Have you ever considered making the trek to Machu Picchu? We offer an extraordinary Inca Trail tours to Machu Picchu trekking vacation that will have you wondering why you haven’t tackled this opportunity sooner!
The Inca Trail Qhapaq Ñan in quechua) was the system of number of roads and trails that connected the Inca Empire. The Qhapaq Ñan linked the main Inca cities with other regions spread along the Inca Empire. One of these roads is in fact the popular Inca Trail that connects Cusco with Machu Picchu.
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Inca Trails – tour deals
| Date | Price | Tour name | Days | |
| 10 % discount for groups 4 people in 2021-2022 | $1400
Now $1260 | Inca trail 5 days | 5 | View Trip |
| Discount for groups 4 people in 2021-2022 | $625
Now $594 | Inca Inca trail 2 days | 2 | View Trip |
Our Inca Trail tours to Machu Picchu
We have carefully crafted two, four- and five-day treks that will take you, your significant other, family, and friends through the magical sights of the Andes and the surrounding area. As you continue to follow the ancient Inca trails on your journey; the cloud forest, vegetation, and unique fauna will completely capture your attention. While there is history and culture everywhere, the UNESCO Heritage Site of Machu Picchu has the most, and it will be a vacation, and attraction, that you will remember for the rest of your life.
Ruins along the Inca Trail tours to Machu Picchu
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is ranked amongst the world’s ten best hiking trails due to its stunning beauty, diverse ecological zones and most importantly the impressive ancient Inca ruins located strategically along the trail. The ultimate destination on the Inca Trail is the Lost City of the Incas “Machu Picchu” one of the world’s most astonishing and remarkable archaeological sites and one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
Patallaqta
Patallaqta
Patallacta (Upper town or Town on the hillside, ca. 2,500 m above sea level) is the first Inca complex on the classic Inca Trail and the 5 day Inca trail and is located just 6 km from the Urubamba River and the Inca trail check point.
This Machu Picchu complex is a miracle of engineering in respect to its size and well-planned layout, it is set on an artificially leveled platform carved out of a semicircular ridge overlooking the confluence of the mighty Urubamba and Cusichaca Rivers.
Cusichaca Valley
Cusichaca Valley
Cusichaca was the subject of many archaeological excavations and also botanical studies because of its rich plant life. Experts also studied modern coil pottery and other wares in the locality. Excavations were made in five neighboring sites in the Cusichaca area. This area was also the subject of agricultural studies. Rain fed Inca terraces were designed to take advantage of natural features (e.g. alluvial fans). These terraces hold only limited soil since Incan terraces were built with heavily modified terrace fills.
Huayllabamba
Huayllabamba Village
Huayllabamba is an Andean community located a few hours from the start of the Inca Trail. Currently the Andean villagers who are living along the Inca Trail still practice subsistence farming, as their Incan forbearers did. However, others are using new strategies gains coming from the success of the tourism.
The residents of the Huayllabamba community were in fact the first porters who worked for companies that guided tourists during the 1970s. Since then, men have been working as porters carrying tourists back packs from camp to camp specially from Huayllabamba campsite to Warmiwañusca, perhaps the most challenging section of the Inca trail.
Warmiwañusca
Warmiwañusca “Dead Woman’s Pass”
The highest day, the hardest day. The day that made you ask yourself over and over, “What the hell was I thinking? Walking at altitude can be tough but Machu Picchu and the other sights make it all worth well.
One name that hikers won’t be able to get out of their heads is “Dead Woman’s Pass” (Warmiwañusca pass) located at 4,215 meters or 13,828 feet the highest point of the Inca trail to Machu Picchu.
Depending where your first night’s camp is located, the hiking distance is approximately from 6 to 10 Kilometers long. This hike is a vertical 1,200 meters – 4,000 feet accent, the elevation become more important as you hike uphill. But relax, Warmiwañusca does have a top, and after hours of walking uphill, you will make the summit. It will be at that moment that make the Inca Trail so special.
Sayacmarca
Sayacmarca “Pampa of Cedars”
While hiking you will see Sayaqmarca, which was known by the locals as Cedrobamba (“Pampa of Cedars”) since there was a cedar forest close to this site. New studies suggest that the name of this place is “the Inaccessible Town”. This name matches perfectly the location of the site, as this place is located atop a mountain and is inaccessible on the sides by steep drops. The Sayacmarca complex is located at a height of 3,600 meters – 11811.02 ft. perfectly built to rest on the steep slopes of the hillsides.
This camp site is located at 3,600 m – 11811.02 ft.
Runkurakay
Runkurakay “egg-shaped”
Runkurakay was studied by Hiram Bingham in 1915, who concluded that this complex was a fortress. A later expedition, suggested that Runkurakay was a rest and supply base for the “Chaskis” – runners that delivered messages throughout the Inca Empire. They once ran the Inca Trail at great speed to deliver the Emperor’s messages to Machu Picchu.
The structure contains peculiar concentric and inclined circular walls, egg shaped and box structures, designed to withstand up to earthquakes. The Runkuraqay precinct also contains several dormitories and stables for animals. Runkurakay is a Quechua word and means “egg-shaped” (Egg shaped house). The complex lies on the hill adjacent to the Runkuraqay mountain near the Runkuraqay pass and also the Sayaqmarka and Qunchamarka archaeological sites.
Phuyupatamarca
Phuyupatamarca “City Above the Clouds”
This is one of the most interesting sites on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Phuyupatamarca means City Above the Clouds and is located at 3,670 meters – 12040.68 foot above sea level. This site contains one of the most well-preserved ruins on the Inca trail including scenic farming terraces, fountains with fresh water running constantly even during raining season, curved vantage points, and an elaborate series of baths connected by water channels.
Wiñay Wayna
Wiñay Wayna “Eternal Youth – Forever Young”
Wiñay Wayna (or Huinay Huayna) is the last campsite on the Inca trail tours to Machu Picchu.
The Wiñay Wayna ruins (“Eternal Youth – Forever Young”) were discovered and named by the Peruvian archaeologist, Julio C. Tello, and the site is located at 2,690 meters – 8,825 foot.
This complex contains a large area of farming terraces, upper and lower structures each connected by a long stone staircase, with fountains and baths. The elaborate architecture of this complex suggests that this place was important during Incan times.
Inca trail tours rules regulations
In an effort to preserve and protect the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, the Peruvian government authorities have put a limit on the number of people who visit the trail. Practically, only 500 people (including support staff) per day are allowed on the Inca Trail.
RIVER EXPLORERS is happy to work within the framework of these regulations in order to protect the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.
The rules and regulations controlling the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu are continually changing, and it is important to be aware of the issues detailed in this document before embarking on your adventure to Peru.
Complete information about the regulations, please follow this link Inca Trail Rules and Regulations
Inca trail tours regulations – Up to date
As described above, only 500 people per day are authorized to hike the Inca Trail. This number includes tourists, guides, cooks and porters and is closely controlled at the checkpoint. Once this limit of 500 people is completed, the Inca trail permits are completely blocked and no any additional reservations can be made for the day.
Reservations are not held on the Inca trail tours until payments are fully received. All permits must be purchased as far as possible in advance with correct and detailed personal information, once the entrance fees are submitted no possible modifications can be made. Any attempts to change the personal information will result in a loss of the permit and any money paid.
Inca trail tours – Requirements
When booking a trip involving any Inca Trail tours, please book your trip as far in advance as possible in order to increase the possibility of securing a space on the Inca trail during the high periods of the year.
It requires correct and full personal information to purchase any permits for Machu Picchu,
- Full name (exactly as it appears on passport).
- Date of birth.
- Passport number.
- Nationality.
- Date of passport expiry.
Please Note: The passport number and name that is provided to RIVER EXPLORERS E.I.R.L at the time of confirmation will be used to purchase the Inca Trail permit. This passport number and name will be used to identify yourself as you enter the checkpoint at the start of the trail and during the hike. If this information does not match the information you have provided at time of confirmation, then you will be subject to delay, fine, and/or cancellation of admission to the Inca Trail.
Thank you for your understanding.
Meals
We always want to make sure that we are providing you with the best experience for this trek, so you will notice that we offer so much more on our treks. While we could get away with the basic items, we feel that what we do offer gives you a better experience!
Food
We set up dining tents along the trail and this is where you will enjoy all the cooked meals that we prepare for you. Every meal is cooked by the chefs that we bring along for the trek. Each day, you will receive a hearty breakfast, snacks, and lunch. At breakfast time, you will also be given delectable coca tea and boiled water to add to your water bottles for the day. Before heading out on the trail, you will also be given snacks to put in your bag, so you can stay fed and fueled in between meals. There is also a happy hour, to celebrate your accomplishments of the day, and dinner.
Happy Hours
Happy hours on the Inca trail are a little different than what you have experienced back home, but you will not trade them for anything! During this time, you will be given coffee and mate de coca and it is the perfect time to reflect on the day with your fellow hikers.
Machu Picchu from Intipunku
Inca Trail tours FAQs
Who is This Trek Perfect for?
Is any of these tours treks for me?
Anyone can take our trek along the Inca trail! We have taken people of all ages and fitness levels and they have either been vacationing alone, with family or with a group.
This tours are less demanding than you would have originally thought, so you will quickly adjust and simply enjoy looking around as you keep putting one foot in front of the other. As you get further up the mountains, we will offer numerous tips on how to get acclimated to the new altitudes, so you will never feel uncomfortable along the way.
I don't have to much time
I don’t have to much time, can I still hike the Inca trail?
The shortest trek we offer is the two days and this will aloud you to hike the Inca Trail , explore some of the ruins along the trail and see Machu Picchu.
Which trails sections are best for me?
Which tours treks are best for me?
Either the 5, 3 or 2 day trails have its own charm. However, there are a few differences.
Inca Trail 2 days: Offers an easy trail. Recommended for those who doesn’t have to much time and for people who will like to have a little taste of this magical trail.
The Classic 4 days Inca Trail: Known also as the Classic Inca Trail. Almost all the tour operators who are certified sell the 4 days. This trek covers all the ruins along the Inca trail and Machu Picchu, you will camp in assigned campsites and is suitable for all level and ages.
The 5 days trail: If you don’t want to miss the whole Inca trail experience and Machu Picchu, then the perfect mix is first hiking for 4 days and continue on with one extra night at Aguas Calientes. This extra day aloud you to eat a nice dinner in a good restaurant, have a nice shower and be completely rested to explore Machu Picchu on the last day with your guide, plus you can have the chance to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain with no rush.
When is the best time to go?
The best time to go
The Inca Trail is open from March to January and close only February for maintenance. There is no really a precise time to hike the Inca trail, it depends of the type of weather you will like to hike in. Very cold nights and cool mornings are typical during dry season (May to August). From September to December is warmer in general than dry season with some light rains during the week. From December to January is raining season, you can experience heavy showers for few hours and then sun shine, its actually the warmest moths of the year.
What is offered on the trek tours?
What is offered on the trek tours along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?
Magic is everywhere along the Inca trail within the Andes and at Machu Picchu. You will spend days hiking to the infamous Machu Picchu. Each day will bring new discoveries that will include gorgeous views and sightings of unique plants and animals. We will point it all out along the way, so you do not miss even the smallest detail. With our three decades of experience, we know where all the often skipped over details exist, which is what sets us apart from any of the other outfitter along the same trail.
What about altitude sickness?
What about hiking at high altitude, will a get sick?
You may be a little worried about making a trek through the mountains at first, but we offer all the help that you need, so you can basically relax and have fun as you are walking along. Our porters will carry your gear, so you only have one small bag with your daily essentials on your back. We take care of your tents, we prepare coca drinks when we know that you need it the most, and we provide more than enough prepared foods for you to eat. However its essential to get at list 3 days of acclimatization before hiking any tours.
Our main goal is to help you find the success of hiking the entire trail and seeing the beauty of Machu Picchu at the end. We have never had anyone not finish this hike, so we can guarantee that everyone can do it!
What is included in the price?
What is included?
Meals, train and bus tickets, camp gear with tables and folding chairs, luxurious sleeping and dining tents, a therma-rest sleeping pad, water filter, and porterage for up to 8 kilograms of personal gear is all included in your price. There will never be a shortage in gear, equipment, or amenities with this trekking tour. All liners can be laundered as necessary during the trek and we do our best to fulfill all your needs.
How far in advance do you have to book?
How far in advance do you have to book?
Lets be clear here, the Inca Trail is one a best hikes on the planet so every year Inca trails tours attract more visitors. We highly recommend you to book your Inca trail with at list 9 month in advance.
Are there bugs or snakes in the Grand Canyon?
Are there bugs or snakes in the Grand Canyon?
Being in outdoors activities, flying insects and mosquito are present during trail tours. There are snakes but they are nos poisons in fact is very rare finding one on the trail. Spiders, tarantulas and other insects are seldom seen and they aren’t poisonous. However it is important that everyone uses caution when doing this trek through the Andes Mountains and the rain forest.
Do I need travel and cancellation insurance?
Do I need travel and cancellation insurance?
Yes, you do need travel and cancellation insurance.
Do I have time to hike Machu Picchu Mountain and Huayna Picchu?
Can I have hike Machu Picchu Mountain and Huayna Picchu?
The five and two days Inca trails tours are the best tours to choose if you desire hiking these fantastic mountains. In both tours you will have the last day to completely enjoy Machu Picchu and extra time to hike any of these attractions. You can also hike any of these places if you choose our four days tour, but can be a little tiring after hiking for 4 days. Note that the prices for hiking any of these are not included in the price, for 4 days is about U$ 80 and for 5 and 2 day U$ 30 extra.
