The Inca Trail is a historical path from the Inca time, a network of routes that were used only for chosen people. The path selected for tourism is the only trek in the región that takes directly to Machu Picchu. The Inca Trail starts in Km. 82, a checkpoint located 1 hour away from Ollantaytambo city. The Inca Trail needs to be hiked in 3 days and 3 nights, being the 4th day for the Machu Picchu visit.

If you are dealing with this scenario you can book your trek with your ID or license car but remember that this is only temporary, as soon as you have your passport information you need to send it to us.

In Cusco, we have 2 different kinds of weather throughout the year, the wet season and the dry season. The high season covers almost all of the months inside the dry season because the lack of rain benefits the touristic activities and especially trekking activities. This is why from April to August the number of people coming to Cusco is higher than the other months. During these months the Inca Trail permits get sold out faster than the months inside the wet season.

It is not mandatory to have previous experience hiking. We have a team of porters and professional guides to help you get through the trail. We do need you to be in good physical condition because it will demand some strength and resistance. Step climbing is the best exercise for this.

This trek will be a multi-day hike which means that you will need trekking gear such as trekking boots, trekking pants, waterproof jackets and hat, trekking socks, walking sticks, base layers, a trekking backpack, etc.

We have a full packing list page to recommend exactly what to bring so this experience gets to be more comfortable.

Yes and no, the Inca Trail starts 1 hour away from Ollantaytambo which is the last city in the Sacred Valley, but the Inca Trail itself is not considered part of the Valley. So, none of the ruins from the Sacred Valley are included in this trek.

The answer to this question is more on a case-by-case basis, based on the age(s) of the family member. Remember that even though they are vacations, it’s still trekking so it is a physical challenge for everybody. If the children in your family are used to this kind of experience then they will be ok and most importantly, they will have fun. The same for the older members of the family, having a clear idea of their experience on hiking and also their health situation so they can get the best out of the tour.

45 kilometers /26 miles . we walk around 14km per day, they last day we do only 5km from last campsite- sungate to Machu picchu.

Of course. Along the way, there are many opportunities to stop at a facility when nature calls. When you first begin the trek, the bathroom facilities are managed by locals and you need to pay to use them. 1 sol will grant you entry and the bathrooms are generally clean. All the toilets are squatters and you are not allowed to flush any paper – which is fine since they rarely offer you any paper – make sure to have some on you.

Food will be provided by our trekking chefs while camping. These will be hot meals cooked in situ and based on the dietary needs of the participants. Our trekking chefs will cook 3 different meals for you: breakfast, lunch and dinner. These meals will be specially made for providing the needed energy for hiking and to recover without losing any of the flavors.

The last lunch is not included but your leading guide will recommend options based on your budget.

Weather along the Inca Trail is based on the season you are traveling to Cusco. If you go during the dry season rains are not expected, sunlight will be at its finest having the only issue of it being too strong due to the lack of humidity and altitude, don’t forget to bring sunscreen. If you go during the wet season you need to be ready for having rains daily and sometimes during the whole day so waterproof gear is needed. Temperatures can drop up to 0°C or 32°F.

In the morning, you will only need to carry enough water to last you until the first lunch stop. At every meal,  you will be provided with new, boiled water to refresh your bottles or hydration packs.

Tips for the tour guides, cook and porters are not included in the price of the tour. Rather, it is something extra to present to your staff after you experience a special time on the Inca Trail. However, you must be aware that tips are not mandatory.

You will only have access to your duffel bags at breakfast and dinner, while at the campsite. This is due to the speed of the porters being faster than that of the groups.

The final day is the most exciting day for all Inca Trail hikers because we arrive at the Sacred City of the Incas. The group will get up early, and after breakfast, will hike the final two hours together. We will arrive at the Sun Gate of Machu Picchu at 7:30 a.m.

The sun rises at different times throughout the year. Times are as follows: May-September: 7:20 a.m.; October-April: 5:30 or 6 a.m. Therefore, if you choose to book your tour from May to September, it may be possible to see the sunrise. Otherwise, the Sun will be up before the group arrives at the Sun Gate.

After catching a bus down to Aguas Calientes, hikers will take a two-hour train ride along the Sacred Valley, and arrive in Ollantaytambo. From here, an Alpaca Expeditions bus will be waiting to take hikers on the two-hour trip back to Cusco. The group will return to Cusco between 7 and 11 p.m., depending on what time the train leaves Aguas Calientes.

Our service is always door to door. We will pick you up from your hotel and drop you off at the same spot. If you are changing hotels you only need to let us know.

Yes , we took many families with kids, they are usually very active and hike without a problema, we mostly suggest to hike with kids from 8 yearl old.