Inca Trail Tours & Trips
4.6 stars on(8,695 reviews)- Choose from 50+ Inca Trail tours
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Table of contents
- The best Inca Trail tour packages
- What people love about Inca Trail Tours
- Travel Inca Trail your way
- Best tour companies for Inca Trail tours
- Popular Inca Trail Cruise Ships
- Discover Inca Trail tours for every budget
- Inca Trail tours for every type of group
- Top Inca Trail travel itineraries to fit your plans
- Demographics
- Best time to visit Inca Trail
- Inca Trail travel guides - curated by our experts
- Contact our Inca Trail travel experts
- What our customers ask about Inca Trail Tours & Trips
The best Inca Trail tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaInca Trail travel expert at TourRadar
Machu Picchu: Inca Trail hike 4 days & Vistadome Train
204 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“An absolutely incredible trip and experience! Every day, we were treated to two feasts—lunch and dinner—that were nothing short of extraordinary.”
Inez, traveled in November
Local Quechua guides lead TreXperience's legendary Inca Trail over 4 days. Remote sites like Phuyupatamarka and Wiñay Wayna offer secluded camping spots. The 26-mile Andean trek culminates at Machu Picchu's Sun Gate for sunrise. Vistadome train return and personal porter service included.
Duration 4 days Destinations Cusco, Ollantaytambo, Patallacta, Pacaymayo Valley, Sayacmarca, Winay Wayna, Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes Age Range Ages 12+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator TreXperience From $1,387
10% Off- NZ$1,249You save $139
Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in 2 Days
74 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Great tour to have Inca trail and machu piccu in twos days.”
Pauline, traveled in November
The cloud forests await on this classic Inca Trail segment from Km 104. Ancient Chachabamba ruins lead to Wiñay Wayna at 2,700m, before entering Machu Picchu via Sun Gate. Includes Qoya Palace stay and scenic Vistadome train return.
Duration 2 days Destinations Cusco, Ollantaytambo, Winay Wayna, Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes Age Range Ages 12+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator TreXperience From $1,056
10% Off- NZ$950You save $106
04 Day Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu - Small Group Service
54 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The 4d/3n Inca Trail hike to Machu Pichu with Inkayni Peru Tours was truly one of our top travel experiences.”
Den, traveled in January
Ancient Inca paths connect Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu, passing ruins at Patallacta and Willkarakay. This 39km trek crosses diverse landscapes to 4,215m at Dead Woman's Pass. Quality camping gear and chef-prepared meals enhance the journey before the final sunrise approach.
Duration 4 days Destinations Cusco, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo, Patallacta, Runkuraqay Mountain, Sayacmarca, Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes Age Range Ages 8+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator Inkayni Peru Tours From
10% Off- NZ$1,438
Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu 4D/3N
58 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It IS a VERY POPULAR trek and with that means there are A LOT of people every day hiking alongside you.”
Andres, traveled in February
The legendary Inca Trail unfolds from Piscacucho through Wayllabamba Camp (2,980m). Ancient ruins at Sayacmarca and Phuyupatamarca mark key camping points. The 42km trek concludes with sunrise at Machu Picchu via the iconic Sun Gate.
Duration 4 days Destinations Cusco, Ollantaytambo, Wayllabamba, Pacaymayo Valley, Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes Age Range Ages 10+ Operator Bamba Travel From
10% Off- NZ$1,453
The secluded Inca Quarry Trail leads from Socma to Machu Picchu. Perolniyoc waterfall, Cachicata's ancient stonework and mummies, and Inti Punku sun gate highlight the route. Professional guides, camping gear, and train to Aguas Calientes provided.
Duration 4 days Destinations Cusco, Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo, Aguas Calientes Age Range Ages 10+ Operator Bamba Travel From
10% Off- NZ$1,538
What people love about Inca Trail Tours
- Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu 4D/3N
I usually don't like leaving reviews online, but I have to let the world know that Bamba Experience is the best company that I have traveled with in my life. I have traveled all over the world and have never experienced the service that they gave me. The guide Darwin was amazing, he was funny, informative and he knew how to make us laugh. The food was unbelievable, I would have never expected to have so good food on a camping trip. The equipment was very good (sleeping bags, trekking poles, tents, sleeping mattress), and the porters did an amazing job carrying all the things for us. I was very happy with Bamba and I will for sure be recommending them to everyone that I can. If you are reading this, don't doubt yourself and book the trip with them.
- Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in 2 Days
The entire experience from start to finish was unbelievable. Our guide Raymer was a very out going guy who made our hike much more enjoyable. He was very knowledgable when it came to the Incas and was able to point out very interesting things along the way. (He is also a great photographer). From start to finish tourradar made the trip go very smooth and easy. 10/10 would recommend!
- Classic Inca Trail Trek 4D/3N to Machu Picchu (Group service )
Hiking the Inca Trail is an amazing experience that I will never forget. Everyone at Alpaca Expeditions was very professional and a joy to be around. The food was AMAZING, and the camping accommodations far surpassed my expectations. The company also promoted their activities in giving back to employees and local communities in the areas we were hiking, so we felt good about supporting this company. Please remember to bring adequate cash for tipping the porters and cooks. They work so hard carrying heavy packs and hiking ahead of the tourist group to make sure everything is set up in advance. I cannot imagine how hard it is to do their job, and a large portion of their livelihood is dependent on tipping, so please consider that before you go. There is also an opportunity to tip guides at the end of the trip. One thing I learned from this experience is to educate yourself on the ethical and legal issues for the porters before you go to make sure that you are participating in ethical tourism. Local laws may not protect people such as the porters to the extent that you are comfortable with, balancing that with supporting their livelihood is something to mull over.
Travel Inca Trail your way
The classic Inca Trail still tops most travelers' lists, running 4 full days with some seriously good camping setups. Our customers keep telling us how amazed they are by the porters who somehow cook restaurant-quality meals at 13,000 feet elevation. If you're short on time, there's a 2-day express version that hits the main spots like Wĩay Wayna and also the Sun Gate without overnight camping. Looking for something different? The Hidden Inca Trail takes you away from the crowds through coffee farms and small villages where you'll likely spot Royal Ciclodes birds in their natural habitat. TourRadar customers particularly connect with guides who really know their stuff - from medicinal plants to star-reading and also ancient building techniques. Each route includes cool archaeological stops - some groups explore the old "Inca Carcel" prison while others check out Phuyupatamarka's farming terraces where you can see how the Incas grew their crops.
The multi-sport tours kick off with an incredible mountain bike ride dropping from Abra Malaga at 14,000 feet, winding through village roads and past fruit orchards. After tackling the Urubamba River rapids, you can soak tired muscles in the Cocalmayo hot springs - our travelers say this combo is perfect. You'll hike through misty forests full of orchids and native birds, with options to zip-line above the jungle canopy. What makes these trips work so well is how they mix physical activities with real cultural experiences - you'll visit actual coffee farms, learn traditional weaving methods and also explore quiet Inca ruins that most tourists miss. The pacing feels just right, with active mornings followed by cultural activities before heading to Machu Picchu.
Our longer explorer routes give you a real deep dive into Peru's history and culture. The 14-day journey takes you from Lima's old colonial streets through Arequipa's local food spots and the massive Colca Canyon before reaching Machu Picchu. Food lovers often pick our trail option with cooking classes in Lima and Cusco - you'll shop at local markets and learn traditional recipes along the way. TourRadar customers tell us the guides make these trips special, sharing their expertise about medicinal plants, Incan astronomy and ancient building techniques. One unique route connects you with actual Inca descendants in their villages and includes visits to working coffee and tea farms tucked away in the Sacred Valley.
Select from our extensive range of 63 fully guided tours to enjoy a worry-free experience through Inca Trail with our expert guides leading the way.
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Best tour companies for Inca Trail tours
G Adventures, Alpaca Expeditions and also TreXperience stand out as the top picks from our TourRadar customers who've hiked the Inca Trail. The guides really make the difference - they tell fascinating stories about Inca life and share cultural insights that you won't find in guidebooks. The food gets a lot of praise too, with TreXperience going the extra mile by offering proper camping setups that feel more like outdoor hotels than basic tents. It's worth noting that behind every successful trek there's a hardworking team of porters and cooks - our travelers often mention how these dedicated staff members wake up early to prepare meals and carry equipment, making the whole experience possible. Many of our customers emphasize tipping these essential team members as a crucial part of the journey. The porters tackle challenging terrain while carrying gear, and the cooks somehow manage to create impressive meals at high altitude campsites. Their efforts transform what could be a tough trek into something quite special. These companies have clearly figured out how to balance authentic Inca Trail experiences with proper traveler comfort. The guides know exactly when to share historical details and when to let you simply take in the surroundings at your own pace.
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Popular Inca Trail Cruise Ships
Discover Inca Trail tours for every budget
The classic 4-day Inca Trail works well for travelers watching their budget without cutting corners on quality. You'll get expert guides who really know their Inca history, proper camping gear and porters who cook fresh meals at the high camps. Our customers often mention how good the food is - hot breakfasts delivered to your tent and three-course dinners under mountain skies. These tours combine trail time with visits to Cusco and Sacred Valley spots like Pisac's markets, Ollantaytambo's old streets and also local weaving demonstrations. TourRadar travelers tell us the guides go beyond expectations, sharing local altitude remedies and pointing out medicinal plants along the way.
Luxury hiking takes camping up several notches with walk-in tents, hot showers and even massage therapists to work out the day's hiking knots. Your morning starts with coffee service right at your tent. The food really stands out - actual chefs prepare gourmet meals using local ingredients, served with wine or pisco sours when evening comes. Our luxury clients love how the guides adjust the walking pace just for them. These trips often mix in special touches like ceremonies with Andean healers, local cooking classes and also morning yoga to keep you loose for the trek ahead.
Inca Trail budget tours
Inca Trail tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Group
78 tours in Inca TrailExplore a wide diversity of group tours through Inca Trail. We have 78 adventures that vary from 2 days to 19 days. With the greatest number of departures in November, this is also the most popular time of the year.
Small Group
41 tours in Inca TrailThe classic 4-day Inca Trail trek shines through with its intimate small groups, where expert guides weave cultural stories while porters conjure up impressive three-course meals at mountain camps. Those short on time can opt for 2-day journeys covering essential spots like Wiñay Wayna ruins and also the magical sunrise at Sun Gate. Our TourRadar customers often mention how guides adjust hiking speeds, share knowledge about local medicinal plants, and teach Inca astronomy along the paths. The food stands out on every tour, from hot tent-delivered breakfasts to elaborate dinners served beneath starlit skies. Small groups naturally form tight bonds as they conquer Dead Woman's Pass together or explore quieter Inca ruins that bigger tours typically bypass. The porters and cooks consistently transform basic campsites into welcoming spaces, with proper dining areas and even hot showers at select spots.
Private / Personalized
12 tours in Inca TrailGoing private on the Inca Trail lets you set your own pace while exploring sites like Chachabamba and Wiñay Wayna with fewer people around. Guides tailor everything to what interests you most - whether that's getting the perfect photos, spotting local birds or diving deep into Inca architecture. Our travelers particularly like hitting key spots when the light's just right and having proper time to explore each place. These tours usually include nice extras like special transport setups, better hotels in Aguas Calientes and also custom meal planning. You've got flexibility with timing too, with private pickup from any Cusco hotel.
Top Inca Trail travel itineraries to fit your plans
Three-day tours pack the main sites efficiently while giving you proper time at Machu Picchu. Starting in Cusco, you'll spend day one exploring the city's ancient sites like Sacsayhuaman fortress and Qoricancha temple. Moving through the Sacred Valley, you'll browse traditional markets in Pisac and explore the massive stone terraces at Ollantaytambo. The final day focuses entirely on Machu Picchu - our TourRadar customers love arriving early to catch the sunrise and finding quiet spots throughout the complex. Many tours include visits to local Andean communities and traditional weaving demonstrations at Chinchero.
Week-long tours combine Inca Trail trekking with deep cultural immersion. You'll start with two days in Cusco exploring ancient ruins and adjusting to the altitude. The trail portion spans 4 days, with guides pointing out Inca architectural features and sharing knowledge about local medicinal plants. Our travelers consistently praise the porter teams who somehow manage to serve hot three-course meals at high-altitude camps. The journey wraps up with a full day at Machu Picchu, leaving time to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain for different perspectives of the site.
Ten-day journeys let you properly explore Peru's history while taking on the Inca Trail at a relaxed pace. Tours begin in Lima with visits to colonial churches and ancient catacombs before flying to Cusco. You'll spend several days exploring the Sacred Valley's ruins, markets and also traditional villages - our TourRadar customers say this helps them adjust naturally to the altitude. The four-day trek comes mid-trip when you're better acclimated. These longer tours often include local shaman ceremonies, stops at women's weaving cooperatives and also cooking classes using Andean ingredients.
Demographics
Solo travelers tend to make great friends on our Inca Trail tours, where small groups naturally come together during the journey. The 7-day trips work especially well, giving you time to get to know your fellow hikers while exploring Cusco before hitting the trail. Our solo guests often tell us how guides help everyone feel included from day one, right from the first meeting. You'll get airport pickup, group dinners at local spots and pre-trek stays in San Blas hotels, which our solo travelers say is perfect for meeting others. The 4-day classic trail gives you that nice balance of personal achievement and group support, with porters handling the heavy bags so you can focus on taking it all in.
Couples really like our Sacred Valley and Inca Trail combinations, especially the way these tours mix active hiking with cultural experiences. Many pick the luxury camping option with private tents, proper beds and hot showers - it keeps things comfortable without losing the real trail experience. Our travelers enjoy the intimate dining where chefs cook local dishes right at camp, serving wine under the stars. You'll visit traditional villages like Lamay to see ancient bread-making, explore historic churches and also try chicha, the local corn beer. The schedule works nicely for couples, leaving enough time to wander places like Ollantaytambo's old streets together before starting the main trail.
Young adults gravitate toward small-group treks blending physical challenge with cultural immersion. The classic 4-day route delivers what they're looking for - you climb Dead Woman's Pass at 4,215 meters, connecting with fellow hikers over fresh meals cooked at 13,000 feet elevation. Our TourRadar customers often note how group dynamics make those tough sections easier, especially when navigating the Inca stone steps together. Multi-sport versions include mountain biking from Abra Malaga, white-water rafting and also adventure options, drawing travelers who seek more varied activities. The 5-day version builds in time to discover Cusco's art scene, explore San Blas neighborhood and also prepare properly for the trek. Most young travelers opt for camping tours where porters handle gear transport - you trek between ruins like Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca while guides share knowledge about Inca astronomy, traditional medicine and also construction methods. The social atmosphere at high camps, combined with chef-prepared meals under starlit skies, creates meaningful connections that our solo travelers frequently highlight in their feedback.
Senior travelers can find well-crafted Inca Trail tours that balance cultural experiences with smart pacing. The journey flows naturally, starting with relaxed walks through Cusco's historic center where you'll adjust to the 3,400m elevation before heading down into the Sacred Valley at 2,800m. Our TourRadar customers often mention how much they value this thoughtful altitude progression. One popular route weaves together authentic experiences at Awanakancha's weaving demonstrations, Pisac's vibrant market, and also Ollantaytambo's stone-lined streets. For enhanced comfort, select tours offer upscale camping with proper beds, hot showers, and skilled chefs preparing local Peruvian dishes at camp. The guides are known for adapting the pace to suit everyone, sharing rich cultural context about sites like Sacsayhuaman fortress and Santo Domingo monastery, while making sure each traveler feels part of the experience. These itineraries come with practical touches like airport pickups, carefully chosen hotels in Cusco's San Blas district and also prearranged train connections to keep logistics smooth.
Families can find really solid Inca Trail options that work well for different ages and fitness levels. The most-booked family route takes a smart approach to altitude, starting with walks around Cusco's old streets and historic spots before moving to Sacred Valley. A lot of parents tell us how the guides adjust the walking speed - one family mentioned their 12-year-old had a great time with the daily walks that got them ready for the main Inca trail section. Kids love stopping at the Alpaca center to feed the animals, exploring local markets and also learning traditional weaving techniques. The camping setup includes proper facilities, and our TourRadar families consistently mention how good the food is, even when camping at high altitudes.
- Solo Travelers41 tours All tours for Solo Travelers
- Couples12 tours
- Young Adults (18 - 39)8 tours All tours for Young Adults
- Seniors (50+)42 tours All tours for Seniors
Best time to visit Inca Trail
- Summer 2025
Summer brings the driest weather and clearest skies to the Inca Trail. Our popular 2-day summer options still cover key sites like Wiñay Wayna ruins and sunrise at Sun Gate. The full 4-day route takes you up Dead Woman's Pass at 4,215 meters - it's a real challenge but our travelers say nothing beats that feeling when you reach the top. The porters are incredible, running ahead with gear to set up comfortable camps and cook proper meals. Many summer routes include extra time in Cusco's historic center, Sacred Valley markets and also traditional weaving villages.
- popular 37 tours
- Fall / Autumn 2025
Autumn Inca Trail trips offer great value with smaller groups and reliable weather. Our fall tours come with nice extras - dedicated chefs cooking local dishes, hot showers at camp and also comfortable sleeping setups. TourRadar customers love that final morning walk to Sun Gate, arriving just as the mist lifts over Machu Picchu. The guides time everything perfectly to avoid crowds at ruins like Runkuraqay and Sayacmarca. Several autumn treks include time with local Sacred Valley communities before hitting the trail.
- 47 tours
- 53 tours
- popular 55 tours
- Winter 2025 / 2026
The Inca Trail in winter comes with fewer crowds and surprisingly green landscapes. Our luxury winter tours include walk-in tents and portable hot showers - exactly what you need after a day's trek in cooler weather. Even at high-altitude camps, the porters work magic preparing three-course gourmet meals, and TourRadar customers really love getting their morning coffee delivered right to their tent. You'll find special touches like traditional ceremonies with Andean healers, morning yoga to warm up and also expert guides who know the winter trail conditions inside out.
- popular 51 tours
- 48 tours
- 15 tours
- Spring 2026
Spring hits the sweet spot for Inca Trail hiking with clear mornings and just-right temperatures. Our well-rated spring tours blend 4-day treks with market visits and cooking classes. The trail start at Km 82 is a favorite with TourRadar travelers - you'll pass through small villages before reaching camp at Wayllabamba. Guides share deep knowledge about Inca astronomy, building techniques and also medicinal plants along the way. Some spring tours include special permits to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, which need booking well ahead.
- 40 tours
- popular 45 tours
- 45 tours
Inca Trail travel guides - curated by our experts
Contact our Inca Trail travel experts
Andrei
Expert in Inca Trail at TourRadar
Andrei is one of our seasoned Inca Trail Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about Inca Trail tours answered!
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+64 4888 0182What our customers ask about Inca Trail Tours & Trips
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.