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INCA TRAIL ? PATHS THROUGH HISTORY

Inca Trail Tours & Trekking Tips

Follow ancient stone paths through the Andes, with archaeological sites and cloud forest along the way to Machu Picchu.

THE SKY DOME WAY

Ancient paths.
Your Own Journey.

There is more than one way to experience the Inca Trail Tours. Choose a short introduction, a classic multi-day walk or a slower itinerary with more time along the route. This collection brings those options together so you can compare the journeys before choosing yours.

For a broader experience, explore combinations with the Sacred Valley, Rainbow Mountain or the Salkantay route. Each trip follows its own itinerary, with different walking days and places to stay.

Open each tour to check the route, accommodation and inclusions. Share your preferred dates with our team to check availability and plan the journey around the experience you have in mind.

Find your journey →
6 Curated journeys History along the trail
Inca Trail Treks
INCA TRAIL, PERUFollow the story in the stone.

THE INCA TRAIL ROUTE

Short Inca Trail · 2 Days

Walk the final 12 kilometers of the original Inca Trail, passing cloud forest and remarkable archaeological sites before entering Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate.

  1. Chachabamba
    Begin the trail at Km 104 and discover this hidden Inca ceremonial site.
  2. Wiñay Wayna
    Explore spectacular terraces built into the mountainside.
  3. Sun Gate · Inti Punku
    Reach 2,700 m and enjoy your first panoramic view of Machu Picchu.
  4. Machu Picchu
    Arrive on foot on Day 1, stay overnight in Aguas Calientes, and return for a guided citadel tour on Day 2.

Shown here: the 2-day Short Inca Trail. Day 1 follows the trail to Machu Picchu; Day 2 returns to the citadel for a guided visit.

THE INCA TRAIL ROUTE

Classic Inca Trail · 4 Days

Follow the legendary Inca Trail from Km 82 across high mountain passes, ancient settlements and cloud forest before walking into Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate.

  1. Patallacta & Wayllabamba
    Begin at Km 82, discover your first Inca ruins and settle into the rhythm of the trail.
  2. Dead Woman’s Pass
    Climb to the highest point of the journey at 4,215 m before descending toward Pacaymayo.
  3. The Inca Corridor
    Walk past Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, Intipata and Wiñay Wayna through changing Andean landscapes.
  4. Sun Gate & Machu Picchu
    Complete the classic approach through Inti Punku and see Machu Picchu unfold below.

Shown here: the classic 4-day Inca Trail from Km 82 to Machu Picchu. Campsites and daily walking distances follow the itinerary.

THE INCA TRAIL ROUTE

Inca Trail · 5 Days

Experience the classic Inca Trail at a more measured pace, with extra time among the archaeological sites, mountain passes and cloud forest on the journey to Machu Picchu.

  1. A More Relaxed Pace
    Begin at Km 82 and ease into the trail through Patallacta and Wayllabamba.
  2. Dead Woman’s Pass
    Reach the trail’s highest point at 4,215 m before descending to the quieter Pacaymayo Valley.
  3. Phuyupatamarca Sunset
    Spend the night at the Town Above the Clouds and enjoy one of the trail’s most memorable mountain settings.
  4. Wiñay Wayna & Machu Picchu
    Explore Wiñay Wayna with more time before continuing through the Sun Gate to Machu Picchu on Day 5.

Shown here: the 5-day Slow Route. The extended itinerary allows more time at key archaeological sites and along the trail.

WHEN TO WALK THE INCA TRAIL

The Inca Trail, season by season

The best time to go depends on the journey you want. Think about mountain weather, the landscapes you would love to see and how flexible your dates are. Then explore the permit calendar below to find your departure.

MAY – SEPTEMBER

Clearer days in the mountains

These are usually the driest months for hiking, with brighter views across the Andes. Mornings and nights can be cold at altitude, and popular departures fill early, so plan ahead if your dates are fixed.

OCTOBER – APRIL

A greener side of the trail

Cloud forest and valleys turn lush as the rains return. Showers and muddy stretches are more likely, especially from November to March, so pack waterproof layers and stay flexible with the weather.

FEBRUARY

A pause for the trail

The Inca Trail normally closes in February for conservation and maintenance. Before planning a trip around that month, check the official closure dates for your travel year.

PLAN YOUR INCA TRAIL

When would you like to travel?

Choose a route and your preferred departure date. Our Cusco team will check the permits and confirm the available options with you.

AvailableVery fewSold out

Checking permit availability...

⚡ Permit spaces can change quickly. Confirm availability before making plans.

Selecting a date does not reserve a permit. Availability is confirmed by our team for your chosen route.

EXPLORE THE COLLECTION

Choose your Inca Trail experience

Compare duration, difficulty and price, then open the complete itinerary to see every detail.

Best Inca Trail Tour Package 7 days7 Days / 6 Nights

Best Inca Trail Tour Package 7 days

Cusco – Sacred Valley – 4 Day Classic Inca Trail – Machu Picchu – Rainbow Mountain hike Discover Cusco, the Sacred Valley, the 4-Day Classic Inca Trail, and Rainbow Mountain on an immersive 7-day high-altitude journey.…

DURATION7 Days / 6 Nights
PHYSICAL RATINGModerate

PLAN WITH CONFIDENCE

Frequently asked questions

Practical answers to help you choose and prepare for your journey.

Which Inca Trail itinerary should I choose?

Compare the short, classic and extended routes below. Look at the daily itinerary and physical rating, as well as the number of days.

Can I combine the Inca Trail Tours with other destinations?

The collection includes packages with the Sacred Valley, Rainbow Mountain and a Salkantay combination. Open each itinerary to see the exact route.

How do I check availability for my dates?

Contact our team with your preferred departure date and group size before confirming your plans. Availability must be checked for the specific itinerary.

Where will I stay?

Accommodation depends on the tour. Check its day-by-day itinerary and inclusions for the planned hotel and camping arrangements.

Do I need a permit for the Inca Trail?

Inca Trail departures depend on permits for the specific route and date. Share your preferred dates early so our team can check current availability before you make travel plans.

What is the difference between the 2-day and multi-day trails?

The short route follows the final section of the historic trail, while the longer trips include more walking days and mountain passes. Compare the day-by-day plans and accommodation for the experience you want.

Can I book the Inca Trail at the last minute?

Places can be limited, especially for popular dates. Ask us to check permits before booking flights or committing to a fixed itinerary.

Does the 5-day route follow a different trail?

Our 5-day option follows the classic route at a slower pace. Check its full itinerary for the daily distances, campsites and arrival plan.

What should I pack for the Inca Trail?

Plan for changing mountain weather: comfortable walking shoes, warm layers, sun protection and rain gear. Review your chosen tour for the exact packing list and luggage limits.

Are Inca Trail departures available all year?

Trail access and permits vary by date and route. Check the availability calendar and confirm your specific departure with our team before finalizing your plans.

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Guest Reviews

What Our Guests Say

Real experiences from travelers who slept under the Andean sky

Photo of Sofia Martínez
Sofia Martínez Buenos Aires, Argentina
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The Dome Made the Trek Unforgettable

We did the full Salkantay Trek and stayed at the dome on night two. After a hard day of hiking, coming back to a real bed, hot shower and that view of the mountain? Nothing compares to that.

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Thomas Brauer Munich, Germany
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Best Night of My Life

I have camped across Patagonia and Nepal but nothing matched this. The dome is warm, beautifully designed and the silence at 4,600m is something else entirely. I woke up at 3am just to stare at the stars.

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