INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU
Featured Inca Trail FAQ
It is considered moderate to challenging due to steep ascents and high altitude. The second day is the toughest, reaching 4,215 m (13,828 ft) at Dead Woman’s Pass.
You should book 6 to 7 months in advance. Government permits are limited to 500 people per day and sell out rapidly.
No. Government regulations strictly prohibit any changes to names or dates once the permit is issued.
Altitude is the most common challenge; we recommend arriving in Cusco 2 to 3 days before the trek to acclimate properly.
It is our ethical commitment to our staff, ensuring fair wages, health insurance, and high-quality mountain gear for all porters.
Preparation & Requirements
There is no official age limit, but we recommend a minimum age of 12 and a good physical condition for seniors.
Yes, and it can only be obtained through a licensed tour operator like us.
You must bring your ORIGINAL passport that you used for the booking. Photocopies or digital photos are not accepted at the government checkpoints. If you do not have your original physical passport, you will be denied entry to the trail
No. It is a highly regulated route, and it is mandatory to go with an authorized agency and a certified guide. Independent access is not allowed by law.
No, you don’t need to be an athlete, but you should have a reasonable physical condition. We recommend at least 2 to 3 months of preparation (walking, climbing stairs, and leg exercises) to enjoy the experience more comfortably.
There is no official limit, but for the 4-day trek, we recommend a minimum age of 10-12 years. We have successfully hosted travelers up to 75 years old; the key is adequate preparation and a slow pace.
Yes, a discount applies for students under 25 with a valid international card. However, please note that this discount is not available for the Summit segment due to its specific VIP characteristics.
Booking & Logistics
You must bring the same passport used for the reservation. If you renew it, you must bring both the old and the new original passports. Alternatively, you must inform us in advance to update your information with the Ministry of Culture.
No, the standard permit only includes the Inca Trail and one entrance to the Machu Picchu citadel. If you wish to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, you must book these separately and in advance for an additional cost.
Your tour price with Inca Trail Explorers already includes the Inca Trail permit, the Machu Picchu entrance fee, and all taxes and management fees with the Ministry of Culture. You do not pay for the permit separately.
No, the permit is for the complete route. You cannot start at an intermediate point or skip sections. If you prefer a shorter version, we recommend the 2-day Inca Trail, which has its own specific route and permit.
If permits are sold out, they are gone. However, we offer excellent alternative treks that do not require the same permits, such as the Salkantay Trek or the Lares Trek. Both offer stunning landscapes and eventually lead to Machu Picchu.
The Inca Trail is open 11 months of the year. It is closed every February for maintenance and to allow the vegetation to recover during the peak of the rainy season. Machu Picchu remains open during February via train.
Yes. We highly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance that covers “trekking/adventure activities” and “emergency medical evacuation” at high altitudes. It should also cover trip cancellations or delays.
In the rare event of a strike or force majeure (landslides, etc.), we prioritize safety. We will do our best to modify the itinerary or provide an alternative route. Please note that according to government rules, permit fees are not refundable by the Ministry of Culture in these cases.
