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Experience the Wonder of the Lost City of the Incas
Inca Trail Tours to Machu Picchu
The Inca Trail is the only trek that enters Machu Picchu on foot through the original Sun Gate — the same entrance used by Inca nobility over 500 years ago. No train, no bus. Just ancient stone steps, cloud forest, and one of the most iconic arrivals in travel.
We operate Inca Trail tours directly from Cusco as a licensed tour operator — not a reseller, not a booking platform. Our team secures your permits, leads your trek, and handles every detail from hotel pickup to your return train. We run three Inca Trail routes: the classic 4-day trek, the short 2-day hike, and a 1-day express option. Each one ends at the Sun Gate with your first view of Machu Picchu.
Choose your trek below, or check Inca Trail permits for your travel dates.
Inca Trail Hikes
Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Which Inca Trail tour is right for you?
You want the complete experience — the full 42 km route from Km 82 to the Sun Gate, three nights of camping in the Andes, and access to every major archaeological site along the trail including Llactapata, Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, and Wiñay Wayna. This is the trek most travelers picture when they think of the Inca Trail. It’s physically demanding (especially Day 2, when you cross Dead Woman’s Pass at 4,215m) but deeply rewarding. Best for hikers who enjoy multi-day treks and want the full immersion.
View tour details & pricing
You want the complete experience — the full 42 km route from Km 82 to the Sun Gate, three nights of camping in the Andes, and access to every major archaeological site along the trail including Llactapata, Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, and Wiñay Wayna. This is the trek most travelers picture when they think of the Inca Trail. It’s physically demanding (especially Day 2, when you cross Dead Woman’s Pass at 4,215m) but deeply rewarding. Best for hikers who enjoy multi-day treks and want the full immersion.
View tour details & pricing
You want the Inca Trail experience in a single day. Same starting point as the 2-day (Km 104), same highlights (Chachabamba, Wiñay Wayna, Sun Gate), but you reach Machu Picchu by the afternoon and return to Cusco the same evening. This is the most time-efficient option and ideal for travelers on a tight schedule who still want to arrive at Machu Picchu on foot. It’s a moderate to challenging hike — not a casual walk — but manageable for anyone in reasonable fitness.
View tour details & pricing
Compare all Inca Trail treks at a glance
| Classic 4-Day | Short 2-Day | 1-Day Express | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Distance | 42 km / 26 miles | 16 km / 10 miles | 16 km / 10 miles |
| Duration | 4 days, 3 nights | 2 days, 1 night | 1 day |
| Max altitude | 4,215 m (Dead Woman’s Pass) | 2,700 m | 2,700 m |
| Difficulty | Challenging | Moderate | Moderate–Challenging |
| Accommodation | Camping (3 nights) | Hotel in Aguas Calientes | Return to Cusco same day |
| Archaeological sites | 6+ major sites | 2–3 sites | 2–3 sites |
| Sun Gate arrival | Dawn (Day 4) | Afternoon (Day 1) | Afternoon |
| Machu Picchu visit | Day 4 (guided) | Day 2 (guided) | Same day (guided) |
| Best for | Experienced hikers, full immersion | Families, comfort seekers, limited time | Tight schedules, day-trip hikers |
| Permits | Book 6+ months ahead (peak) | More available, book 2–4 months ahead | Most available |
All tours include: licensed bilingual guide, Machu Picchu entrance, train tickets, transport from Cusco, and meals as specified per tour.
Why trek with us
We are Traveleez — a Cusco-based tour operator that specializes in Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail. We are not a travel agency reselling someone else’s treks. We are the operator. Our guides lead the groups, our team secures the permits, and our logistics run from our office in Cusco.
Licensed and government-authorized
We hold the official authorization from Peru's Ministry of Culture to operate treks on the Inca Trail. This is non-negotiable — only licensed operators can obtain Inca Trail permits, and we handle the process directly with the government on your behalf.
Based in Cusco — not a middleman.
When you book with us, you're working with the team that will actually be on the trail with you. Our guides are from Cusco and the Sacred Valley. They know the trail, the history, and the mountains because this is their home.
Real-time permit system
Our Inca Trail availability page shows live permit data so you can check dates before booking. No waiting for email confirmations or guesswork — see what's available and book directly.
Small groups, personal service
We keep group sizes manageable so your guide can actually guide, not just manage logistics. You'll get context on every archaeological site, not just a wave in the general direction.
We give back
For every person who books a tour, we donate $1 to support children in need in Cusco, providing basic necessities. The Inca Trail exists because of the communities that surround it, and we believe tourism should benefit them directly.
Part of the Machu Picchu by Traveleez ecosystem.
Our portal at machu-picchu.org is the most comprehensive English-language resource about Machu Picchu — tickets, circuits, guides, and travel tips. When you book with us, you get the expertise of a team that lives and breathes Machu Picchu every day.
Inca Trail permits: what you need to know
The Peruvian government limits Inca Trail access to approximately 500 people per day — and that includes guides and porters, so only about 200 spaces are available for trekkers. Permits are tied to a specific date and cannot be transferred or changed once issued.
When to book
For the peak dry season (May through September), permits for the classic 4-day trail can sell out 6 to 12 months in advance. June, July, and August are the most competitive months. The 2-day and 1-day permits tend to have more availability, but booking 2 to 4 months ahead is still recommended for peak dates.
February closure
The Inca Trail is closed every February for maintenance by Peru’s Ministry of Culture. No treks operate during this month. Machu Picchu itself remains open and accessible by train.
How it works with us
When you book, we immediately begin the permit application with the government. You’ll need your passport details (exactly as they appear on your passport) at the time of booking. Once your permit is confirmed, we send your booking confirmation with all details.
Check availability now: Our calendar shows real-time permit status by date so you can plan with confidence.
What's included in every Inca Trail tour
Every trek we operate includes the essentials you need for a safe and well-organized experience:
Logistics & transport
Hotel pickup in Cusco, private transport to the trailhead, return train tickets (Expedition class), and transfer back to your hotel.
Permits & entries
Inca Trail permit and Machu Picchu entrance ticket — both secured by our team.
Professional guide
Licensed, bilingual (English/Spanish) guide throughout the entire trek.
Meals
All meals as specified per tour — freshly prepared by our trekking chefs on the 4-day route, or included picnic/restaurant meals on shorter treks.
Camping equipment (4-day only)
Quality tents, sleeping mats, dining tent, and portable toilet facilities.
Guided visit of Machu Picchu
An in-depth tour of the citadel with your guide, covering the main archaeological areas and the story behind them.
Specific inclusions vary by tour. Full details and what’s not included are listed on each individual tour page.
Planning your Inca Trail trek
A successful trip to Machu Picchu requires some preparation. Here are essential tips and things to know before you go
Most travelers fly into Lima and take a connecting domestic flight to Cusco (about 1 hour). We recommend arriving in Cusco at least 2 days before your trek starts to acclimatize to the altitude (3,400m / 11,150ft). Altitude sickness is the number one issue that affects trekkers, and proper acclimatization makes a significant difference.
The 4-day Inca Trail is physically demanding — expect 5 to 8 hours of hiking per day on uneven stone paths with significant elevation changes. You don’t need to be an athlete, but regular cardio exercise and stair training in the weeks before your trek will help significantly. The 2-day and 1-day treks are more moderate but still require a reasonable level of fitness.
The dry season from May to October offers the most stable weather — clear skies, less mud, and better visibility. June through August is peak season with the best conditions but also the most demand for permits. April and September/October are excellent shoulder months with good weather and slightly fewer crowds. Read our detailed guide: Best time to hike the Inca Trail.
Hiking boots (broken in), layers for variable temperatures, rain gear, sunscreen, and a daypack. Our team provides a detailed packing list after booking.
Read: Inca Trail Packing list
Read our Complete guide to hiking the Inca Trail — covering everything from day-by-day itineraries to what it actually feels like on the trail.
Permits sold out? Consider an alternative trek
If Inca Trail permits aren’t available for your dates, there are several excellent alternative routes to Machu Picchu. These treks don’t require the limited Inca Trail permits and offer their own unique highlights:
Salkantay Trek (5 days)
The second most popular trek to Machu Picchu, rated one of the 25 best treks in the world by National Geographic. Dramatic mountain scenery including views of the Salkantay glacier and Humantay Lake.
→ View Salkantay Trek
Inca Jungle Trek (4 days):
The adventure option — combines cycling, hiking, and optional rafting and zip-lining on the way to Machu Picchu.
→ View Inca Jungle Trek
Lares Trek (4 days)
A cultural trek through traditional Andean communities with fewer crowds and stunning mountain landscapes.
→ View Lares Trek
We offer the professionalism of a big agency with the personalized care of a local boutique operator. Your Machu Picchu tour will be packed with inspiring moments and zero hassle.
Frequently asked questions about Inca Trail tours
Prices vary depending on the trek duration and service level. The classic 4-day group trek typically ranges from $600 to $900 USD per person, while the 2-day and 1-day options are less. Private treks and luxury upgrades are also available. All our prices include permits, entrance tickets, transport, guide, meals, and equipment. Check each tour page for current pricing.
For the classic 4-day trek during peak season (June–August), book 6 to 12 months ahead. Permits sell out fast for these months. For shoulder season (April–May, September–October), 3 to 5 months is usually sufficient. The 2-day and 1-day treks have more permit flexibility but we still recommend booking at least 2 to 3 months in advance. Check current permit availability →
No. The Peruvian government requires all Inca Trail trekkers to go with a licensed tour operator. Independent hiking is not permitted. This regulation exists to protect the trail, manage capacity, and ensure trekker safety. Only authorized operators can obtain permits from the Ministry of Culture.
It is the only way to walk directly into Machu Picchu through the ancient Sun Gate — an experience you cannot replicate by train or bus. Beyond the destination, the trail itself passes through six major Inca archaeological sites, crosses multiple ecological zones from high Andean grasslands to cloud forest, and reaches a maximum altitude of 4,215m. For trekkers and history enthusiasts, there is nothing else like it. Read our detailed guide: How hard is it to hike the Inca Trail?
The 1-day trek from Km 104 is the least physically demanding option. It covers 16 km in a single day with a moderate elevation gain and no camping. The 2-day trek covers the same route but at a more relaxed pace with a hotel overnight. Both are accessible for travelers with a reasonable fitness level who may not be prepared for the full 4-day challenge.
The 4-day classic trek covers the full 42 km route from Km 82, including all major archaeological sites, three mountain passes, and three nights of camping. The 2-day short trek starts at Km 104 and covers only the final 16 km — the most scenic section — with a hotel stay in Aguas Calientes. Both enter Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate. The 4-day is a more complete experience; the 2-day is ideal if you have limited time or prefer not to camp. Read our full comparison: 2-Day vs 4-Day Inca Trail (create this page)
The Inca Trail is the only route that enters Machu Picchu on foot through the Sun Gate and includes multiple Inca archaeological sites along the way. The Salkantay Trek offers more dramatic mountain scenery (including glacier views and Humantay Lake) and doesn’t require the limited Inca Trail permits. If Inca history and the Sun Gate arrival matter most to you, choose the Inca Trail. If you want bigger mountain landscapes and more flexibility with dates, the Salkantay Trek is an excellent choice.
Rain is always possible, even during the dry season. Our guides are experienced in all weather conditions, and we provide weather briefings. Pack rain gear (poncho and waterproof layer) regardless of when you trek. Rain on the Inca Trail can actually enhance the experience — fog rolling through the cloud forest and ruins creates an atmosphere that clear days don’t offer.
Start planning your Inca Trail trek
Choose your route, check permit availability, and book with a team that knows this trail inside and out.
our team in Cusco responds within 24 hours.
