PRICE:

•  1150 USD Per Person for groups of 5 or more people
• 1250 USD Per Person for groups of 3 to 4 people
• 1450 USD Per Person for groups of 2 people.
• Permits must be secured at least six months ahead of your departure date.
• Prices are valid from August 2025 through January 2027.​
• Students and minors get a $25 Off presenting valid documentation.

Day 1     Cusco to Inca Trail

Start time 
Between 4:30 am and 5:00 am

Travel 
Two hours by bus from Cusco to Piskacucho or the famous 82 Km.

Trekking Distance 
6.8 miles/11 km (5- 6 hours)

Highlights of the day
We depart from Cusco by car to KM 82 (Piskacucho) where we will begin our Inca Trail. We will get across the Urubamba river, one of the most important tributaries of the Amazon river, view the Inca Fortress of Huillca Raccay and the Inca city of Llactapata (patallacta).  Enjoy the breathtaking views of the Urubamba mountain range and the snow capped peak of Wakay Willca (Veronica) which stands at 5860m/1922ft.

The Hike
The first day is a good preparation for the upcoming days. The trek is moderate/ easy and help you acclimatize. The trail starts at 2720m/8923ft  climbing to 3000m/8984 ft.

Meals
Breakfast on way to Piskacucho.
Lunch during hike and dinner at campsite.
Various dietary options are available.

Accommodation 
Camping in tents at a campsite in the small village of Wayllabamba.

Other information 
Entrance tickets, passports and student ID’s will need to be shown at the  start of the  trail.

Day 2    Inca Trail: Hiking

Start time 
6:00 am

Trekking distance
7.4 miles/12 km (6-7 hours)

Highlights of the day
The flora and fauna on this part of the trek is incredibly varied and you will see many birds such as hummingbirds and plants and trees such as the ‘Polilepys ‘ or Q’ueuña tree which grow in the astonishing cloud forest located at 3650/11972m!  You will feel a real sense of achievement reaching the top of the pass today.

The Hike
Very difficult. A steep  and difficult ascent from our campsite at 3000m/10700ft to the highest pass (Abra de Huarmihuañusca/’Dead Woman’s Pass’ at 4200m/13779ft. After a rest we have a 2 hour descent to our campsite at Pacaymayu.

Meals
Breakfast at campsite, lunch on trek and dinner at campsite in evening.

Accommodation
Camping in tents at a campsite at Pacamayu 3550m/11646ft.

Day 3    Inca Trail: Hiking

Start time
6:00 am

Trekking Distance
9.9 miles/16km (9 hours)

Highlights of the day
Visit the archaeological site of ‘Runcuracay’.  Spectacular views of the surrounding mountains from Runkurakay pass.  Explore the Inca site of ‘Sayacmarca’ and gazet at the magnificient scenery as you pass through the lovely cloud forest. Visit the Inca site of ‘Phuyupatamarca’  (meaning town in the clouds) and then walk through the impressive agricultural Inca site of ‘Intipata’.  This is the most amazing day of the trek.

Difficulty level
Difficult. Climb from 3550m/11646ft to 4000m/13123ft to the second highest point on the trail and then a steep descent to the archaeological site of Sayacmarca  and then a further ascent to 3680m/12073ft.

Meals
Breakfast at campsite, lunch on trek and dinner at campsite in evening.

Accommodation
Camping in tents at a campsite at Wiñay Wayna 2680m/8792ft.

Extra
A short distance from this campsite is the Inca site of the same name ‘Wiñay Wayna’ (‘Forever Young’). Even if you are tired after your day’s trek, don’t miss out on visiting the most impressive site on the trail.

Day 4   Inca Trail – Machu Picchu park – Cusco

Start time
On this last day the wake up time is at 3:30AM.  We start the day early in order to allow our porters  proper time to pack all our campsite and head down to their train stop to catch their train to   Cusco.   After a quick early breakfast, we will  head to the  last checkpoint of the Inca trail where we will wait for about an hour until the gate  of the  check point opens at 5:30AM.

Highlights of the day
A visit to ‘Inti Punku’ (‘Sun gate’) 2730m/8792ft before sunrise and  your first dramatic view of Machu Picchu 2400m/7873ft with the sun rising over it! Please read more about the sunrise at Machu Picchu below.
From the trail a chance to take the famous picture postcard photograph of Machu Picchu.  A walking tour (2 hours) of Machu Picchu by your guide.  Optional climb of Huayna Picchu 2720m/8923ft (a 45 minute climb to reach the top).
After the tour you are free to wander around the stunning site for yourself and then return by bus or foot to Aguas Calientes.  From there you will take the scenic train back to Cusco.

The Hike
Moderate. A gentle one hour ascent to Inti Punku and then a 40 minute descent toward Machu Picchu 2400m/7873ft

Meals
Breakfast at campsite.  Lunch in Aguas Calientes.

Accommodation
You will be back in Cusco in your own accommodation for this evening.

Other information
What is the sunrise at Machu Picchu? For over 5 decades people visiting Machu Picchu have   wanted to arrive  there   to watch the sunrise.    The best time of the year to watch the sunrise at Machu Picchu is during the winter solstice  on June 21st of every year.   Watching the sunrise is a beautiful thing reserved mainly to the people hiking the Inca Trail during that particular time of the year.  However, this  event is conditioned to season (summer annand weather changes  that  might   prevent people from doing it. Evolution Treks Peru does not guarantee  that you will watch the sunrise at Machu Picchu.

You will be given your train tickets by your guide. The train usually leaves about 2:55 pm and arrives back in Cusco at 7:45 pm although this may be subject to change.  You can opt to have an extra night in Aguas Calientes to explore Machu Picchu further and visit the thermal springs in Aguas Calientes

Essential Packing List for the Trek

Documentation & Health

• Original Passport: Mandatory for entry into the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu checkpoints. (Bring *International Student Card (ISIC) if eligible for student discounts).
• Travel Insurance: Strongly recommended. Your policy should cover trekking at altitude, medical emergencies, and trip cancellations.
• Personal Medication: Bring any prescribed medication, as well as basics like painkillers, altitude sickness tablets, and anti-diarrheal medicine.

Sleeping & Comfort

• Sleeping Bag: Not included with the tour; available for rent. Choose one rated for cold temperatures, ideally down to 0°C/32°F for maximum comfort at high altitude.
• Comfortable Walking Boots: Lightweight, waterproof, and well broken-in—crucial for rough and sometimes muddy trail conditions.
• Warm Jacket: Down or fleece recommended; temperatures can drop sharply at night.
• Hat and Gloves: Essential for cold mornings/evenings.

Rain & Sun Protection

• Waterproof Jacket or Rain Poncho: Sudden rain is common in the Andes, so always pack reliable protection.
• Sun Hat: Wide-brimmed or a cap to shield from sun exposure during high-altitude hikes.
• Sun Protection Cream (SPF 35+): The sun is intense in the Andes; apply generously to all exposed skin.
• Insect Repellent: Mosquitoes and sandflies (particularly at lower altitudes) can be bothersome.

Clothing

• T-Shirts (Quick Dry): Ideal for layering and moisture management.
• Comfortable Trousers/Hiking Pants: Lightweight, breathable, and dries quickly.
• Extra Socks and Underwear: Recommend wool or synthetic for comfort and warmth.

Hydration and Hygiene

• Water Bottle or Hydration System: Carry enough for the morning; water is typically provided by support staff after lunch on Day 1 and beyond.
• Toiletries & Hand Sanitizer: Include toothbrush/paste, biodegradable soap, small towel, wet wipes, and sanitizer for campsite hygiene.

Accessories & Safety

• Torch/Headlamp (with spare batteries): Headlamps are extremely useful for campsites, early starts, and late returns.
• Camera/Phone: Capture stunning vistas; bring extra memory and a dry bag or case for protection.
• Small Daypack: For carrying water, snacks, camera, and essentials during daytime hikes.

Optional/Recommended Extras

• Trekking Poles: Great for balance and stability on uneven terrain.
• Earplugs: For better sleep at campsites.
• Energy Snacks: Granola bars, dried fruit, chocolate or nuts for quick energy boosts.
• Cash (soles): For small purchases, tips, or emergencies en route.

What’s Included

• Professional Bilingual guide (4 days)
• Cooks and porters
• Entrance fees/ Inca Trail permits

• Collection from the hotel.
• Round trip transportation to kilometer 82. Train back from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo. (Expedition train) and bus from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.
• Water (Not included for the first 4 hours of trek, we will provide you with boiled water for drinking for the remainder of the tour).
• 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3-afternoon snacks, 3 dinners and various snacks to be eaten throughout the day. (Breakfast on day 1 and  lunch on day 4 in Aguas Calientes are not included).
• Dining tent with tables and chairs.
• Cook and assistant cook
• 2 person tent.
• Basic foam sleeping pads.
• One way bus tickets from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes.
• Oxygen bottle.
• First Aid kit.

Optional Services for Rent That are not Included:

• Sleeping Bag (Kelty Synthetic, Comfort Level 20°F / -7°C) – $60
• Walking Sticks (Kelty) – $25 per pair
• Inflatable Trekking Sleeping Pad (Therm-a-Rest Pro Lite Plus) – $50
• Camping Pillow (Therm-a-Rest) – $25

Trekking Comfort Package:

Rent our Trekking Comfort Package (all of the above items) for only $120 USD.

Porter Services:

• Full Porter (up to 14kg or 30 pounds, can be shared between 2 people) – $220
• Half Porter (up to 7kg or 15 pounds) – $120

If you require an extra porter or a half porter, please let us know when filling out the booking form.

Additional Options:

• Single Tent Supplement – $65
• Climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain -$90 (subject to availability)

Please Note: Our porters carry cooking and camping equipment only. We recommend hiring an extra porter if you prefer not to carry your belongings on the trail. If you rent sleeping bags and pads, the total weight is approximately 3kg.

At the end of your journey, we will drop you off at your hotel. Book your Inca Trail and Machu Picchu tour with us today for an unforgettable adventure.

OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

​IMPORTANT
Our porters carry only cooking and camping equipment. You need to hire an EXTRA PORTER if you don’t wish to carry your own belongings on the trail. We recommend this as the best option when booking a tour with us.
There is no such thing as a “FREE PORTER”. Companies that offer this complimentary service are often engaging in exploitative practices, forcing them to carry extra unpaid work. Do not fall for this fishy marketing scheme.

Meals
Our cooks are professionally trained to provide high-quality meals of the highest standard. The menu varies with different products, including pasta, rice, fruits, vegetables, grains, eggs, and various meats. If you have any dietary restrictions or allergies, please ensure you include them in your booking details. Breakfast starts at 5:30 AM on most days. Please follow the directions of your tour leader regarding meal times and be there on time to avoid eating cold foods or leftovers.

Transportation
Private vehicle, trains, hiking.

Accommodation
Camping 3 nights. The camping tents we provide are high-quality, internationally branded products. We use 3-person tents to accommodate 2 people. Single Travelers joining group trips will be paired with a person of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Single tent supplements are available at an additional cost.

Pre Trek Presentations. (Briefings) 
Pre-trek presentations are conducted for every trek one day before departure (unless otherwise instructed), typically between 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. at an established location that we will notify you of via email before your trip to Peru. The duration of this presentation may vary depending on the length of the trek but typically last between
times. We will provide duffel bags for you to store your belongings during the trek and collect any remaining payments. Please note that this meeting is mandatory. This is the deadline for all remaining balances.

Minimun Age
At Evolution Treks Peru, we are always happy to have families travel with us. Our minimum age requirement is 1 year old, at the time of hiking the children will be the responsibility of the parent or legal guardian 100%. The children will need full coverage travel insurance. 18 years old is the minimum age to travel without a guardian.

Porters
The porters we have only carry cooking and camping gear, so you must hire an additional porter if you do not wish to carry your personal belongings. $220 for a full porter that can be shared between two people, which can carry up to 14kg. A half porter, which can carry 7kg for one person only, costs $120. There are several regulations that restrict how much weight a porter is allowed to carry, but several companies disregard these to the harm of the porters. We are advocates for the fair treatment of porters, and as such, we are very careful to ensure that our porters do not have to carry more than what is fair. We ask that you do the same.

Pickups and drop-offs
Evolution Treks Peru will provide transportation during the trek, beginning and ending at your hotel. Please be aware that many hotels, hostels, and Airbnbs are only accessible via several steep stairs. We advise checking how close your living arrangement is to a road to ensure easy pickup and drop-off. If you choose to hike on a group tour, then your pickup times are scheduled based on the group itinerary. Any changes to that itinerary will incur on extra pick up services that will have a 30USD fee.

Booking
Booking forms must be filled out to give us the necessary information
The Peruvian Government requires that all people present a copy of their passports. You will need to provide it after your booking.

Deposit
A partial deposit is required to fulfill the purchase. This deposit is non-refundable, non-changeable, and non-transferable.

Inca Trail Permits
Limited Quantity available for the Inca Trail in all its routes, so be sure to lock in dates ASAP. Once you confirm a date, you must commit to it.

Living Arrangements and extra bags

• There are a variety of hotels, hostels, and other establishments that can
  accommodate you for your stay in the area. We recommend staying in a central area. Check with us for recommended hotels. If you choose an Airbnb for your stay, please send us a screenshot of the exact location of your Airbnb on Google Maps.
• If you have some bags that you will not be taking to the Inca Trail, you can leave them at your hotel. All hotels in Cusco offer a storage place for such bags for free. However, if you are staying at an Airbnb, then you must check with your host to do so. Additionally, you can store your belongings with us in our storage room. In this case, you will have to collect your things from our location upon your return from the trek. Additionally, we can arrange for the delivery of your items to your hotel for an extra $10 fee.

WATER: 

• We will supply you with boiled filtered water.
• We do this every day in the mornings before we start hiking and after our lunch breaks.
• Bring a refillable water container or Camelbak for when you are hiking.
• We strongly advise you to drink at least 2   litres of water a day. Do not attempt to drink water from the streams, rivers or faucets along the trails.
• Please refrain from bringing plastic bottled water on our excursions.
• Use only drinkable water to brush your teeth.

TREKKING BOOTS

• ​We strongly recommend wearing trekking boots on our treks.
• Please ensure you wear boots that have already been broken in before the trek.
• We discourage people from wearing brand-new trekking boots. You are more prone to getting blisters from wearing brand-new boots.

DRUGS, SMOKING, AND ALCOHOL

• Smoking is strictly prohibited during the trek. We want you to have a healthy overall experience while in the mountains.
• We discourage people from heavy alcohol consumption while on the hikes.
• Any type of mind-altering substances is discouraged and illegal while on the hikes. ​

PERU ENTRY REQUIREMENTS AND PERMITS 
USA citizens do not need a visa to enter Peru for tourism purposes. When you arrive in Peru, you will receive an Andean migration card instead of a visitor’s visa.
Travelers to Peru will receive a card from Peruvian Immigration upon arrival stating the length of approved stay (usually 90 days). You cannot lose this piece of paper as you will need it to stay in hotels and even leave the country. We recommend keeping it clipped to the front page of your passport.
Tourists must also provide evidence of return or onward travel.

PASSPORT
A valid passport, valid for at least six months, is required to enter and depart Peru. You should take several photocopies of your passport with you. During your stay, carry a photocopy of your passport at all times.
When visiting Machu Picchu, you may need to bring your passport. This may vary based on your specific itinerary. But, consider doing so anyway as you can get a novelty passport stamp there.

TRAVEL INSURANCE 
We recommend that all our customers purchase full coverage travel health insurance plan before coming to Peru. Most airfare engines offer this service at the time of purchasing their flight tickets. Travel insurance is the responsibility of each individual member and must cover trekking up to a minimum of 5200M which is valid for the date of the trip. Details of your insurance will be sought before travelling so we can keep a record as well God forbid it needed to be used and you will need to print and bring a copy of your full insurance policy with you also.

VACCINES AND MEDICINES
There are no mandatory vaccines for entry into Peru. Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor (ideally, 4-6 weeks) before your trip to obtain any necessary vaccines or medicines. Recommended for short-term tourist coverage against food and waterborne diseases are Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Tetanus. Yellow fever, malaria, or other kinds of inoculation (vaccination) are NOT needed when you visit Cusco’s Andean region.
Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease transmitted by sandflies present in Peru. The skin ulcers associated with this condition can take months to heal. Take care to avoid all insect bites – especially while along the Inca Trail. One of the biggest problems facing travellers to this region is the risk of insect bites. Along the Inca Trail, you will often find that many travellers have been bitten significantly by both mosquitoes and sandflies. It is essential to protect yourself. Wearing long-sleeved, pale-colored clothing and applying good insect repellent (with DEET at 30-50% concentration or higher) will help. This will be particularly important for the visit to Machu Picchu.

ALTITUDE CONSIDERATIONS
The human body is remarkably capable of adapting to a wide range of barometric pressures, and there is sufficient oxygen even at the highest point of this expedition. However, the process of adaptation or acclimatisation does take time, and the most important rule is to gain height slowly. Staying well-hydrated is also a significant factor in preventing AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness). AMS is brought on by lower oxygen levels at higher altitudes. Symptoms include breathlessness, headache, poor sleep, nausea & dizziness. AMS is typically treated by avoiding ascent to higher elevations or, in more severe cases, descending to lower elevations, where the symptoms are usually relieved. This itinerary has been designed to minimise the chances of you getting altitude sickness. If you have suffered serious problems at altitude before, you should seek the advice of your doctor or a specialist. Please note it is common for most people to experience mild headaches on the summit day of this expedition. Always keep your guide informed on how you are feeling. Please notify us of any changes in your health condition within the first 24 hours of your arrival in Cusco. We would like to know about your progress in acclimatizing to high altitude and your adaptation to the local cuisine.

DIAMOX 
Diamox (Acetazolamide) is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor. In simple terms, Diamox causes the kidneys to excrete more bicarbonate, resulting in a more acidic blood pH. Acidifying the blood stimulates ventilation, which increases the amount of oxygen in the blood, which reduces the chances of getting AMS. It is your own decision, especially those who have had AMS in the past, to take Diamox prophylactically (as a preventative), starting on the first day of trekking. Current guidelines recommend 125 mg twice daily (tablet form, not capsules). You should try taking Diamox for two days at some stage prior to departing Ireland to ensure you don’t suffer any of the more serious side effects. Numbness and tingling in fingers and toes are common, but in some cases, users can experience nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. If you experience any of the latter three side effects, we would advise against using Diamox. Always consult and follow the advice of your own doctor about Diamox or any other medication. Others advise you to take an aspirin daily on the trip to thin the blood to try to prevent AMS. Again, you should consult your own GP for advice.

SPENDING MONEY AND TIPS
The “Nuevo Sol” (S/.) is the official currency of Peru. There are notes of the following denominations: 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 soles. Coins are 10, 20, and 50 cents, as well as 1, 2, and 5 Nuevos Soles. Countless shops, restaurants, hotels, and gas stations accept US Dollars. It is possible to exchange currency in banks and currency exchange agencies. There are also “cambistas,” street currency exchangers, but the safety of the transaction is not guaranteed. Currency exchange agencies are regularly open from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, from Monday to Friday, and half a day on Saturdays. Most cities in the country have ATMs connected in most cases to Plus (Visa), Cirrus (MasterCard/Maestro), American Express, and other networks. You may withdraw Nuevos Soles or US Dollars, although the exchange rates tend to be less favorable.

Tipping guidelines
Regarding tips for porters, the average tip a porter receives is $30 for the 5 days. We usually multiply the number of porters by 30USD and divide that by the number of hikers. Chefs get an average of 20USD per day per hiker. Tour guides, however, are tipped individually by each participant based on performance. The average tip a guide receives is 15% of the tour cost per hiker.