We’ve put together this list of frequently asked questions about the Inca Trail, based on what our travelers ask us most often.
Before sending us a general inquiry, we recommend checking this FAQ page to see if your question about Inca Trail permits, packing lists, weather, or difficulty has already been answered.
Reading through these FAQs is essential before booking any of our Inca Trail tour packages, as it will help you better prepare for your trek and know exactly what to expect.
Planning a trip to Peru and dreaming of hiking the world-famous Inca Trail? If so, there’s one thing you need to know right away: permits for the Inca Trail sell out months in advance, so booking early is essential to secure your spot.
On this page, you’ll find answers to the most frequently asked questions about the Inca Trail, gathered from the travelers we’ve guided over the years. From permits and difficulty levels to packing tips, weather, and the best time to hike, we’ve covered everything you need to know before your adventure begins.
Before you finalize your Inca Trail tour package, take a few minutes to explore this guide. It will give you the key information to plan with confidence and make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Let’s get started!
Booking your Inca Trail 4-Day tour with Tunqui Expeditions is simple and completely secure. Just click on the BOOK NOW button above, choose your departure date, and fill out the required personal details for each participant. The final step is completing your payment, which can be done easily with any credit or debit card.
On our booking platform, you’ll also find optional extras such as Huayna Picchu Mountain permits, Vistadome Train tickets, sleeping bags, air mattresses, trekking poles and Hotels. Please note that Huayna Picchu and Vistadome permits must be booked together with your Inca Trail deposit, as they sell out just as quickly as the Inca Trail permits themselves. If you prefer, items like sleeping bags, inflatable mattresses, and walking sticks can also be rented directly from our office in Cusco the day before your Machu Picchu trekking tour.
Once your Inca Trail permits are secured, we will send you a confirmation to ensure that everything is 100% organized. From that moment, your start date is officially confirmed and guaranteed.
At Tunqui Expeditions, you can book with complete confidence. Unlike many other agencies, we have developed our own exclusive booking system, designed by professional web engineers and managed by our in-house expert, Miqueas Tunqui, brother of Silvio. This makes us unique in offering a booking platform that is not only reliable but also easy to use and fully secure. With simple online payments, transparent processes, and a dedicated professional team supporting you every step of the way, you can rest assured that your journey is in the best hands.
The best time to hike the Inca Trail 4 days is generally from May to August, which falls within Peru’s dry season. During these months, you’ll usually enjoy clear skies, sunny days, and breathtaking views along the trail.
That said, every month on the Inca Trail offers a unique experience—from lush green landscapes during the wet season to crisp, cool mornings in the dry season. To help you choose the right time for your trek, we’ve created a detailed month-by-month guide, where we break down the pros and cons of hiking the Inca Trail in each season.
Each guide also includes a video of the Inca Trail’s landscapes for that specific month, so you can see what conditions to expect before booking.
👉 Check out our full Inca Trail Weather Guide for more details and start planning your perfect adventure.
Our Inca Trail 4-Day trek includes access to Circuit 1 – Upper Terrace Route (Ruta Terraza Superior) and Circuit 3 – Royalty Route (Ruta Realeza Diseñada) at Machu Picchu.
After arriving at the famous Sun Gate (Inti Punku), you’ll hike directly to the upper terrace, the perfect spot to capture the iconic postcard photo of Machu Picchu. From there, you’ll follow Circuit 1, where you can admire the breathtaking agricultural terraces before exiting briefly.
You’ll then re-enter Machu Picchu to follow Circuit 3, which guides you through the most significant temples and sacred structures of this ancient citadel.
This carefully designed route ensures you experience the best views, terraces, and temples of Machu Picchu—a complete journey that combines history, culture, and unforgettable scenery.
Yes! You are welcome to store your luggage safely at our office during your Inca Trail 4-Day trek to Machu Picchu. We recommend bringing only the essentials you’ll need for the hike, while leaving the rest of your belongings securely with us. This way, you can trek comfortably without carrying extra weight.Is There a Waiting List Available for Fully Booked Trekking Dates?
Yes, we do keep a waiting list for Inca Trail tours to Machu Picchu. Occasionally, new spaces open up 2 to 5 days before departure, usually because some travelers fall ill after arriving in Cusco and are unable to start the trek. If this happens, we’ll contact those on the waiting list immediately.
The outstanding balance must be paid no later than two days before your departure, either at our office or directly at your hotel to a Tunqui Expeditions staff member, with prior authorization and coordination via WhatsApp.
📍 APV SAN JOSE E-1-B CUSCO, PERU
Office hours:
You may pay in cash or by credit card (a 5% service fee applies for card payments). Please let us know your preferred payment method in advance.
Yes! You can extend your stay in Aguas Calientes after your Inca Trail trek. Just let us know at the time of booking, so we can adjust your train ticket and transportation back to Cusco for the following day (at no extra charge).
After your guided tour of Machu Picchu, you’ll have time to relax at the famous hot springs. Accommodation is not included, but you may book your own hotel or request that we arrange a 3-star stay at Tara Machu Picchu for an additional $90.
Yes, it’s possible to change your departure date, but please note:
Important: Changes can only be made if there is availability on your new desired date. If no permits are available, the change cannot be processed.
Yes! You must bring your original passport, the same one you used to book your Inca Trail permit. The guards will check it:
Without it, entry will not be permitted.
On the final morning, most of our porters leave camp at 4:00 am to take the 5:30 am train to Ollantaytambo. A small team of porters will continue to Aguas Calientes, carrying your duffle bags and leaving them in our secure storage point.
After your Machu Picchu visit, you’ll pick up your bags in Aguas Calientes before boarding the return train to Ollantaytambo.
We usually reserve return train tickets at 2:55 pm or 3:20 pm. With these schedules, you will arrive back in Cusco around 7:30 pm, giving you plenty of rest before continuing with other tours, such as Rainbow Mountain Hike the next day.
Yes! If you are staying in Urubamba or Ollantaytambo, we can arrange to pick you up directly from your hotel. Please note that pickups from the Sacred Valley are scheduled about 1.5 hours later than Cusco pickups.
One of the most common questions we receive is about the refund policy for the Inca Trail 4-day tour to Machu Picchu. The rules are set by the Ministry of Culture of Peru, the government entity in charge of issuing Inca Trail permits. Once purchased, these permits are strictly non-refundable and non-transferable, even to us as licensed tour operators.
We understand that life is unpredictable and plans may change. That’s why we always try to be fair and only charge for expenses that we have already made and cannot recover.
On the final day of the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, our groups typically reach the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) at 7:00 a.m. From there, it takes approximately 45 minutes of downhill hiking to arrive at the main entrance of Machu Picchu. By 8:00 a.m., you will be inside the ancient citadel, experiencing its beauty before most of the large crowds arrive.
This early arrival is one of the highlights of the trek, as it allows you to see Machu Picchu bathed in the magical morning light.
Yes, water is provided, but with some conditions. On Day 1 of the Inca Trail trek, you will need to purchase 2 liters of bottled water before starting the hike. From Day 2 onwards, our team will supply you with boiled and filtered water three times a day—at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This ensures that all hikers remain well-hydrated and safe from waterborne illnesses during the trek.
Since March 2022, the Peruvian government has banned single-use plastic bottles on the Inca Trail as part of an effort to reduce plastic waste and protect the environment. For this reason, you must bring a reusable water bottle or hydration bladder.
Whatever option you choose, make sure it’s sturdy and easy to refill, since this will be your main water source throughout the trek.
There is officially no age limit for the Inca Trail Machu Picchu 4-day hike. However, at Tunqui Expeditions, we recommend a minimum age of 8 years old, since some sections of the trail are steep and physically demanding. Children younger than this may struggle with the altitude, the length of the daily hikes, and the overall challenge of the trek.
As for older travelers, many people in their 60s and even 70s successfully complete the trail each year, provided they are in good health and have trained beforehand. Regardless of age, we advise all hikers to consult a doctor, prepare with cardiovascular training, and consider spending a few days acclimatizing in Cusco before starting the trek.
If you need to buy or rent trekking equipment in Cusco, you’ll find plenty of stores in the city center. Around the main square (Plaza de Armas), you can check Procuradores Street, Plateros Street, and Regocijo Street, where tattoo shops and outdoor gear stores sell original trekking brands. Keep in mind that prices in the historic center tend to be higher.
If you’re looking for more affordable trekking gear in Cusco, head to Real Plaza Mall, where local stores offer cheaper options. A taxi ride there costs around 8 to 10 soles. This is a good option if you have extra time before your trek.
No vaccines are required to hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Some travelers ask about the yellow fever vaccine, but it is not necessary for this trek. Although you will walk through sections of jungle during days 3 and 4, there have been no reported cases of yellow fever in this region.
You can enjoy your Inca Trail 4-day hike without worrying about vaccines, though we always recommend consulting your doctor before international travel for personalized advice.
While there is no strict weight limit for what you personally carry, remember that trekking at altitude is physically demanding. Packing light will make your hike more enjoyable.
As for the porters, regulations ensure that each porter carries no more than 20 kilograms (44 lbs). This protects their health and ensures fair labor conditions. For this reason, travelers are usually given a duffle bag with a weight allowance of 7 kg (15 lbs) for personal items, while the rest must be carried in your daypack.
Altitude sickness is a common concern for anyone trekking in the Andes. To prepare for the Inca Trail altitude, we recommend arriving in Cusco at least 2 days before your trek to acclimatize.
By taking these steps, you’ll greatly reduce your risk of altitude sickness and enjoy the trek with more energy.
No, there are no electricity facilities at the Inca Trail campsites. For this reason, we recommend bringing one or two portable chargers / power banks to keep your phone, camera, or headlamp fully charged throughout the trek. Solar chargers are also an option, though they depend on good weather.
We rent mummy-style sleeping bags designed for the cold conditions of the Andes. Our Mountain Hardwear sleeping bags are rated to -15°C / 5°F, ensuring you stay warm even during the coldest nights of the Inca Trail. The mummy shape, with an insulated hood and drawcord, provides maximum heat retention while keeping the bag lightweight and compact.
When booking the Inca Trail 4-day trek to Machu Picchu, there are four possible campsite itineraries assigned by the Ministry of Culture. At Tunqui Expeditions, we always try to secure Option 1 or 2, which allows our groups to spend the final night at Wiñay Wayna campsite. This location is just 2 hours away from Machu Picchu, meaning you will arrive at the citadel early in the morning.
We avoid Options 3 and 4, since they place trekkers at Phuyupatamarca campsite for the last night. That site is around 6 hours from Machu Picchu, which makes the final day much longer and more exhausting.
By regulation, all trekkers who complete the Inca Trail tours must follow Circuit 3 inside Machu Picchu. Tour companies are not allowed to change this rule.
However, if you want to explore Circuit 2, you can purchase an additional Machu Picchu ticket for $45. In this case, you would:
This option lets you see Machu Picchu twice in one day, but requires extra planning and energy.
In our experience, opinions are split. Around 50% of our clients who purchase the extra ticket say it wasn’t worth it, as they were too tired after the 4-day Inca Trail hike to fully enjoy Machu Picchu a second time. The other 50% enjoyed seeing more of the site.
Our honest recommendation: it may not be necessary, since the Inca Trail already includes visits to multiple spectacular Inca ruins along the way.
On the final day of the Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu, everyone wakes up at 3:30 a.m. The reason is logistical: the porters’ train departs from Kilometer 107 at 5:45 a.m. If porters miss this train, they must wait an entire day for the next one.
To accommodate this schedule, all trekkers hike for about 5 minutes to the last checkpoint and wait until the gate opens at 5:30 a.m. From there, the group continues to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku).
👉 If waking up so early does not sound appealing, consider the 5-day Inca Trail trek, which has a more relaxed pace.
Unfortunately, no. The last checkpoint opens at 5:30 a.m., and it takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes to hike from Wiñay Wayna campsite to the Sun Gate. That means you typically arrive around 6:50 a.m.
Since the sunrise at Machu Picchu usually happens between 6:00 and 6:40 a.m., it’s impossible to see it from inside the citadel on the 4-day trail. If any company promises this, they are being misleading.
Trekking poles are highly recommended for anyone with knee problems, as they reduce impact by up to 20% on descents. They also provide extra stability for those less experienced on uneven terrain.
However, if you are young, physically fit, and accustomed to hiking without poles, then they are not essential. It ultimately comes down to personal preference, though most trekkers find them useful on the Inca Trail’s many steep steps.
Unfortunately, this is not possible. Inca Trail permits are non-refundable and non-transferable. If you cancel your 4-day permit, it cannot be converted into a 2-day permit.
If you decide to do the 2-day Inca Trail trek, you would need to purchase a completely new permit and pay for the shorter tour separately. Additionally, the 2-day Inca Trail arrives at Machu Picchu in the afternoon, while the 4-day trek allows you to arrive earlier in the morning.
Yes, this is possible. If you cancel your Inca Trail 4-day trek one day before departure, or if you return early from the trail on Day 1, we will help you organize an alternative Machu Picchu tour. You can choose between a 1-day trip or a 2-day trip to Machu Picchu.
For the 1-day tour, you will need to purchase:
If you prefer the 2-day tour, you will also need to add a hotel in Aguas Calientes, costing between $30–90 per night (we recommend the Tara Machu Picchu Hotel, a comfortable 3-star option).
You will still use parts of your original Inca Trail package, such as your Machu Picchu entry ticket, bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes, train back from Aguas Calientes, and return transportation from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.
Yes, you don’t need to reserve them in advance. At Tunqui Expeditions, we have plenty of sleeping bags and trekking poles available for rent. You can arrange these items one day before your departure during your pre-trek briefing at our office.
Yes, we can accommodate this situation. By regulation, trekkers completing the Inca Trail tours must follow Circuit 3 inside Machu Picchu, while those who arrive by train typically enter via Circuit 2.
To keep your group together, we can purchase extra Machu Picchu tickets for Circuit 2 ($45 per person) for those hiking the trail. This way, all five of you can visit the citadel together, even if part of the group arrived by train. Please note that the trekkers will leave their Inca Trail group and join the rest of their friends for the tour.
Showers on the Inca Trail are basic and often cold.
At alternative campsites like Ayapata, Chakicocha, and Wiñay Wayna, only cold showers are available. For health reasons, we recommend showering only on the last night at lower altitude, when the risk of catching a cold is lower.
Toilets are available throughout the trek, but quality varies:
For emergencies outdoors, please carry a plastic bag to collect toilet paper, as leaving waste behind is not allowed.
Yes, last-minute bookings are sometimes possible. Travelers occasionally cancel their Inca Trail reservations if they fall ill upon arrival in Cusco, making their permits available to others.
However, cancellations are rare and unpredictable, and permits for the Inca Trail are highly regulated and limited. If you want to secure a last-minute spot, you need some luck and flexibility with dates. Otherwise, we recommend booking months in advance to guarantee your permit.
Yes, absolutely! If you are traveling with a large group of family or friends, we can organize a private Inca Trail trek exclusively for you. Groups larger than 10 will not be mixed with other travelers, ensuring a personalized and private experience. This way, you can enjoy the trek at your own pace, with dedicated guides and staff to support your journey.
Yes, we do. For groups of 4 or more people, we offer special group discounts on our Inca Trail 4-day trek to Machu Picchu. The discount amount depends on the final group size. Please contact us directly with your group details, and we’ll be happy to provide you with a personalized quote.
The Inca Trail permits are limited and sell out quickly, especially in the high season. We recommend the following booking windows:
The earlier you book, the better your chances of securing your desired start date.
In the past, our groups were limited to 8 participants. However, after feedback from travelers, we increased the limit to 10 people.
For these reasons, we now allow up to 10 people per Inca Trail group, balancing intimacy and support.
Yes. Your Inca Trail package already includes 7 kg (15 lbs) of personal belongings carried by a porter. If you require more, you can hire an extra porter. Please note, these items will only be accessible at the campsite since porters hike faster and go ahead to set up camp.
Hiring an extra porter for the Inca Trail is a great way to reduce your backpack weight and enjoy the trek more comfortably.
We do not include Machu Picchu Mountain as an add-on for the Inca Trail 4-day tour because of timing conflicts.
Since it’s not possible to do both, we prioritize the guided tour. However, if you wish to skip the guided visit and instead hike Machu Picchu Mountain, this can be arranged. Contact us, and we’ll provide a separate link to purchase your Machu Picchu Mountain tickets.
We usually work with Peru Rail, as they offer more frequent departures than other companies. In cases of strikes or unexpected delays, Peru Rail is also often the first to resume service, which makes it more reliable. For these reasons, we prefer Peru Rail over Inca Rail for most of our groups.
Yes, you can join as a solo traveler on the Inca Trail, but only if we already have a group booked for your preferred departure date. This is because the Inca Trail requires a minimum of two people to open a group tour.
If you are traveling alone and want to secure your spot, we recommend contacting us in advance so we can check availability and match you with an existing group. Joining an Inca Trail group tour as a solo traveler is a great way to share the experience, meet new people, and reduce costs, while still enjoying the full guided trek to Machu Picchu.
There are four different versions of the Inca Trail available, each offering a unique experience depending on the time you have and the type of adventure you’re looking for.
The 1-day Inca Trail trek is the shortest option. It covers a small section of the original Inca Trail before arriving directly at Machu Picchu. After exploring the site, you return to Cusco the same evening. This is perfect for travelers short on time who still want a taste of the legendary trail.
On the 2-day Inca Trail tour, you’ll hike a short stretch of the trail on the first day and then spend the night in Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu. On the second day, you’ll visit Machu Picchu with a guided tour. This option combines trekking with a comfortable overnight stay in a hotel.
The classic 4-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is the most popular option. Over four days, you’ll follow the original Inca pathway, camp in scenic mountain locations, and pass by numerous archaeological sites along the way. On the final morning, you’ll enter Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku)—a truly iconic experience.
The 7-day Inca Trail trek is the most adventurous route. It begins along part of the famous Salkantay Trail before connecting with the Inca Trail itself. Over seven days, you’ll explore many archaeological sites, camp each night, and ultimately enter Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate. This option is ideal for those who want a longer, more immersive Andean trekking experience.
No, it is not possible to rent horses on the Inca Trail. Unlike other treks in Peru such as the Salkantay Trek or the Lares Trek, where horses or mules are often used to carry extra luggage, the Inca Trail has strict regulations set by the Ministry of Culture of Peru. These rules prohibit the use of horses or pack animals along the route in order to preserve the trail’s condition and protect its archaeological sites.
Instead, all equipment and personal belongings are carried by our team of professional porters, who are officially authorized to work on the trail. If you require extra support with carrying your belongings, you can hire an additional porter to help during the trek. This is the only option available, as animals are not permitted.
✅ In short: while horses are not allowed on the Inca Trail, our porters ensure that you and your group can complete the hike comfortably, with all necessary gear transported safely to each campsite.
Our price for the Inca Trail 4-day trek in 2026 will be $795 USD per person. This cost includes all the essentials: professional guides, porters, camping equipment, meals, permits, and the entrance to Machu Picchu.
