Inca Trail Holidays - Compare Prices & Departure Dates

The classic Inca Trail is the most famous trek that Peru has to offer, and is often cited as one of the world’s greatest walks. Starting from near the town of Cusco, in the south-east of Peru, trekkers will have as a destination the majestic Inca ruins of Machu Picchu, the “Lost City of the Incas”.

The trek takes from 3 to 4 days and is strenuous, with steep climbs and descents at altitude. Over a distance of 26 miles, there are 3 passes to cross, the highest of those being at 4200m.

The trail is varied in scenery: from its start point at the the eucalyptus trees on the banks of the Urubamba River, trekkers will experience Inca paving and ruins along the way, walk through cloud forest and have views of snow-capped peaks; all en-route to Machu Picchu.

It is mandatory to have obtained a permit to hike the Inca Trail and this can either be arranged through a tour operator in the UK, or from a local agency in Peru. As only 500 people per day are permitted access to the trail, it is advisable to obtain a permit well in advance.

Some people will book their Inca trail trek from the UK, as part of a longer travel package in Peru or South America. The average flight time from the UK to Lima is 12-14 hours(depending on transfer time). Access to Cusco may be by flight from Lima (about 1 hour) or overland by bus or train from another city. Others may choose to book directly with a local agency in Cusco.

Private transport to the start of the trek, and from the finish, will be organised through the tour agency. Normally, at the end of the trek, walkers will descend from the ruins of Machu Picchu to the town of Aguascalientes and take a train and bus back to Cusco.

Trekkers embark upon the Inca Trail to experience one of the most famous treks that the world has to offer.

It is a trek that, from start to finish, combines mountain scenery with an insight into the Inca civilisation and Spanish colonial history.

The expert knowledge offered by local guides (for private or mixed groups) will enable this.

Trekkers will stay and eat in designated campsites along the Inca Trail.

All the logistics of the trek, including all camping equipment and cooking facilities, will be organised for you. Sleeping bags and mats can also be provided, or trekkers can take their own. Toilet and washing facilities are very basic at the campsites along the trail.

There are no hotel options along the trail, but for those needing pampering at the end of the trek, there are some high-end options in Aguascalientes and Cusco, as well as a luxury hotel and restaurant next to the Machu Picchu ruins.

Despite being remote, trekkers will be amazed to see vendors selling anything from Coca Cola, beer and chocolate bars to local textiles, all along the Inca Trail.

For locally produced textiles (Alpaca wool scarves, hat and gloves, woven rugs) and Inca Trail souvenirs, there are many markets and shops in Aguascalientes and Cusco. There are more established markets at Pisac and Chinchero (1 hour by bus from Cusco).

Along the Inca Trail, the local guides and crew will prepare hearty food for the trekkers. There will be lots of soup and high carbohydrate content for warmth and energy!

More authentic Peruvian dishes – cuy (guinea pig), llama, Pisco Sours – can be found in Cusco, where there are options for every budget, including some contemporary twists on traditional fare.

In Aguascalientes and Cusco, there are also many restaurants serving international food.

The main trekking season is from April until October, when it is drier.

Rainy season is from November until March; the landscape at this time is more verdant, however.

The trail is shut in February, for maintenance.

• keen hikers;
• keen campers;
• those who don’t mind “roughing it”;
• families with older children or teenagers;
• those interested in Inca culture and history.

• those who suffer from altitude sickness (if you have never trekked at altitude, it is important to be aware of the dangers);
• those wanting to avoid the crowds – some agencies will offer less-frequented routes (eg Silque Valley);
• those with small children (trekking at altitude and the high Inca steps would be challenging);
• those who hate camping and “roughing it”
• those who don’t like walking!!!

IncaTrailPeru.com – (independent, non-commercial site)
FCO Peru – Peru travel advice from the UK government
Peru Info – tourism information from the Peruvian government
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – Wikipedia

Trek the Classic Inca Trail if you want to experience once of the world’s most famous walks and learn about Inca culture. If you would prefer to hike to Machu Picchu without passing several other trekking groups along the way, then look into alternative