Inca Trail to Machu Picchu | Book Official 4-Day Trek 2026
Book the official 4-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
100% Cusqueño team, Porter Promise, permits included. Explorer, Adventure & Summit segments.
Reserve now for 2026-2027.
100% Specialized
The only operator dedicated exclusively to the Inca Trail. We perfect a single route every day
Local Heritage
Our entire team consists of local guides who inherited Inca history from their ancestors.
Porter Promise
Through our Porter Promise, we guarantee fair wages and dignified treatment for our team
100% Cusqueños. 100% Specialized. Inca Trail Explorers is the only operator dedicated exclusively to the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. We are not an agency that does “a little bit of everything”: we are experts in a single route and we perfect it every day. Our entire team is local guides who inherited Inca history from their ancestors, porters from Andean communities, cooks who transform local ingredients into mountain feasts. Through our Porter Promise program, we guarantee fair wages, complete equipment and dignified treatment for those who make your adventure possible. With the backing of My Peru Destinations Group and three experience levels (Explorer, Adventure and Summit), we make the Inca Trail accessible to everyone. Your path to Machu Picchu starts with us.
WHO WE ARE
Exclusive Specialists from Cusco
Experts Born in Cusco. Ethical Trekking.
We are the only operator 100% dedicated to the Inca Trail. With our own operation and the backing of My Peru Destinations Group, we offer three experience levels—Explorer, Adventure, and Summit—to make this journey accessible to everyone.
The Inca Trail: The Most Famous Route in the World
- The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is much more than a trek. It is a pilgrimage along the original route that the Incas used more than 500 years ago to reach the sacred citadel of Machu Picchu.
- For 4 days (or 2 days in its short version), you will walk along original stone paths, cross three mountain passes over 4,000 meters, discover archaeological ruins hidden in the fog and finally arrive at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate, exactly as the ancient Inca pilgrims did.
- It is a life-changing experience. And we dedicate ourselves exclusively to making it perfect.
FEATURED DATA
About The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
43 km route (classic version)
Maximum altitude: 4,215 masl (Warmiwañusca Pass)
16+ archaeological sites on the route
Arrival at Machu Picchu through Intipunku
Why Choose Inca Trail Explorers?
We are not just another agency. We are specialists. This is what makes us different:
Born in Cusco
Our entire team is from Cusco. We are not a sales office in Lima that subcontracts operators in Cusco. We are not a foreign company with local staff. We were born here, we grew up here, and the Inca Trail is part of our cultural heritage.
Our guides did not learn Inca history from books: they learned it from their grandparents. Our porters come from the communities that have inhabited these mountains for generations. That ancestral knowledge cannot be bought, cannot be improvised, cannot be faked.
Commitment to Porters
Porters are the invisible heroes of the Inca Trail. They carry your equipment, your food, your tent, while you only carry a day pack. Without them, the trek would be impossible.
Porters are a fundamental part of the team, that’s why:
- Salaries 15% higher than industry standard
- Strict 7 kg load limit
- Complete equipment provided: tent, sleeping bag, jacket, boots
- Food of the same quality as passengers
- Medical insurance during the trek
- Continuous training
It’s not marketing. It’s a real commitment you can verify during your trek.
100% Own Operation
Many agencies in Cusco are simply resellers. They sell the tour and then subcontract an operator who does the real work. The problem: they have no control over the quality of service you receive.
At Inca Trail Explorers, everything is ours:
- Our guides (direct employees, not freelancers)
- Our porters (permanent team)
- Our cooks (specialized in mountain cuisine)
- Our equipment (tents, sleeping bags, kitchenware)
This means total quality control. When something goes wrong (and in the mountains something can always happen), we have the capacity to solve it immediately because everything depends on us.
Backing of My Peru Destinations Group
We are part of My Peru Destinations Group, a corporation with 17 brands specialized in tourism in Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador. This backing means:
- Departure guarantee: If you book with us, your trek departs. We have the operational capacity to guarantee it.
- Financial solidity: We are not a small agency that can disappear with your deposit.
- Connections: If you want to extend your trip to other destinations (Amazon, Titicaca, Lima), we can connect you with our sister brands.
You work with specialists, but with the backing of a large group.
3 Experience Levels
Each traveler has different needs, different budgets, different expectations. That’s why we offer three clearly differentiated segments:
Segment Ideal for Key features Explorer Budget travelers, backpackers, young people Complete quality service at accessible price Adventure Couples, groups of friends, demanding travelers smaller groups, premium equipment, improved menu Summit Honeymoons, celebrations, those seeking the best VIP service, minimal groups, dedicated chef, exclusive extras
Your experience, your budget, your choice.
PERU INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU
Our Specialized Inca Trail Tours
A LEGACY OF AUTHENTICITY
Why Specialization Matters for Your Journey
At Inca Trail Explorers, we decided to do one thing and do it better than anyone else. While other agencies dilute their focus across dozens of destinations, we dedicate 100% of our resources, training, and passion to the historic path to Machu Picchu. This specialization means our equipment is specifically chosen for the rugged Andean terrain, our menus are designed for high-altitude nutrition, and our logistics are fine-tuned to avoid the crowds. When you walk with us, you aren’t just a tourist on a trail; you are part of a meticulously planned expedition led by experts who call these mountains home.
OUR CULTURAL HERITAGE
Local Roots, Global Standards
Being born in Cusco gives us a unique perspective on hospitality. For us, the Inca Trail is not just a tourist route; it is a sacred path left by our ancestors. This is why we treat every trekker as a guest in our home. Our “Porter Promise” is a reflection of our community values, ensuring that the people of the high-altitude villages benefit directly from your visit. We combine this ancestral wisdom with modern safety protocols, including specialized first-aid training and satellite communication, to provide a journey that is as safe as it is spiritually enriching.
THE ICONS OF THE TRAIL
Beyond Machu Picchu: The Hidden Gems
While Machu Picchu is the ultimate destination, the journey there is filled with archaeological wonders that many travelers overlook. With our expert guides, you will deeply explore Llactapata, the first major ruins that offer a glimpse into Inca agricultural genius. You will conquer Warmiwañusca (Dead Woman’s Pass), reaching the highest point of the trek at 4,215 meters, where the view of the Vilcabamba range is unparalleled. We take the time to visit Phuyupatamarca, the “Town Above the Clouds,” where you can still see the ancient ritual baths functioning with mountain spring water. This level of historical immersion is only possible with a team that lives and breathes the Inca Trail every day of the year.
STEP-BY-STEP EXCELLENCE
A Meticulously Planned Expedition
Our specialization as a 100% dedicated Inca Trail operator allows us to maintain a standard of excellence that general agencies cannot match. From the moment you book, our local team in Cusco begins a specialized logistics process. We manage our own equipment warehouse, ensuring that every tent is waterproofed, every sleeping mat is ergonomic, and every kitchen utensil is sanitized to international standards. Our menus are not generic; they are designed by Andean nutritionists to provide the exact caloric intake needed for the high-altitude passes. By controlling every variable of the operation, Inca Trail Explorers guarantees that your only focus will be the breathtaking scenery and the ancient history of the Andes.
Your Safety is our Priority
At Inca Trail Explorers, your well-being is our greatest commitment. We follow strict safety protocols and international standards to ensure
that your journey through the Andes is as safe as it is unforgettable. Explore with the peace of mind that only local experts can provide.
INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU
Frequently Asked Question
How far in advance should I book the Inca Trail?
We recommend booking 4-6 months in advance for high season (May-October) and 2-3 months for low season. Permits are limited (200 tourists/day) and sell out quickly.
How difficult is the Inca Trail?
The classic 4-day Inca Trail has moderate-high difficulty. The most demanding day is the second, when you cross the Warmiwañusca pass at 4,215 meters. You don’t need to be an athlete, but you do need basic physical condition and to acclimatize previously in Cusco.
Can I do the Inca Trail if I am over 60 years old?
Absolutely! We have had passengers up to 75 years old successfully complete the trek. The key is good physical preparation, adequate acclimatization and choosing an appropriate pace. Our Summit segment with small groups is ideal for older travelers.
What happens if I get sick during the trek?
All our guides have mountain first aid certification. We carry a complete first aid kit and emergency oxygen. In case of serious emergency, we coordinate evacuation with horses to the nearest point with vehicle access.
Can I do the Inca Trail alone?
Yes, but you cannot do the trek without a guide (it is mandatory by law). You can join a group from our Explorer segment or hire a private service if you prefer to go alone with guide and equipment.
WHAT TO EXPECT ON THE TRAIL
Preparing for the Ultimate Andean Adventure
Expert Local Guidance
Our guides are not just historians; they are the sons and daughters of the Andes. Born in Cusco and fluent in English and Quechua, they provide a cultural bridge that connects you to the sacred sites of Sayacmarca and Phuyupatamarca. Their deep knowledge of local flora and fauna ensures a safe and educational experience.
Gastronomy at 4,000 Meters
We believe that great food is essential for a great trek. Our mountain chefs specialize in transforming fresh, local ingredients into three-course gourmet meals. From Andean quinoa soups to specialized energy-boosting snacks, our “Summit” and “Adventure” tiers redefine what outdoor dining looks like in the wilderness.
Safety and Logistics
Your safety is our absolute priority. Every Inca Trail Explorers expedition carries professional oxygen tanks, advanced first-aid kits, and satellite communication. As a SERNANP authorized operator, we follow strict safety protocols and environmental regulations to ensure the path remains pristine for future generations.
THE LANDMARKS OF THE PATH
Sustainability, Conservation & The Cusco Connection
Ancient Wonders You Will Discover
One of the reasons Inca Trail Explorers focuses exclusively on this route is the wealth of history found between the trailhead and Machu Picchu. Your journey includes guided explorations of Llactapata, an impressive agricultural complex; Sayacmarca, an enigmatic fortress perched on a cliff; and Phuyupatamarca, known as the “Town Above the Clouds” for its stunning ritual baths and panoramic views of the Vilcanota mountain range. The climax of our trek is the visit to Wiñay Wayna, the most beautiful archaeological site before reaching Inti Punku (the Sun Gate). Our expert guides provide in-depth historical context for each site, ensuring your trek is an educational odyssey as much as a physical challenge.
Preserving the Trail for Future Generations
As an authorized SERNANP operator, we take our environmental responsibility seriously. Our commitment to sustainability goes beyond just “Leave No Trace” principles. We use biodegradable cleaning products, provide filtered water to eliminate single-use plastics, and organize periodic trail clean-up expeditions. Every Inca Trail Explorers camp is managed to minimize its ecological footprint, ensuring that the diverse flora—including over 300 species of orchids—and wildlife like the Spectacled Bear and the Andean Cock-of-the-rock remain undisturbed. By trekking with us, you are contributing to the conservation of the Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary.
Born in the Heart of the Andes
Being 100% “Cusqueños” is not just a label; it’s our operational foundation. Every member of our office staff, every field chef, and every specialized guide was raised in the shadow of these mountains. This deep-rooted connection allows us to offer an unparalleled level of logistical precision and cultural insight. We understand the microclimates of the Andes, the nuances of the Quechua culture, and the seasonal changes of the trail better than anyone. This local expertise is what guarantees that your expedition to Machu Picchu is safe, authentic, and perfectly executed from the moment you arrive in Cusco.
Professional Equipment for a High-Altitude Journey
At Inca Trail Explorers, we understand that the quality of your gear is just as important as the expertise of your guide. Every expedition is equipped with state-of-the-art mountain infrastructure. We use professional four-season tents designed to withstand the unpredictable Andean weather, featuring reinforced thermal flooring and superior ventilation. Our sleeping mats are chosen for maximum insulation and comfort, ensuring you wake up rested for each day’s hike. Furthermore, our kitchen tents are fully equipped mobile units where our chefs maintain strict hygiene standards. We also provide every group with professional-grade trekking poles upon request, and we carry redundant safety systems, including portable oxygen tanks and pulse oximeters, to monitor every trekker’s acclimatization at high altitudes like the Dead Woman’s Pass.
Essential Preparation for Your Machu Picchu Trek
Success on the Inca Trail starts long before you reach the trailhead at Kilometer 82. We recommend all our guests arrive in Cusco at least two to three days prior to their departure. This time is crucial for your body to adjust to the 3,400-meter elevation of the city before climbing even higher. During these days, stay hydrated, avoid heavy meals, and try the local coca tea, a traditional remedy for altitude symptoms. In terms of packing, remember that the Inca Trail crosses several microclimates; you will experience the intense Andean sun during the day and freezing temperatures at night. Layers are essential. Our “Explorer,” “Adventure,” and “Summit” tiers all include detailed pre-departure briefings where our specialized guides will review your gear and answer every question to ensure you are 100% prepared for the legendary path.
Committed to the Sanctuary’s Future
As a specialized operator, Inca Trail Explorers acknowledges the fragile beauty of the Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary. Our operational philosophy is built on the “Leave No Trace” principles, but we go further by implementing a zero-single-use-plastic policy on all our treks. We provide our guests with high-quality filtered water at every campsite to reduce waste. Furthermore, our waste management protocols ensure that all organic and inorganic materials are transported back to Cusco for proper recycling and disposal. By choosing us, you are supporting a carbon-neutral approach to Andean tourism and helping protect the 300+ species of orchids and the endangered Spectacled Bears that call this cloud forest home.
Ready for the Trail? Your Essential Checklist
To ensure a seamless experience, we provide every trekker with a comprehensive pre-departure briefing in Cusco. During this session, we review your gear, distribute your duffel bags for the porters, and coordinate the final pickup logistics. We recommend packing high-quality hiking boots (broken in), a 30-liter daypack with a rain cover, moisture-wicking layers for the intense Andean sun, and a warm down jacket for the freezing nights at the Pacaymayo and Phuyupatamarca campsites. Don’t forget your original passport, as it is strictly required by government rangers at every checkpoint along the route to Machu Picchu.