The most authentic and affordable way to hike the Inca Trail

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is Peru’s most famous trekking route and one of the most important historical hikes in the world. At Inca Trail For Less, we offer this once-in-a-lifetime experience with fair prices, professional service, and fully authorized local operators — without sacrificing quality or safety.

Built more than 500 years ago, the Inca Trail follows original stone paths, staircases, tunnels, and archaeological sites that lead to the legendary Machu Picchu. Hiking the Inca Trail is not just a physical challenge; it is a cultural, spiritual, and natural journey through the Peruvian Andes

Why hike the Inca Trail with Inca Trail For Less?

At Inca Trail For Less, we believe a world-class adventure does not need to be expensive.

  •  Fully authorized local operators
  • Official Inca Trail permits included
  • Certified professional guides
  • Official campsites and quality equipment
  • All meals during the trek
  • Honest prices with no middlemen
  • Support before, during, and after the hike

Our mission is simple: help you experience the original Inca Trail, paying only what is fair

Inca Trail Options to Machu Picchu

  1. Classic Inca Trail – 4 Days / 3 Nights:

The complete and most popular Inca Trail experience

  • Distance: 42 km / 26 miles
  • Difficulty: moderate to challenging
  • Highest point: Dead Woman’s Pass (4,215 m / 13,828 ft)
  • Multiple archaeological sites along the route
  • Sunrise arrival at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku)

Perfect for travelers seeking history, nature, and adventure

  1. Short Inca Trail – 2 Days / 1 Night:

Ideal if you have limited time but still want the essence of the Inca Trail.

  • Distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles
  • Difficulty: moderate
  • Includes Wiñay Wayna and the Sun Gate
  • Less physically demanding

A great option to combine with other Cusco tours.

Important information before booking

You cannot hike the Inca Trail independently:

The Inca Trail is not a public trail. Access is strictly controlled by the Peruvian Ministry of Culture.

All hikers must enter with:

  • An authorized tour operator
  • An official guide
  • A valid government-issued permit

Control points are located at Km 82, Km 104, and at Machu Picchu

Inca Trail permits and daily limits 2026

To protect the trail, the Peruvian government limits daily access:

  • Classic Inca Trail (4 days): 500 permits per day
  • Short Inca Trail (2 days): 250 permits per day

⚠️ These numbers include tourists, guides, porters, and cooks.

Because of this, permits sell out very quickly.

When should you book the Inca Trail?

  • Permits are released between October and December for the following year
  • High season: May to September
  • Recommended: book 6–8 months in advance
  • For popular dates: up to 12 months in advance

At Inca Trail For Less, we always check real-time availability before confirming your booking to Machu picchu.

Inca Trail closure in February

The Inca Trail is closed every February for maintenance and conservation due to:

  • Heavy rains
  • Landslides
  • River swelling
  • Restoration work

This annual closure helps preserve the Inca Trail as a cultural and natural heritage site while also ensuring the safety and well-being of hikers traveling to Machu Picchu. During this period, authorities carry out maintenance, restoration, and risk-prevention work, reducing hazards caused by heavy rains and making the trail safer, cleaner, and more secure for future visitors

Inca Trail Prices – Inca Trail For Less

At Inca Trail For Less, we offer competitive and transparent pricing by working directly with authorized local operators.

💰 Estimated prices

Classic Inca Trail – 4 Days / 3 Nights

  • From USD 790 – 890 per person
  • Price depends on:
    • Travel season (high or low)
    • Group size
    • Included services

Short Inca Trail – 2 Days / 1 Night

  • From USD 520 – 600 per person
  • Ideal for travelers with limited time

👉What is included in the price?

  • Official Inca Trail permit
  • Certified professional guide
  • Porters and support staff
  • All meals during the trek
  • Camping equipment (tents,  mats)
  • Machu Picchu entrance ticket
  • Tourist train for the return

👉  What is usually not included?

  • Sleeping bag (available for rent)
  • Trekking poles
  • Tips for staff
  • Travel insurance

⚠️ Important: Inca Trail permits are non-refundable, and prices may change if government fees are updated.

With Inca Trail For Less, you always receive the final price before confirming, with no hidden costs.

How to book the Inca Trail with Inca Trail For Less

  • Choose your route

Classic Inca Trail (4 days) or Short Inca Trail (2 days).

  • Contact us

We confirm real availability and recommend the best dates.

  • Send your personal details

Required for the official permit:

  • Full name (as in passport)
  • Passport number
  • Nationality
  • Date of birth

Permits are non-transferable and non-refundable.

  • Deposit and confirmation
  • Deposit required to secure the permit
  • Written confirmation guaranteed

Prepare for your adventure

  • Arrive in Cusco at least 2 days early
  • Acclimatize to altitude
  • Travel insurance recommended

Why the Inca Trail remains the best route to Machu Picchu

  • The original Inca route to Machu Picchu 42 km
  • Exclusive access through the Sun Gate (inti Punku)
  • Perfect balance of history, nature, and adventure
  • Strictly regulated and sustainable
  • One of the best treks in the world, Cusco – Peru

👉 Inca Trail to Machu Picchu with Inca Trail For Less

Walk the legendary path built by the Incas over 500 years ago and arrive at Machu Picchu through the iconic Sun Gate, just as ancient travelers once did. Experience breathtaking Andean landscapes, ancient archaeological sites, and an unforgettable cultural journey — all with authorized local operators, professional guides, and fair, transparent prices.

  • Permits are limited and sell out fast.

👉 Check availability now and secure your Inca Trail adventure to Machu Picchu today.