Please read carefully the information about the Inca Trail. If you have any questions about your trip, please let us know. You can call, chat, or email us.
Your host country, Peru, is one of the most unique countries in the world. In addition to being home to 30 of the world’s 32 distinct climates, it boasts an extremely rich cultural heritage that has been passed down from communities and civilizations dating back long before the famous Inca Empire expansion.
We take you on the Inca Trail Hike, Peru’s best-known hike visited by thousands of travelers every year. The classic 26.5-mile trek leads to the Sacred Inca City of Machu Picchu and combines the visit of mysterious archeological sites, amazing mountain scenery, and lush cloud forest rich in Andean flora and fauna.
We’ll reach Machu Picchu--one of the Seven New Wonders of the World at sunrise on the fourth day of the trek.
Duration of the Inca Trail
9 days & 8 nights - The duration can vary based on your schedule, but most of our travelers plan to spend 7 to 11 days, this information is based on hiking the classic Inca Trail for 4 days.
All our Inca trail Tour are all-inclusive
Tour Start in The Airport: we will be ready to pick you up from Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ) at noon.
The earlier you arrive on Day 1 the more time you will have to explore Cusco.
If you arrive afternoon 12 p.m.noon we will make arrangements to get you once we receive your flight information.
Where do we Finish Our Tous?: The trip ends at Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ) at 9:00 a.m.
Departure time is flexible and multiple airport transfers will be arranged based on everyone's departure flight times.
Airfare booking details will be sent after registration-–please wait to book your flight until you receive further instructions.
What's Include in your Inca Trail Tour
- 9 days & 8 nights of shared accommodations in boutique hotels and camping tents
- 8 breakfasts, 4 lunches, & 3 dinners
- Inca Trail Permits booked 5 to 6 months in advance
- We provide you with Tents and camping equipment set up by professional guides
- Guides, porters, & cooks along the Inca Trail
- Walk through the San Pedro Market and Cusco neighborhood
- See Cusco's famous cathedrals and Plaza de Armas
- Exclusive cultural exchange activity in Chinchero
- Sleep overnight in SkyDome Lodge
- Experience the Andes Mountains
- Immerse yourself in the rich Quechua Culture
- Entrance to World Famous Machu Picchu
- Train from Machu Picchu to Ollantaytambo
- Airport pick-up upon arrival
- Airport drop-off upon departure
- Tour Leaders Travel Guide
- Personal recommendations for optional activities
- The chance to meet some kick-ass people
- Access to the blissful Travel Escapes Community
- Taxes always included, never hidden fees, & NO blackout dates
Note: Travelers are responsible for arranging their international airfare to and from Peru. If you need assistance, feel free to let us know; we can help with both your international and domestic flights.
Tour Highlights
- Walk With llamas and Alpacas in Chinchero Comunity
- Overnight Stay at SkyDome Lodge in the Cusco Community
- Amazing views of the historic city of Cusco
- Exclusive one-of-a-kind cultural exchange with an Indigenous community in the Andes
- The sacred 4 day & 3 night Inca Trail trek
- Experience the Machu Picchu Hiking Tour, “The Lost City of the Incas” and one of the Seven New Wonders of the World
- World-renowned Peruvian gastronomy
Is this Trip for You?
Embark on a thrilling adventure that will push you beyond your comfort zone, exploring some of the planet's most stunning mountains and valleys. This journey is perfect for outdoor and adventure enthusiasts seeking a once-in-a-lifetime experience on the renowned Inca Trail.
No prior trekking or hiking experience is required, as our team of porters, cooks, and local guides will handle all the cooking, planning, and setup. However, maintaining an active lifestyle is recommended, as this trek presents a challenging journey through high altitudes over extended periods.
- Age requirement: 8+
- Group size: 15 max, average 10
- Physical rating: High physical activity. This trip is for those who enjoy being physically challenged and reaping the rewards. It includes moderate to intense physical activities and participants should expect to be active 6-8 hours most days. Participants should have an active lifestyle.
Travel Community
Travel connects us. Community keeps us connected.
Before your trip, you'll have the opportunity to join a custom WhatsApp Group and connect with other members of your group. Many travelers meet in the airport, or for pre-trip drinks if they are from the same city. Others coordinate plans to stay in a country after their trip.
During your adventure, our Tour Leaders Peru do their best to foster an open, supportive environment, where people feel safe to truly be themselves.
After your trip, you'll be an official Blissful Travel Escapes VIP and part of our larger online Travel Community where you'll have access to our network of thousands of past travelers. We are constantly hosting meetups that range from simple happy hours to hikes, to outdoor movie nights.
More than 70% of our travelers come solo, but they all leave with friends.
Itinerary Disclaimer
Travel often comes with unpredictability. We aim to offer you the most rewarding experience possible.
Although we strive to follow the planned itinerary, a degree of flexibility is built in, allowing for necessary or desirable adjustments.
Furthermore, any travel times provided are approximate and may vary due to local conditions.
Transportation
You will be traveling by private and public ground transportation throughout your trip.
- Private ground transportation or taxi to and from the airport (Included)
- Private ground transportation to our Chinchero Community project and Ollantaytambo (Included)
- Private ground transportation from Ollantaytambo to km 82 - the start of the Inca Trail (Included)
- Public bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes (Included) 3 Bust Tickets
- Public passenger train back from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (Included)
- Entrance fees along The Sacred Valley of the Incas and City Tour ( Include )
Accommodation
During your hike on the Inca Trail, you'll stay in shared 4-person tents only 2 hikers per tent.
Some hotels in Cusco offer laundry services for an additional fee; ask your Trip Leader for more information.
Aguas Calientes Hotels: While accommodations may vary, they will maintain the same quality. Solo travelers will share rooms with someone of the same gender. Private room options are available upon request, subject to hotel availability, and may incur an extra charge.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance with at least 200,000 USD in medical coverage is required to participate in our trips. This must include coverage for repatriation.
Please note that travel insurance covers trip-related issues such as trip interruption, lost luggage, theft, etc. Travel medical insurance covers things like repatriation, medicine, ambulance rides, and hospital visits/stays.
We strongly suggest that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, loss of luggage, and personal effects.
Please ensure that all of the activities you plan on participating in are covered by your travel insurance.
Here are a few options for travel insurance that meet our minimum medical coverage requirements: digital nomad travel insurance or Alliance Travel Insurance are good ones but make sure which one is best for you.
Some plans do not cover certain “high-risk” activities. Please make sure to read your plan's coverage and make a selection based on your planned trip.
Cancellation Policy
Flexible
Give us at least 60 days' notice and you can switch your trip, or we'll hold your Peru Tour Credits for future use.
For the Inca Trail trip, the 300 USD deposit is non-transferable.
If you have an emergency cancellation that is less than 60 days before your trip, please refer to your travel insurance company as they may cover you for some expenses.
NOTE: We are not able to transfer trips or hold experience credits within 60 days of the trip because we have already secured reservations on your behalf.
Trip Leader Expectations
All Tour Leaders in Peru are accompanied by experienced Tour Leaders.
The goal of our every Trip Leader is to facilitate an awesome experience and help our travelers have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are traveling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues, and introduce you to our local friends.
You can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places you visit, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects.
Tipping Trip Leaders: While gratuities for Trip Leaders aren’t mandatory on your trip, they can make a big difference to locals employed in the tourism industry. If you are happy with the services provided, a tip is an appropriate way to thank them.
Though it may not be customary to you, it is of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspiring excellent service, and is a part of the tourism industry across many destinations.
Inca Trail Packing List
Please be eco-friendly!
- Bring a reusable water bottle to refill from the tap.
- Minimize plastic usage by declining straws and plastic bags at restaurants and shops.
- Please avoid aerosol bug sprays as they negatively affect the environment.
- Use "reef-safe" sunscreens that do not contain oxybenzone and octinoxate because they kill wildlife.
We recommend using a travel backpack for your convenience or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items.
Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person. You will be responsible for carrying your luggage.
Below are our staff picks of the best items on the market that we travel with. All products selected are 3 ounces or less to comply with TSA carry-on size and are organically inspired when possible.
Packing Guide for Hiking the Inca Trail
What to Pack for Peru: Machu Picchu
Do not forget: Bring a two-prong 220-volts or-out power adaptor to charge your electronics. Water bottle, sunscreen, warm layers, waterproof rain jacket, sunglasses and a hat!
Some links on this page are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you Tour Leaders Peru will earn a small commission if you make a purchase.
- Clothes & Shoes
- Documentation
- Toiletries
- Health
- Miscellaneous or Optional
Passport & Visas
Guidelines for U.S. Passport Holders
Make sure you have an updated passport with you. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the last date of your trip. Please consult the U.S. Department of State with any more questions.
Make sure there is no damage to your passport. Conditions that may constitute damage requiring you to replace your passport include water damage, a significant tear, unofficial markings on the data page, missing or torn-out visa pages, a hole punch, or other injuries.
Health & Insurance
The tap water in Peru is not safe to drink. Please bring a reusable water bottle to refill from filtered water stations and join us in our efforts to be environmentally friendly and keep Peru beautiful.
Travelers are responsible for purchasing and transporting more the day while in Peru.
The restaurants we take you to have safe food, but when you are on your own please be careful with salads and fruits. It’s impossible to know if they used water from the tap to wash it.
Altitude sickness, or Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is common at altitudes more than 8,000 ft (2,400m) above sea level. Cusco is 11,150 ft (3,400m) above sea level, and the highest we go on this trip is 13,800 ft (4,200m) at Dead Woman’s Pass. We recommend you to stay hydrated, and take time to acclimate, but if you’re concerned, consult your doctor about preventative medicine options.
Please consult with your doctor before traveling regarding physical activity and vaccinations.
No inoculations are required to enter Peru from the United States but the Center for Disease Control suggests vaccinating for Hepatitis A and Typhoid.
Mosquito-borne viruses exist in most of South America. Please cover exposed skin and use mosquito repellent.
Please be aware that quite often we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities. For legal reasons, our Trip Leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including over-the-counter pain relievers but can refer you to a local pharmacy.
Money & Currency
We suggest bringing 300 USD in cash to be exchanged and used at establishments that do not accept credit cards.
This is not a total cash amount that you should expect to spend on your trip. Please consider your spending habits for additional expenses such as snacks, souvenirs, and optional activities.
The official currency in Peru is the Peruvian Sol (PEN).
We recommend exchanging from USD to PEN at your local bank before arriving in Peru to make sure you have some local currency in case you have issues with your card when you arrive.
Although many places will accept USD we recommend exchanging into Peruvian Soles (PEN) for a better exchange rate.
In Peru, an 18% charge is added to almost every meal.
Tipping is customary if you’re satisfied with your meal. 10% is the norm.
Tipping is also customary for the porters, chefs, and crew that accompany you on the Inca Trail. Please include an extra 50 USD-100 USD to leave as a tip for the crew.
Remember to call your bank and credit card company and let them know you'll be traveling overseas.
For an up-to-date exchange rate, download the XE Currency Exchange App.
Please be advised that US Dollar notes that are slightly torn, heavily marked, or faded may be difficult to exchange. It is best to bring notes in fairly good condition, in denominations lower than 100 USD.
Safety & Security Travel Information
Always carry a copy of your travel insurance, health insurance, and passport with you. A photo of these items on your phone is also a good backup.
- Keep your passport and any valuables locked in the safe at the hotel.
- Don’t leave valuables unattended.
- Leave flashy jewelry at home.
US Citizens: please consider registering with the US State Department's “SMART Traveler Program” which can contact your family in case of emergency.
Uber works in Lima & Cusco and is the safest way to call a taxi without having to negotiate the price. If you have extra time in Peru before or after our trip, we recommend using Uber to get around.
Although Cusco is generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering around any town at night. We recommend staying in small groups when possible.
Make sure you have the address of your hotel if you're separated from your Trip Leader.
Weather Information
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is only open during the dry season as trail conditions can be unsafe during the rainy season.
The end of the trail and Machu Picchu itself is located in the cloud forest. Don’t be surprised to encounter clouds and maybe even some rain toward the end of the journey.
Dry season months of April-September
- The average high is 70°F
- The average low is upper 30°F at night.
- There’s a big temperature swing so make sure to have plenty of layers.
Cultural information
Peruvians are some of the kindest people in South America. One kiss on the cheek or a good hug is a common greeting.
Peruvians love to eat ceviche, chicharron (deep-fried pork), Chifa (Peruvian-Chinese food), Anticuchos (Beef heart skewers), and Cuy (guinea pig) is a delicacy for the Andean region.
Peruvians love to drink Inca Kola (Peruvian soft drink), beer, chicha, and pisco sours.
Altitude sickness is common for travelers coming to Peru, especially Cusco. Coca Tea, rehydration, and good acclimatization always help.
Symptoms can be similar to those of a bad hangover.
Coca leaves are legal in Peru and you can find coca crackers, toffees, and sweets, but do not attempt to take them out of the country.
Peruvians love salsa, cumbia, & reggaeton. When listening to music as a family they opt for traditional music like Huaynos and Huaylas.
Key Phrases
- Hello -- Hola
- Thank you -- Gracias
- No thank you -- No Gracias
- How are you? -- Como estás?
- Excuse me / sorry -- Con permiso
- How much? -- Cuánto cuesta.
- Where is the bathroom? -- Dónde está el baño?
Tipping Guide Information
Due to American influence in South America, tipping is customary in several countries. It is not mandatory, but people involved in the logistics of the trips will expect a tip.
Locals say here: “Feel free to tip someone if you feel that the service satisfies you.”
By the way, the word for “tip” in Spanish is Propina, something that most foreign tourists will hear at some point during their trip to Peru.
Peru Tipping: Tours and Transport information
Taxi Drivers: You never need to tip taxi drivers in Peru. The drivers don’t expect it, and they are probably overcharging you anyway. If a taxi driver is extremely friendly and points out various landmarks along the way then there’s no harm in saying thanks with a small tip.
Tour Guides and Porters: As an average guideline we can suggest 5 USD to 10 USD (15 to 30 soles approximately) per day for tour guides and between 3 USD to 5 USD (9 to 15 soles) per day for porters, and drivers, cooks and the like. Again, the quality of service determines the exact amount. If you are on a luxury tour, then the tip amount will generally be at the upper end of the scale (and vice versa). It’s sometimes a good idea to tip collectively as a tour group. Pooling your money will give you a better idea of the overall amount that each guide, porter, etc will receive – and will help you avoid excessive tipping.
Private Hire Drivers: You can consider tipping a private driver 2 USD to 5 USD per day. A lot depends on the type of trip, the amount of driving required, and how much extra help you receive. You might end up buying your driver lunch, snacks, and drinks throughout the day, but it’s still nice to tip for good service at the end of the trip.
Optional Activities info
- Hiking the Rainbow Mountain: ~100 USD Large Groups
Challenge yourself on this hike to one of the most picturesque natural formations in the world. This little-known spot will be sure to blow your mind. - Maras Moray Tour: ~ 75 USD Large Groups
Explore part of Peru's sacred valley and soak in incredible views of the Urubamba mountains while learning about agriculture, textiles, and Incan history. - Humantay Lake Hike: ~100 USD
Hike to one of Peru's most stunning lakes and enjoy the turquoise waters while being surrounded by impressive mountain ranges. - Ausangate 7 Lakes: - Highly Recommended
Please note that for our Inca Trail trip, you'll have to stay longer or arrive earlier if you'd like to participate in these optional activities.
While your Trip Leader will assist you with optional activities available, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of the Tour Leaders Peru itinerary. We offer no guarantees on the safety or standard of the activity.
General Rules information
Respect the people around you and the environment in which you’re traveling. This includes, but is not limited to fellow travelers, Trip Leaders, the local community, nature, wildlife, and yourself.
Always do your best to ensure your safety and the safety of your fellow travelers.
It’s important to obey local laws and customs while on our trips. This includes but is not limited to wearing appropriate clothing while visiting certain communities, refraining from taking photos of people without asking, avoiding the use of illegal drugs, having weapons, and soliciting prostitution. If you’re not sure about something, take time to educate yourself or ask someone.
Travel involves contact with new cultures. When exposed to a different way of living than you’re used to, do your best to understand that neither way is better or worse. They’re simply different ways of life.
READ: Prohibited Activities at Machu Picchu
Know your limits in every situation, whether it is physical ability, emotional space, social situations, or alcohol consumption. If you can’t participate in something, be upfront about it. If you need a break from people, take it. Stop drinking before you get too drunk.
Our Trip Leaders work in the travelers’ best interest. If they say something or ask you not to do something, it’s not because they want to hinder you, but because it is for a good reason, and they want you to have a good time!
Lying or withholding information about any physical or mental condition that might affect your ability to participate in any activities may be grounds for removal from your trip with no refund.
