Inca Trail to Machupicchu

The  Inca Trail is the most beautiful hike to machupicchu and this name is called in Quechua “the Inka Language” Qhapaq Ñan. The one of the top 10 trekking routes in South America and the number 1 in Peru. It served as a communication system for the Incas, allowing runners to travel from one place to another across the vast Inca Empire, which extended from southern Colombia to northern Argentina. There are different Inca trails to hike to Machupicchu like the classic Inca trail, The short Inca trail and the Long Inca trail, this hike is the most famous one, taking you hiking from the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu, which is one of the Seven Wonders of the World, through beautiful landscapes and various Inca archaeological sites.

Our departure dates for the Inca Trail range from March to January. Our recommended period being April to October due to the rainy season. The Inca Trail has a strict limit on the number of people alowed (500), with three hundred of them are the guides, porters and chefs. Therefore we will recommend booking your trip as early as possible, ideally around 6 months in advance.

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Why is the Inca Trail so Popular?

Completing the Inca trail to Machu Picchu hike has become one of the most covered adventures in the world, and many travellers have it at the top of their bucket list. So, why do Inca Trail hiking tours trump other fabulous treks? The stunning views and ruins have something to do with it, but it’s also about completing the challenge and enjoying the kudos back home. The Inca Trail distance is sufficiently long to be able to brag about, yet short enough for it to be achievable by most people.

So, what’s not to love?

Did you Know?

  • You can get a t-shirt and certificate if you completed your Inca Trail hike to Machupicchu.
  • Some people believe that explorer Hiram Bingham, who ventured along the Inca Trails to Machu Picchu all those years ago, inspired the character Indiana Jones.
  • The Inca Trail hike length is four days, but you can opt for shorter or longer versions if you prefer.
  • If you’re into running and feel invincible you can take part in the Inca Trail marathon which is one of the toughest in the world.
  • At 4,215m (13,828 ft) the ominously named Dead Woman’s Pass is the Inca Trail highest point, which is almost 1,800m (5,905 ft) taller than Machu Picchu!

You can choose which version is right for You!

Short Inca Trail

Imperial Inca Trail 5d/4n

Private Inca Trail

star ratingAmazing Lares-Inca trek experience  - We did the Lares and Inca trail experience with Ronald and Juan Carlos as guides. Darwin was who organized everything! Both three were amazing, very professional and friendly and knowledgeable... read more

avatar thumb Caetano Luiz B
08/05/2025

star ratingUnforgettable experience  - We had an incredible time doing the Lares Trek with Herbert and his team: Javier, Elario & Ronaldinho.

I was nervous initially - I’d never done a... read more

avatar thumb J K
11/05/2025

star ratingGreat 5th year anniversary experience - My wife and I booked this trip for our 5th anniversary. We had a fantastic experience with Peru Treks, our porters, and our guide Juan Carlos. The trail had amazing... read more

avatar thumb Adam L
05/06/2025

2026 Inca Trail Availability

The majestic Inca Trail is one of the most important trails in the world. For many, this is a bucket list trip, and 2026 is the perfect time to cross this off your list. Get out of your routine to travel to Peru. The classic Inca Trail is an ideal trip for family, friends or couple, fellow students, and more, as the total distance is 26 km/ 25 miles. Additionally, please let us know if you have a large number of travelers in your party, so we can accommodate you.

2026 Inca Trail Availability, is open but you must book early. Permits will go on sale the first week of November of this year for 2026.

Peru Treks is a number one tour operator in the area, has daily departures for the classic Inca Trail. The 4 days and 3 nights option is the most popular, but we also have 5 days and 4 nights, 2 days and 1 night, and 7 days and 6 nights including with Salkantay treks.

Trails are located in the Machu Picchu National Park and are highly regulated by the government. Permits are limited; therefore it is recommended not to wait. Simply fill out the brief form and put down a minimal deposit to secure your spot. Ensure all information is correct for ease of permit acquisition.

Tips for Booking Your 2026 Inca Trail Trek:

1.-Book your spot with a reputable, sustainable Inca Trail tour operator and make a difference for Peruvian communities. You can only hike the Inca Trail with a tour operator licensed by Peruvian government, so DIY trekking is not an option. 

2.-With Peru Treks, you get the #1 tour company in Peru and we are 100% Local company

2.-Reserve your spot on the trail at least 6 months in advance for the best chance of landing trail permits for your ideal dates.

4.-Book even further in advance for the peak trekking months of May through September. This is Peru’s dry season and the most popular time on the trail. We recommend booking 4 months in advance to hike during peak season. Are last minute trips available? Sometimes…

Important: Last-minute bookings are still possible, whenever Inca Trail permits are not sold out. The best way to get updated information on last minute availability for any Inca Trail tour is to contact Peru Treks directly. Click here

Ensure you account for every person in your trekking group when you reserve spots.
Reserve your 2026 trek before november 2025 to lock in 2025 prices. 

You can check our reviews on Tripsadvisor or Trustpilot

VERY IMPORTANT TO BOOK IN ADVANCE FOR 2026 : Trekking permits for the Inca Trail are limited to only 500 people and this includes all support staff such as guides, porters and cooks (approximately 200 trekkers and 300 support staff). It is likely that Inca Trail trek permits for outings in 2026 go on sale in early October; Many dates will sell out almost immediately, especially for departures in April, May, June, July and August Sep 2026 .  Try to book  for 2026 before the end of November or December 2025 to avoid disappointment.

star ratingInca trail trek  - Our whole experience was flawless with Peru treks. It was very nice to have them work with us before we went and answer every question we had. Our guide was... read more

avatar thumb Graham G
29/05/2025

star ratingUnforgettable experience  - We had an incredible time doing the Lares Trek with Herbert and his team: Javier, Elario & Ronaldinho.

I was nervous initially - I’d never done a... read more

avatar thumb J K
11/05/2025

star ratingAmazing Experience  - I had the most amazing experience doing the Inca Trail with Peru Treks, alongside friends and family. Our guide, Juan Carlos, was fantastic—knowledgeable, fun, and supportive throughout. Huge thanks to... read more

avatar thumb Gustavo G
01/05/2025

Inca Trail 4d/3n to Machupicchu 2026

Inca trail group!!
Porters and hikers
Beautiful inca site on the Inca Trail
First View of Machupicchu - Sungate
meals on the Inca trail

Inca trail 4d/3n to Machupicchu 2026 is one of the world’s most popular treks, this trail is full of beautiful landscapes, trails surrounded by mountains, cloud forests, inca sites, etc. 

They are somewhat natural appeal of this road which was created by our ancestors centuries ago, this trail made of stones used it to reach the lost city of MachuPicchu.

Definitely a route that today remains a busy thoroughfare for tourists to reach one of the Wonders of the world modern «Machu Picchu«.

This is our famous  hike Inca trail 4d/3n to Machupicchu and the most popular of which you can choose according to time and budget available.

Be sure to reserve a place on the Inka Trail hike to you as soon as possible, as there are a limited number of permits issued by the Peruvian government. 

There are only places for 200 tourist and 300 staff (porters and guides) in total 500 people each day

During the high season (May to October) spaces are filled many times with 4 months in advance, if you want to make sure your hike along the inca trail to Machupicchu try to book  your tickets as soon as possible.

If you not could reserve a quota for the Inka Trail hike can always choose one of the alternatives treks to machupicchu like  Lares, or Salkantay; all these treks are destined to Machupicchu and each have a particular appeal to make them unique.

You can check our reviews on tripadvisor and Google

Alternative treks to Machupicchu

Lares Treks

PERU  TREKS   is the only tour operator with its own unique trekking route, which TREKS COMPLETELY OFF THE BEATEN PATH with the LARES TREK TO MACHU……

Salkantay Treks

The Tour 4 Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is the second popular routes compared to the nearby famous Inka Trail, the second option for most travelers seeking to…..

Vilcabamba Treks

The Vilcabamba Trek takes you right off the beaten path to the area of Cusco where the Incas made their last stand. Following the Spanish conquest the Inca withdrew far in to……

star ratingAmazing Experience  - I had the most amazing experience doing the Inca Trail with Peru Treks, alongside friends and family. Our guide, Juan Carlos, was fantastic—knowledgeable, fun, and supportive throughout. Huge thanks to... read more

avatar thumb Gustavo G
01/05/2025

star ratingGreat 5th year anniversary experience - My wife and I booked this trip for our 5th anniversary. We had a fantastic experience with Peru Treks, our porters, and our guide Juan Carlos. The trail had amazing... read more

avatar thumb Adam L
05/06/2025

star ratingUnforgettable experience  - We had an incredible time doing the Lares Trek with Herbert and his team: Javier, Elario & Ronaldinho.

I was nervous initially - I’d never done a... read more

avatar thumb J K
11/05/2025