Everyone will tell you that the Inca Trail is the best hiking route in Peru and the most incredible way to get to Machu Picchu, and they are not wrong. But as experts on this route, we know that the real magic is not just in the final photo from the Intipunku. It is in the details: in the taste of the coffee in the morning at the campsite, in the story your guide tells you in front of some hidden ruins, and in the feeling of achievement after conquering the Dead Woman's Pass.
This 4-day, 39-kilometer trek is a physical challenge and a deep cultural immersion through trails built centuries ago. It crosses from Andean peaks to the cloud forest, offering a biodiversity that amazes at every step.
More than just a guide with facts, in this article about the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu we want to share our experience so that your adventure is perfect, from how to choose the best date to what to really pack. Get ready, because you are about to plan one of the best experiences of your life.
How to do the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?
You have probably heard that getting a spot for the Inca Trail is complicated, and it's true. But it's not to create false demand, but to protect this historical jewel. Think of it as a work of art that we must preserve.
To keep the magic of the trail intact, daily access is strictly limited to 500 people. But here is the fact that many do not know: of those 500, about 300 permits are reserved for the true heroes of the journey: the guides, cooks, and porters who make this adventure possible. This means that every day, there are only 200 permits available for travelers from all over the world. That is why planning is your best ally.
Your Strategy to Conquer the Inca Trail: The Step-by-Step Guide
Getting your ticket is not a matter of luck, it's a matter of strategy. As experts, here we share the key steps you must follow:
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Step 1: The Golden Rule - Anticipation
We cannot insist enough on this: you must book your tour a minimum of 6 to 7 months in advance. If you plan to travel in high season (May to August), we recommend you think about 8 months. The spots for those months sometimes sell out in hours. -
Step 2: The Key Moment of the Year - October
Expert tip: The tickets for the ENTIRE next year (for example, for 2026) are released and go on sale in October of the current year (2025). Right now is the most crucial moment for those planning their trip for next year! If you miss this window, it is very likely you will be left without the dates you want. -
Step 3: Choose Your Adventure (and Check Availability!)
Before booking, decide what experience you are looking for:
> Classic Inca Trail (4 days): The total immersion. The complete experience that takes you through incredible landscapes and ruins to the Sun Gate.
> Short Inca Trail (2 days): If you have less time or are looking for a less demanding hike, this option allows you to experience the essence of the last section.
| Original Inca Trail 4 days | Short Inca Trail 2 days | |
| What will I see? | Original Inca trails (the qhapac ñan). Flora and fauna of the mountains and jungle of Cusco. Incredible landscapes of mountains and tropical forests. |
Original Inca roads (the qhapac ñan). Flora and fauna of the Cusco jungle. Incredible landscapes of Cusco's high jungle forests. |
| Inca sites | Llactapata, Runkurakay and Sayacmarca. Chachabamba archaeological site. Wiñayhuayna archaeological site. Machu Picchu. |
Phuyupatamarca and Wiñayhuayna. Machu Picchu |
| Distance and difficulty | 39 kilometers of Inca royal roads. | 12 kilometers of Inca royal roads. |
| Moderate-high difficulty hike. | Recommended for people who like hiking. | Recommended for the whole family, even children who like hiking. |
Once you have an idea, the next move is crucial:
Check the availability NOW. Consult a certified travel agency like Tierras Vivas to see what dates are available. If the date you wanted is no longer available, don't get discouraged; try alternative days. Flexibility is key.
Beyond the Hike: A Journey Through History
Remember, the Inca Trail is not just a path; it is a protected section of the Qhapaq Ñan, the legendary road network that connected the entire Inca Empire. You are not simply walking to Machu Picchu; you are arriving in the same sacred way that the Inca royalty did.
During the journey, you will not only see ruins. You will stop to explore citadels that seem to hang from the clouds like the magical Phuyupatamarca or the elegant Wiñayhuayna. They are not just stops to take photos; they are your outdoor history lessons and the perfect preludes to the wonder that awaits you at the end.
Choose Your Own Adventure: Which Inca Trail is for You?
One of the first big decisions you will make is choosing your route. There is no "better" option than another; they are two different experiences for two types of travelers. Think of it this way:
- The Classic Inca Trail (4 Days / 3 Nights)
This is the legendary journey, the immortal experience that you see on postcards and that adventurers dream of. It is for you if you seek to disconnect from the world and completely immerse yourself in the energy of the Andes. You will cover the full 43 kilometers, camp under a starry sky that you will never forget, and see landscapes that evolve from arid peaks to the lush jungle brow. It is the challenge, the reward, and the complete story. - The Short Inca Trail (2 Days / 1 Night)
Do you have just enough time or prefer a less demanding hike without sacrificing the magic? This is your route. You join the final section of the trail, the most spectacular one, and walk through the incredible archaeological site of Wiñayhuayna to arrive at the Sun Gate in the afternoon. You will sleep in a hotel in Aguas Calientes and explore Machu Picchu the next day. It is the perfect dose of adventure and comfort.
Expert tip: The decision should not be based only on time. If you are passionate about hiking, history, and camping, the classic route is a life experience. If your priority is to reach Machu Picchu on foot via the Inca route but you value the comfort of a bed, the short route is ideal.
Why Do You Need an Agency?
We'll be direct here: it is impossible to do the Inca Trail on your own. And there is an excellent reason for it. The Peruvian government requires that every traveler go with an authorized travel agency to protect the trail and guarantee your safety. But more than a rule, see it as a guarantee of quality.
Your agency doesn't just process your entry permit; it organizes the entire team that accompanies you. You will have an expert guide who will reveal the secrets of the ruins, cooks who will prepare banquets in the middle of the mountain, and porters who will take care of the heavy equipment so that you can just focus on enjoying the hike. It is a complete service that transforms a difficult trek into an unforgettable experience.
Step by Step: This is How it Feels to Walk the Inca Trail
So, what is the trek really like? Forget the lists of facts and let us paint the picture for you.
You don't need to be an Olympic athlete, but you do need an adventurous spirit and hiking boots that are already your friends. The real challenge is the altitude. That's why being here in Cusco a few days before, like now on this cool October evening, getting used to the altitude with a coca tea, is the first step to success.
The journey will take you on a 43-kilometer trail that ends at Machu Picchu. The highest point for many is the second day, when you face the Abra Warmihuañusca pass (the "Dead Woman's Pass"), the highest point at 4,215 meters. It's tough, yes, but the feeling of conquering it, with the wind on your face and a 360° view of the mountain range, is something you will keep forever.
From there, the landscape changes. You begin to descend toward the jungle's eyebrow, a humid ecosystem full of life. Finally, in the early morning of the fourth day, you will arrive at Intipunku. In that moment, when you see Machu Picchu reveal itself between the clouds with the first rays of sun, you will understand why you took every step. It is the only route that gives you this perspective, the same one the Incas had centuries ago.
After exploring the citadel, the return to Cusco is a well-deserved rest by train, where you will share stories with your fellow travelers.
Questions and answers about the availability of the Inca Trail 2026
- How many kilometers is the Inca Trail?
The Inca Trail is a 39-kilometer tourist route. This distance is covered in 4 days of hiking and 3 nights of rest in camps. - Is the Inca Trail closed in 2025?
The Inca Trail remains open throughout 2025, except for February due to heavy rains. - Where does the Inca Trail start and where does it end?
The Inca Trail begins at kilometer 82 of the railway line that connects Ollantaytambo with Aguas Calientes. The end is in Machu Picchu, after 39 kilometers of walking. - Is the Inca Trail available to all ages?
Yes. However, it is recommended that tourists enjoy this type of hiking. For this reason, it is recommended that visitors be over 8 years old and under 65 years old. - How much does the Inca Trail tour cost?
The 4-day Inca Trail tour to Machu Picchu costs approximately between 500 and 700 dollars per tourist. This price varies depending on the tourism agency you choose for your tour. - Is the Inca Trail dangerous?
No, the Inca Trail is a safe hike if you follow all the instructions of the tour guide who accompanies you. You should not take a detour off the route or approach the cliffs. - Did the Incas build the Inca Trail?
Yes, the Inca Trail is a route that is part of the qhapac ñan, or royal Inca roads built during the time of Emperor Pachacutec (1418 – 1471). - How long in advance should I purchase the Inca Trail tour?
The 4-day Inca Trail tour is in high demand by tourists from all over the world. Therefore, it is recommended to make the purchase online 6 or 7 months in advance. - Do Peruvians have discounts on the Inca Trail?
Yes, Peruvians have a special discount on the 4-day Inca Trail tour to Machu Picchu. Check the prices according to each tourist agency in Cusco. - With which tourist agency should I do the Inca Trail?
In Cusco there are dozens of tourist agencies that offer the Inca Trail tour to Machu Picchu. Choose the one that fully complies with all the services offered. An excellent idea is to check out other tourists' comments on online tourism forums.
