With its mist-shrouded peaks and cliff-hugging footpaths, the Inca Trail is a near-mystical experience for many travelers. Beginning at the tiny Andean village of Chilca, it snakes along three lofty mountain passes, numerous cloud forests, and dozens of pre-Colombian ruins before arriving at Intipunku, the Inca Sun Gate that frames a majestic early-morning view of Machu Picchu. The four-day trek along this section of Capac Ñan, the ancient Inca road network, can be challenging for some, but those who undertake it inevitably find its scenery and glimpses of a vanished people to be life-changing. An essential part of any South American vacation.
Featured Inca Trail Hikes
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Classic Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail
10 Days/9 Nights from $2,109
Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu should be on every adventure traveler’s “to do” list. While it is physically challenging, the rewards include spectacular…
Classic Machu Picchu, One Day Inca Trail, and Reserva Amazonica
12 Days/11 Nights from $2,869
Peru offers a rich cultural history and amazing biodiversity in its Amazon basin. On this tour, you will begin in Lima, the capital city, and…
Classic Machu Picchu, the Inca Trail, and Lake Titicaca
13 Days/12 Nights from $3,019
Trekking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and experiencing the unique cultures of Cusco and Lake Titicaca make this an unforgettable journey. While the Inca…
Classic Machu Picchu, the Inca Trail, and Posada Amazonas
13 Days/12 Nights from $3,039
Accept the challenge of hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and you will be rewarded with amazing mountain scenery, watching the sunrise from Inti…
Classic Machu Picchu, Nazca Lines, and the Inca Trail
13 Days/12 Nights from $3,049
Enjoy the Ica and Cusco Regions in this exhilarating tour of Peru. Fly over the mysterious Nazca Lines to discover what is known about their…
Galapagos and the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
16 Days/15 Nights from $5,779
Galapagos and the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu combines two of the most popular destinations in South America. Your tour begins in Quito, which has…
Galapagos, Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, and Easter Island
21 Days/20 Nights from $8,439
Experience three of the most fascinating destinations in South America on this incredible journey to Ecuador, Peru, and Chile. Enjoy the incomparable natural wonders of…
5 Best Inca Trail Hikes for 2021-2022
| Tour Name | Price | Duration | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail | $2,109 | 10 Days | Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu should be on every adventure traveler’s “to do” list. While it is physically challenging, the rewards include spectacular… |
| Classic Machu Picchu, One Day Inca Trail, and Reserva Amazonica | $2,869 | 12 Days | Peru offers a rich cultural history and amazing biodiversity in its Amazon basin. On this tour, you will begin in Lima, the capital city, and… |
| Classic Machu Picchu, the Inca Trail, and Lake Titicaca | $3,019 | 13 Days | Trekking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and experiencing the unique cultures of Cusco and Lake Titicaca make this an unforgettable journey. While the Inca… |
| Classic Machu Picchu, the Inca Trail, and Posada Amazonas | $3,039 | 13 Days | Accept the challenge of hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and you will be rewarded with amazing mountain scenery, watching the sunrise from Inti… |
| Galapagos and the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu | $5,779 | 16 Days | Galapagos and the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu combines two of the most popular destinations in South America. Your tour begins in Quito, which has… |
Inca Trail Hikes Guide
When is the best time to hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?
The dry season, which runs from April to October is the best time (and most popular) to hike because of the milder daytime temperatures and lower chance of rain. You will need to make your reservations 3-6 months in advance if you want to be assured of space during this time. During the rainy season, the Trail is less crowded and less advance time is required for reservations. The Inca Trail is closed during the month of February each year. See all Inca Trail Faq.
Inca Trail Travel Articles
Beyond The Inca Trail: Walking The Capac Ñan, South America’s Ancient Superhighway
“Can you hear me?” My voice booms out unnaturally over the canyon. In Peru in general, and in rural Peru in particular, cell-phone signals tend to be sketchy even under ideal conditions, so it’s a tiny miracle when Kiki, my journalist friend, comes through loud and clear. “Claro, hombre. Es increíble, ¿no?”
Ten Interesting Facts About The Inca Empire
When people think of the Incas, they normally think of Machu Picchu. But the Inca Empire was a huge and powerful force in South America, far more so than even the magnificent Machu Picchu may imply. The influence of the Incas can still be seen quite clearly in modern Peru, despite the empire’s…
A Guide To The Main Structures Of Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu isn’t just an archaeological wonder: It’s also an architectural masterpiece. With more than 200 buildings that we know of, intelligently divided into urban and agricultural sectors and an upper town and lower town, there are no finer examples of Inca planning and construction…
Hiram Bingham And The Discovery Of Machu Picchu
On July 24, 1911, a Yale lecturer of South American history stumbled through the dense jungle on the saddle of a steep-sided mountaintop in Peru. Cutting through the undergrowth, he began to see signs of a former settlement. Walls and archways, paths and structures, and monumental architecture…
Day Two At Machu Picchu: Four Top Options
So you’ve finally done it. You’ve bought your PeruRail tickets, your entrance pass, and your chuyo, and you’re on your way to Machu Picchu. Mission accomplished—at least the first stage. By now your envious friends are blowing up your Facebook page with “OMG! How exciting!” posts and asking…
