Planning a Private Inca Trail Trip from the USA: Holidays, Permits & Practical Tips

Many of our guests from the United States have one or two weeks of vacation and want to make every day count. The good news: Peru is closer than it looks – the same time zone as the East Coast in winter, prices in US dollars, and a private guide who adapts the trip to you. Here is how to plan it around the US holidays.

Which US holiday works best?

• Spring break (March): the rainy season ends, the landscapes are green and there are fewer visitors – book at least 3 months ahead.
• Memorial Day to Labor Day (late May to early September): dry season with clear views and the busiest months – book 6 to 8 months ahead.
• Thanksgiving (November): the start of the rainy season and a quieter trail – book at least 3 months ahead.
• Christmas and New Year: rainy season and a festive Cusco – book at least 3 months ahead.
• Presidents' Day (February): the Inca Trail is closed for maintenance – choose an alternative trek or visit Machu Picchu by train.

Permits for the following year usually go on sale in October. Read more in our guide Inca Trail Permits: How and When to Book.

Why a private trip?

Every Incatrekkers tour can be booked as a private trip from 1 person. You have your own local guide and hike only with your travel companions – at your pace, with time for photos and questions. Private trips are ideal for couples, families with teens, friends and anyone with a tight schedule. On the Inca Trail the start date depends on permit availability; on all other tours you choose the date.

Flights, time zone and payment

Most flights from the US connect via Lima to Cusco, and Peru shares the US Eastern time zone in winter – so jet lag is hardly an issue. Prices are in US dollars, and you pay by credit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. Plan at least two days in Cusco (3,400 m / 11,155 ft) to acclimatize before your trek. All practical details – nonstop routes, connecting in Lima, payment steps and tipping – are in our travel information.

Altitude, weather and packing

Our English website shows altitudes in feet and temperatures in °F. Nights on the Inca Trail can drop close to freezing, while days in the cloud forest are warm and humid – pack in layers. See our travel information for the full packing list.

Ready to plan?

Tell us your dates and group size, and we will check permit availability and suggest the best private itinerary for your vacation. Send us your inquiry – a member of our team in Cusco will answer personally.