Trek the Legendary Inca Trail to Machu Picchu with Peru's #1 Trekking Team
2, 4 or 5-day all-inclusive treks & tours with our expert guides, Inca Trail permits & Machu Picchu entry.
40,000+ Happy Trekkers | #1 on TripAdvisor | 100% Porter Welfare | ISO-certified Sustainable Tourism
You’re in safe hands with over 29,000+ Excellent 5 Star Reviews and TripAdvisor's Best of the Best Award 2025.
Book Your Inca Trail Trekking Holiday With Us Today
Reserve Your Inca Trail Trek.
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Your next great adventure starts along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Important: Secure Your Inca Trail Permits
Inca Trail & Matchu Picchu Permits - How Do They Work?
Access to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu is strictly limited by the Peruvian government, booking is required through a licensed tour operator like Alpaca Expeditions. You cannot purchase an Inca Trail permit on your own.
For the Classic 4-Day Trail: Out of the 500 total daily permits, only about 200 are available for tourists. This makes them very competitive and they can sell out months in advance, especially during the dry season (May to October).
For the Short 2-Day Trail: An additional 250 permits are issued daily for the Short Inca Trail (starting at KM 104).
Restrictions: Permits are non-transferable and non-refundable, and are tied to your specific passport information.
February closure: The Inca Trail is closed for the entire month of February every year for conservation and maintenance work, with no permits issued during this time.
Real Hikers. Real Stories.
Join a group, hike privately or book a luxury tour
Enjoy Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner by our chefs
Camp under the stars with amazing views
Peru’s leader in porter welfare and fair wages
What’s Included In Your Inca Trail Hike?
We take care of everything, including transport to and from your hotel, so all you have to do is focus on the hike. Every Alpaca Expeditions trek includes the essentials and more for a safe, comfortable, and successful Inca Trail hike.
Expert Mountain Crew
Permits & Machu Picchu Entry
Transport & Transfers
Pre-Climb Briefing
Full safety briefing and gear check before your team head to the Inca trail.
All Meals on the Mountain
High-Quality Camping Gear
Machu Picchu Guided Tour
A complete guided visit of Machu Picchu after your trek, covering all key sites.
Safe Drinking Water
First Aid & Emergency Equipment
Watch Our 4-Day Classic Inca Trail Hike Video
View Our 4-Day Classic Inca Trail Hike Map
We’re Multi-Award Winning And Voted Peru’s Best Tour Operator by TripAdvisor and WTA
With our ISO certifications ensuring we maintain the highest safety standards and 28,000 glowing 5-star reviews, and TripAdvisor’s Best of the Best award 2024 and 2025, we’re proud to be Peru’s #1 choice for Inca Trail adventures. Contact us today and let us help you book your dream Inca Trail to Matchu Picchu hike!
Join 1,000s Of Climbers Who Trust Us To Successfully Hike The Inca Trail To Machu Picchu
Our goal at Alpaca Expeditions is to create the best experience for all of our clients. We’ve helped hikers from across the world reach the Sun Gate with the greatest views of Machu Picchu and experience a journey that will be remembered for a lifetime.
1. Limited Permits – Book Early
The Inca Trail is one of the world’s most famous hikes, and the Peruvian government strictly limits access to protect the trail. Only 500 permits per day are released for multi-day treks and 250 for the Short Inca Trail - once they sell out, they’re gone. Booking months in advance is the only way to guarantee your spot.
2. Expert Local Guides
Every trek is led by Alpaca Expeditions’ highly trained, English-speaking local guides. Born and raised in the Andes, they share not only safety and navigation expertise but also the rich history, culture, and traditions of the Incas - bringing every step of the trail to life.
3. Safety Comes First
Your safety is our top priority. From expert guides trained in first aid and mountain rescue, to well-maintained equipment and carefully planned acclimatisation, every trek is designed to keep you safe and supported from start to finish. Oxygen, first aid kits, and emergency protocols are always on hand.
4. All-Inclusive Treks
From the moment you join, everything is taken care of: permits, Machu Picchu entry, high-quality camping equipment, chef-prepared meals, clean water, transport, and even transfers to and from Cusco. All you need to bring is your sense of adventure. We also include a duffle bag, poncho and daypack covers.
5. Porter Welfare & Support
Alpaca Expeditions is Peru’s leader in porter care, ensuring fair pay, proper equipment, and meals for the incredible team members who carry gear and make the trek possible. By travelling with us, you directly support a company committed to the highest porter welfare standards in the country.
6. World-Class Recognition
Alpaca Expeditions is proud to be recognised with the Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Award 2024 & 2025, the World Travel Awards 2022 & 2023, and is ISO-certified in tourism sustainability. When you trek with us, you’re travelling with Peru’s #1 rated Inca Trail operator.
7. Pre-Hike Briefing
Join us at our conveniently located office, close to the center of Cusco, for a 45 minute briefing before all camping treks. Briefings are at 6:30am with your trekking guide and last for 45 minutes where we will run over all the important information you need to know before we begin your hike.
8. Easy Booking & 24/7 Support
From your first enquiry to the moment you return home, our team is with you every step of the way. Enjoy responsive customer service, transparent communication, and flexible booking options - giving you complete peace of mind before, during, and after your trek.
Meet Some Of Our Incredible Guides
Get inspired by our legendary Peruvian guides, whose expertise and passion will lead you along the Inca Trail to the breathtaking heights of Machu Picchu. These will be the heroes of your journey from start to finish.
Meet
Rolando
20+ years of Experience
Trailblazing Adventure Expert
Meet
Alexander
22+ years of Experience
Cultural History Specialist
Meet
Jimmy
“Our guide Jimmy was kind, thoughtful and truly amazing”
15+ years of Experience
Mountain Trek Leader
Our Most Popular Inca Trail Hiking Itineraries
Scroll right to see all packages.
| 2-Day Short Inca Trail | 4-Day Classic Inca Trail | 5-Day Classic Inca Trail | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Distance | ~12 km (7.5 miles) | ~45 km (28 miles) | ~45 km (28 miles) |
| Difficulty | Moderate | Challenging | Moderate-Challenging (slower paced walking vs 4-day) |
| Group Size | Small (max 16) | Small (max 16) | Small (max 16) |
| Accommodation | 1 night hotel in Aguas Calientes | 3 nights camping | 3 nights + 1 night hotel |
| Meals | 1 lunch, 1 dinner, 1 breakfast | All meals included (chef-prepared) | All meals included (chef-prepared) |
| Highlights | Wiñay Wayna ruins, Sun Gate arrival, Machu Picchu guided tour | Full Inca Trail with iconic sites (Wiñay Wayna, Dead Woman’s Pass), Sun Gate, Machu Picchu tour | Same as Classic, but with more time at each site, exclusive campsites, and a slower, more comfortable pace |
| Machu Picchu Access | Guided tour (Circuit 1 or 3) | Guided tour (Circuit 1 or 3) | Guided tour (Circuit 1 or 3) |
| Best For | Travellers short on time, families, first-time hikers | Adventurers seeking the full classic experience | Those wanting the full Inca Trail with more comfort and slower pace. Perfect for families. |
| Porter Team | No Porter | Included (carry up to 7 kg per traveller) | Included (carry up to 7 kg per traveller) |
| Permits Needed | Permits Required (250/day) | Permits Required (500/day) | Permits Required (500/day) |
| From Price | £430 ($570) | £630 ($830) | £740 ($980) |
| Unique Value | Quick but unforgettable experience with Sun Gate arrival | The most famous Inca Trail trek, bucket-list journey | Slower version of the Classic Inca Trail with more comfort and the best campsites |
| Enquire Now | ENQUIRE NOW | ENQUIRE NOW | ENQUIRE NOW |
Best of the Best
You’re in safe hands with 28,000+ 5 Star Reviews on TripAdvisor
ISO Certified
Award-Winning
Environment First
Socially Conscious
What’s included in your hike?
- Inca Trail Permit (Limited availability)
- Matchu Picchu Entry
- Camping Gear, Equipment & Toilets
- Guides, Porters & Chefs
- Meals (B/L/D) + Cooking Class on the trail
- Group, Private or Luxury Bookings
- 2, 4 or 5-Day Treks
- Transportation from your Hotel in Cusco and back
- Peru’s #1 Most Trusted, Safest & Responsible Operator
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS.
What is the best Month to hike the Inca Trail to Matchu Picchu?
The Inca Trail is open from March to January (closed every February for maintenance). The best months are considered to be May through September, when the weather is dry, skies are clearer, and conditions are ideal for trekking. These months also coincide with Peru’s high season, so permits sell out quickly – booking at least 6 months in advance is strongly recommended.
If you prefer fewer crowds with still-good weather, April and October are also excellent choices.
Does the inca trail go to Machu Picchu?
Yes! The Inca Trail is the only trek that takes you directly into Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), just as the Incas once entered the citadel. Most other treks end with a train or bus ride to the site, but the Inca Trail gives you the unique experience of hiking into Machu Picchu itself.
Do you offer group and private tours?
Yes. We offer both small group treks and private tours. Group treks are perfect if you’d like to share the adventure with other travellers and keep costs lower. Private tours are ideal if you prefer a more personalised experience, choosing your own dates, pace, and level of comfort. Both options include our full team of professional guides, porters, and chefs to ensure your trek is safe and unforgettable.
Do I need a permit for the Inca Trail?
Yes. Every trekker on the Inca Trail must have an official government-issued permit. These permits are limited to 500 per day (including guides and porters) and often sell out months in advance – especially for high season (May–September). Only licensed tour operators like Alpaca Expeditions can secure these permits on your behalf, so booking early is essential to guarantee your spot.
Do you offer additional excursions before or after the trek?
Yes. Many travellers choose to extend their trip, and we can arrange a wide variety of excursions before or after your trek. Popular add-ons include visiting the Sacred Valley, Rainbow Mountain, Humantay Lake, or exploring Cusco’s rich history and culture. Our team can help customise an itinerary so you make the most of your time in Peru.
What’s the weather like on the trek?
The Inca Trail passes through several microclimates, so you’ll experience a mix of conditions. Days are usually mild and sunny (15–20°C / 59–68°F), perfect for hiking, while nights at higher camps can be cold, dropping close to 0°C / 32°F.
- Dry season (May–September): Clear skies, less rain, but colder nights.
- Wet season (November–March): Warmer temperatures, more rain, lush green landscapes.
- Shoulder months (April & October): A good balance of fewer crowds and decent weather.
Because conditions change quickly, it’s best to pack in layers and always bring good rain protection.
What kind of food can I expect on the hike?
You’ll be pleasantly surprised by the quality and variety of meals on the Inca Trail. Our chefs prepare fresh, hearty, and delicious dishes using local ingredients to keep you energised throughout the trek. Expect a mix of Peruvian and international cuisine – soups, rice, pasta, fresh vegetables, chicken, beef, and even vegetarian or vegan options on request.
Each day includes:
- Hot breakfasts to start your trek strong
- Nutritious lunches with plenty of variety
- Three-course dinners served in a dining tent
- Snacks & tea time with hot drinks and treats
We happily cater to vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other dietary needs with advance notice.