What is "The" Inca Trail?

The "Inca Trail" you read about on the internet, is a specific hiking path in Peru that begins from the Sacred Valley, up through Inti-Punku (Sungate), then down to the famous ruins of Machu Picchu. There are many Inca footpaths in Peru and the Andes Mountains forming a network established hundreds of years ago by the ancient Inca civilization. But there is only one official "Inca Trail" hike. This is the ONLY hike that allows visitors to literally walk into Machu Picchu National Park. All other hikes include a visit of Machu Picchu ruins after the hike concludes in the village of Aguas Calientes. From there you take the shuttle bus to Machu Picchu.

Can anyone buy permits and hike the Inca Trail on their own?

No. Access to the Inca Trail is controlled by the Peru government and only licensed tour operators who employ licensed Peruvian tour guides can accompany hikers to the trailhead of the Inca Trail and into Machu Picchu National Park. Most guides will accompany you all the way to Aguas Calientes and back to Cusco, depending on your individual itinerary. All hikers must be accompanied by a licensed Peruvian tour guide. 

Will our Inca Trail hike be private?

All the hikes offered by Adios Adventure Travel can be private service or what we call "open departure." Unless you have flexible dates, it's likely that your hike will be private. We now offer a BOOK NOW button for open departures for the 2-day Inca Trail hikes. CLICK HERE.

Is there an age limit to hike the Inca Trail?

There is no official age limit to hike the Inca Trail. People of all ages can hike the 4-day or the 2-day Inca Trail. The 4-day hike is much more difficult than the 2 day hike. Both hikes require permits that must be purchased by a licensed tour operator. The permits are included in the cost. People cannot buy their own permits to hike the Inca Trail. Here's a link to read more about recommended age for hiking.

There are 2 Official Inca Trail hikes to choose from:

(follow the links to to get more info or to book either hike of your choice with Adios Adventure Travel)

• 4-Day Inca Trail hike is 26 miles/41 KM total length (also known as Classic Inca Trail) includes 3 nights of camping. Permits can be viewed on the official government website. Permits usually sell out many months in advance. The highest point is Dead Woman's Pass (approx 14,000 ft/ 4260 m)
• 2-Day Inca Trail hike is 7.5 miles/12 KM and is also known as the Short or Easy 1-day Inca Trail hike. The highest altitude is 8800 ft/ 2730 m. Permits are required and availability can be viewed on the Machu Picchu government website. Permits rarely sell out and can be purchased last minute with at least a 5 day window before you plan to start the hike. Includes 1 night hotel in Aguas Calientes. (No camping or porter service)
• Both Inca Trail hikes (4Day and 2Day) are on the same trail. The short hike starts with a train ride from the village of Ollantaytambo to KM 104 where you get off in the cloud forest and begin hiking up out of the canyon to meet up with the end of the 4Day trail at Winay Wayna campground. Then continue to the Sungate and descend on foot into the upper terraces at Machu Picchu.
• there's an unofficial 5 day hike which is bascially the 4 day hike with 1 extra night in a hotel in the village of Aguas Calientes with a visit to Machu Picchu on Day 5.
• there's an unofficial "fast 3-day Inca Trail" hike which is basically the 4 day hike done in 3 days. This is best suited for people who enjoy challenging hiking experiences. The cost is the same as the 4 day hike. It's a private trek customized for your group. Contact our US office to get the details. 

What is needed to make a reservation and when should we do it:

• Pick the hike you want. Dates are your choice. You can choose a private hike or join a small group. We will find out if permits are available (min 2 people)
• Book the 2-day Inca Trail online. CLICK HERE to choose dates and pay your deposit. 
• Contact our US office anytime to confirm availability. Contact our US office by phone or email  757-714-6649 (eastern time) 
• Passports for each person. This is the only document needed. Scan or photograph your passport and upload through a link we provide when you contact us
• Payment. We will send each person paying an email with a payment link
• There has never been a waiting list for Inca Trail permits. If you don't show up your spot will go empty. 

Can Inca Trail hikes be included in our package trip to Peru? YES! We can add these hikes to any itinerary.

• 4 day Inca Trail hike can be combined with hotels, time to acclimatize, guided tours and activiies in the Sacred Valley. 9 Day Classic Inca Trail Hike 
• 2 day Inca Trail hike can be combined with hotels, time to acclimatize guided tours and day hikes in the Sacred Valley. 7 Day Machu Picchu Walking Vacation

Why are permits required to hike the Inca Trail?

The Inca Trail is the only hike that leads into Machu Picchu National Park, so permits are required for both the 2-day and the 4-day hikes. Permits are required as a way to control access to Machu Picchu National Park and to limit the number of people on the trails each day. Licensed tour operators will get your permits for you.  Note: Permits are available on first-come, first-service basis. No one can hold permits. Taking reservations is ongoing. We'll let you know if there is availability and if there are any restrictions. 

Can anyone hike the Inca Trail? 

Yes, anyone can hike if you are fit enough to carry a small backpack and hike at altitude. The 4 day hike is divided into a specific distance each day, and each night is at a specified camp. The total hiking distance is the same for everyone but the choice of camps are determined by the Peruvian government and the operators, and can affect the daily hiking distance by a few kilometers.. You can hike at your own pace as long as you are fit enough to complete the specified distance each day.

• The 4 day hike must be completed in 4 days, and the 1 day hike must be completed in 1 day.  
• How to prepare to hike the Inca Trail / fitness and training info for hiking at high altitude
• The hike begins near the village of Ollantaytambo and is one direction only. The Inca Trail cannot be hiked in reverse beginning from Machu Picchu.
• Porter service is included in the cost of the 4 day hikes. Porters carry all the kitchen equipment, tents and up to 11 lb / 5.5 kg of your personal gear, including your sleeping bag and mattress. (the cost of the hike indicates the level of comfort upgrades: 2 porters for every hiker, small groups, therma-rest mattresses, high quality meals prepared by trained Trail Chef is our minimum standard. Services vary with different operators) Less expensive operators may offer hikes that include 1 porter, and they will expect you to carry your own gear including sleeping bag and mattress.
• Most hotels have scales to help you weigh your duffle bag before the hike. Duffle bags can be borrowed from the operator.  
• Permits are required for each hike and you must get your permit from a licensed operator. You cannot hike the Classic Inca Trail on your own.  
• Permits cannot be changed, refunded, transferred, banked for future use, or cancelled. If you don't show up for your hike, your spot will go empty.
• Permits for the 4 day hike usually sell out months in advance
• Permits for the 2 day hike rarely sell out (but could)
• There's no age limit for hikers.  Here's PARENT CHECKLIST to help you decide if your kids should hike.

Things to know about the Inca Trail hikes and what to be prepared for:  

• Wide Variations in Cost. All operators have the same fixed costs including permits, entry tickets, buses and trains. Variations in rates for hikes are due to the number of porters provided, the wages for porters and guides, size of groups, and taxes. Here's a link to read more about the cost of Inca Trail hikes.
• Misjudgement of the difficulty. The trail is not a technical hike. Although the terrain has steep switchbacks, uneven stone steps, not to mention paths of rough cobbles, even inexperienced hikers can negotiate the trail if they're fit. Keep in mind that when combined with altitude, the rough terrain and lack of oxygen can lead to sluggish progress.  
• Not enough time to acclimatize before beginning the hike. 4-day and 2-day hikes don't include additional days to acclimatize before beginning the hike. It's up to you to decide how many days you need and where you want to spend them. People who are inexperienced, over the age of 50, or who know they are susceptible to altitude sickness, should plan to arrive in Cusco at least 2 or more days before beginning any multi-day hike.  
• Poorly prepared. We're not saying you need to have the latest high-tech equipment, but the items most likely to contribute to your discomfort are: inappropriate footwear and poorly designed backpacks that don't distribute the weight of the contents, and overpacking. Backpacks should be as small as possible and we recommend a maximum limit of 24 liters women/28 liters men.
• Fitness. If you haven't done a multi-day hike in the last 8 months, we recommend that you test drive your stamina with equipment on local hikes at home before you go. It's not possible for us to send in a car or even a helicopter to pick you up. Once you begin the hike you are committed. Guides are trained to handle health issues or injuries. Guides will not allow you to begin the hike if they feel you are not in good enough shape to finish it.
• The 2 day hike ends in Machu Picchu. The average hiker takes about 6 hours from KM 104 to get to the citadel. From there you ride the shuttle bus to the village. In case hikers are so slow they don't make it to Machu Picchu by closing (5:30PM) they could miss the last bus to the village. There are no vehicles in the village. The only way to get there is on foot. Which could take another 1-2 hours walking a dirt road in the dark. 

If you're concerned about making it on the full 4-day Inca Trail hike, the good news is that most people who begin the hike, finish the hike. It's rare for anyone to turn back. Fortunately, you have choices and for some people, the better option might be the 2-day Inca Trail hike. Call our US office if you'd like to discuss whether or not you should hike the trail. Heather 757-270-9293 and Jacquie 757-714-6649 have hiked both trails.  

Follow this link to submit your email and we'll send you occasional updates about travel to South America. Include the message: EMAIL LIST. 

Are there easier hikes? YES! In the Sacred Valley there are easy hikes which can be customized to your needs and include support vehicle. No permits needed. Can be set up last minute.

• Alternative easy day hikes in Sacred Valley
• Easy 7-Day Walking Vacation to Machu Picchu

For kids and seniors or anyone who might hike the Inca Trail at a slower pace, here's what you need to know:

• Unless you live at altitude, you should arrive in Cusco at least 2-3 days prior to starting the hike to allow for acclimatization. There are plenty of tours and activities to do. 
• You should plan to spend the night before the hike in a hotel in the village of Ollantaytambo. (our first choice hotel is Tunupa, but there are a few others as well. We can book it or you can book it)
• Average person takes about 6 hours to complete the hike, but we have had a few who barely made it to Machu Picchu before the last bus down to the village. If you don't make it to MP by 5:30 pm and you miss the bus, the only option is to hike another 1.5-2 hours to the village. In the dark. There are no cars or taxis.
• You must carry a backpack with lunch (we provide), water, rain gear, warm outer wear and everything you need for the overnight. (Or to reduce your load, you can hire a porter to take 1 small carryon size bag by train and deliver to your hotel)
• We can book the earlier train at 6:10 am to give you more time to hike. This is why it's best to book a hotel in Ollantaytambo close to where the train station is.
• Once you get on the trail, it is not possible to send a vehicle to pick you up and you cannot turn back.

Contact our US office with questions or to make a reservation. 757-714-6649 (eastern time) 

Hikers come in all shapes, sizes and ages. So don't let those factors influence your decision. If you have doubts, these tips may help you decide:

• Are you active at home? You don't need to be a "hiker," but you should participate regularly activities that require physical exertion. Could be biking, vigorous walking or jogging, swimming, gardening, or employment that involves lots of movement
• If you don't have a mountain nearby, test yourself by climbing the steps in a high-rise building. How many floors are you able to climb before becoming exhausted?  If less than 4, then you definitely need to "get in shape!"
• Can you walk or hike at a steady pace of 3-4 miles per hour at sea level?
• If you have a "bum" knee or ankle, does it respond to OTC treatments?  The Inca Trail involves ascending and descending, sometimes for hours. Your joints will be tired and even sore. Some hikers use support braces, massage & take oral pain relievers.
• Healthy children under 12 are physically capable of hiking, but may not have the interest. Assess your child carefully before deciding.
• Are you over 50? If you regularly participate in physical activities, there's no reason why you can't hike the Inca Trail. We have organized hikes for people in their 70's.
• If you are out of shape, reserving a hike is a great motivator to get back on track with your fitness goals.
• Altitude affects everyone differently and there is no way to acclimatize in advance when arriving from sea level.  All our hiking tour packages start with 2 days in Cusco (11,000 ft/3413 m) to allow acclimatization prior to hiking.  If you're making your own arrangements, be sure to schedule time to adjust to the altitude.  The good news is that the altitude at the trail head is 9000' /2743 m, which is lower than Cusco 11,000' /3350 m.
• If you're hiking the 2-day trail, there is a time limit for the hike.  The day begins by driving about 1.5 hours from your hotel in Cusco to the train station in Ollantaytambo. We normally book trains around 7:45 am.  This means you get on the trail about 1.5-2 hours later.  And you must be through the exit gate at Machu Picchu by 5:30 pm to get the last shuttle bus down to the village where your hotel is located. There are no cars or taxi service. The walk to the village is 1-2 hours mostly downhill. It will be dark.

All our group hikes are small. 8 people or less. We guarantee your reservations. Even if no one else signs up, you could have a private hike. Solo travelers can join our small groups as long as permits are available.

This is a list of people who should definitely not hike the strenuous 4-day Inca Trail:

• Anyone who has difficulty walking, whether it be on flat surfaces or inclines.
• People over the age of 70 unless they are dedicated hikers at home.
• People with chronic health conditions that affect their mobility or activity level.
• Pregnant women should not hike. There are no medical services available near the trail.  

Got questions? Call our US office in Virginia 757-714-6649
Send an email to Adios staff in the US office. We've hiked all the trails in Peru.