Inca Trail Trek and Machu Picchu

walking and trekking holidays

The world famous Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu is THE classic South American experience.

All except one of our affordable adventure holidays to Peru include trekking to Machu Picchu via a variety of routes including the classic Inca Trail, a four day trek through stunning Andean scenery culminating in a dawn arrival at the Sun Gate for that picture postcard shot of Machu Picchu. With Imaginative Traveller you can enjoy a 6 day trekking holiday, Inca Trek & Machu Picchu, or spend longer and combine your walking tour with the rest of Peru, the Galapagos or even Ecuador through to Bolivia!

When to go

Any time of year is a good time to go to Peru. The wet and dry seasons are fairly distinct with the rainy season starting end October/November - March/April. Nights are warmer (6-7°C) during this period though. The most popular time to travel to Peru tends to be the dry season end May - August though night temperatures can drop to -1°C. We obviously have no control over climate and it is possible that it will rain (or even snow) at any time or that hazy skies or mist will affect views and photos. Please note that the main Inca Trail route is closed for cleaning for the month of February – during this period and when permits are sold out (see below) we offer our alternative treks.

Inca Trail Permits

The Classic Inca Trail is restricted by the number of trekkers permitted on the trail each day so it is an absolute must that you book early as it may be impossible for us to secure the necessary permits. Full passport details are required to secure a permit so there is no exchanging or 'ebaying' of secondhand permits – once they're gone, they're gone!

Fitness and Preparation

We grade the Inca Trail as Moderate - please see Trek Grades for further information.

A Typical Day Trekking the Inca Trail in Peru

Most days begin around 6am with a hearty breakfast prepared by your trekking team. You generally trek between 5-8 hours for the first three days, with many rest opportunities available. Rest is an important factor in countering altitude sickness – walk slowly rather than hurrying and enjoy the scenery, drink plenty and avoid alcohol. You can expect to trek over well defined paths and Inca stone pathways with steep ascents and descents passing hilltop forts, snow-capped peaks and cloud forests. Three passes are climbed before a 3am wake-up call on the final morning to reach the Sun Gate at sunrise for classic Machu Picchu views.

Trekking Team

An experienced, English-speaking trek leader will accompany every trekking group - chosen not only for their knowledge of the Inca Trail and Peru, but perhaps more importantly, for their "people skills". The guide is accompanied by a team of porters and cooks who have enjoyed many years working with our groups and are responsible for the carrying of the equipment and food and setting up camp. On the alternative treks we also use llamas, mules and horses to transport equipment.

Inca Trail Trek Alternatives

If we are unable to confirm your permit for the 'Classic' route we will use the 'Lares' or 'Quarry' trails depending on which trip you are on. These are exceptional alternatives with the added bonus that you will see very few trekkers. Venturing further off the beaten path, the treks wind their way through remote rural villages and provides stunning views across the Andes Mountains. Along the way you can mingle with local families, llama herders and weavers, renowned for their brightly coloured hats and ponchos. The treks are of a similar level of difficulty as the Classic Inca Trail route, reaching slightly higher altitudes (4600m for the Lares and 4500m for the Quarry). Both culminate in a visit to Machu Picchu.Please see the detailed trip notes for further information.

For our Inca Heartland and Machu Picchu, Inca Trails & Titicaca trips we offer the Inca Community Trail. This is a stunning trek through various remote mountain communities with a strong RT ethos. It reaches 4800m in altitude and, like the other alternatives, culminates in a visit to Machu Picchu. If booking on these trips you will automatically trek the Community Trail unless you specify to us otherwise, in which case we will look into availability on the classic Inca Trail. Please see the detailed trip notes for further information.