WELCOME TO INCA TRAIL TOURS

Introduction Inca trail

Is one of the most visited Hikes in South America. Because of its growing popularity, it was getting overcrowded. Peruvian government has introduced a new rule to protect the trail from over use. New rules restrict the number of trekkers on the trail. Peruvian government has introduced the new rule in 2002 (Resolution N° 02- 2003-UGM-CD). But government started to enforce all sections of this rule from 2005. New regulations imply that in a day maximum number of people enters to Inca trail can be 500. Of which only 200 are trekker, others are porter, cooks and guides. Another important feature of this rule is that all trekking companies that operate the Inca Trail must have an operating license which is issued every year in March. Also all the trekking companies have to be local, and have to have an office in Peru. Since then to get a space in Inca trail is getting more and more difficult. Now a day you have to reserve a place three  or four months in advance if you are planning to visit during high season.

As you will be sailing on our website you will  be getting good information to star your vacations taking some of this beautiful treks,  also  some  sweaters, boots or utilities to be carried during the trek , if you get lost at some point we invite to you to review our site map to see the structure of the site.

Be Adviced

Also remember that availability applies not to any agency, I mean some may try to convince you that they will make some space for you on emergency basis. Please do not believe anyone with that lure. Any Agency you choose will have the same availability. Actually availability is controlled by the Peruvian National Institute of Culture. Only they are able to manage and authorize the access to the Inca Trail

The trail is usually covered in 4 days arriving at the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu for sunrise on the fourth day. The trek is rated moderate and any reasonably fit person should be able to cover the route. It is fairly challenging nevertheless, and altitudes of 4200m are reached, so ensuring that you are well acclimatized is important. If arriving from sea level, plan to spend at least 2 full days in Cusco prior to beginning the trek. Check this link Inca Trail Availability

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Aclimatization Recommendation

This should allow plenty of time for acclimatization and give you sufficient opportunity to visit the city of Cusco and nearby Inca ruins at Sacsayhuaman, Q'enko, Pucapucara and Tambomachay, as well as spending a day or two exploring the Sacred Valley of the Incas visiting the tradition market town of Pisac and the fascinating Inca fortress at Ollantaytambo.

Choosing an operator

If you are planning to Book Inca trail, fix a date and check online whether that date is available. Then you have to go through most difficult part- choosing a tour operator. There are so many operators and so many packages; it is difficult to choose one from them. But you have to choose one. As without a tour operator practically it is not possible to hike the trail. According to the new rule, if you hike independently you need to hire a professional guide. But it is difficult to get a professional guide just for yourself. Touring operators do not like to leave their qualified guides. Even if you can manage a guide, rule states that you can not take porters or cook. So you have to carry your own staff, equipments, tent, and you have to cook yourself, if you hike independently. So it is better to choose a licensed tour operator.

You can check different website and select one operator. There is around 150 licensed tour operators. Different tour operators offer different prices. It ranges from 300.00 US $ to even $ 1000.00. Some tour operators are very expensive, but their service is better also. Before you select an operator, you should know the actual expenses for hiking a trail, which items are included in the packages and which are not. Also check whether the tour operator is a local company or not, because it has to be a local company according to the rule, Check their address if they are located in Cusco. It may happen that you book your place with a overseas operator, but that company can not operate themself, so they will engage again another local company. So it is better if you can choose the local company yourself.

Making reservation

Once an operator is selected, you have to book a date with that company. Provide them your particulars like, your name, age and passport number, then they will buy the permit for you. You have to pay booking money through pay pal or through credit card. Payment procedure varies operators to operators. Once you get the permit it can not be refunded. Since the permit is under your name, only you can travel with it. During the time of the travel at the entrance of the Inca trail, authority checks the permit and passport. Your name and passport number on the permit and on the passport must match otherwise they will not allow you to get in. So you have to be careful on small issues.

Great Alternative Inca Trail

If you really do not want to wait too long, then there are some alternative trail for which there is no much restriction, no permit is required. The Inca Jungle trail ( four days and 3 nights), Salkantay Inca trail (7 days) or 5 days Salkantay trail (Mollepata - Salkantay - Wayllabamba - Machu Picchu) you must need to book in advance. But for 5 day Salkantay trail (Mollepata- Salkantay - Santa Teresa - Machu Picchu), Ausangate, Lares Valley or Choquequirao trail you do not need any permit, so you can get a space easily.

There are two main alternative treks to the traditional 4-day Classic Inca Trail that both end at Machu Picchu. The first and most popular alternative is the Short Inca Trail which can be completed in 1 or 2 days. This is an easier trek and starts further along the Vilcanota River Valley closer to Machu Picchu at a place called kilometer 104. The second trek is a more strenuous 5 day hike via Salkantay, a beautiful snow-capped mountain.