The INCA TRAIL

Inca TrailTo follow the Inca's footsteps on the royal highway to Machu Picchu is an unforgettable experience. Few other hikes in the world can offer the variety of breathtaking scenery: from high sierra to tropical jungle. No other will take you through so many well preserved archeological sites.

The Inca trailed formed an important communication and transportation link within the empire, connecting a large area including Cusco and Machu Picchu. Although steep in places, Inca engineers designed it for efficient travel with carefully constructed stone staircases and tunnels. The important archeological ruins we will visit in this adventure are Llactapata, Runkurakay, Phuyupatamarca, Winay Wayna and finally Inti Punco, all on the way to Machu Picchu.

Your Inca Trail trek includes all meals, guides, porters, cook, camping gear, food and supplies, pack animals and tents. An experienced bilingual guide accompanies the group assisted by a cook and several camp helpers who are responsible for food preparation and set up of the camp. Trekkers are free to enjoy the mountains without logistical concerns. Inca Trail

A typical day on the trail begins at 7:00 AM with a hot breakfast. Tents are taken down and the walk begins. Around noon we break for a leisurely lunch after which there will be time to get some sun and just relax. The walk continues until about 4:00 PM when we stop for the night, with time to explore local ruins. Evenings are free for relaxation around the fire.

The Inca Trail is CLOSED during February due to weather conditions. Fixed Departure Inca Trail Programs are scheduled March through December. Private departures can depart all months except February.

Regulations and Availability of Permits for the Inca Trail

GreenTracks offers the following Inca Trail hikes:

Short Inca Trail
2 days/1 night, (no camping)
Departs Wednesday & Friday

This trip allows a taste of the Inca Trail without days of hiking and camping. We begin the hike from the train stop at Kilometer 104 and follow the trail for six hours to the spectacular view of Machu Picchu from Inti Punku, the Gate of the Sun. From here we descend into the world famous “Lost City.” After a restful night in a hotel, we return to Machu Picchu at dawn to see the ruins in perfect morning light. In the afternoon, we return to Cusco by train.
Itinerary and Price

Inca Trail Classic
4 days/3 nights, (all camping)
Departs Monday & Friday

This is the classic four-day trek along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. This magnificent hike is for travelers who are in condition to hike up to ten hours, with breaks, in a single day. The pace may be daunting for some, but the beauty and history of the area surround the hiker every step of the way. On the last morning we arrive at Machu Picchu with plenty of time to explore the ruins before returning to Cusco by train.
Itinerary and Price

Inca Trail Discovery
5 days/4 nights, (3 nights camping, 1 night hotel)
Departs Monday & Wednesday

This is our best recommendation. Our five-day program allows the traveler time to explore and enjoy the amazing archaeological sites, landscapes and nature along the way. While most other programs force trekkers to speed through the stunning high-altitude Inca Trail, we take the time to enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience. We camp the first three nights, enjoying great meals and sturdy tents. The hikes average six to seven hours each day, including time to explore the Inca sites we pass through and to take in the unparalleled scenery. On the fourth afternoon we arrive at Machu Picchu after the crowds have left, and have time to explore the tranquil ruins. After a well-deserved night at a comfortable hotel, we return to Machu Picchu to see the ruins in perfect morning light. In the afternoon we return to Cusco by train. This program is specially designed to offer a more relaxed trek and a deeper understanding of Inca culture.
Itinerary and Price
On the above hikes you will share the trail services of a guide, camp staff and porters with a group of hikers. Hiking groups are kept small. This is the most economical way to hike the trail with expert guidance and service. These three great trekking programs have departures on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. PRIVATE service hikes can depart any day.
Inquire about Private Service.
 
Pre-Departure Information for the Inca Trail
Archaeological Sites Visited on Inca Trail Hike
Cuzco - Machu Picchu - Inca Trail Maps
Alternative Treks to Machu Picchu