Inca Trail Treks & Tours FAQs

Inca Trail trek & Tours FAQs.- The Inca Trail Treks & tours exceeds the excitement and adventure involved in any other treks in Peru. Attracting around 75,000 trekkers a year, The Classic Inca Trail is a unique experience for adventurers, beginners and experts alike. The Inca trail is the most fabulous Trip in South America, often rated in the top 5 treks in the world and a life changing experience. In 26 miles (45km) it integrates charming mountain surroundings, profuse and delightful cloud forests, semitropical jungle, and naturally, a beautiful combination of Inca paving stones, ruins and tunnels and of course the final destination, the cryptic Machu Picchu known as the “Lost City of the Incas”.

Frequently before booking the Classic Inca Trail, there are different question about the trip:

1.- Do I need to book the Inca Trail in advance?

YES! It is recommended that you make a reservation and pay for your entrance fee well in advance (3 or 4 months in advance). We recommended like:

Hiking in December, January, March: 1 month in advance
Hiking in May, June, July: 5 month in advance
Hiking in August, September, October: 6 month in advance
Hiking in November: 5 month in advance

During the month of February, the Inca Trail treks are closed but you can do the alternative treks like: Salkantay Trek, Lares Trek or visit by train. The number of Inca Trail permits is limited to 500 per day (about 200 tourists 50 Guides and 250 Porter trekking staff). This includes the 4-day Classic Inca Trail as well as the Salkantay Trek 7 day.

To find out the availability contact us.

2.- It is possible to do The Inca Trail Treks without a travel agency

NO, Because since June 2002 trekking independently on the Inca Trail Treks has been prohibited. The regulations state that each trekker must be accompanied by a professionally qualified Tour Guide. The “SERNARP AND MINISTERIO DE CULTURA DECENTRALIZADA” is the regulatory body responsible for controlling access to Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail Treks to Machu Picchu.

Also the Inca Trail Trekking Companies must meet certain basic requirements proving that they have professional Guides, cook, porters, camping equipment, radio communications and emergency first aid including oxygen bottle. Their license is renewed each year and the list of authorized guides and agencies appears in the official website “MINISTERIO DE CULTURA”

3.- It is possible to enter with different name, or can I use the permit of My friend?

NO, you need to carry your original passport with the name you used during your booking to enter the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu. The permits are Nontransferable and Nonrefundable; you can’t neither change the dates.

4.- When Is The Best Time To do The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?

The Inca Trail runs every day and all year around but, the best time to hike the is between April and November when the weather is adequately dry and mainly sunny, though June, July and August (the high season) are very cold. No matter what time of year the nights get very cold so bring a good quality warm sleeping bag.

5.- What is the distance of Classic the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?

The Classic Inca Trail is 45 kms (26 miles) long. Campsites along the trek are assigned by the “MINISTERIO DE CULTURA DESCENTRALIZADA”; if you book first, then you get the best campsites. The average walking per day is 6 – 8 hours

6.- How difficult is the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?

It’s subject to your acclimatization to the high altitudes, however it’s considered from moderate to challenge.

The First day, there are a lot of Inca staircases to walk up and down,
The Second day is very difficult day due to the higest pass at 4,200 m.
The Third day is easy day; you will walk down to the Subtropical zone
The Last day we’ll explore Machu Picchu

7.- What type of accommodations is used on the Inca Trail?

We use camping tents. Our tents are designated for 4 seasons. We provide with 4 person capacity tents for only 2 persons. We provide you more space and comfort.

8.- What to bring for the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?

Passport original
Original International Student Identity Card (in case you have applied for a student discount)
Cash in soles
A backpack with a change of clothes for the whole period of the trek
Rain gear (jacket and pants if available) or rain poncho (plastic ponchos can be purchased in Cusco)
Strong footwear, waterproof trekking boots recommended
Sandals or jogging shoes for a higher comfort while at camp
Warm clothes, including jacket, fleeces. Thermal clothing is also recommended, especially for Sleeping
Flashlight/headlamp and batteries
Camera and batteries (batteries consume more quickly under cold conditions)
Hat or cap to protect you from the sun, rain and cold
Sun block
After-sun cream or hydrating cream for face and body
Insect repellent – minimum recommended 20% DEET – no malaria risk has been reported
Handkerchiefs
Toilet paper
Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc. Please note that we do provide a daily morning snack and our meal service is very complete and well supplied. This recommendation applies for all clients being used to a specific snack, as it may happen that it is not included in our selection