Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Unfortunately not. Once your reservation has been confirmed by the Inca Trail authorities (DDC Cusco), the date can no longer be changed or postponed – this regulation applies to all tour operators.
A change requires a new booking with a new deposit, and the cancellation fees set out in our Terms and Conditions apply to the original booking. The new date must be at least 5 days before or after the original date. For tours without an Inca Trail permit, the date can be changed once free of charge up to 30 days before the start of the trip, subject to availability.
The briefing takes place at your hotel two days before departure. By then you have already spent some time in Cusco, and your body has started to adjust to the altitude.
Your guide explains the itinerary, answers your questions, asks about dietary requirements and hands out your duffel bag. By then, the balance has already been paid via payment link.
Our treks are suitable for people with good basic fitness who exercise regularly. The required level differs from tour to tour – you will find a detailed profile under "Type of trip" in each tour description.
To prepare, we recommend regular hikes, cycling or workouts in the weeks before your trip. On the trail, our guides set a comfortable pace and adapt it to the group – the trek is an experience, not a race.
Hotels in Cusco are used to trekkers and store luggage free of charge. You can also leave your bags at the Incatrekkers office in Cusco on the morning of your trek; they are stored safely until your return.
Yes, trekking poles are highly recommended for stability, especially on the descents. You can bring your own or rent poles from us for USD 15.
To protect the Inca Trail, poles with metal tips are only allowed with rubber protectors. Please do not buy locally made wooden sticks – this helps to protect the Andean forests.
Group treks: Our groups have a maximum of 12 participants. This keeps the atmosphere personal and allows our guides to respond to everyone's needs.
Private treks: You travel only with your own companions, and the pace, focus and itinerary can be tailored to your wishes – ideal for couples, families and groups of friends.
Yes. Your guide accompanies you from the pick-up at your hotel until you are back in Cusco – including the guided tour of Machu Picchu and the journey from Aguas Calientes back to Cusco.
Wiñay Wayna is the most popular campsite on the Inca Trail because it is only about 1.5 to 2 hours from Machu Picchu. However, all campsites are assigned by the government, and space at Wiñay Wayna is limited, so we cannot guarantee it.
The nearest alternative is Phuyupatamarka, about 5 hours from Machu Picchu.
Yes, you can book your return train directly at www.perurail.com. Please let us know when booking – we will then deduct the standard train ticket (USD 50) and the transfer from Ollantaytambo to Cusco (USD 10) from the tour price. The 30% deposit is then based on the reduced tour price.
Please note that in this case, or if you change the return time we have booked, we cannot provide the private transfer from Ollantaytambo to Cusco. Buses and taxis are available in Ollantaytambo; a taxi to Cusco costs around USD 40.
Yes, we arrange private transfers for you. Prices are per vehicle and per trip (not per person) and are in US dollars.
Cusco Airport – hotel in Cusco (or back), no surcharge for late arrivals:
- Car (1–2 people): 15 USD
- Van (3–4 people): 20 USD
- Large van (5–6 people): 40 USD
- Minibus (7–12 people): 70 USD
Cusco – Ollantaytambo or Poroy train station, or hotel in the Sacred Valley:
- Car (1–2 people): 45 USD
- Van (3–4 people): 60 USD
- Large van (5–6 people): 80 USD
- Minibus (7–12 people): 120 USD
Just send us your flight details or hotel when you book and we will add the transfer.
Machu Picchu is open all year round. The dry season from May to October brings sunny days and the clearest views. June to August is high season – Inca Trail permits and Machu Picchu tickets often sell out months in advance.
April, October and November are a good compromise: green landscapes, fewer visitors and mostly stable weather. From December to March it rains more often, but Machu Picchu is quieter. The Inca Trail is closed every February for maintenance; Machu Picchu by train and alternative treks are still possible.
Our tip: For June to August, book as early as possible – and plan two days in Cusco to acclimatize before your visit.
7 days in Cusco and Machu Picchu (plus your international travel days):
- Days 1–2: Arrive in Cusco, acclimatize, city tour
- Day 3: Sacred Valley with Pisac and Ollantaytambo
- Days 4–7: Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (4 days), back in Cusco on the evening of day 7
Without a multi-day trek, visit Machu Picchu by train instead and add a day hike such as Rainbow Mountain or Humantay Lake.
10 days: More time in the Sacred Valley, a second highlight such as Rainbow Mountain or the Lares Trek with llamas – or a few days in the Amazon rainforest (Tambopata or Manu).
Ready-made tours: Best of Cusco, Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu (10 days) and Cusco, Sacred Valley, Lares Trek, Inca Trail and Rainbow Mountain (9 days). We are also happy to plan a private itinerary for your dates.
The Classic Inca Trail (4 days) is a moderate to challenging trek: about 42 km (26 miles) with many steep stone steps and around 6–7 hours of hiking per day. The toughest part is day 2, with about 1,100 m (3,600 ft) of ascent to Dead Woman's Pass at 4,215 m (13,829 ft).
You don't need to be an athlete, but you should be in good shape and used to hiking for several hours. The altitude is usually the bigger challenge than the distance – plan at least two days in Cusco to acclimatize. Our guides set a comfortable pace, and our porters carry the tents, food and kitchen equipment, so you only carry a daypack.
Easier options: the Short Inca Trail (2 days) with about 12 km (7.5 miles) and a maximum altitude of around 2,700 m (8,900 ft), or the Inca Trail Day Hike.
Inca Trail: You hike the original Inca path and reach Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate – an unforgettable experience. Permits are limited, issued for your passport and often sell out months in advance, especially from May to August. The trail is closed in February, and you need good fitness and 2 to 4 days.
Train: Trains run from Cusco (Poroy station) or Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes in about 1.5 to 3.5 hours, depending on the station. From there, a bus takes you up to Machu Picchu in about 25 minutes. The train is comfortable, can often be booked at shorter notice and suits all ages and fitness levels – as a day trip or with a night in Aguas Calientes.
Our tip: Little time but want to hike? The Short Inca Trail (2 days) combines a day on the trail with the train ride back.
The most helpful way is to donate items such as school supplies or clothing. We agree with the community in advance on what is needed, so that only useful items are delivered. You can also buy products or services from local entrepreneurs during your tour, which creates income directly for their families. Find out more on our Social Projects page.
Every contribution is recorded and assigned to a specific project. The bank details or payment link for each project are available on request. We agree on donations in kind with the community in advance. After each project, we publish a transparency report showing how much was raised, what the money was spent on and which materials were bought – with receipts, photos and videos, and the results achieved. Find out more on our Social Projects page.