Classic Inca Trail Peru – Machu Picchu Inca Trail Tour (Group Service)

Quechuas Expeditions is a Reliable And Certified Company
Mountain & Jungle Specialists Peru Tour Operator

The Best 100% Peruvian Local Tour Operator

Licensed tour operators for the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu are regulated by the INC (Institute of National Culture). These operators must meet specific requirements, including having professional guides, quality camping equipment, radio communications, and emergency first aid supplies such as oxygen tank. Each year, the license to operate the Inca Trail is renewed. The government has faced difficulties in revoking licenses from underperforming companies due to legal issues. However, legislation is expected to be introduced in 2008 to grant more power to the Ministry of Tourism, enabling them to fine, suspend, or close poorly performing operators. To find a comprehensive list of licensed Inca Trail tour operators, you can click on the provided link.

If you plan to trek the Inca Trail in 2023-2024, it is advisable to secure your spots as soon as possible. The availability of spaces can be checked on the official Inca Trail website. It is recommended to book now without delay. The availability shown on the website includes spaces for both the Classic Inca Trail (4 days, 5 days, 3 days, and 6 days) and the Short Inca Trail starting from Km 104, which usually has available spaces. When consulting or booking, please specify which trail you are interested in.

We offer guaranteed Inca Trail departures every day in 2023-2024, as long as there are available spaces. You can start the trek on any date marked in green on the availability calendar, except during February when the Inca Trail is closed for maintenance, conservation projects, and due to heavy rainfall.

If permits for your desired date are sold out, you have the option to pre-reserve for another date next year or explore alternative tours that also lead to Machu Picchu. Some alternative treks include the Salkantay Trek, Lares Trek, Inca Jungle Trail, Choquequirao Trek, Vilcabamba Trek, Ancascocha Trek, or the Short Inca Trail (2 or 3 days), which is available year-round.

Regardless of the tour you choose, the overall experience of visiting Machu Picchu will be similar. The main difference lies in the preceding part of the journey, such as the trail taken, train travel, or alternative treks.

Please note that the maximum number of available Inca Trail permits is 500 per day, which includes support staff. This means that only around 200 permits are allocated to tourists, with the remaining 300 for cooks, porters, and guides.

It’s important to understand that no travel agency or tour operator can offer you a space for the Inca Trail unless there are available spaces shown for your desired starting date. If there are 90 spaces or fewer, it is crucial to book your Inca Trail as quickly as possible, as the remaining spaces can sell out within hours or even minutes.

Furthermore, it’s worth noting that canceled reservations for the Inca Trail cannot be used by other individuals. The system is designed to prevent companies from booking spaces with fictitious information in advance and then substituting it with the details of their last-minute clients.

We hope you find this information on Inca Trail availability useful. Start envisioning your next adventure in 2023-2024!

How to Make a Reservation for the Inca Trail

To book the Inca Trail online, follow these steps:

Step 1: Check Availability
Make sure to make your reservation well in advance. Check if there are still available spaces in our group and book as early as possible, as trek departure dates are offered on a first-come-first-served basis. Also, ensure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months after the date you enter Peru. If your passport is not valid or you plan to renew it before coming to Peru, please refer to our Frequently Asked Questions and Booking & Conditions page for more information.

Step 2: Choose Your Date and Provide Personal Information
Select your preferred date or join one of our fixed departure dates (minimum of 2 people required to open a new departure date). Please note that we will not pass you onto another operator, unlike many travel agencies that share resources to minimize costs. We require all personal information, including full names, nationalities, passport numbers, dates of birth, and genders. This information is necessary for Inca Trail permits, porters permits, and entrance fees to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.

Step 3: Pay the Trek Deposit
To secure your Inca Trail reservation, you must pay a Non-refundable deposit of US$200. Payment can be made through Paypal, or bank transfer. Paypal is the fastest and safest method of payment in Peru. (Click Here Method of Payments)

Step 4: Receive Confirmation Travel Invoice
Once we receive all the necessary requirements and the deposit, we will send you a Travel Invoice for the trek and deposit. This document must be printed and shown at our office in Cusco.

Step 5: Pay the Remaining Trek Balance
The remaining balance of the trek cost can be paid in cash (US dollars or Peruvian Nuevo Soles). The payment should be made at our offices in Cusco at least 2 days before the trek departure, before 10:00 am. You can withdraw cash from ATMs in Cusco, so it is advisable to inform your bank in advance about your travel plans to avoid any issues with your credit/bank cards while abroad.

Pre-Departure Briefing for the Inca Trail:
One or two days before departure, our representative in Cusco will contact you at your hotel for a pre-departure briefing. During this meeting, your guide will provide important information and answer any questions you may have about the Inca Trail program. Please inform us of your hotel details and arrival date in advance. If you don’t have an operator in Cusco, our office can assist with reconfirming any domestic flights to Lima or other cities.

Campsites on the Inca Trail:
Please note that the campsites on the Inca Trail are assigned by the Institute of National Culture, and we do not have control over the allocation. The allocation depends on how early you book and the availability of permits. The first 250 spaces are usually allocated to Wiñay Wayna, the third campsite. If you receive a campsite further away, it may result in a longer walk on the last day, potentially missing the sunrise at Machu Picchu. However, Machu Picchu itself is still a remarkable sight to behold.

Porter Working Conditions:
There are regulations in place to ensure fair working conditions for porters on the Inca Trail. The minimum wage for porters is 120 Peruvian Soles per day. However, some companies still pay porters as low as 80 per day. The maximum weight a porter can carry is limited to 20kg, including their personal items. While there are weigh-stations at the beginning of the trail, some tour operators and trekkers may abuse the system by carrying extra weight. We prioritize the well-being of our porters and adhere to the regulations.

Luggage Storage:
We recommend leaving any luggage you don’t need during the trek at your hotel. Most hotels in Cusco offer a safety deposit service free of charge. If your hotel doesn’t provide this service, we can store your luggage for you. Please inform us in advance.

Medical Emergencies:
Our guides carry a first aid kit for basic medical problems such as traveler’s diarrhea and cuts/scrapes. They receive regular training in first aid and emergency procedures. While it is rare for travelers to be unable to complete the hike, in such cases, they are escorted back to Cusco and can rejoin the group in Machu Picchu via train a few days later. In case of a serious medical emergency, Cusco has modern medical facilities, and our guides and porters have evacuation strategies in place.

Frequently Asked Questions – Classic Inca Trail 4 Days: All-Inclusive Door-to-Door Service

What is the Inca Trail?
The Inca Trail is a renowned hiking route in Peru that leads to the ancient city of Machu Picchu. Along the trail, hikers can enjoy breathtaking views of the Andes Mountains and encounter numerous Inca ruins.

What is the length of the Inca Trail?
The classic Inca Trail takes four days and three nights to complete, covering approximately 42 kilometers (26 miles).

Is a permit required to hike the Inca Trail?
Yes, a permit is necessary to hike the Inca Trail. The Peruvian government restricts the number of daily hikers to preserve the delicate ecosystem and safeguard the ruins. It is crucial to book your permit well in advance, as they tend to sell out quickly.

How challenging is the Inca Trail?
The Inca Trail presents a moderate to challenging level of difficulty, featuring steep ascents and descents, high altitudes, and varying weather conditions. Adequate physical preparation and acclimatization to the altitude are essential before embarking on the trail.

What should I pack for the Inca Trail?
It is recommended to pack comfortable hiking attire, sturdy hiking shoes, a warm sleeping bag, a waterproof jacket, sunscreen, insect repellent, a hat, sunglasses, a water bottle, and snacks. Bringing a small backpack to carry personal belongings is also advisable.

Which is the best time of year to hike the Inca Trail?
A: The optimal time to hike the Inca Trail is during the dry season, which occurs from April to October. While it is possible to hike the trail year-round, the rainy season (November to March) can make the trek more challenging and muddy.

Do I need a guide for the Inca Trail?
Yes, all hikers undertaking the Inca Trail must be accompanied by a licensed guide. This requirement ensures the safety of hikers and aids in the preservation of the trail and ruins.

How much does it cost to hike the Inca Trail?
The cost of hiking the Inca Trail can vary depending on the tour operator and the level of service selected. Generally, expect to pay between $700 and $1000 USD per person for a four-day trek, which includes permits, a guide, food, and camping equipment.

Can I hike the Inca Trail alone?
No, solo hiking on the Inca Trail is not permitted. All hikers must be part of a guided group, and permits are issued for specific departure dates and group sizes.

Is altitude sickness a concern on the Inca Trail?
Yes, altitude sickness can be a concern on the Inca Trail, given that it reaches elevations exceeding 4,200 meters (13,800 feet). Proper acclimatization, hydration, and attentiveness to signs of altitude sickness are important during the trek.

What equipment does Quechuas Expeditions provide?
Quechuas Expeditions supplies a range of equipment for their trips, including sleeping tents (made of 4-season aluminum poles and accommodating 2 people in each 3-person capacity tent), dining tents, tables, chairs, toilet tents, cooking equipment, water purifiers, air Thermarest mattresses, and other camping gear. They prioritize purchasing high-quality equipment in Peru and regularly replace older equipment with newer ones.

What items do I need to carry?
For daily hiking, it is recommended that travelers carry essential items such as water, snacks, camera, and film. Porters will handle the transportation of all other supplies, including camping equipment, clothing, and sleeping bags. Travelers are advised to bring only the necessary belongings for the trail and leave any unnecessary luggage at their hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley. To ensure the porters are not overloaded, there is a weight limit of 12 lbs (approximately 5.4 kg) for personal belongings during the hike. However, if you hire an extra porter, they can carry all of your personal items based on the specific porter service you have requested, such as Full Porter (12 kg), Half Porter (6 kg), or a Porter to carry your sleeping bag and pad (4 kg).

What are the qualities of the guides?
Quechuas Expeditions Tours employs highly skilled and experienced guides. These guides are typically from the surrounding Cusco/Sacred Valley area and are fluent in English, Spanish, and the native language of Quechua. With an average of 5-10 years of experience leading Inca trail hikes, they possess in-depth knowledge about the history, spirituality, culture, and ecology of the region. The guides receive excellent reviews from travelers and are often recommended by reputable sources such as Lonely Planet and Trip Advisor. For more information and testimonials, you can visit their Testimonials page.

What is the food like on the Inca Trail?
Each group on the Inca Trail is accompanied by a dedicated cook. Travelers consistently praise the delicious menu provided during the hike. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and hearty snacks are included, offering a combination of local specialties and international favorites. Quechuas Expeditions also caters to vegetarian meals upon request. If you have any special dietary requirements, with sufficient notice, they can usually accommodate those as well. Rest assured, you will not go hungry during your trek with Quechuas Expeditions.

How is drinking water supplied?
While there may be opportunities to purchase bottled water along the trail, Quechuas Expeditions encourages travelers to bring their own refillable bottles to minimize plastic waste. The company follows a process to ensure safe drinking water: the water is boiled, treated with iodine, and then filtered using portable filters like Katadyn and PUR. Water for refilling bottles is available in the morning and during meal times.

What is the policy for late cancellations?
According to current regulations, Quechuas Expeditions cannot replace canceled passengers with new ones. Trek permits are Non-refundable and Non-transferable.

If I provide a deposit now, will you immediately purchase my permit?
While not necessarily immediate, Quechuas Expeditions typically purchases the permits within a few days after receiving your deposit. If you want them to act as soon as possible, they suggest sending the deposit via Paypal, which is considered the fastest and safest method in Cusco, Peru. With this option, they can receive the money within minutes and confirm the trip promptly.

Travel Guide

If you’re planning to hike the Inca Trail, it’s important to bring certain items to ensure a safe and comfortable journey. Here are some key items to consider:

Suitable footwear: Choose comfortable, sturdy hiking boots that are well broken-in since you’ll be walking on rocky and uneven terrain for several days.
Clothing for all weather conditions: Pack clothing suitable for a range of temperatures and weather conditions. Include warm layers, a waterproof jacket and pants, and clothing that can be easily layered for changing temperatures.
Sleeping bag: Bring a high-quality sleeping bag that can keep you warm at night. Temperatures can drop significantly at higher elevations, so ensure your sleeping bag is suitable for cold weather.
Daypack: Carry a small daypack to hold essentials such as water, snacks, sunscreen, and rain gear.
Water purification system: The water along the trail is not safe to drink, so bring a water purification system like tablets or a filtration system to ensure clean drinking water.
Insect repellent: The Inca Trail is home to various insects, including mosquitoes and biting flies. Use insect repellent to protect yourself.
Trekking poles: Consider using trekking poles to reduce strain on your knees and ankles, especially during steep uphill and downhill sections of the trail.
First aid kit: Pack a first aid kit with essentials like bandages, pain relievers, and blister treatment. While your tour operator may provide a basic kit, it’s a good idea to bring your own as well.
Headlamp or flashlight: Since there are no streetlights along the Inca Trail, bring a headlamp or flashlight for navigation around camp at night.

Camera or Phone: Don’t forget to bring a camera to capture the stunning scenery along the trail!

Recommendations to Book Classic Inca Trail:

Book in advance: The Inca Trail is popular, and permits can sell out quickly. Book your trip 3 to 6 months in advance to secure a spot.
Get in shape: The Inca Trail is a challenging hike, so ensure you’re physically fit by engaging in cardio and strength training exercises beforehand.
Acclimate to the altitude: Spend a few days in high-altitude destinations like Cusco to acclimate before starting the hike.
Pack appropriately: Bring comfortable hiking shoes, warm clothing, a waterproof jacket, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and plenty of water.
Choose a reputable tour operator: Only hike the Inca Trail with a licensed tour operator known for experienced guides, good equipment, and responsible tourism practices.
Respect the environment and local communities: Leave no trash behind, ask for permission before taking photographs, and purchase goods only from authorized vendors.
Best time for the Classic Inca Trail: The ideal time is from April to October, during the dry season with sunny and cold days. Note that the Inca Trail is closed for maintenance work in February, but the entrance to Machu Picchu is open year-round.
What to bring for the Inca Trail: Take only what’s necessary, considering that excess weight can affect your performance. Here’s a list of items to consider:

• Original Passport
• Cash in small denominations (10, 20, 50, 100 soles)
• Camera and video camera
• Backpack cover
• Windproof waterproof jacket
• Small towel and bathing suit
• Shirts/T-shirts (4)
• Sun hat
• Shorts (1 pair)
• Long pants (2 pairs)
• Hiking boots/comfortable shoes
• Sport sandals
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Toiletries (biodegradable)
• Water bottle
• Flashlight
• Personal First aid kit
• Enjoy the trek: Remember to enjoy the hike fully. It’s not a competition to reach Machu Picchu, but an opportunity to appreciate beautiful landscapes, experience adrenaline, and have fun while visiting archaeological sites and creating new memories that other hikes won’t offer.
• We strongly recommend that you purchase travel insurance to safeguard your investment. It is advisable to take out insurance before you leave and consider working with a reputable agency for cost-effective cover.