The Inca Trail will reopen on July 15, 2021
Limited Number of Inca Trail Permits Available
Trip Overview
- Tour Type: Outdoor adventure, camping in tents, hiking, history, culture, and biodiversity presentations.
- Total Distance Covered: 43KM/26 Miles
- Recommended for: People with a moderate level of fitness who enjoy outdoor activities such as walking or hiking. This trek is accessible to most healthy people.
- Difficulty: Demanding and challenging. Hiking at high altitude might seem strenuous for some. Proper acclimatization is required.
- Hiking Seasons: From March 1st to January 31st. (Inca trail is closed in February for maintenance)
- Price: From $690USD per person. Based on the number of people participating in the tour.
- Important Information: Inca trail permits are required. Some important US holiday dates such as Easter, Christmas, Independence Day, and spring break sell out quickly. Book at least six months in advance
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Know before you book
IMPORTANT!
Our porters carry cooking and camping equipment only.
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 thing to do when booking a tour with us. Evolution Treks Peru is a leader in SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL, we do not subject our porters to inhumane exploitative conditions. |
Inclusions
Exclusions
From: 690USD
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PRICES.
One Trekker 140USD per person
Two Trekkers 750USD per person
Three trekkers 690USD per person
All prices are for the 2021 and 2022 season.
One Trekker 140USD per person
Two Trekkers 750USD per person
Three trekkers 690USD per person
All prices are for the 2021 and 2022 season.
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.
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.
This 4 day guided tour will take you to the most beautiful scenaries in the valley of Machu Picchu. Rivers, ancient ruins, mountain and different animal species are some of the thing you will see when hiking with us. The path is rugged and moment steep but nothing neither of those will be an issue as this hike is meant for real adventurous people, the final reward is once you get to Machu Picchu through the Sungate (Inti Punku)
What’s Included
IMPORTANT
Our porters carry cooking and camping equipment only. 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 thing to do when bookinf a tour with us.
There is no such a thing as a "FREE PORTER". Companies that offer this complimentary service are usually engaging in exploitative practices that force them to carry extra unpain weight. Do not fall for this fishy marketing scheme.
Meals
Our cooks are professionally trained to provide the best high quality meals. The menu varies with different products like pasta, rice, fruits, vegetables, grains, eggs, and different meats. If you have any dietary restrictions or allergies please make sure to add it in your details at the moment of booking.
Transportation
Private vehicle, trains, hiking.
Accommodation
Camping 3 nights. The camping tents we provide are high quality internationally branded products. We use 3 people tents to accommodate 2 people. Single Travelers joining group trips will be paired with same sex person for the duration of the trip. Single tent supplements are allowed at extra cost.
Pre Trek Presentations. (Briefings)
Pre trek presentations are conducted for every trek one day before your departure (unless otherwise instructed) typically between 6pm-7pm at a established location that we will let you know via email prior to your trip to Peru. The duration of this presentation may vary depending on the length of the trek but typically last between
time, we will provide duffel bags for your belongings to bring on 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 minimus 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. $180 for a full porter that can be shared between two people can carry up to 14kg, and a half porter can carry 7kg for one person only and costs $100. There are several regulations that restrict how much weight a porter is allowed to carry, but several companies disregard this to the harm of the porters. We are an advocate for the fair treatment of porters, and as such are very careful to ensure that our porters do not have to carry more than what is fair and ask for you to 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 there are many hotels, hostels, and AirBNBs that are only accessible via several steep stairs, so we advise checking how close your living arrangement is to a road to ensure you can have an easy pick up and drop off. If you choose to hike in a group tour, then your pick up 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 necessary information
The Peruvian Government requires that all people present a copy of your
passports. You will need to provide it after your booking.
Deposit
A partial deposit must be made so we can fulfill 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
Optional services not included
Packing List
- Duration: 4 Days and 3 Nights
- Start/ Finish location: Cusco city
- Service Level: Standard / Group
- Difficulty: Moderate/ Demanding
- Travel Style: Active
- Group Size: 8 max; 6 average
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.
IMPORTANT
Our porters carry cooking and camping equipment only. 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 thing to do when bookinf a tour with us.
There is no such a thing as a "FREE PORTER". Companies that offer this complimentary service are usually engaging in exploitative practices that force them to carry extra unpain weight. Do not fall for this fishy marketing scheme.
Meals
Our cooks are professionally trained to provide the best high quality meals. The menu varies with different products like pasta, rice, fruits, vegetables, grains, eggs, and different meats. If you have any dietary restrictions or allergies please make sure to add it in your details at the moment of booking.
Transportation
Private vehicle, trains, hiking.
Accommodation
Camping 3 nights. The camping tents we provide are high quality internationally branded products. We use 3 people tents to accommodate 2 people. Single Travelers joining group trips will be paired with same sex person for the duration of the trip. Single tent supplements are allowed at extra cost.
Pre Trek Presentations. (Briefings)
Pre trek presentations are conducted for every trek one day before your departure (unless otherwise instructed) typically between 6pm-7pm at a established location that we will let you know via email prior to your trip to Peru. The duration of this presentation may vary depending on the length of the trek but typically last between
time, we will provide duffel bags for your belongings to bring on 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 minimus 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. $180 for a full porter that can be shared between two people can carry up to 14kg, and a half porter can carry 7kg for one person only and costs $100. There are several regulations that restrict how much weight a porter is allowed to carry, but several companies disregard this to the harm of the porters. We are an advocate for the fair treatment of porters, and as such are very careful to ensure that our porters do not have to carry more than what is fair and ask for you to 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 there are many hotels, hostels, and AirBNBs that are only accessible via several steep stairs, so we advise checking how close your living arrangement is to a road to ensure you can have an easy pick up and drop off. If you choose to hike in a group tour, then your pick up 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 necessary information
The Peruvian Government requires that all people present a copy of your
passports. You will need to provide it after your booking.
Deposit
A partial deposit must be made so we can fulfill 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 that you stay in any central area. check with us for recommended hotels. If you choose an Airbnb for your stay, then please send us an 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, then you can do that 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. Also, you can leave your stuff with us at our storage room. In this case you will have to collect your things from our location upon your return from the trek. Also, we can arrange a delivery of your stuff to your hotel for a 10USD extra fee.
Optional services not included
- Hire of sleeping bag (4 seasons) - $40
- Walking stick x 2 (single) - $ 20
- Inflatable trekking sleeping pad (Therm a Rest) - $35
- Camping Pillow (therm a rest) $20
- Full porter - up to 14kg or 30 pounds (Can be shared between 2 people) $180
- Half porter - up to 7 kg or 15 pounds (Can't be shared) $100
- If you require an extra porter or a half porter, please advise us when filling in booking form.
- Single tent supplement - $55
- Huayna Picchu mountain $90
- Machu Picchu mountain $90
Packing List
- Original passport (and *International Student card (ISIC) if applicable)
- Travel Insurance is essential
- Sleeping bag (not included but can be hired from us)
- Walking boots
- Waterproof jacket/rain poncho
- Warm jacket
- Hat and gloves
- T-shirts
- Comfortable trousers
- Sun hat
- Sun protection cream (factor 35 recommended)
- Insect repellent
- Water (only until lunch time on day 1)
- Toiletries and hand sanitizer.
- Personal medication
- Camera
- Torch with spare batteries (headlamps are useful)
Important Information about Inca trail booking and reservations to take into account.
- The number of people entering the 4 day Inca Trail has been restricted to 250 people per day. That includes the 7 day trek via Salkantay mountain.
- The Short Inca Trail or two day inca trail allows 120 people per day.
- Permits for the Inca Trail must be requested to the National Sanctuary of Machu Picchu Administration. Only qualified tour operators can do that. Evolution Treks Peru is certified and recommended.
- Permits are available on a first come, first served basis. Usually permits for the 4 day Inca Trail for April, May, June, July are sold out on the firsts days of October.
- Inca trail reservations for 2022 will be able to be made since October 1, 2021.
- When You request to book the Inca Trail with us, consider some flexibility of at least 3 days before and after your preferred date. This makes things easier for us to get you a permit.
How to hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. A quick Guide.
In this article, we recommend our clients with the best ideas for how to train for the Inca trail and how to hike at high altitude. We think that if You follow these recommendations, you will be well prepared to overcome the physical challenges that this wonderful trek demands.
You might be wondering about how you are gonna get in your best shape for your Inca Trail hike. Maybe you think you will not be able to do it. Trust us; we do this every day. If you follow the information below. You will have an amazing Inca trail adventure.
First, Prepare your mind
The success of your trip depends on it. Preparing for a trip could be time-consuming, stressful and exhausting. Most likely you might feel like you are not ready enough, fit enough, etc. The fact is that when it comes to traveling, there is not such a thing as being 100% ready. In the words of my dear friend Marinel from Brown Gal Trekker, “You learn best by just doing it. Be mindful of your fears and anxieties. Learn the means to pacify them. But also remember that despite of preparation, imperfect scenarios will still creep in on you.”
In Peru, we have a common saying which is “The nature of a wanderer (traveler) is to make her path along the way." One cannot be in control of everything as we do in our daily lives at home. The fact is that traveling offers us the opportunity to let go of the need to want to control everything, and lets us enjoy the beauty of traveling whatever challenges it might pose us.
Your resilience and open-mindedness will be put to the test no matter how experienced a traveler you are. The world is full of differences that you need to be prepared to embrace. Finally, looking back on your trip, you will be proud of the impact it had on you mentally and physically.
Now, Prepare your body
In our tours, we often have different categories of people. There are those experienced hikers who hit the trails at least once a month, those who hike every once in a while, perhaps a few day hikes a year and maybe some overnight camping trips too. Finally, there are those who have never done anything like this but are willing to try it anyway. And what better opportunity than on your way to Machupicchu! No matter what category you fall into, consider the following tips:
Get into the countryside or a park often. This will allow your mind and your body to familiarize with the outdoors.
Take a hike. If you are new to hiking, the best way to do this is by walking one to two hours outdoors every weekend.
Build up from there. Gradually, start adding more time to your hikes. If you can walk for a maximum of 3 hours or longer, then you are in a good place to perform well on one of our hikes.
Learn to drink enough water while you hike. Consider drinking 2 liters of water a day, whether you are hiking or at work in the office.
Choose harder hikes every weekend, search for information about hikes that involve climbing. A hike with a 30-minute climb is a really good start.
Carry up to 12 pounds in your daypack to speed up your training. Fill up your backpack with weights, snacks, water, and books when you go hiking outdoors.
Hit the gym if you can’t make it outdoors. Start with a 20-minute warm-up routine on the elliptical machine, then a 20-minute jog or fast paced walk on the treadmill, and finish your workout with a 10-minute climb on the step master machine. These three elements will get you to a good place. It is better if you do this routine carrying a backpack and gradually adding weights to it. If you can train for a full hour on the step master, then you are ready to climb Machu Picchu.