Is the Inca Trail difficult? What kind of physical preparation do I need?

The Inca Trail's actually a moderate challenge that takes you through 26 miles over 4 days. You'll hit some pretty high altitudes going up to 4200 meters at Dead Woman's Pass so you definitely need to be in good shape. Best way to prep is getting into regular hiking and cardio workouts and if you can find ways to practice with altitude that's even better. Most people spend a few days in Cusco getting used to the elevation - there's this great half-day walk to Maras salt mine and Moray about 6 kilometers that takes 3 hours or you could try paddle boarding on Piuray Lagoon to get started.

When should I book the Inca Trail and what's the deal with permits?

You'll want to get on this early because there's a strict daily limit of 500 people including guides and porters. The trail gets booked up months ahead especially May through September when everyone wants to go. I'd say lock in your spot at least 6-7 months before you want to head out there. For the really popular months like June and July you're looking at booking way back in November or December the year before just to be safe.

What are my options for doing the Inca Trail? How do they stack up?

Besides the classic 4-day trek you've got a shorter 2-day option starting at KM 104 that's great if you're short on time or want something less intense. Then there's the Salkantay Trek which actually goes higher almost 5000 meters and takes 5 days with some amazing mountain views. Lots of people go for the Peru Uncovered tour that's 14 days - you get the Classic Inca Trail plus visits to Lima Arequipa Colca Canyon and Lake Titicaca so you really see it all.

Inca Trail Tours & Trips

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Machu Picchu: Inca Trail hike 4 days & Vistadome Train
5.0 (204 traveler reviews) award winner
"We had a excellent experience, great tour guide trexperience."
Jason, traveled in March
Destinations
Cusco, Ollantaytambo, Patallacta, Pacaymayo Valley,Sayacmarca,Winay Wayna,Machu Picchu,Aguas Calientes+4 more
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Andes MountainsMachu PicchuInca Trail+2 more
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Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in 2 Days
4.9 (76 traveler reviews)
"Great tour to have Inca trail and machu piccu in twos days."
Pauline, traveled in November
Destinations
Cusco, Ollantaytambo, Winay Wayna, Machu Picchu,Aguas Calientes+1 more
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Ages 12+
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Inca Trail
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2 days
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04 Day Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu - Small Group Service
5.0 (54 traveler reviews)
"We had a very nice trip in the beautiful Andes. These memories will last us a lifetime."
Kelly, traveled in January
Destinations
Cusco, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo, Patallacta,Runkuraqay Mountain,Sayacmarca,Machu Picchu,Aguas Calientes+4 more
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Ages 8+
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Inkayni Peru Tours
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Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu 4D/3N
4.8 (58 traveler reviews)
"I love Peru and will be back to do more trekking in the Andes or maybe even go see Rainbow mountain which looks really beautiful!"
Rachel, traveled in March
Destinations
Cusco, Ollantaytambo, Wayllabamba, Pacaymayo Valley,Machu Picchu,Aguas Calientes+2 more
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Bamba Travel
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Inca Quarry Trek to Machu Picchu 4D/3N
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Cusco, Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo, Aguas Calientes
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Inca Magic
5.0 (19 traveler reviews)
"The team at Lima Tours made our trip to peru very special and memorable."
Nima, traveled in April
Destinations
Lima, Cusco, Maras, Moray, Pisac, Ollantaytambo,Sacred Valley,Machu Picchu,Aguas Calientes+3 more
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Ages 10+
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Inca Journey
4.9 (10 traveler reviews)
"The interesting thing was that you didn't tour with a group but were moved around with different people each time."
Carol, traveled in June
Destinations
Lima, Cusco, Maras, Moray, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu
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Classic Inca Trail Trek 4D/3N to Machu Picchu (Group service )
5.0 (144 traveler reviews)
"Extraordinary experience with extraordinary people. The hard work that these guys do is nothing short of amazing."
Rowelaine, traveled in May
Destinations
Cusco, Ollantaytambo, Patallacta, Llulluchapampa,Pacaymayo Valley,Runkuraqay Mountain,Sayacmarca,Machu Picchu,Aguas Calientes+5 more
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Alpaca Expeditions
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The Inca Trail
4.9 (290 traveler reviews)
"Fun, well organized adventure that was made even better by the amazing people we met."
Celeste, traveled in October
Destinations
Cusco, Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu
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Andes MountainsMachu PicchuInca Trail+2 more
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Inca Discovery Plus
5.0 (173 traveler reviews)
"The trip from G Adventures exceeded my whole family's expectations. Excellent food, super organisation, and a great group of people who we travelled with."
John-Paul, traveled in July
Destinations
Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu
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Hiking The Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu & Sacred Valley
4.9 (45 traveler reviews)
"It was an amazing experience! Inkayni team exceeded my expectations from the beginning and I would definitely recommend them."
Jack, traveled in January
Destinations
Cusco, Moray, Maras, Chinchero, Piscacucho, Machu Picchu,Ollantaytambo,Aguas Calientes+2 more
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Inca Trail 2 Days to Machu Picchu with Hotel
4.9 (12 traveler reviews)
"Both the company and the Guide were outstanding in their efforts to make anything possible to make our trip safe and pleasant."
Ashot, traveled in April
Destinations
Cusco, Ollantaytambo, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu
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The Salkantay Trek
4.8 (29 traveler reviews)
"A great itinerary in the High Incas, getting away from the crowds but into the heart of this amazing region."
Frances, traveled in September
Destinations
Cusco, Mollepata, Huayllabamba, Llulluchapampa,Machu Picchu,Aguas Calientes,Ollantaytambo,Pisac,Moray,Maras,Chinchero+7 more
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Exodus Adventure Travels
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Peru Uncovered (Inca Trail Trek)
3.5 (2 traveler reviews)
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Lima, Arequipa, Canon del Colca, Puno, Ruinas Rajchi, Cusco,Sacred Valley,Machu Picchu,Aguas Calientes,Puerto Maldonado+4 more
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Contiki
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The Inca Trail
4.6 (146 traveler reviews)
"A great travelling adventure, combining the culture of Cusco, the Inca Trail and Macchu Picchu, the trekking and camping in the cloud forest and rain forest."
Matthew, traveled in September
Destinations
Cusco, Pisac, Patallacta, Huayllabamba, Llulluchapampa,Machu Picchu,Aguas Calientes,Ollantaytambo+3 more
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Ages 16+
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Exodus Adventure Travels
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