best-known route starts at Km 82 near Cusco, passing archaeological sites like Llactapata, Runkurakay, Sayacmarka and Wiñay Wayna that you can only reach on foot. Permits are limited and sell out fast, so plan ahead.

At Viajaxmundo we know how much this trek means to you. That’s why we handle the permits, the guides, the porters and every detail along the way, so your only job is to walk the trail and enjoy the arrival at Machu Picchu. Choose the Classic Inca Trail 5 Days for the complete experience: camping under the Andean stars, crossing three mountain passes and arriving at the Sun Gate. Or choose the Short Inca Trail 4 Days, about 7.5 miles (12 km) from Km 104, which visits Wiñay Wayna and the Sun Gate, with a night in Aguas Calientes and a guided tour of Machu Picchu, ideal for families and beginner hikers.

Planning your dates? The best time to hike is the dry season, from May to September, but that’s also when permits sell out first. April and October have fewer crowds, and the trail closes every February for maintenance. Only about 500 permits are issued per day, including guides and porters, and they can only be booked through a licensed tour operator like Viajaxmundo. They are also non-transferable, so for May to August we recommend booking 4 to 6 months in advance. If permits are already sold out, the Salkantay Trek, the Lares Trek and the Inca Jungle Trek are great Inca Trail alternatives.

One more thing before you go: the trail climbs from 8,860 ft (2,700 m) to 13,828 ft (4,215 m). Spend at least 2 days acclimatizing in Cusco or the Sacred Valley, drink plenty of water and walk at a steady pace. Coca tea helps many hikers too.

Here are our Inca Trail treks to Machu Picchu, designed just for you. Ready to book your permit and start the adventure?