There are many original Inca trails throughout the Andes, but the most famous section, simply known as the Inca Trail, is the classic route to the breathtaking ruins of Machu Picchu. Spanning 4 days, this 44-km (27-mile) trail crosses three stunning mountain passes and passes multiple ancient archaeological sites before culminating at the famous Lost City of the Incas. Few treks in the world combine natural beauty, history, and mystery with such an awe-inspiring final destination.
The Inca Trail trek is led by an expert local guide and supported by a dedicated team of porters and cooks, leaving you with only a small daypack to carry. While the trail can be physically demanding, it can be completed by anyone who maintains a reasonably active lifestyle—you certainly do not need to be an expert hiker. The trek is well-paced, allowing everyone to walk at their own speed. If you have any medical conditions or doubts about your physical ability, we strongly advise consulting your doctor before booking.
Hidden within the magnificent, snow-capped Andes lies a region of Peru that offers all the appeal of the Inca Trail—magical mountain scenery and ancient Inca legacy—without the tourist crowds. As an exceptional alternative to the busier routes, the Lares Valley trek takes you so far off the beaten path that the region has changed very little over the last 500 years. Given its spectacular and diverse landscapes, it is remarkable that this area remains largely untouched by mass tourism, preserving an authentic glimpse into traditional Peruvian life. Along the way, you will meet Andean farmers in traditional attire, wander through local markets trading just as they have for centuries, pass thatched stone and adobe houses, and see herds of llamas and alpacas roaming free.
The Lares Valley trek features a similar difficulty level and duration to the 4-day Inca Trail (including one challenging high pass) and is fully escorted. The itinerary includes two nights of camping and one night in the town of Aguas Calientes before an early morning hike up to Machu Picchu. We can generally guarantee your permit for the Lares Valley trek. However, please note that a single supplement fee applies if you are the only trekker on your chosen departure date. This fee is payable to your travel agent at the time of booking and will be fully refunded in Cusco if additional group members join your departure.
For full details on this route, view our Lares Trek Itinerary.
This is one of the most fascinating and popular alternative treks due to its incredible biodiversity and varied ecosystems. The trail features an impressive Inca site perched atop a mountain directly facing the back of Machu Picchu. The route ultimately leads to Aguas Calientes, the town nestled at the base of the historical sanctuary. From there, we take an early morning bus up to the ruins to witness the sunrise and beat the crowds, exploring the site alongside one of our knowledgeable, English-speaking tour guides.
On the first day, we depart early from Cusco, driving through La Pampa de Anta (often called the breadbasket of Cusco) to Mollepata for a 2.5-hour breakfast stop. We then continue driving to the trailhead at Soraypampa (3,800 m / 12,467 ft), where we begin a gentle ascent to Salkantaypampa. Next, we tackle a series of seven switchbacks to reach our lunch spot near the beautiful, small lake of Soyrococha. Afterward, we hike up to the highest pass at 4,550 meters (14,927 feet) before descending to our campsite in Huayracmachay (3,700 m / 12,139 ft). Over the following days, we continue our descent, reaching La Playa (2,100 m / 6,889 ft) and arriving at Aguas Calientes (1,986 m / 6,515 ft) on the fourth day. Because each day features drastically different landscapes, the first day is the most challenging due to the altitude and dropping temperatures, though this is easily managed with proper thermal layers.
For full details on this route, view our Salkantay Trek Itinerary.
All of our Machu Picchu tours that feature the classic Inca Trail are clearly marked. On these specific tours, you also have the option to choose the alternative 3-night Lares Valley trek, which also culminates with a visit to Machu Picchu on Day 4. In contrast, the Salkantay trek spans 4 nights and 5 days, with the Machu Picchu visit taking place on the final day.
To protect the trail's fragile ecosystem from overcrowding, the Peruvian government enforces strict regulations on the Inca Trail, limiting the total number of permits to just 500 per day (which includes trekkers, porters, cooks, and guides). Because of this reservation system, permits often sell out several months in advance.
We highly recommend booking 4 to 6 months ahead, especially if you plan to trek during the peak season from June to September. Permit availability cannot be guaranteed, and all Inca Trail bookings remain on request until explicitly confirmed by our Cusco office. If you attempt to book within 60 days of your departure (or 90 days during high season), we will still try to secure a permit, but limited availability drastically reduces the chances of success. Once a permit is issued, government regulations prevent us from making any changes or amendments.
You must provide your exact passport details to our team at the time of booking. We cannot reserve or confirm your trekking permit without this documentation.
Your permit is permanently linked to your name, passport number, nationality, age, and gender. If you renew your passport after booking or plan to travel with a different document, you MUST bring both your physical old passport and your new passport on the trek, or park rangers will deny you entry to the trail. Additionally, please ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates before applying.
Machu Picchu is included in all of these itineraries. You must choose between the Inca Trail, Lares trek, or Salkantay trek at the time of booking. If you prefer not to hike at all, a discount will be applied to your tour package, and a scenic train journey to Machu Picchu will be organized instead. Please note that this discount cannot be applied if you decide to opt out of a trek after your spot has already been officially confirmed. Single supplements apply for both the Lares Valley and Salkantay treks.
The following optional train excursions and upgrades are available to book at an additional cost:
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When booking your tour, you will pay the standard tour deposit plus a non-refundable Inca Trail commitment deposit. This serves as an advance payment and will be deducted from your final balance. If permits are sold out and you choose not to switch to the Lares or Salkantay treks, your Inca Trail deposit will be fully refunded and your total package price adjusted. If you choose to switch to the Lares or Salkantay trek, your deposit will be applied to your final payment as normal.
Once your permit on the trail has been confirmed by the government, we cannot make any changes to your permit details or trek date. Any cancellation on your part is subject to our standard booking terms and conditions.
The Inca Trail closes every year in February for environmental cleanup and maintenance. During this time, we offer an excellent alternative trekking route to Machu Picchu that runs along the Urubamba River before joining the classic trail to enter through the Sun Gate. The same booking and permit rules apply to this alternative February route. Please note that the Lares Valley and Salkantay treks remain open and operate normally throughout February.
Please note that trek prices are updated annually. All routes to Machu Picchu are subject to local regulations, meaning permit fees, porter wages, and transportation costs can change without notice. While we strive to maintain the listed prices, it may occasionally be necessary to adjust our rates. Therefore, final trek costs are based on your actual trek date rather than your booking date. Any price updates will be published on our website and detailed in the relevant trek fact sheets. Any regulatory price increases legislated locally must be paid in Cusco in USD cash.
To fully comply with Peruvian tourism regulations, our treks are operated by our trusted, highly reputable sister company, Inca Trail Machu. When booking a trek through our "Short Hikes & Tours" section, please note that you may travel as part of a pooled service (joining a group with other independent travelers).
+51 84 217 551
+51 997 434 941
Av Tupac Amaru PP-10B, Santiago, Cusco, Peru 
info@incatrailmachu.com
www.incatrailmachu.com
