Explore Inca Trail Tours, Maps, Permits, and FAQs
Hiking and walking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in Peru is one of the most special vacations in the world. You can walk the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in 2, 4, 5 or 7 day tours, which include all or part of the famous Classic Inca Trail Trek. These tours start in the Sacred Valley outside of Cusco, Peru, and end at the mystical Sun Gate entrance to Machu Picchu. Inca Trail Permits are required in order to hike or walk any part of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, and only licensed Inca Trail tour companies can get these permits from the Peru government.
Visitors that walk the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu will be hiking on the actual ancient Inca Trail footpath, carved out of the mountains centuries ago by the Inca people. These treks are multi-day hikes with camping or a mix of other lodging for overnight stays.
The most popular way to walk the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is the 4 Day Classic Inca Trail group or private tour. The second most popular way is the Short Inca Trail 2 day Tour. There are also longer options for hikers who want to take more time on the Inca Trail, with the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 5 day tour, and those who want to combine the 2 most popular treks in Peru – the Salkantay and the Inca Trail Tour to Machu Picchu in 7 days. Another incredibly popular option is to add the famous one day hike to Rainbow Mountain and the Red Valley, to any Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
Inca Trail Permits
The Inca Trail Permit System was created by the Peruvian government to help prevent serious overcrowding, overuse, and erosion on the historic Inca Trail. A limited number of total permits are available each day to hike the Inca Trail. How Inca Trail Permits Work
Inca Trail Availability & Reservations – Find out if Permits are available for 2023 and 2024 dates
Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu requires an Inca Trail reservation via a special Inca Trail Permit that only licensed Inca Trail tour operators in Peru can secure for trekkers. A limited number of permits are released for each day of the year for hiking on the Inca Trail. The trail is open year round except for February. Check the Inca Trail Availability Calendars below to see if permits are available for the dates you want to hike to Machu Picchu. Popular trekking months can sell out up to 6 months in advance. To learn more about Permits, read this handy guide Inca Trail Permits
Inca Trail Map: Elevations, Landmarks, Campsites, Altitude Profile & More
See where the Inca Trail is in Peru, and trace your hiking route to Machu Picchu with these useful Inca Trail Maps.
HOW LONG IS THE INCA TRAIL?
The most visited route, that is the classic four-day Inca Trek, is 26 miles or 42Km long, while the two-day hike is only 5.81 Miles 9.35Km. Each trail covers a different distance; See the chart below for more information on this topic.
How Do I Choose An Inca Trail Tour?
When deciding which Inca Trail tour company to book with, there are a few key aspects to consider. Most importantly, the company you select needs to be an officially registered tour operator.
