Inca Trail to Machu picchu 2026
Booking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is not something you can leave until the last minute. This legendary trek is one of the top hikes in the world, and access is strictly regulated. The Peruvian government allows only 500 permits per day (including trekkers, porters, and guides), which makes availability extremely limited.
For that reason, planning ahead is essential. During the high season (May to September), permits often sell out 6 to 8 months in advance. Even in the low season, it is wise to secure your space as early as possible to guarantee the dates you want.
When you book with Inca Trail Classic, you are choosing a local, experienced company in Cusco that specializes in the Inca Trail and alternative treks. We manage everything for you: government permits, professional guides, entrance tickets to Machu Picchu, camping equipment, porters, and delicious meals along the way.
Our step-by-step booking process is simple and transparent. Once your deposit is confirmed, we immediately purchase your permit and send you a full itinerary, along with preparation tips for altitude, packing, and travel logistics.
Whether you choose the 4-Day Classic Inca Trail, the 2-Day Short Inca Trail, or one of our alternative hikes such as Lares Trek, Salkantay Trek, or Inca Quarry, we are here to make your adventure to Machu Picchu unforgettable.
By booking early with Inca Trail Classic, you ensure peace of mind, guaranteed permits, and the expertise of a trusted local operator who knows the Inca Trail better than anyone.
step 1: Choose you Trail Option.
When planning your Inca Trail adventure to Machu Picchu, you have several amazing routes to choose from. Each option offers a different perspective of the Andes, so selecting the right one depends on your travel time, fitness level, and the type of experience you’re looking for.
1. Classic Inca Trail – 4 Days / 3 Nights
The Classic 4-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is the most iconic trekking route in South America. Over four unforgettable days, you’ll hike through impressive Inca ruins, cloud forests, and high mountain passes, before entering Machu Picchu through the legendary Sun Gate (Inti Punku) at sunrise. This route is perfect for those who want the complete Inca Trail experience, combining history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes.
2. Short Inca Trail – 2 Days / 1 Night
If you don’t have enough time for the full trek or prefer a shorter hike, the 2-Day Short Inca Trail is an excellent choice. You will still walk on the original Inca stone path, explore ancient archaeological sites like Wiñay Wayna, and arrive at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate, just like on the Classic route. It’s ideal for families, beginners, or travelers with a tight schedule.
3. Salkantay + Inca Trail – 6 Days
For adventurers who want a more challenging route, the Salkantay Trek combined with the Inca Trail is a perfect blend of high-altitude adventure and cultural exploration. This trek takes you through snow-capped peaks, stunning Andean valleys, and diverse ecosystems before joining the Inca Trail and reaching Machu Picchu. It’s a fantastic option for hikers who want both dramatic mountain scenery and the magic of the Inca Trail.
4. Lares + Inca Trail – 4 Days
The Lares Trek combined with the Inca Trail is ideal if you want a more cultural and authentic Andean experience. Along the way, you’ll visit traditional Quechua villages, see local weavers at work, and enjoy spectacular views of alpine lakes and valleys. After exploring the Lares region, the route connects with the Inca Trail for the final approach to Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate.
5. Sacred Valley with Short inca Trail to Machu picchu 3-days
Exploring the Sacred Valley of the Incas combined with the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the best ways to experience the beauty, history, and culture of Peru in just three unforgettable days. This program is perfect for travelers who want to see the highlights of the Sacred Valley, hike part of the legendary Inca Trail, and arrive at Machu Picchu through the iconic Sun Gate (Inti Punku).
Day 1: Discovering the Sacred Valley
Your adventure begins in Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire, as you travel through the Sacred Valley. This fertile valley is home to ancient ruins, traditional markets, and stunning Andean landscapes. Along the way, you’ll visit Pisac, famous for its impressive archaeological site and colorful handicraft market. You’ll also explore Ollantaytambo, a living Inca town with massive stone terraces that once served as a fortress during the Spanish conquest. Depending on your itinerary, you may also stop in Chinchero, known for its weaving traditions and colonial church built on Inca foundations. Spending a day in the Sacred Valley helps you acclimatize to the altitude and gives you a deeper understanding of Andean culture.
Day 2: Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
On the second day, the real adventure begins as you start the Short Inca Trail at Km 104 of the railway to Aguas Calientes. This one-day hike allows you to walk along original Inca paths while surrounded by lush cloud forests, waterfalls, and fascinating archaeological sites. One of the highlights of the trek is Wiñay Wayna, a beautiful Inca complex with terraced fields and temples that once housed pilgrims on their way to Machu Picchu.
From there, you continue the trail and eventually arrive at the Sun Gate, the ancient ceremonial entrance to Machu Picchu. The first view of the citadel from this vantage point is unforgettable, especially in the afternoon light when the site is less crowded. After taking in the panorama, you descend into Machu Picchu and take a bus to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll spend the night in a comfortable hotel.
Day 3: Exploring Machu Picchu
The final day is dedicated to exploring Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. You’ll wake up early to enter the site and enjoy a guided tour of the main temples, terraces, and plazas. Learn about the history, engineering, and spiritual significance of this Inca masterpiece while taking stunning photos of the surrounding mountains. If you want an extra challenge, you can also book an additional hike to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain for breathtaking views.
After your visit, you’ll return by train and bus to Cusco, completing an unforgettable three-day journey that combines culture, history, and adventure.
With Inca Trail Classic, all routes are carefully organized with professional guides, permits, porters, quality camping equipment, and delicious meals included. Whether you choose the Classic Inca Trail, the Short version, or one of the alternative treks, we guarantee an unforgettable journey to Machu Picchu with a trusted local company from Cusco, Peru.
step 2: Decide When to Go
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a fantastic trek that can be done throughout the year. Each season has its own charm, but the main difference comes during the rainy season. From November to March, you may encounter more rain, muddy paths, and cloudy skies. However, the landscapes are greener, the flowers are in bloom, and the trail is often less crowded, which makes it a unique experience.
Most travelers prefer to hike during the dry season, which runs from May to October. These months usually bring clearer skies, stunning mountain views, and a more comfortable trekking experience. The busiest months are June, July, and August, when demand is very high, so permits sell out extremely fast.
That said, the weather in the Andes is always unpredictable. Even in the dry season, it is possible to have sudden rain showers, and in the rainy season you may still enjoy beautiful sunny days. Nobody can fully predict what the conditions will be like on your trek to Machu Picchu.
As a trekking guide who has walked the 4-Day Classic Inca Trail almost all year round, I can say that every season offers something different. The key is to be prepared for all conditions: bring good trekking gear, proper clothing for rain and sun, and be ready to face the challenges of the trail.
At Inca Trail Classic, we help you prepare for your journey, no matter the season you choose. With the right equipment, professional guides, and our support, you can enjoy the Inca Trail in any month of the year and live an unforgettable adventure to Machu Picchu.
step 3: Book Early to inca Trail – Machu picchu
To hike the Classic Inca Trail 4 Days or the 2-Day Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, it is essential to book well in advance. Permits are strictly limited by the Peruvian government and often sell out quickly.
One of the main challenges is that many local and international agencies with powerful marketing strategies reserve a large portion of the available permits. This means that if you wait until the last minute, it’s very likely you won’t find any spaces left especially during the high season from May to September.
At Inca Trail Classic, we strongly recommend booking your trek at least 6 to 8 months in advance for the 4-Day Inca Trail, and at least 3 to 4 months in advance for the 2-Day Inca Trail. By securing your spot early, you guarantee your entrance to Machu Picchu through the legendary Sun Gate (Inti Punku), one of the most unforgettable highlights of the entire journey.
When you book with us, our team immediately handles all the details: purchasing your permits, arranging professional guides, providing porters, and organizing high-quality equipment and meals. All you need to do is choose your date, and we take care of the rest.
Don’t risk missing out on this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Reserve your Inca Trail permits early with a trusted local company and enjoy peace of mind knowing that your place on the trail is secured.
step:4 Prepare for the Hike on Inca Trail to Machu picchu
If you already have your reservation for the 4-Day Classic Inca Trail or the 2-Day Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, we highly recommend preparing yourself in advance with light training or regular hiking practice. This will help you enjoy the trek and face the challenge with more confidence.
The Inca Trail is not just a walk it is a historic path with thousands of original Inca stone steps, both uphill and downhill. These ascents and descents can be demanding, especially at high altitude, so arriving with some training will make a big difference.
Simple activities such as daily walking, stair climbing, jogging, or short mountain hikes before your trip will strengthen your legs and improve your stamina. Practicing with a small backpack can also help you get used to carrying some weight, just like during the trek.
By preparing physically, you will be ready to focus not only on the challenge but also on the incredible experience of walking this ancient trail. The journey is filled with archaeological sites, cloud forests, mountain views, and the unforgettable arrival at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku).
With the right preparation and mindset, hiking the Inca Trail becomes more than a trek it becomes a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that you will remember forever.
step 5: Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – Tour Guide Insider Tips by Inca Trail Classic
When you book your trek with a 100% local and indigenous company from Ollantaytambo – Cusco, you are doing much more than just reserving a tour to Machu Picchu. You are directly supporting the communities of Ollantaytambo, their families, and the people who have lived in these mountains for generations.
Most of our porters, cooks, and guides come from the villages surrounding Ollantaytambo. For us, the Inca Trail is not only a route to Machu Picchu, but also a way of life. By choosing a local company, you are helping create fair employment opportunities for farmers, young people, and families from the Andes who depend on tourism to improve their quality of life.
As guides born in these mountains, we are proud to share with you our history, traditions, and the knowledge passed down by our ancestors. Every trek is not just a hike, but a cultural exchange where travelers and locals connect in meaningful ways.
The money you spend with a local operator has a direct impact: it helps our porters provide education for their children, supports local cooks who prepare authentic Andean meals, and sustains families who keep our traditions alive. Beyond that, part of the income contributes to community projects such as maintaining water systems, improving rural schools, and opening new trails that connect remote villages with Ollantaytambo.
By booking with Inca Trail Classic, you are choosing sustainable tourism and ensuring that your journey creates positive change. Every step you take on the Inca Trail becomes part of a bigger journey—one that helps preserve our heritage, strengthens our communities, and makes the dream of a better future possible for the people of the Andes.
Traveling with a local indigenous company means traveling with authenticity, respect, and purpose. Together, we can keep the spirit of the Inca Trail alive, not only as a world-famous trek, but also as a source of pride and opportunity for the people of Ollantaytambo
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Inca Trail to Machu picchu 2025-2026
We kindly ask you to contact us before making a direct reservation through the website. This way, our team can personally guide you through the booking process and confirm in real time if there are still permits available for the famous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
By reaching out to us first, you’ll avoid any inconvenience and ensure that your space is guaranteed on the exact dates you want. Our staff will provide you with clear instructions, up-to-date availability, and personalized support so you can book with total confidence.
You can contact us easily by email or WhatsApp, and we will be happy to assist you step by step. With Inca Trail Classic, your booking is not just a transaction, it’s the beginning of an unforgettable adventure to Machu Picchu with the guidance of a trusted local company.
