Start Here: Choosing Your Hike

Are you ready to plan your Inca Trail journey to some of the most awe-inspiring sights of Peru?

We're taking the guesswork out of the process for you; start here to plan the best Inca Trail trek for you—including choosing your hike, information on permits & tickets, fitness & altitude sickness, and FAQs.

CHOOSING YOUR HIKE

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GETTING TO PERU

PREPARING IN CUSCO

CHOOSING YOUR INCA TRAIL TREK

CHOOSING YOUR HIKE

Welcome to Alpaca Expeditions!

We've put together the key information you need to make an educated decision on the trekking options that are right for you.

INCA TRAIL TREKS

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is generally believed to be one of the best hikes the world has to offer. It is also one of the most approachable, as you do not need any particular skill to be able to complete. Some good health and fitness will help you get from the trailhead to the end, Machu Picchu.

The government has sanctioned a small portion of the thousands of miles of Inca Trail preserved for this hike.

Popular Hikes

4-Day Trek: Moderate pace. Limited permits available.
5-Day Trek: Slower pace. Limited permits available.

Challenging Option

There is a longer version for those trying to make it more challenging - a 7-Day trek that combines the Salkantay pass with the Inca Trail.

Short 2-Day Option

2-Day Trek is one day of hiking and one day spent at Machu Picchu. Permits typically available.

How to Choose the Right Trek for You?

We know you want to have the best vacation you can in the magnificent country of Peru. We understand that you are hoping to find the perfect trek that will take you on an amazing experience to Machu Picchu. At Alpaca Expeditions, we do our very best to help you choose which route is best for you, but no matter which trek you do with us, we assure you that you will have an amazing time.

The Inca Trail

Classic Inca Trail Trek | 4D/3N

Classic Inca Trail Trek | 4D/3N | Group:

Distance: 45 km/26 miles.
Highest Elevation: Dead Women’s Pass at 4,215 m/ 13,829 ft
Lowest Elevation: Aguas Calientes, at the end of the trek, at 2,000 m/ 6,562 ft.

Considerations: There is no other trail that can be compared with this one, for its historical importance, gorgeous nature, varying ecosystems, and numerous Inca sites that can be visited along the way. This is the only trail that brings you through the Sun Gate into Machu Picchu.

History: This trail is 800 years old, and was built by the Incas to travel from Cusco to Machu Picchu. It is considered to be the most important trail, that only the nobility were allowed to use during the Inca period. The path is paved with stones and stairs.

Popularity: Many people talk about how crowded the Inca Trail is, especially with 500 people trekking per day. This is not necessarily true, due to the varied locations of the campsites. Alpaca Expeditions always chooses different campsites that allow you to experience more nature than crowds. Our guides get an earlier start than everyone else to make accommodations.

Inca Trail Classic | 4D/3N | Private Option:

This is the same trail as the group service mentioned above. The difference is in the level of service; on a private tour, you have your own guide, chef, and porters.

Trekking the Inca Trail is the experience of a lifetime... it is a challenging hike and if you choose to experience it on your own, or with close friends, this could be your best option. The food can be catered to your needs if you have a special diet. We also include foam and air sleeping pads, pillows, private toilet tents, warm showers and some alcoholic drinks.

Inca Trail Expedition | 5D/4N

Inca Trail Expedition 5D/4N:

The five day Inca Trail follows the same trail as the four day Inca Trail... but with different campsites.

Taking this trail allows for walking at a slower pace, which gives more time to enjoy your surroundings. You will walk shorter distances each day, and spend more time at the Inca sites. This trek also minimizes the chance of running into crowds.

Considerations: The highlight of this trek is camping at Phuyupatamarca, on the third night, where you will see stunning views of the surrounding mountains, such as Salkantay, Machu Picchu peak and Pumasillo. Another highlight is that you come to Machu Picchu twice. On the fourth day, at 4:30 p.m., you will have the opportunity to take pictures of these famous ruins with the sunset in the background. Again, on the fifth day, you will be able to see the sunrise in the early morning, before the mists have lifted.

This trek is highly recommended for families with children.

Short Inca Trail Treks | 2D/1N | Two Options!

Short Inca Trail 2D/1N with CAMPING:

We have created this unique program, offered for a limited time. You will have the opportunity to camp in the Andes, along the amazing Inca Trail, with spectacular views of the surrounding valleys, and explore the 15 km/9.3 miles to Machu Picchu. Upon arrival at your campsite, you will enjoy the sunset, and get the chance to see the sunrise on the second day.

Includes: Camping at Puente Ruinas, at the foot of Machu Picchu, with views of Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu.You will have porters, as well as a professional chef, providing breakfast at the trail head, lunch, dinner on day one, and breakfast and lunch on day two.

Short Inca Trail 2D/1N with HOTEL STAY:

The total distance of this trek is 15 km/9.3 miles. The lowest elevation is 1,900 m/6,234 ft, which is at the trail head at Km 104. The highest point is the Sun Gate, at 2,700m/8,858 ft. This trek travels to places at elevations lower than Cusco. Altitude sickness should not be a worry because the trek is located nearer the Amazon Jungle, where there is plenty of oxygen and humidity.

In just two days, you will be able to explore the Andes and arrive at Machu Picchu twice – once for the sunset, and again for the sunrise on the second day. This tour includes an accommodation at a hotel in Aguas Calientes. Aguas Calientes is at an elevation of 2,600 ft., lower than the Machu Picchu complex. It is in such a remote area that it may only be reached by train.

Inca Trail Salkantay Trekking Tour | 7D/6N

Inca Trail Salkantay Trekking Tour 7D/6N:

This trail combines the Salkantay Mountain Trek and the Classic Inca Trail Trek. This is the best way to explore the Andes’ history and nature. The different ecosystems that you will pass through are magnificent, especially when you are coming from the high mountains of Salkantay, and then into the Cloud Forest of the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

This total distance of this trail is 84 km/53 miles. You will reach the highest point of Inca Chiriaska Paso on the third day of the trek which is right by Salkantay Glacier peak (5,100 m /16,732.28 ft). The second highest elevation is Dead Women’s Pass, along the Classic Inca Trail.

This trail is good for those who really enjoy the outdoors and nature. It does include more time spent in the Andes.

Alternative Treks

Alternative treks to the Inca Trail are available. Due to the strict permit process for the Inca Trail, these first became popular for those who were not able to secure a permit. Now, people recognize some real advantages to the alternative treks.

Compared to the Inca Trail:
Of course there are several differences between the Inca Trail and other treks. One being, the amount of ruins you pass along the way. However, the main difference is that the Inca Trail is the only hike that allows you to walk directly through the Sun Gate, into the Machu Picchu. Everyone else must enter through the main gates of the citadel. Once inside, you are always able to walk to the Sun Gate and get that view from above (for free), but it will not be your first view of the ruins.

The alternative treks that end at Machu Picchu, will all spend one evening in a hotel in the town of Aguas Calientes, the village below Machu Picchu. Your Machu Picchu day will begin with a bus trip from Aguas Calientes up to the ruins (about 25 minutes), and these buses are first come, first serve. It is possible to hike from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu, but you will still need to enter through the main gate.

Pros of the Alternative treks:
Even though they are growing in popularity, it is still likely that you will hike through the Andes with only your group. The roads are not crowded with tourists, and you are visiting places that can only be reached by foot.

Also, for those interested in nature, these treks are often more beautiful. Each one offers something special, like heading to Salkantay Pass by the glaciers, or to local villages with the Lares Trek. Treks like Choquekiraw or Vilcabamba visit other tremendous and important Incan citadels.

Salkantay Trek To Machu Picchu | Options

Salkantay Trek to Machuu Picchu 5D/5N:

Probably the most popular alternative trek. This is a bit more difficult than the Inca Trail, as the days are longer and there is more hiking. You will experience many different micro-climates as your scenery changes drastically, each day. This includes our best campsite on the third night, overlooking Machu Picchu.

Salkantay Trek To Machu Picchu 4D/3N:

Essentially, this is the same path as described above, but it skips our campsite on the third night, and spends a small amount of time in a car to get you to Aguas Calientes on day three.

Lares Trek To Machu Picchu | Options

Lares Trek To Machu Picchu 4D/3N:

This trek is famous for spending time with local people, at villages that can only reached by foot. You will spend more time in the Alpine, so it is a bit colder, but beautiful.

Lares & 2 Day Inca Trail with Hotel – 5D/4N

This tour combines our Lares trek (2.5 days) with the short Inca Trail allowing you to spend time under the stars while camping and still walking through the Sun Gate for that first glance of Machu Picchu.

Ausangate Treks | Options

Rainbow Mountain & Machu Picchu – 4D/3N

We have created this unique itinerary to combine views of our highest peak in the region, Ausangate, a visit to Rainbow Mountain and a tour of the Lost City of the Inca’s – Machu Picchu. It is an off the beaten path option that lets you experience the beauty of the Andes with amazing history of our ancestors, the Incas.

Ausangate Trek, Rainbow Mountain 3D/2N

Experience the views of our highest peak in the region, Ausangate, and be witness to the incredible array of colors of the infamous Rainbow Mountain.

Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley 1 day hike

Rainbow Mountain is the newest natural tourist attraction located in Cusco region. Specifically, it is located south of Cusco in the Vilcabamba mountain range at over 5100m /16,732ft above sea level. Our tour is very special as you will be hiking Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley in one day.

Hucchuy QOSQO | 3D/2N

Choquekiraw | 5D/4N | For Experienced Hikers

Train Tours

We know that hiking is not for everyone…for those interested in a more relaxed vacation check out our Train Tours to Machu Picchu.

PERMITS & TICKETS

ABOUT INCA TRAIL PERMITS

In order to hike the Inca Trail you need a PERMIT.

Permits are controlled through the Ministry of Culture of Peru, and can only be purchased by an INCA TRAIL TOUR OPERATOR, like Alpaca Expeditions. We purchase this permit on your behalf once you make your booking.

The following information has been collected in order to help you better understand this process, and what it means for your trip planning.

4, 5, and 7-Day Inca Trail Treks

There are only 500 permits available for longer treks (4, 5, and 7-day). Because EVERYONE needs a permit, including crew, they sell out very fast. The government shares how many permits are still available in real time, which we share on our Inca Trail availability page.

2-Day Inca Trail Treks

Permits for the short Inca Trail treks are on a separate permitting process and are generally always available, including 2-Day with Camping and 2-Day with Hotel Stay. Get in touch with us and we'll be glad to help you organize the perfect trek for any experience level!

Can you change the name on the permit once it's been secured?

NO. Once a permit is secured, the government will not allow any changes to names. Names must match what is listed in your passport, but your passport does not need to be valid. So, for example, if you have recently been married and your valid passport shows your new last name and your permit shows your maiden name, just bring an older passport and this will give you entry to the Inca Trail. (Just don’t forget your valid passport to enter the country!)

Can you change the date of the trek once permit is secured?

What is changeable on a permit?

ABOUT MACHU PICCHU TICKETS

Visiting the sacred ruins of Machu Picchu requires purchasing an entrance ticket.

Tickets for Machu Picchu must be purchased before arrival, as tickets are not sold at Machu Picchu itself. They allow you to explore the main grounds or hike up one of its two mountains–like Machu Picchu mountain or Huaynapicchu—for up to 4 hours.

What does this time restriction on tickets mean for you?

If you plan on visiting Machu Picchu at sunrise, but then want to participate in a tour, it means you will need to purchase two entrance tickets for the day.

How do you purchase tickets?
We can book your hike and/or entrance, and handle all of the details for you. Give us a shout and let's get this once-in-a-lifetime experience booked for you!

FITNESS & ALTITUDE SICKNESS

Fitness & Altitude Sickness

Let's talk about how to properly prepare for your upcoming trek!

Below is a chart of our treks, along with how long they take, the distance hiked, maximum and minimum elevation, and difficulty. Please note that all treks are physically demanding and require a good fitness level—and "easy" is not just a walk in the park.

Classic Inca Trek Ratings

Treks	Distance Hiked	Max. Elevation	Min. Elevation	Fitness Level	Difficulty
Inca Trail 4 Day	28 miles/45 kms	13,779 ft/4200 mts	6,725 ft/2050 mts	Average	Moderate
Inca Trail 5 Day	28 miles/45 kms	13,779 ft/4200 mts	6,725 ft/2050 mts	Average	Moderate
Inca Trail 2 Day with Camping	9.3 miles/15 kms	8,923 ft/2720 mts	6,233 ft/1900 mts	Average	Easy to Moderate
Inca Trail 2 Day with Hotel	6.8 miles/11 kms	8,923 ft/2720 mts	6,889 ft/2100 mts	Average	Easy to Moderate
Salkantay & Inca Trail Expedition 7D/6N	46.7 miles/75 kms	17,060 ft/5200 mts	9,842 ft/3000 mts	Fit	Difficult

Alternative Trek Ratings

Treks	Total Days	Distance Hiked	Max. Elevation	Min. Elevation	Difficulty
Salkantay & Humantay Lake Trek	5.5 Days/5 Nights	36 miles/59 kms	15,157 ft/4620 mts	5,413 ft/1650 mts	Difficult
Salkantay Trek	4 Days/3 Nights	25 miles/41 kms	15,157 ft/4620 mts	5,413 ft/1650 mts	Difficult
Lares Trek	4 Days/3 Nights	22 miles/35 kms	15,355 ft/4680 mts	6,561ft/2050 mts	Moderate
Lares & 2 Day Inca Trail	5 Days/4 Nights				Moderate
Huchuy Qosqo Trek	3 Days/2 Nights	13 miles/21 kms	13,615 ft/4150 mts	6,561 ft/2050 mts	Easy
Humantay Blue Lagoon Hike **	1 Day				Moderate
Painted Hill Hike **	1 Day				Challenging
Choquequirao & Machu Picchu Trek	8 Days/7 Nights	33 miles/53 kms	11,154 ft/3400 mts	10,498 ft/3200 mts	Moderate/Difficult
Choquequirao Trek **	5 Days/4 Nights	33 miles/53 kms	11,154 ft/3400 mts	10,498 ft/3200 mts	Moderate/Difficult

** Denotes that the tour does not go to Machu Picchu.

Altitude Sickness

Occasionally referred to as mountain sickness, altitude sickness is mainly caused by walking or climbing to a higher altitude too quickly or staying at that height for too long. When you go to higher elevations, the air pressure surrounding you drops, and there is less oxygen available. Your body needs time to adjust to the change in pressure.

There are three forms of altitude sickness:

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is the mildest form, it is prevalent.
High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) is the accumulation of fluid in the lungs that can be very risky.
High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) is the most severe kind of altitude sickness and occurs when there is fluid in the brain.

The severity of altitude sickness symptoms depends on several factors, including the age, weight, blood pressure, and overall fitness of an individual. How fast a person climbs to 8,000 feet and the amount of time spent at a high altitude are also contributing factors.

Symptoms

Headache
Dizziness
Nausea
Vomiting
Fatigue
Shortness of breath
Problems with sleep
Low appetite
Cough
Confusion
Loss of coordination

These symptoms usually show within twelve to twenty-four hours of reaching a higher elevation and then get better within a day or two as your body acclimatizes to the altitude change.

If the symptoms you feel get more intense and are characterized by a cough, confusion, and loss of coordination, you have developed a severe form: either HAPE or HACE. These forms of altitude sickness require medical attention immediately as well as moving to a lower altitude.

How to Prepare for the Elevation

The best way to prepare is to ensure you're in good physical condition prior to your trek—and to plan to spend 2 days, at a minimum, in Cusco prior to your trek to give your body the chance to acclimatize.

Hydration is another important part of helping minimize and/or avoid altitude sickness; it also prevents you from suffering dehydration. Many people will never experience severe dehydration, so they won’t be prepared for what it’s like. Among other things, it can give people a rapid heart rate, rapid breathing patterns, and a fever. Developing these symptoms under any circumstances would be terrible, but people who experience problems like this during a challenging hike in a relatively remote area will be in a particularly difficult situation.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about planning a trek with Alpaca Expeditions.

What is the Inca Trail? What is it's history?

What is known today as the "Inca Trail" is only a small portion of the network of roads the Incas created throughout their empire: from Cusco to as far as Colombia, west Brazil, Ecuador and Bolivia. Some parts of Argentina and Chile were also included. These roads were created in the 15th Century and were rediscovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911.

The hike that is now world famous, the Classic Inca Trail Hike, is 26 miles from KM 82 to Machu Picchu. It was a route of pilgrimage to Machu Picchu, being used by Chasquis (specialized runners) carrying important messages back and forth from the capital Cusco to Machu Picchu. It would take them a day to do the entire route, preferring steep stairs to do faster. We now complete this journey in 4-5 days with lots of zigzagging up the mountain to Dead Woman's pass to make it more manageable.

The Inca Trail is always a challenging adventure, but one that anyone can do with some modest preparation. There are no special requirements for this trail other than general fitness.

Is the Inca Trail dangerous? What level of difficulty is it?

The Inca Trail is a 26-mile trek through mountainous regions and over a rugged terrain. The trek is at a high altitude of up to 4200 Meters above the sea level. This is, therefore, a physically taxing exercise and you will have to be physically fit to undertake it. It is advisable that you go to the gym or walk for a couple of kilometers every day in the months leading to the trek. It is also imperative that you acclimatize yourself to the altitude. You can do this by simply spending a couple of days in Cusco, which is 3400 Meters above the sea level. Cusco is an amazing city with lots to do - so don't worry about having extra time before your trek.

Is there an age limit for hiking the Inca Trail?

What time of year is the Inca Trail closed?

Can you hike the Inca Trail alone or is a tour operator necessary?

Ok, I know what trek I want to do... now what?

Have more questions? Need help?

Chat with us online by clicking the pop up in the right-hand corner of our website window—or leave a message if we're currently offline and we'll be sure to get back to you shortly!

Or contact us.

GETTING

TO

PERU

You've got the basics... now let's talk about getting to Peru!

Where to fly into, what to pack, things you should make time to do while you're acclimatizing before your hike, and how to make this the best experience of your life!

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