Your Questions About the Inca Trail & Machu Picchu, Answered
Ali Peru Treks offers the Classic Inca Trail 4 days starting from $760 USD per person, and the Short 2-Day Inca Trail from $500 USD. All packages include the official government permit, all meals on the trail, an expert licensed guide, professional porters, camping equipment, Machu Picchu entrance fee, and the train back to Cusco. No hidden fees.
We strongly recommend booking at least 6 to 8 months in advance for the high season (May through August). The Peruvian government limits Inca Trail permits to just 200 tourists per day, and dates sell out quickly — often before the year even begins. For the low season (September to April), 3 to 5 months ahead is usually sufficient. Check our 2026 availability now to secure your spot.
The Classic 4-Day Inca Trail is rated moderate to challenging. The hardest section is Day 2, which climbs to Dead Woman’s Pass at 4,215 meters (13,828 ft) — the highest point of the trek. Most healthy adults in reasonable fitness can complete it. Our guides are trained in altitude acclimatization and carry emergency oxygen, making your safety our top priority throughout.
The best time to hike the Inca Trail is during the dry season, from May to September. You’ll enjoy clear skies, stunning mountain views, and dry trail conditions. October to November is also excellent — fewer crowds and still mostly dry. Avoid February, when the Inca Trail is completely closed for annual maintenance by the Peruvian government.
All Ali Peru Treks Inca Trail packages include: official Inca Trail permit, Machu Picchu entrance ticket, airport pickup in Cusco, professional bilingual guide, licensed porters, all meals from Day 1 dinner to Day 4 lunch, high-quality camping tents and sleeping mats, a first aid kit with emergency oxygen, and the scenic train ride back to Cusco. Sleeping bags can be rented for an additional fee.
Yes, an official government permit is mandatory to hike any section of the Inca Trail. Permits are strictly limited and non-transferable — they are issued per passport. Only licensed tour operators like Ali Peru Treks can obtain these permits on your behalf. We handle the entire permit process as part of your booking. Permits cannot be purchased individually at the trailhead.
The Classic Inca Trail (4 days) follows the original ancient Inca footpath and ends at the iconic Sun Gate above Machu Picchu — it has limited permits and must be booked months in advance. The Salkantay Trek (5 days) is a stunning high-altitude alternative with no permit limits, passing the snow-capped Salkantay Mountain at 4,600m. Both end at Machu Picchu. We offer both tours departing from Cusco.
Absolutely. The Inca Trail is very safe for solo travelers when booked with a reputable agency. All our groups include a maximum of 16 trekkers, a certified bilingual guide, and a support team. Solo travelers often join our group departures and enjoy meeting fellow adventurers from around the world. Our guides carry emergency oxygen, a satellite communicator, and a full first aid kit on every trek.
Essential items for the Inca Trail include: broken-in hiking boots, trekking poles, a warm sleeping bag (temperatures can drop below freezing at night), moisture-wicking base layers, a waterproof jacket, sunscreen (SPF 50+), insect repellent, altitude sickness medication (consult your doctor), a refillable water bottle or hydration bladder, and cash in Soles for tips. Ali Peru Treks provides a full detailed packing list upon booking.
Most travelers fly into Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ) in Cusco directly from Lima (1-hour flight) or from major US hubs via Lima. We recommend arriving in Cusco at least 2 days before your trek to acclimatize to the altitude (3,400m / 11,150 ft). Ali Peru Treks includes hotel pickup in Cusco on the morning your trek begins, and arranges your return train and transfer at the end.