📍 Cusco, Peru 📞 +51 931 500 500 ✉️ [email protected]
🕐 Mon–Sat 9am–7pm · 24/7 WhatsApp
★ Local Cusco Operator · Since 2001

Walk the Legendary Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Hike one of the world's most iconic trekking routes with a 100% Cusco-based, family-owned tour operator. Twenty-five years guiding adventurers along the original stone path of the Incas — culminating at the Sun Gate of Machu Picchu.

Inca Trail Tours & Machu Picchu Treks

Choose from the legendary 4-day Classic Inca Trail, the popular Short 2-day Inca Trail, or our spectacular alternative routes to Machu Picchu — Salkantay and Inca Jungle.

Classic Inca Trail 4 days hike to Machu Picchu Most Popular $780
⏱ 4 Days / 3 Nights 📍 Cusco 👥 Group / Private

Classic Inca Trail 4 Days 3 Nights

The original and most iconic route — 43 km of cobblestone trail through Andean cloud forests, ancient ruins, and the dramatic Warmiwañusca pass at 4,200 m, ending at the Sun Gate above Machu Picchu.

Short Inca Trail 2 days to Machu Picchu Short Trek $590
⏱ 2 Days / 1 Night 📍 Cusco 👥 Small Groups

Short Inca Trail 2 Days Machu Picchu

Limited time but still want the authentic Inca Trail experience. Train to Km 104, hike past Wiñay Wayna ruins, walk through the Sun Gate, and overnight in Aguas Calientes before exploring Machu Picchu at dawn.

Inca Jungle Trek 4 days to Machu Picchu Adventure $650
⏱ 4 Days / 3 Nights 📍 Cusco 👥 Adrenaline

Inca Jungle Trek 4 Days 3 Nights

The ultimate multi-sport alternative — downhill mountain biking, white-water rafting, ziplining, and trekking to Machu Picchu. The most adventurous way to reach the lost city of the Incas.

Salkantay Trek 5 days to Machu Picchu NatGeo Pick $350
⏱ 5 Days / 4 Nights 📍 Cusco 👥 Group

Salkantay Trek 5 Days 4 Nights

Named one of the top 25 treks in the world by National Geographic. Cross the breathtaking Salkantay Pass at 4,650 m beneath snow-capped peaks, descend into cloud forest, and arrive at Machu Picchu at an unbeatable price.

The World's Most Legendary Hike

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is more than a trek — it's a 43-kilometer pilgrimage along the original stone path built by the Incas over 500 years ago, threading through the heart of the Andes toward one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Walking the Inca Trail means crossing high passes above 4,200 m, descending through cloud forests alive with orchids and hummingbirds, sleeping in valleys that haven't changed in centuries, and finally — on the fourth dawn — stepping through Inti Punku, the Sun Gate, to your first view of Machu Picchu glowing in the early light.

Permits are strictly limited by the Peruvian government to 500 people per day (including porters, guides and cooks), so we recommend booking 4–6 months in advance for May–September, and 3 months ahead for October–January.

Learn More About the Trail

Hiker on Inca Trail with Machu Picchu in the distance

Why Choose InfoCusco for Your Inca Trail Tour?

A 100% Cusco-born, family-owned operator with 25 years of experience guiding travelers from around the world to Machu Picchu — recognized by Caltur, TripAdvisor and Miradas Internacional.

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100% Local Cusco Agency

A Cusqueñan family-owned company. Over 20 years of expertise in the Cusco tourism industry. We know every stone of the trail.

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Fair, Transparent Prices

No hidden fees. No surprise charges. The best service at a fair price — exactly what each component is worth.

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24/7 WhatsApp Support

Reach us any time before, during, or after your trip via WhatsApp at +51 931 500 500.

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Thousands of Happy Travelers

Two decades of glowing reviews on TripAdvisor and YouTube. Search "InfoCusco" to see what guests say.

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Social & Environmental Impact

A portion of our profits goes to local communities and environmental conservation in the Sacred Valley.

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Award-Winning Operator

Peruvian Company of the Year, recognized by Caltur, TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice, and Miradas Internacional.

Quick & Easy Booking

Confirm your reservation in minutes via WhatsApp +51 931 500 500 or email.

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Secure Online Payments

All major credit cards accepted (Visa, MasterCard, Amex), plus PayPal and WeTravel — 100% secure.

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Fair Cancellation Policy

Plans change. We do everything in our power to help you recover as much of your payment as possible.

25+
Years of Experience
10,000+
Happy Trekkers
500
Permits Daily Limit
43 km
Original Inca Trail
4,200 m
Highest Pass Altitude

What You'll See Walking the Inca Trail

Sixteen archaeological sites, three high mountain passes, and an arrival at Machu Picchu only trekkers ever experience.

Wiñay Wayna Inca ruins on the Inca Trail

Wiñay Wayna — "Forever Young"

One of the most spectacular ruins along the trail, perched on a steep mountainside above the Urubamba River. The agricultural terraces, ceremonial baths, and stone houses of Wiñay Wayna are widely considered the most beautiful Inca site outside of Machu Picchu itself.

Warmiwañusca — Dead Woman's Pass

At 4,200 meters, this is the highest and most demanding point on the Classic Inca Trail. The lung-burning climb is rewarded with one of the most epic panoramic views in the Andes — a snowy ridge that does indeed resemble a sleeping woman.

Inti Punku — The Sun Gate

The original Inca entrance to Machu Picchu. After three days on the trail, you'll arrive at dawn on day four to watch the sun rise over the citadel — a sight reserved exclusively for those who walk the trail.

⚠ Important — Inca Trail Permits 2026

The Peruvian government strictly limits the Inca Trail to 500 people per day (about 180 trekkers + porters, guides and cooks). Permits sell out months in advance, especially May–September. Book 4–6 months ahead for high season, and at least 3 months ahead for October–January. Contact us today for real-time availability for 2026 dates.

Reviews from Real Inca Trail Hikers

Two decades of memorable trips, thousands of stories. Find more on TripAdvisor and YouTube under "InfoCusco".

★★★★★

"The Classic Inca Trail with InfoCusco was the trip of a lifetime. Our guide knew every stone, every plant, every story. The food the cook prepared at 4,000 m was better than restaurants we'd eaten at in Lima. Reaching the Sun Gate at dawn was something I'll remember forever."

— Sarah M.
United States
★★★★★

"We chose the Short Inca Trail because of time constraints, and we couldn't have been happier. InfoCusco handled everything seamlessly — pickup, train, hotel in Aguas Calientes, the trail itself. The price was fair and there were zero hidden costs. Highly recommended."

— James & Emma
United Kingdom
★★★★★

"Booking the Salkantay Trek with InfoCusco was the best decision of our Peru trip. The crossing of the Salkantay Pass with the snowy peak right above us was unreal. They take care of you on the mountain — porters, food, gear, everything. A 100% professional local agency."

— Marco R.
Australia

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know before booking your Inca Trail tour to Machu Picchu.

The dry season runs from April through October and is the most recommended period — clear skies, panoramic views, and trails in their best condition. The shoulder months of April, May, September and October combine good weather with smaller crowds. The trail is closed every February for maintenance and conservation. The wet season (November–March, except February) brings heavier rain but also lush, green landscapes and far fewer hikers.

Permits are strictly limited to 500 per day. For the high season (May to September) we recommend booking 4–6 months ahead. For October–January, 3 months is usually sufficient. Permits regularly sell out for July and August by January or February of the same year. Contact us via WhatsApp for real-time availability.

The Classic Inca Trail is rated moderate to challenging. The total distance is around 43 km over 4 days, with the toughest day being day 2, when you climb to Warmiwañusca Pass at 4,200 m. No technical climbing skills are required, but a reasonable level of fitness and prior acclimatization to Cusco's altitude (3,400 m) for 2–3 days is essential. Our porters carry the camping gear and food — you only carry your daypack.

Our Classic 4-day tour includes: hotel pickup, transfer to Km 82, all entrance permits (Inca Trail + Machu Picchu), professional English-speaking guide, all camping equipment (tents, mats), porters for group equipment, all meals (3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners with vegetarian options at no extra cost), first aid kit and oxygen tank, return train and bus tickets to Cusco. Not included: sleeping bag (rental $30), trekking poles ($20/pair), tips, and travel insurance.

The Classic 4-day Inca Trail (43 km) starts at Km 82 and includes camping, three high passes and 16 archaeological sites along the way. The Short 2-day Inca Trail (12 km on day 1) starts at Km 104, is mostly downhill/level, includes a hotel night in Aguas Calientes (no camping), and takes you through the Sun Gate to Machu Picchu. The short trek is ideal for travelers with limited time, less hiking experience, or who prefer not to camp.

Both options are available. Our standard departures are small group tours (max 16 trekkers) which are economical and great for meeting fellow travelers. We also offer private Inca Trail tours for couples, families, or groups who want a fully customized experience with their own guide and team. Contact us for private tour pricing.

If permits are sold out, the best alternatives to Machu Picchu are the Salkantay Trek 5 days (named a top-25 trek by National Geographic) and the Inca Jungle Trek (mountain biking + rafting + hiking). Both end at Machu Picchu, both have spectacular scenery, and neither requires the limited Inca Trail permit. Both can usually be booked with much shorter notice.

You should be in reasonable physical condition — capable of hiking 5–9 hours a day on uneven terrain at altitude. We strongly recommend arriving in Cusco (3,400 m) at least 2–3 days before the trek to acclimatize. Drink coca tea, stay hydrated, eat light, and avoid alcohol on arrival. Our guides carry oxygen and a first aid kit.

Ready to Walk the Inca Trail?

Book directly with InfoCusco — Cusco's trusted local Inca Trail tour operator since 2001. Quick confirmation, fair prices, no hidden fees, 24/7 WhatsApp support.

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