Welcome to the IncaTrekkers FAQ, your comprehensive guide to planning an unforgettable adventure to Machu Picchu and the Peruvian Andes. As a native-led, licensed operator with over a decade of experience, we are committed to providing transparent, authoritative, and up-to-date information to ensure your journey is seamless and enriching. Here, you'll find answers to common questions, expert insights, and essential details to prepare you for the trek of a lifetime.
To ensure your safety and optimal acclimatization, our mandatory trek briefing is held two days before your departure. This policy, standard across all reputable tour operators in Cusco, allows sufficient time for you to adjust to the high altitude. During this personalized session, conducted conveniently at your hotel, our expert guides will cover essential trek details, answer any last-minute questions, and finalize the remaining trek fee payment.
For our group service treks, we maintain an intimate atmosphere with a maximum of 12 guests per group. This ensures a personalized experience and allows our guides to cater effectively to individual needs. For those seeking an exclusive journey, our private services offer complete flexibility, allowing you to determine your group size, perfect for honeymooners, families, or groups of friends desiring a more bespoke adventure.
Opting for a private trek service with IncaTrekkers offers unparalleled personalization and flexibility. You will enjoy an exclusive experience with only your chosen companions, free from external influences. This service is ideal for special occasions like honeymoons, family adventures, or close-knit groups of friends. Our dedicated guides can tailor the pace, focus, and itinerary to your specific interests, providing a deeply personal and immersive journey through the Andes.
All reputable hotels in Cusco are accustomed to trekkers leaving non-essential luggage during their journey and provide secure storage facilities at no additional cost. As a complimentary service, IncaTrekkers also offers secure storage for your belongings at our offices. You can conveniently drop off your bags on the morning of your trek, and they will be safely stored until your return.
Our trekking trails are designed for individuals with moderate fitness levels who engage in regular physical activity. We highly recommend pre-trip preparation, such as walking 15km daily, cycling, or gym workouts, to enhance your endurance. While the trails present a rewarding challenge, IncaTrekkers prioritizes your enjoyment. Our guides maintain a comfortable, adjustable pace, ensuring the trek is a memorable experience, not a race.
Walking sticks and trekking poles are highly recommended for stability and support on the trails, and many trekkers find them invaluable. You are welcome to bring your own or rent high-quality poles from IncaTrekkers for USD 15. Please note, for the preservation of the Inca Trail, metal-tipped poles are only permitted if equipped with rubber protectors. While wooden sticks are generally acceptable, we advise against using locally sourced wooden poles to support government efforts in preventing deforestation and protecting Andean forests.
For 2026, Machu Picchu entry tickets are allocated in hourly blocks to manage visitor flow and preserve the site. These are categorized into General Llaqta Entry and Mountain Specific Slots:
Typically offer four daily slots between 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.
For 2026, there isn't a single
"best" ticket, as each circuit offers a unique experience. Here’s how to advise our clients based on their preferences:
Wiñay Wayna is indeed the most sought-after campsite on the Inca Trail due to its proximity to Machu Picchu (approximately a 2-hour trek), allowing for an early morning arrival. However, campsite assignments are strictly managed by the Peruvian government, and space at Wiñay Wayna is limited. We have no control over these allocations. While we always strive for Wiñay Wayna, the next nearest alternative is Phuyupatamarca, which is a 5-hour trek to Machu Picchu. We appreciate your understanding regarding government regulations.
Yes, it is possible to climb Huayna Picchu in conjunction with your Inca Trail trek, but it requires careful planning due to strict government regulations. Only 400 permits are issued daily for Huayna Picchu. Since July 2022, a combined Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu ticket costs an additional USD 75 (or USD 40 with a valid ISIC card). Huayna Picchu permits are not sold separately. As your Machu Picchu ticket is purchased alongside your Inca Trail permit, you can only acquire a combined ticket. There is no single combined ticket for the Inca Trail, Machu Picchu, and Huayna Picchu.
Absolutely. For alternative treks like Salkantay or Lares, you can also climb Huayna Picchu. The government limits access to 400 people per day. Huayna Picchu tickets are not sold separately, so you must inform us during the booking process if you wish to include this climb. The combined Machu Picchu/Huayna Picchu ticket costs an additional USD 75 compared to the standard Machu Picchu ticket.
For alternative treks, we typically arrive at the Machu Picchu entrance around 6:00 a.m., allowing you to choose your preferred Huayna Picchu group. Please specify your desired group in the remarks field during booking.
Our standard arrangement includes the Expedition Service train departing Aguas Calientes at 2:55 p.m. (14:55), arriving in Ollantaytambo at 4:30 p.m. (16:30). From Ollantaytambo, our private transportation will transfer you directly to your hotel in Cusco, with an estimated arrival between 6:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. (18:30–19:00).
In cases of short-notice bookings or limited availability, an alternative Expedition Service train may depart Aguas Calientes at 6:20 p.m. (18:20), arriving in Ollantaytambo at 8:05 p.m. (20:05), with arrival in Cusco around 9:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. (21:00–21:30).
For enhanced comfort or alternative timings, several upgrade options are available:
Yes, you have the flexibility to book your return train journey directly with Peru Rail via their website, www.perurail.com, if our standard or upgrade options do not suit your schedule. Please inform us during your booking if you choose this option. We will deduct the cost of the standard train ticket (USD 50) and the bus transfer from Ollantaytambo to Cusco (USD 10) from your trek's total price. Your deposit will remain unchanged.
While a direct train from Aguas Calientes to Cusco exists, we prioritize efficiency and your comfort. The direct train journey typically takes 4 hours, followed by an additional 45-minute bus transfer to downtown Cusco. Our preferred route, involving a train to Ollantaytambo and then a private bus to Cusco, is significantly faster, totaling approximately 3 hours (1.5 hours train, 1.5 hours bus). Furthermore, direct train tickets are often difficult to secure as the railway company prioritizes round-trip bookings from Cusco.
If you opt to book your own return train from Aguas Calientes or modify the return time from our arranged schedule, IncaTrekkers will unfortunately not be able to provide private transportation from Ollantaytambo to Cusco. However, numerous public buses and taxis are readily available at Ollantaytambo, with taxi services typically costing around USD 40 per ride.
The
Inca Trail
is globally renowned for its unique blend of diverse landscapes—from high mountains and cloud forests to subtropical vegetation—and its numerous archaeological sites. However, its popularity leads to significant crowding and strict government-imposed daily limits, necessitating bookings many months in advance.
Alternative treks
(such as Salkantay, Lares, Choquequirao) offer a distinctly different, often more serene experience. They are significantly less crowded, allowing you to immerse yourself in breathtaking high-mountain scenery, including snow-capped peaks and pristine lakes. These routes also provide a profound cultural immersion, passing through traditional Andean villages where local farmers maintain ancient ways of life, tending to their llama and alpaca herds and showcasing their exquisite weaving and handicrafts. For those unable to secure an Inca Trail permit or preferring a quieter, more culturally rich hike, alternative treks are an excellent choice, offering an authentic glimpse into life in the Peruvian highlands.
On the Lares and Salkantay treks, you can purchase bottled water and other beverages from local vendors along the trail. The same applies for the first two days of the Inca Trail. From the third day onwards on the Inca Trail, IncaTrekkers will provide safe, boiled water for your consumption, as purchasing options become unavailable.
Yes, on the Lares and Salkantay treks, you will have opportunities to purchase drinks and snacks from local communities. We recommend bringing some initial supplies to ensure you start your trek well-provisioned. For the Inca Trail, purchasing options are available for the first two days. From the third day onward, IncaTrekkers will provide boiled water, and we advise carrying sufficient snacks as no further purchasing points will be available.
Tips for our dedicated guides, assistant guides, cooks, porters, and horsemen are not included in the trek price. Tipping is entirely optional and serves as a direct reflection of your satisfaction with the exceptional service provided. Our entire team receives fair wages, but gratuities are a customary way to acknowledge their hard work and dedication.
Yes, IncaTrekkers is a fully licensed and authorized Inca Trail operator. We adhere to all Peruvian government regulations and proudly hold the necessary licenses from the Municipality of Cusco and the Ministry of Tourism. Our Inca Trail Operator License is renewed annually, ensuring our continued compliance and commitment to responsible tourism. We are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of safety, ethics, and environmental stewardship.
Yes, a non-refundable deposit is required to secure your trek booking. The deposit amount varies by tour and is essential for covering official fees, entrance permits, and securing the services of our dedicated cooks, porters, and horses for your chosen trek.
The remaining balance for your trek is due in cash (US dollars) two days prior to your trek departure. This policy ensures that all participants have had adequate time to acclimatize to the high altitude in Cusco. For your convenience and safety, we conduct this payment at your hotel during the trek briefing. Please note: we can only accept undamaged bills (no tears, markings, or excessive wear).
For the Inca Trail, due to strict government limits of 200 trekkers and 300 porters per day, early booking is crucial. We recommend the following booking timelines:
For alternative treks, while not as strictly limited, booking in advance is still advisable, especially during peak season.
Unfortunately, once your Inca Trail reservation is officially confirmed with the Inca Trail Authorities (DDC-Cusco Reservation Office), it is not possible to change or postpone your departure date. This is a strict government regulation applicable to all tour operators. Any changes would require a new reservation and a new deposit for a new date (which must be at least 5 days before or after your original departure date).
Yes, a valid passport is mandatory for both booking the Inca Trail and visiting Machu Picchu. If your passport is due to expire between your booking date and your trip, you must bring your old passport or a copy of it. Since 2022, a copy of the old passport is sufficient. Authorities will not permit entry with a new passport if its details differ from the one used for booking. While booking with an expired but valid passport is possible, you must carry the old passport or a copy. Booking without any valid passport is not permitted.
The Inca Trail trek permit is an official authorization issued by the Peruvian government to regulate the number of visitors on the trail, limited to 200 trekkers and 300 porters daily. These permits can only be purchased by licensed tour operators like IncaTrekkers. We manage the entire, often complex, procedure of securing your permit, ensuring all regulations are met.
While we exert every effort to secure your Inca Trail permit, the allocation process is managed by the government and can be highly competitive. Permits are typically allocated from October onwards for the following year, with specific dates released for specific months. If, for any unforeseen reason, we are unable to secure your permit, we will notify you immediately via email and offer alternative departure dates or a full refund of your trek deposit.
Yes, we offer a USD 20 discount for children under 14 years old. To apply this discount, please provide an electronic copy (scan) of your child's passport during the booking process, as it is required to secure their permits.
Students holding a valid International Student Identity Card (ISIC) are eligible for a USD 20 discount on our 4-day/3-night Inca Trail, 2-day/1-night Inca Trail, Lares, and Salkantay treks. Please send a scanned copy of your ISIC card to info@incatrekkers.com immediately after booking and make a note in the booking remarks field to ensure the discount is applied.
Walking boots are highly recommended as they provide crucial ankle support, significantly reducing the risk of injury, especially during the wet season (December–March). It is paramount that your boots are comfortable, well broken-in, and not brand new to prevent blisters and discomfort. We strongly advise against trekking in sandals, new boots, or hiring boots just before the trek. Ensure your footwear is sturdy enough to withstand the entire journey.
During the trek, you will only need to carry a small daypack containing your essential personal items, such as drinking water, rain gear, and snacks. The majority of your belongings required for the trek will be carried by our porters or horses. Depending on the trek's duration, you are typically allotted between 6 kg (Inca Trail) and 8 kg (Lares, Salkantay, Choquequirao) for these carried items. The remainder of your travel baggage can be securely stored at your hotel in Cusco.
Yes, IncaTrekkers is pleased to provide delicious vegetarian meal options upon request. During your trek briefing, two days prior to departure, we will inquire about any dietary preferences or restrictions to ensure our cooks prepare your meals accordingly, catering to your needs throughout the journey.
Since 2003, significant improvements have been made to the sanitary conditions along the Inca Trail, with numerous new flush toilets installed at all major campsites. Each toilet block provides cold running water. Additionally, every evening, our team will provide you with a bowl of warm water for personal washing.
While dedicated shower facilities are not available directly on the trekking trails, IncaTrekkers ensures your comfort by providing a bowl of warm water for personal washing each evening at the campsites. This allows you to refresh and clean up after a day of trekking.
Our tents are spacious four-man tents, but for your enhanced comfort and space, we accommodate only two trekkers per tent. If you are traveling solo and there is an even number of participants in your group, you will share a tent with a fellow trekker of the same gender.
Before entering Machu Picchu for your guided visit, you can securely store your personal belongings at a designated storage area near the control gate at the main entrance. Please be aware that only small daypacks are permitted inside Machu Picchu, and food is not allowed. Walking poles are also generally restricted unless medically necessary (e.g., for elderly visitors).
For comfortable trekking, we recommend wearing hiking pants and T-shirts during the day. Given the variable Andean weather, it is crucial to complement this with layers such as sweaters, fleeces, and waterproof jackets. Always carry light rain gear (a rain poncho or jacket and/or rain pants) in your daypack, as sudden weather changes and rain are common. Warm clothing is essential for evenings and nights along the route.
Absolutely. Unlike some other operators, IncaTrekkers guides provide continuous support and companionship from the moment we pick you up at your hotel until we safely drop you back. Our commitment to exceptional service means our guides will be with you for the entire trek duration, including the journey from Aguas Calientes back to Cusco, ensuring a seamless and worry-free experience.
We generally do not recommend the Wayna Picchu hike for young children due to its physically demanding nature and steep sections. Teenagers aged 15 and above, who are in good physical condition, should typically be able to undertake the climb.
Cusco's climate, which includes the Lares Valley, is characterized by two distinct seasons: the
rainy season
(November to April), with the heaviest rainfall typically occurring between January and March, and the
dry season
(May to October), which is generally colder, with nighttime temperatures often dropping below 0°C.
Along the Lares to Ollantaytambo route, daytime temperatures range from 10–20°C on sunny days and 5–15°C on cloudy days, depending on elevation. Nighttime temperatures typically fall to 0–5°C, rarely dropping lower. In Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu, at lower altitudes, temperatures are usually warmer, though warm clothing is still recommended for evenings.
The Inca Trail experiences Cusco's two primary seasons: the
rainy season
(November to April), with peak rainfall from January to March, and the
dry season
(May to October), which is colder, with overnight temperatures potentially falling below 0°C.
Along the Inca Trail, daytime temperatures generally range from 15–20°C on sunny days and 0–10°C on cloudy days. Nighttime temperatures at the first two campsites are typically between 0–5°C. At Wiñay Wayna and Machu Picchu, situated at lower altitudes, temperatures are usually milder, but warm clothing remains advisable for the evenings.
The Salkantay route, like the broader Cusco region, has two main seasons: the rainy season (November to April), with the most significant rainfall from January to March, and the dry season (May to October), which is colder, with nighttime temperatures frequently dropping below freezing.
Along the Salkantay route, daytime temperatures vary from 10–20°C on sunny days to 0–10°C on cloudy days. Nighttime temperatures can often fall below freezing, particularly at higher elevations. In Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu, at lower altitudes, temperatures are generally warmer, though warm clothing is still recommended for the evenings.
At IncaTrekkers, we offer more than just a trek; we provide an authentic, sustainable, and deeply enriching journey through the heart of Peru. Founded by Juvenal Iturriaga, a proud native of Urubamba, Cusco, our company is built on a foundation of local expertise, genuine cultural immersion, and a steadfast commitment to responsible tourism. We ensure fair wages for our team, support local Andean communities, and minimize our environmental footprint.
Our dedication to excellence is reflected in our 5-star ratings from thousands of satisfied adventurers. When you choose IncaTrekkers, you choose:
We are not just a tour operator; we are your partners in discovering the true spirit of Peru, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
