PERMITS FOR THE INCA TRAIL 2021 ARE
ON SALE NOW
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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Highlights
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
|
Grab your 2021 inca trail permits here. Limited Permits Available
Itinerary
Start time
Between 4:30 am and 5:00 am
Travel
Two hours by bus from Cusco to Piskacucho or the famous 82 Km.
Highlights of the day
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.
Difficulty level
Moderate. The trail starts at 2720m/8923ft climbing to 3000m/8984 ft, this is a gentle day on Inca Flat.
Meals
Breakfast on way to Piskacucho.
Lunch during hike and dinner at campsite. Vegetarian options are available. Please advise us if you require this option.
Accommodation
Camping in tents at a campsite in the small village of Wayllabamba. The temperature at night is usually around 10°C/50°F.
Other information
Entrance tickets, passports and student ID’s will need to be shown at the start of the trail.
Between 4:30 am and 5:00 am
Travel
Two hours by bus from Cusco to Piskacucho or the famous 82 Km.
Highlights of the day
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.
Difficulty level
Moderate. The trail starts at 2720m/8923ft climbing to 3000m/8984 ft, this is a gentle day on Inca Flat.
Meals
Breakfast on way to Piskacucho.
Lunch during hike and dinner at campsite. Vegetarian options are available. Please advise us if you require this option.
Accommodation
Camping in tents at a campsite in the small village of Wayllabamba. The temperature at night is usually around 10°C/50°F.
Other information
Entrance tickets, passports and student ID’s will need to be shown at the start of the trail.
Start time
6:00 am
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.
Difficulty level
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. Temperature around 6°C or 42°F.
6:00 am
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.
Difficulty level
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. Temperature around 6°C or 42°F.
Start time
6:00 am
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.
Other information
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.
6:00 am
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.
Other information
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.
Watch The Award Winning Documentary of One of the Women Porters of the Inca trail
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.
Difficulty level
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.
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.
Difficulty level
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.
More reasons why you should book with us
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Leader in Ethical Travel; featured in Lonely Planet and Fodor’s Travel as the only company dedicated to the humane treatment of its workers, and porters.
Don't just believe our word.
Check our amazing Trip Advisor reviews. 
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Featured in National Geographic as the first company to hire women porters and providing them equal pay.
Leader in equal employment opportunity; 50% of our tour guides are women. 
Unique progressive sustainable business model, with porters, cooks and guides as both employees and share holders.
Featured at the Yale Business School as a revolutionary business model. 
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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 500 people per day. That includes the 7 day trek via Salkantay mountain.
- The Short Inca Trail or two day inca trail allows 250 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 2020 will be able to be made since October 2019.
- 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.
Don't know which treks is for you?
Read this Trek Comparison
Classic Four-day Inca Trail versus Five-day private Inca Trail and Short Inca Trail
Many people believe that there is only one way to hike the Inca trail, but that is not entirely accurate. Some trails differ from one another regarding campsites, attractions, access points, and itineraries depending on the type of tour a person takes and the travel operator they choose.
Classic Four-day Inca Trail
Almost all tour operators (including Evolution Treks Peru) take their clients along the four-day classic Inca trail that starts at the 82km or Piskacucho.
The trail they walk along starts at the 82km or Piskacucho. The Park rangers station is located in this area; People must present passports to check in with the park rangers before they enter the park by crossing the bridge that leads to the left bank of the Urubamba river.
Almost every single person hiking this part of the Inca trail share the same path, visit the same Incan sites and use the same campsites. Usually, these campsites are overcrowded and lack one of the best ingredients of trekking, which is solitude and silence. Especially the Huayllabamba, Pacaymayu and Winaywayna campsites, where most people camp.
Evolution Treks Peru's groups walk further along the trail on days one and two to get campsites at Ayapata and Chakicocha to avoid the crowds.
Private Five-day Inca trail
Our five-day Inca Trail trek differs substantially from the Classic four-day trek in almost all of these things. The access point for this trek is located at Qoriwairachina or Km 88. We check in with the park rangers at this location. The first part of the path that we take runs through a different area than that one of the four-day Inca Trail. In our case, the road we take runs on the right bank of the Urubamba river.
During this first section, we are the only travel operator using this path. Also, the path that we follow is the same path that the other groups take; especially during days two, three and four. Although, due to our itinerary, our group will remain away from most people as we camp in different, less crowded campsites. In our campsites, we get to have a lot of quietness and spectacular views.
Furthermore, The itinerary we have for this five-day hike enables us to visit many different attractions and archaeological sites that other people cannot visit due to the tours they take. Some of these places are off the beaten track; other tourists barely visit them.
Finally, one of the benefits of taking this hike is that it allows people to see Machu Picchu twice. First when they get there in the afternoon of the fourth day, and again the next day when they come back to take the tour of Machu Picchu.
Short Inca trail
The short Inca trail differs from the other two itineraries in almost everything. For instance, its access point to the sanctuary is located at the 104 km or Chachabamba. People who hike this trail use a different path than that one of the Classic 4 day trek. They are not allowed to camp at all and only walk on the last part of the original Inca trail from Winaywayna to Machu Picchu.
Moreover, there are only two archaeological sites to be visited on this hike. Perhaps the most beautiful one of them is Winaywayna.
Finally, Just like the five-day Inca trail trip, one of the benefits of taking this hike is that it allows people to see Machu Picchu twice. First when they get there in the afternoon of the first day, and again the next day when they come back to take the tour of Machu Picchu.
What to do after you book your trek
We understand that your departure date might be far off in the next few months or even a year after you make your reservation official. However, We want to keep you excited about this experience until the day you finally get to board the bus that will take you to the starting point of the trek.
Check our collection of books and videos
To keep things interesting, we want you to check these books and videos about the inca Trail, Machu Picchu, Peru and other topics that we speak during the four days that last the hike. We came up with these recommendations based on the feedback of our previous hikers and the reading interests of our class A tour guides. We hope you enjoy them and help us foster great conversations when in the trail.
Read this Trek Comparison
Classic Four-day Inca Trail versus Five-day private Inca Trail and Short Inca Trail
Many people believe that there is only one way to hike the Inca trail, but that is not entirely accurate. Some trails differ from one another regarding campsites, attractions, access points, and itineraries depending on the type of tour a person takes and the travel operator they choose.
Classic Four-day Inca Trail
Almost all tour operators (including Evolution Treks Peru) take their clients along the four-day classic Inca trail that starts at the 82km or Piskacucho.
The trail they walk along starts at the 82km or Piskacucho. The Park rangers station is located in this area; People must present passports to check in with the park rangers before they enter the park by crossing the bridge that leads to the left bank of the Urubamba river.
Almost every single person hiking this part of the Inca trail share the same path, visit the same Incan sites and use the same campsites. Usually, these campsites are overcrowded and lack one of the best ingredients of trekking, which is solitude and silence. Especially the Huayllabamba, Pacaymayu and Winaywayna campsites, where most people camp.
Evolution Treks Peru's groups walk further along the trail on days one and two to get campsites at Ayapata and Chakicocha to avoid the crowds.
Private Five-day Inca trail
Our five-day Inca Trail trek differs substantially from the Classic four-day trek in almost all of these things. The access point for this trek is located at Qoriwairachina or Km 88. We check in with the park rangers at this location. The first part of the path that we take runs through a different area than that one of the four-day Inca Trail. In our case, the road we take runs on the right bank of the Urubamba river.
During this first section, we are the only travel operator using this path. Also, the path that we follow is the same path that the other groups take; especially during days two, three and four. Although, due to our itinerary, our group will remain away from most people as we camp in different, less crowded campsites. In our campsites, we get to have a lot of quietness and spectacular views.
Furthermore, The itinerary we have for this five-day hike enables us to visit many different attractions and archaeological sites that other people cannot visit due to the tours they take. Some of these places are off the beaten track; other tourists barely visit them.
Finally, one of the benefits of taking this hike is that it allows people to see Machu Picchu twice. First when they get there in the afternoon of the fourth day, and again the next day when they come back to take the tour of Machu Picchu.
Short Inca trail
The short Inca trail differs from the other two itineraries in almost everything. For instance, its access point to the sanctuary is located at the 104 km or Chachabamba. People who hike this trail use a different path than that one of the Classic 4 day trek. They are not allowed to camp at all and only walk on the last part of the original Inca trail from Winaywayna to Machu Picchu.
Moreover, there are only two archaeological sites to be visited on this hike. Perhaps the most beautiful one of them is Winaywayna.
Finally, Just like the five-day Inca trail trip, one of the benefits of taking this hike is that it allows people to see Machu Picchu twice. First when they get there in the afternoon of the first day, and again the next day when they come back to take the tour of Machu Picchu.
What to do after you book your trek
We understand that your departure date might be far off in the next few months or even a year after you make your reservation official. However, We want to keep you excited about this experience until the day you finally get to board the bus that will take you to the starting point of the trek.
Check our collection of books and videos
To keep things interesting, we want you to check these books and videos about the inca Trail, Machu Picchu, Peru and other topics that we speak during the four days that last the hike. We came up with these recommendations based on the feedback of our previous hikers and the reading interests of our class A tour guides. We hope you enjoy them and help us foster great conversations when in the trail.
Follow our recommendations for how to train for the Inca trail
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.
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.