FAQs About the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Faqs about inca trail

The Inca Trail is one of the world’s most iconic trek to Machu Picchu and is one of the world’s most famous trekking tours, a short but tough hike of 43 km/26.6 miles through the undulating Andes mountains.

The Inca Trail is a bucket list hike and one of Peru’s travel highlights. With its orchids, condors, cloud forest, and snow-capped peaks, this beautiful trail is open to all with training and determination.

Very Important Faqs for hiking the Inca Trail on 2024

What is the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?

The Inca Trail is a historic trekking route through the Andes Mountains in Peru that leads to the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu, one of the world’s most famous archaeological sites. The trail was originally built by the Incas over 500 years ago and includes a series of well-preserved stone pathways, staircases, tunnels, and terraces.

How long is the Inca Trail?

The classic Inca Trail trek is a four-day hike covering approximately 26 miles (43 kilometers) from start to finish. However, there are also shorter (The Short Inca Trail to machu Picchu) and longer versions of the trail available, depending on your preferences and physical fitness level.

When is the best time to hike the Inca Trail?

The best time to hike the Inca Trail is during the dry season, which runs from May to September. During this time, the weather is generally clear and sunny, with little rain and cooler temperatures. However, it is also the busiest time of the year, and permits can sell out quickly. It’s important to book well in advance if you plan to hike during this time. The wet season, which runs from October to April, can also be a good time to hike, with fewer crowds and lush vegetation, but you should be prepared for rain and mud.

Do I need a permit to hike the Inca Trail?

Yes, a permit is required to hike the Inca Trail. The Peruvian government limits the number of hikers on the trail each day to help preserve the site and manage the impact on the environment. Permits are limited and must be purchased well in advance, so it’s important to plan ahead. It’s also important to note that the Inca Trail is closed for maintenance during the month of February each year.

How difficult is the Inca Trail?

The Inca Trail is considered a moderate to strenuous hike, with steep inclines and declines, high altitude, and rough terrain. The highest point on the trail, known as Dead Woman’s Pass, is at an elevation of over 13,700 feet (4,200 meters). However, with proper preparation and acclimatization, most people with a reasonable level of fitness can complete the trek. It’s recommended to train and prepare for the hike at least a few months in advance.

Do I need a guide to hike the Inca Trail?

Yes, all hikers on the Inca Trail are required to be accompanied by a licensed guide. This is a safety measure to help ensure that hikers are properly prepared and equipped for the trek, and to help minimize the impact on the environment. Guides are also a great resource for learning about the history and culture of the area.

What should I pack for the Inca Trail?

Essential items to pack for the Inca Trail include sturdy hiking shoes, warm clothing for cold nights, a waterproof jacket, a good quality backpack, a sleeping bag, a hat and sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a refillable water bottle. You should also bring any personal medications or first aid supplies you may need, as well as snacks and energy bars for the trek. See the complete Inca Trail packing list

Can I visit Machu Picchu without hiking the Inca Trail?

Yes, Machu Picchu can be accessed by train or bus from nearby towns like Aguas Calientes, and there are also alternative hiking routes to reach the site. The most popular alternative trek is the Salkantay Trek, which takes hikers through stunning mountain scenery and remote villages before reaching Machu Picchu.

How much does it cost to hike the Inca Trail?

The cost of hiking the Inca Trail varies depending on the tour company, the length of the trek, and the level of comfort you choose. Generally, prices range from $700 to $1,500 per person. It’s important to choose a reputable tour operator and read reviews from previous hikers before booking.

Can I take photos on the Inca Trail and at Machu Picchu?

Yes, photography is allowed on the Inca Trail and at Machu Picchu. However, the use of drones is prohibited, and it’s important to respect the cultural and natural heritage of the site by not removing or damaging any artifacts or plants.

Best Inca Trail tours

inca trail to machu picchu 4 days - Sam travel peru 4 Days

Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu- 4D/3N


4 DAYS From $757 PP

INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU ONE OF THE WORLD’S TEN BEST HIKES The Classic Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu is famous for being one of the world’s te ....

short inca trail hike 2 Days

2 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu with CAMPING


2 DAYS From $557 PP

INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU ONE OF THE WORLD’S TEN BEST HIKES This is a private trek with your professional guide who will give you an ex ....

Inca trail 5 days 5 Days

Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – 5D/4N


5 DAYS From $947 PP

Peru’s best-known hike, visited by thousands of tourists every year, this 5 day Classic Inca Trail of 43-km trek combines the visit of mysterious a ....

Join the thousands of satisfied customers who rate us #1 on TripAdvisor

Bernie s 2023/03/02

Had a great trip with our guide Ray Herrera and driver Alfredo. Lots of good experiences in a short period of time 4 days. Learnt a lot not just about the main tourist destinations but Peru in general by Ray. Ray has a passion for Inca history and local produce. Ray knows all the good photo spots and we managed the sun out every day .. Good culture and if you want to get on a tour ask for Ray at Sams Travel = amazing

Tanya H 2023/03/02

Ray was our Tour Guide and Alfredo was our driver for a 4 day tour we did with SAM Travel Peru. Ray's knowledge of the history of Cusco and Machu Picchu was outstanding. Ray was very accommodating with all our needs. He stayed alongside us when trekking and helped where he could. His sense of humour was pleasant to be around. Ray spoke very good English. He is such a nice guy. I would strongly recommend Ray to be your tour guide to visit Machu Picchu. Ray explained everyday what the plans were for the next day, which was reassuring what we needed to take etc

Captanjack 2023/01/012

Our 1 day tour thru the Sacred Vally with Danny was wonderful. He was very knowledgeable and able to answer all our questions in detail. I would recommend asking for him personally if you are able.

Sherry 2022/12/26

We booked the Classic Cusco to Machu Picchu tour with SAM travel which we really had a good experience. SAM travel is very responsive during the communication and cater to our changes needed. Our guide is Ray who is also an very awesome guide. He is knowledgeable, patient, humorous as well reliable, he help us take many good photos and also go extra mile to help with our request. Thanks Ray! Thanks SAM travel that gave us good memories in Peru! Highly recommend if you consider booking any tour in Cusco.

Reviews by Trip Advisor

5.0 4,204 opiniones
See More
C Clark 2023/01/20

Wow. We had such an incredible experience in Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. Our guide, Dayvit, is the most knowledgeable guide we have ever had. He has such an extensive knowledge of the history and is very friendly and helpful. If you are planning a trip to Peru, I highly recommend SAM travel and be sure to request Dayvit!

Emma Dinzebach Clark 2023/01/10

2 day tour sacred valley / Machu Picchu highly recommend! David was the best tour guide. He knows an incredible amount about Incan culture and is personable and funny. He also kept us up to date on a political situation happening when we were there and was informative. Overall, this tour checks all the boxes. Thank you!

Nupur Joshi 2023/01/02

We used SAM Travel for a 2D/1N trip from Cusco to Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu on Dec 25-26, 2022. The team was good with communication from the start - both Saul and Junior were very helpful and professional with answering any questions and clearing up any misunderstandings. Our guide, Miguel, was prompt, pleasant, and quite knowledgeable. We enjoyed his company and insight over the 2 day trip and recommend him to anyone booking with SAM Travel.

Xueying Chen 2022/12/20

We booked the Classic Cusco to Machu Picchu tour with SAM travel which we really had a good experience. SAM travel is very responsive during the communication and cater to our changes needed. Our guide is Ray who is also an very awesome guide. He is knowledgeable, patient, humorous as well reliable, he help us take many good photos and also go extra mile to help with our request. Thanks Ray! Thanks SAM travel that gave us good memories in Peru! Highly recommend if you consider booking any tour in Cusco.

Reviews by Google

5.0 329 opinions
See More
Brandon Slater 2022/09/30

My wife and I just completed two excursions with SAM Travel Peru and we absolutely loved them. We did the 4 Day Salkantay Wilderness + Machu Picchu and then the 2-Day Rainbow Mountain + 7 Lakes trek with guide Carlos Estrada, chefs Nerio & Lucio, and horseman Unarato. Over the last 6 days we have learned so much about the Inca culture, discovered some of the most incredible sights, and ate delicious food every step of the way. We would definitely recommend SAM Travel (especially with Carlos!) to anyone that wants an incredible Peruvian adventure. The Wilderness trek is a much quieter trail than the standard Salkantay and goes a bit higher elevation, but camping at the base of Salkantay was incredible. Carlos's guided tour through Machu Picchu was so informative. We would have missed so much without him taking the time to share his knowledge.

Kellie Taylor 2022/04/06

Big thanks to David he was an amazing tour guide who really cared for our group. He allowed us to go at our own pace and was a brilliant photographer He was really funny and is full of interesting information & his passion for his inca ancestors is very obvious and warming. He also brought us to great restaurants! This company are very good and from what I can recall were cheaper than most. Thank you!

Mike Geelhoed 2021/06/10

They took care of everything! Saul the owner is very responsive and helpful. Johnny our guide was fantastic, as were our chef, assistant chef and horsemen. I can’t recommend them highly enough and will definitely use them again if we return to Peru!

Janice-Kaneki Chen 2020/01/28

Three of us decided to choose Sam Travel Peru, reason being is it is a local travel company that help indegenious communities. We picked Lares Trek 4D3N to have cultural experience while hiking. Good foods provided by talented Mario Chef! Johnny is our tour guide, very helpful tour guide. He even helped me to carry my daypack as I was too exhausted to carry it on day 1 hiking. Strongly recommend to those like to have local experience while hiking.

Reviews by Facebook

5.0 60 opinions
See More

Why you should travel with SAM Travel?

food on the inca trail to machu picchu - sam travel Peru

Best food in Machu Picchu hike

Inca trail porters

Our porters

best campsite on the inca trail

Best camping equipment

Empowering Women on the Inca Trail

Empowering Women

Safety on the Trail

Safety on the Trail

What Defines Us !