Inca Trail: prices and discounts

The Inca Trail is the most famous hiking route in Peru and one of the most popular in the world. Its fame lies not only in the fact that it ends in the Inca city of Machu Picchu, but also in the historic paths and natural surroundings traversed over four days. For this reason, it has one of the highest prices and demands in Cusco. Find out the prices and discounts for this incredible hike, and book your unforgettable experience in advance.

Inca Trail and the hiking routes of Cusco

The Inca Trail is one of the most impressive hiking routes in the world. As its name suggests, it follows part of the qhapaq ñan (Inca roads) leading to Machu Picchu. During the journey, approximately 39 kilometers are covered over four days (three nights of camping under the stars).

In Cusco, there are other famous hiking routes, such as the 5-day Salkantay trek, the 4-day Lares trek, the 3-day Huchuy Qosqo trek, or the 4-day Inca Jungle trek. Like the Inca Trail, all of these hikes end in the Inca city of Machu Picchu.

What sets the Inca Trail apart from other hiking routes in Cusco is that it is protected by the Peruvian government. That means no one can hike it without authorization. This helps preserve the trail, with a limited capacity and months of maintenance (the route is closed during February).

On the other hand, the Inca Trail is the only route that crosses the qhapaq ñan. Along the way, in addition to the vast biodiversity, exclusive archaeological sites such as Llactapata, Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, Wiñay Wayna, and the Inti Punku can be seen.

How to do the Inca Trail?

To hike the Inca Trail, it is only possible by booking an all-inclusive tour with an authorized travel agency. This is because the route is protected to ensure its proper conservation, limiting daily access to 500 people (200 spots for visitors, 300 for support staff).

Due to the limited capacity of the Inca Trail, it is necessary to book the tour online about 4 or 5 months in advance. For the short Inca Trail, booking 3 months in advance is sufficient.

If you are unable to secure a spot on the Inca Trail, it is recommended to consider other tours, such as the short Inca Trail (only 2 days), the Salkantay trek, the Lares trek, the Huchuy Qosqo trek, or the Inca Jungle trek. All of these can be booked with less advanced notice.

Prices of the Inca Trail

The price of the Inca Trail tour varies depending on the travel agency you choose. By booking your experience with us, you will ensure an unforgettable journey with the security and trust of our extensive experience.

*Approximate prices

Additional Services

If you do not have the necessary equipment, or if you wish to add some additional services, you can include the following to enhance your Inca Trail experience:

*Approximate prices.

Other Hiking Routes in Cusco and Their Prices

In addition to the 4-day Classic Inca Trail, Cusco offers various hiking routes leading to Machu Picchu. Among the most popular are: the 2-day Short Inca Trail, the 4-day Lares trek, the 5-day Salkantay trek, the 4-day Inca Jungle trek, and the 3-day Huchuy Qosqo trek. Find out their prices and approximate discounts:

Payment Methods

The first step to purchasing the Inca Trail is to check availability. Then, the tour must be paid online with any credit or debit card, especially Visa and MasterCard. Some travel agencies also allow payments with other cards like American Express, Diners Club, or even PayPal.

Under no circumstances is it possible to make a payment in person. This is due to high demand and limited space availability. It is estimated that the purchase should be made 4 to 5 months in advance.

More Information

The Peruvian Government continues to work on reforms for the proper use of the Inca Trail. The goal is to reduce the number of hikers and prevent further damage to the trail. For example, currently, only 500 people per day are allowed to start the trail.

The most recent regulations indicate that all hikers must complete the Inca Trail in organized groups through a travel agency and with a professional tour guide authorized by the UGM (Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary Management Unit).

All hikers must carry their original passport. University students must always carry the international student ID (ISIC). These documents must be shown at the control checkpoints along the trail.

Frequently Asked Questions

• 1) How much does the Inca Trail cost?

  With us, the Classic 4-day Inca Trail costs approximately 795 dollars, while the short 2-day version costs 585 dollars. Prices may vary slightly depending on the season, but we will always inform you before booking.

• 2) How far in advance should I book my tour?

  The Classic Inca Trail requires 4 to 5 months in advance due to the daily limit of allowed entries. For the Short Inca Trail, 3 months is enough, but we still recommend booking as soon as possible.

• 3) Can I do the Inca Trail without an agency?

  No, it is not possible. The Inca Trail is a protected route by the state and can only be hiked with an authorized agency. When booking with us, we will manage your permits, official guide, and everything you need for the experience.

• 4) What is included in the Inca Trail tour?

  The tour includes transportation, a professional guide, porters, full meals, basic camping equipment, and entrance to Machu Picchu. You can also add additional equipment based on your needs.

• 5) What is the difference between the Classic and Short Inca Trails?

  The Classic lasts 4 days and 3 nights, covers 39 kilometers, and requires good physical endurance. The Short version lasts 2 days, covers 11 kilometers, and overnight stays are in a hotel. Both trails reach Machu Picchu, but the Classic option offers a much more complete experience.

• 6) What should I do if I can’t find availability for the Inca Trail?

  If the spots are filled, we recommend extraordinary alternatives such as the Salkantay trek, Lares trek, Inca Jungle, or Huchuy Qosqo trek. All of them take you to Machu Picchu and can be booked with less advanced notice.

• 7) What is the difficulty level of the Inca Trail?

  The Classic Inca Trail is demanding, so it is important to have good health and physical preparation. On the other hand, the Short Inca Trail is more accessible for those with less time or physical stamina.

• 8) What attractions will I visit during the Inca Trail?

  During the Classic Inca Trail, you will visit the archaeological sites of Llactapata, Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, and Wiñay Wayna, and enter Machu Picchu through Inti Punku, the famous Sun Gate.

• 9) Is the Inca Trail open all year round?

  The Inca Trail is available almost all year, except for February when the route is closed for maintenance and conservation. Any other date is suitable, as long as you secure a spot with an early reservation.

• 10) How many people can enter the Inca Trail per day?

  The capacity is limited to 500 people daily, but only about 200 spots are for visitors. This is why it is so important to book in advance, and we take care of all the requirements for the route.

By Inca Trail Machu Picchu - Last updated, 26-12-2025

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