Part of the 23,000 kilometers (approximately 14,000 miles) of roads built by the Incas in South America, this is Peru's most famous trekking route and possibly one of the most spectacular in the Americas. Every year; some 25,000 hikers from around the world walk along the extraordinary 43 kilometers of this stone-paved road built by the Incas leading to the unassailable citadel of Machu Picchu located in the depth of the Cuzco jungle. The journey starts in the village of Qorihuayrachina, at kilometer 88 of the Cuzco - Quillabamba railway and takes three or four days of strenuous walking. The route includes an impressive variety of altitudes, climates and ecosystems that range from the high Andean plain to the cloud forest. Travelers will cross two high altitude passes (the highest being Warmiwañuska at 4,200 m.a.s.l.) to culminate the hike with a magical entrance to Machu Picchu through the Inti Punko or Gateway of the Sun. One of the main attractions along the route is the web of ancient settlements built in granite rock by the Incas like Wiñay Wayna and Phuyupatamarca immersed in an overpowering natural scenery.

The total distance of the trail is approximately 39.6 Km. and begins at Km. 88 at a place called Q'oriwayrachina. 

If there are no places on the Classic Inca Trail or if you would like to do something different, there are alternative Inca trail treks that see less tourists and have outstanding scenery equal to, if not exceeding that of the classic Inca Trail. The Incas made many paths through the mountains and left evidence of their existence in the form of stonework and terraces. We can organise alternative trails for you which all include visiting the ruins of Machu Picchu.

The Peruvian Government introduced new regulations concerning the Inca Trail trek in 2001 with the aim of reducing the high numbers of people trekking and the environmental problems this caused - in particular, overcrowding and litter had become a big problem. The total amount of people per day allowed on the Trail was limited to 500, to include trekkers, guides, porters and cooks. These new regulations and a new booking system have been slowly introduced albeit leniently over the last 4 years - in 2005 they are being imposed more rigorously. This is good news for the preservation of the Inca Trail but it means tour operators and travellers alike will have to plan ahead.

It is estimated that the 500 people will comprise of roughly 160 trekkers on the 4 day Classic Inca Trail plus a small number of trekkers on the 2 day trek and the remaining amount being porters, guides and cooks. In high season (June to September), the number of travellers wishing to trek the Inca Trail far outweighs the numbers allowed so it is imperative to book as far ahead as possible!

To trek the Classic Inca Trail, you need a permit which is obtained through a licensed Peruvian tour operator. These are issued on a first come first served basis and name, date of birth, passport details and payment is required at the time of booking - there is no way to reserve places in advance without these details. So the earlier you book, the better chance you have of getting a permit! We recommend that you book your trip at least 3 months in advance to have the best chance of trekking the Classic Inca Trail, longer during the busy period from June to August. NOTE: The permit is non-refundable and cannot be transferred to another person.

Group size - there is a maximum group size of 16

Equipment - good equipment and first aid supplies must be carried

Guides - there must be 1 guide for every 8 trekkers

Porters - Amongst the new regulations are those intended to ensure porters receive fair wages and working conditions. Porters have been gravely exploited in the past, being expected to carry huge loads and not provided with proper carrying equipment, clothing, shelter or food. There is now a minimum wage of approximately US$10 per day (a reasonable wage in Peru) and a maximum load of 25kg (20kg plus 5kg for personal gear). Not all tour operators adhere to these regulations and more enforcement by the authorities is needed.

Peruvian tour operators must be licensed in order to run treks on the Inca Trail. The UGM (Unidad de Gestion Machu Picchu) - the Peruvian authority that is responsible for managing visitors to Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail - sets standards that must be met to obtain the license e.g. quality of equipment taken on the trek, first aid supplies, proficient guides etc. Licenses must be applied for each year in February.

For those planning to travel independently to Peru and who hope to arrange a trek on arrival, you may be lucky to find that permits are available for a week's time. However, some travellers have been unable to get permits even 2 weeks or more ahead and we expect it to be even more difficult this year, particularly during the high season. NOTE: Trekking the Inca Trail independently is no longer allowed, you must either hire a qualified guide (which is very difficult) or book through a licensed tour operator.

The Inca Trail is closed during February (the wettest and least popular season) to give the environment a break from the constant flow of trekkers and to enable a clean-up of the trail.

Meals & Sleeping Conditions

Porter Culture
The Quechua race has a history of being down-trodden, first by the Incas, then by the Spanish and then by the landowners. Only in fairly recent reforms have the Quechua people started to own their own land. It is important on the Inca Trail to try to involve the porters in your group. Take some coca leaves to share with them and try to learn a couple of basic words in Quechua. Many of the porters have amazing stories to tell about traditions and life in their villages. At the end of the trek don't forget to show them that you appreciated their work and valued their contribution towards the trek by thanking them verbally and giving them a tip.