Machu Picchu, Cusco region, Peru

Machu Picchu Trekking

from USD1,990

Duration:
8+ days
Difficulty:
Tough
Group Size:
4-8
Adventure:
Trek

The iconic Inca Trail is a challenging multiday trek in the Andes that starts in the mediaeval city of Cusco and ends at the most famous ruins of the Inca civilisation known as Machu Picchu. En route you hike through beautiful cloud rainforest and alpine grassland, and visit several incredible Inca ruins!

Our itineraries

At present we're just offering the classic Inca Trail. We do, however, include two full days before the start of the trek to help you acclimatise properly. But there's plenty of exciting things to do and see during this time!

Country info and facts

Here's what you need to know to plan a trip to Peru. Please take careful note of the visa and entry procedure, as it's a little different from most other countries.

Languages
Languages

Spanish and Quechua

Currency
Currency

Nuevo soles

Airports
Airports

The main international airport is Lima's Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM). The other airport to know about for trekking to Machu Picchu is Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ), which is outside of Cusco, the gateway to the Machu Picchu trekking trails.

 

Seasons
Seasons

Peru is just south of the Equator and so doesn't have extreme seasonal variations. The best months for trekking to Machu Picchu are April through to early October. This is the dry (or at least, drier) season. Peak months are June and July. In the wet season, the trails can get washed out. And in February the Inca Trail is closed altogether for maintenance.

You can find more detail in When is the best time to trek the Inca Trail?

Visa and Immigration
Visa and Immigration

Citizens of many countries are allowed into Peru without a tourist visa. That said, whether you're entering Peru with or without a visa, note that you'll also need to present the following to obtain entry:

  • Proof of onward travel (like a plane or bus ticket).
  • Documents showing you can enter your onward destination if you're not returning home afterwards.
  • Bank statements showing you have sufficient funds to cover your trip expenses.
  • A passport that's valid for at least six months from your date of entry.

Learn more here.

Health and Safety
Health and Safety

There are no especial concerns for travelling to Peru like malaria or yellow fever.

That said, the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends you have the following vaccinations before visiting: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.

If you're going to be trekking to Machu Picchu, you should speak with your doctor about the dangers of altitude sickness. You might helpfully be prescribed altitude meds to help mitigate the negative side effects of high altitude.

Finally, you might like to read 7 important safety tips for hiking the Inca Trail.

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Trek to Machu Picchu

All you need to know to plan a trek to the famous Inca city!

Local leaders

Man smiling in Cusco street scene, Peru

Mario Trebeño

Machu Picchu trek guide

Mario lives in the town of Ollantaytambo in the beautiful Sacred Valley, which is where the Inca Trail begins. He's been leading treks in the Andes since 1998, and his favourite trails are the Choquequirao and Vilcabamba. He says the best things about being a guide are explaining the cultural significance of various sites to visitors, getting to see so many beautiful birds, and also just leading an active lifestyle. When he's not working, Mario loves to listen to music and read books.

Lady wearing a beanie and smiling at camera on top of Rainbow Mountain, Peru

Sarah Confer

Cusco local leader

Sarah has been travelling within Peru since 2006, when she first became enamoured with the cultures, the people and the landscape. Originally a textile conservator by trade, she's lectured widely on Peruvian textiles in Canada, Peru and Mexico, and has also taught textile-based workshops and courses. She now splits her time between Canada and Cusco, and spends her days dreaming up adventurous Peruvian itineraries and helping others to create memories they’ll cherish for a lifetime!

Book your trip

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Mar 2025

8 Day Classic Inca

Mar 13, 2025

Guaranteed to run

fromUSD1,990
DepositUSD250

Lares and 2 Day Inca Trail Trek

Mar 13, 2025

fromUSD1,990
DepositUSD250

Lares and 2 Day Inca Trail Trek

Mar 27, 2025

fromUSD1,990
DepositUSD250

8 Day Classic Inca

Mar 27, 2025

fromUSD1,990
DepositUSD250

Apr 2025

Lares and 2 Day Inca Trail Trek

Apr 10, 2025

fromUSD1,990
DepositUSD250

8 Day Classic Inca

Apr 10, 2025

Guaranteed to run

fromUSD1,990
DepositUSD250

8 Day Classic Inca

Apr 24, 2025

Guaranteed to run

fromUSD1,990
DepositUSD250

Lares and 2 Day Inca Trail Trek

Apr 24, 2025

fromUSD1,990
DepositUSD250

May 2025

Lares and 2 Day Inca Trail Trek

May 8, 2025

fromUSD1,990
DepositUSD250

8 Day Classic Inca

May 8, 2025

Guaranteed to run

fromUSD1,990
DepositUSD250

8 Day Classic Inca

May 22, 2025

fromUSD1,990
DepositUSD250

Jun 2025

Lares and 2 Day Inca Trail Trek

Jun 5, 2025

fromUSD1,990
DepositUSD250

8 Day Classic Inca

Jun 5, 2025

fromUSD1,990
DepositUSD250

Lares and 2 Day Inca Trail Trek

Jun 26, 2025

fromUSD1,990
DepositUSD250

8 Day Classic Inca

Jun 26, 2025

fromUSD1,990
DepositUSD250

Jul 2025

Lares and 2 Day Inca Trail Trek

Jul 10, 2025

fromUSD1,990
DepositUSD250

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See what others say

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Recommended reads

Stones of Inca Trail path with lush vegetation crowding in on side, Peru
The Classic Inca Trail – a day-by-day itinerary

The Inca Trail is a high-altitude trek that's usually completed over four days and ends with a visit to the magnificent ruins of Machu Picchu. Here's what to expect each day on the trek, as well as seasonal differences and what the actual path looks like.

machu-picchu-woman-in-red-top
Complete packing list for trekking to Machu Picchu

In this complete packing list for trekking to Machu Picchu we list and also discuss the trekking equipment, clothing, shoes, toiletries and other essentials (as well as some non-essentials) that you need to successfully and comfortably manage the trek.

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Peru's visa requirements and entry procedures

Citizens of many nationalities can visit Peru without a visa. So we first list which countries are visa-exempt, then discuss the different visa options for those who must obtain one. We also explain what to expect in terms of the entry process.

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FAQs

Do I need a visa to visit Peru?
Do I need any vaccinations to visit Peru?
Is Peru a safe country for tourists?
How difficult is the Inca Trail?
Can I do the Inca Trail as a solo trekker?
Where do I sleep on the Inca Trail?

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