Cusco and The Inca Trail

This tour is rated moderate to challenging. The first three days in Cusco and the Sacred Valley are easy cultural sightseeing at high altitude. The 4-day Inca Trail includes a very demanding Day 2 when you cross Dead Woman's Pass at 4,215 m (13,828 ft). You should be able to hike 6–8 hours daily on uneven stone paths with significant elevation gain. Good cardiovascular fitness built over 8–12 weeks before the trip is strongly recommended.

We recommend booking at least 4–6 months in advance, especially for departures between May and September. Inca Trail permits sell out quickly — the government limits access to 500 people per day including guides and porters. For peak months of June and July, booking 6 months ahead is advisable. Your US$ 250 per person deposit secures your permit.

Cusco sits at 3,400 m (11,150 ft) and you arrive there on Day 1. The highest point on the Inca Trail is Dead Woman's Pass at 4,215 m (13,828 ft) on Day 5. The itinerary builds in 2 nights in Cusco before the trek begins, which aids acclimatization. Drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol for the first couple of days, take things slowly, and consider consulting your doctor about altitude medication beforehand.

Porters can carry your personal duffel bag up to a maximum of 7 kg (15 lbs). Porters also carry group camping equipment, food, and cooking gear separately. You will carry only a daypack (3–5 kg) containing water, snacks, sunscreen, rain gear, and your camera. We recommend packing light — you will not need much more than trail clothing and personal items.

Essentials include: broken-in hiking boots with ankle support (worn before the trip), lightweight merino wool or moisture-wicking base layers, a warm mid-layer (fleece or down jacket), a waterproof rain jacket and pants, sun hat and sunglasses, trekking poles (optional but helpful for the passes), a 2-litre water bottle or hydration bladder, headlamp with spare batteries, and personal first-aid items. A sleeping bag rated to -5°C is recommended — you can rent one from us.

Yes. On Day 3 you visit the Sacred Valley and end the day in Ollantaytambo, where you spend the night. This puts you close to the Inca Trail starting point (km 82) and means a more relaxed morning on Day 4 rather than a very early transfer from Cusco. The Ollantaytambo ruins are impressive and make for a great early evening visit after check-in.

After arriving through the Sun Gate (Intipunku) at sunrise, your guide leads a comprehensive 2-hour tour of the citadel, covering the agricultural terraces, the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana stone, and the residential quarters. You then have free time to explore, photograph, or climb Huayna Picchu (if pre-booked separately). By midday you descend by bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch and an afternoon train back to Ollantaytambo and transfer to Cusco.

Inca Trail permits are non-refundable once purchased by the government. Our policy: cancellations more than 60 days before departure receive a full refund minus the permit cost; 30–60 days before receive a 50% refund minus permit cost; less than 30 days — no refund. We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance that covers trip cancellation and medical evacuation.

Groups are typically between 4 and 16 trekkers, with a dedicated licensed guide throughout the entire tour. Smaller groups receive more personalised attention. Private departures (just your group) are also available — contact us for pricing. On the Inca Trail, Peruvian regulations cap total group size including guides and porters.

The dry season (May–September) is the most popular, offering clearer skies and better conditions on the trail. June and July are peak months with stunning weather but the most crowds and fastest-selling permits. The shoulder months of April, October, and November offer good conditions with fewer trekkers. The Inca Trail closes every February for maintenance.