The INCA TRAIL
To 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. 
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. Fixed Departure Inca Trail Programs are scheduled March through December. Private departures can depart all months except February.
Regulations and Availability for the Inca Trail
The Inca trail is located inside the Machu Picchu Sanctuary. As it is a protected area there are a number of regulations to protect the trail and archeological sites.
The Inca Trail Permit system limits the number of hikers allowed on the trail. Only 500 people are permitted to depart upon the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu per day. This includes visitors, porters, cooks, and guides. It is therefore essential to make Inca Trail reservations well in advance, as the system is on a first-come first-served basis. The trail fills several months in advance during the busiest times of the year: June - October. Each request for a permit must accompany a reservation for a hike and must include the complete name, nationality, date of birth, passport number and the program (5, 4 or 2 days), for all travelers.
| Current Available Inca Trail Permits for 2008 |
| As of June 26, 2008 all permits have been issued for the Inca Trail up to October 19, 2008. |
| October 19, 2008 is the earliest date for which you can obtain a permit to hike the Inca Trail. |
IMPORTANT: The Inca Trail Authority that issues these permits, requires your passport number. When you show up at the trail head to start the hike, the passport number on the permit MUST match the number in your passport, or you will not be able to hike the Inca Trail. Please send us only valid passport numbers. If you have applied for a new passport, wait until you get the new number to have us request (and pay for) your permit.
GreenTracks offers two alternatives in Inca Trail hikes:
1) Fixed Departure group hikes. On these hikes you will share the trail services of a guide, camp staff and porters with a group of hikers. This is the most economical way to hike the trail with expert guidance and service. We offer three first class trekking programs with departures on Monday, Wednesday & Friday.
See Fixed Departure Inca Trail Itineraries
2) Private Service Inca Trail hike. This is a custom departure, any day of the week, for your group (or solo) only. This is the best type of Inca Trail hike for many people. It allows the most flexibility, accommodation to your hiking style and specific attention to your interests. And of course, the group size is determined by you alone. We recommend the Private Service hike for the highest quality of experience. Cost is dependent upon your group size and actual itinerary. We will quote a price.
See Private Service Inca Trail Itinerary
Archaeological Sites Visited on Inca Trail Hikes
For something different see Alternative Treks to Machu Picchu