The weather on the Inca Trail depends on the season. Historically, April to September is the dry season, November to February is the rainy season, and March and October are bridge months, a mix of both. Peru is in the southern hemisphere, so when it is summer in North America, it is winter in Peru. The months of June to August are peak winter in Peru, and November to February are considered summer, or due to the climate of Peru in the Machu Picchu region, it is also called the rainy season. However, the climate has become more variable in recent years. It is best to prepare for sun and rain no matter when you eat. As for temperatures, that is constant throughout the year. Mornings and afternoons are always cold. Be sure to bring a fleece jacket for the mornings and a down jacket for the evenings. Once the sun rises, you should feel comfortable walking and touring Machu Picchu in short sleeves. It is recommended to wear long pants (yoga or hiking) to avoid mosquitoes that can be a nuisance in Aguas Calientes.

The day of the hike depends a lot on the condition of the trails, the weather and the physical condition of the group, but expect to hike 6-7 hours per day.

The morning walk usually lasts from 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and allows numerous stops to rest and take photos. After a nap after lunch, we set off for the afternoon hike, usually 2-3 hours to the camp.

No, you need a permit to walk the Inca Trail. Only approved tour operators, such as Peru Trek, can obtain a permit.

Joining a small group to travel with a licensed operator means you can experience the comfort, seamless organization, and safety of an active vacation. Peru Trek has every need catered for, including hearty meals prepared by trained cooks, quality two-person tents erected in the picturesque wilderness, a lighter pack thanks to our team of porters.

Yes. You’ll need to make sure you take enough water for the first morning of your trek, but after this, we’ll provide you with boiled water to fill your bottle or pouch with at every meal and campsite. The water is clean and perfectly safe for you to drink, so you don’t need to worry in that respect.
Make sure you take a reusable bottle or Camelbak to use the entire trek. We prefer not to use plastic bottles to help protect the environment and the routes.

Yes. We always recommend carrying extra money in case of an emergency. You will also need something in Aguas Calientes if you want to enjoy the hot springs and for your last lunch before heading back to Cusco.

Machu Picchu stands much the same as it did hundreds of years ago due to its superior architecture and carefully managed conservation programs. To protect Machu Picchu from the impact of its popularity, the Peruvian authorities have implemented entry restrictions where only 500 permits are issued each day to trek the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

When permits for porters, guides and other support personnel are issued, there are a limited number of permits available for trekkers. Permits always sell out in high season, so booking months in advance is recommended to secure a permit.

The main trekking season in Peru lasts from late April to mid-October. This is the dry but ‘cold’ period, with the best mountain views and all passes open.

You know better than anyone whether or not your medical condition will make your trip difficult. However, it is imperative that you inform us, especially if you intend to take medication with you. We can advise on the best options if we are aware and also make special arrangements if necessary. Although if you have an ongoing medical condition, we strongly recommend that you consult your doctor before booking any travel.

Campsites are subject to change depending upon the crowds and the season. We generally try to camp in less trafficked areas so that travelers can enjoy the natural beauty of the Inca trail and minimize environmental impacts. Our typical campsite choices are Huayllabamba, Pacaymayo and Wiñay Wayna or Puyupatamarca. Our first choice is Puyupatamarca due to less crowds and nicer camp spots.

The Huayna Picchu hike is climbing up a steep, long set of stone steps carved into the mountain side. The Huayna Picchu Mountain is 2700 meters/ 8858 feet. There is a cable to hold onto as you climb up the steps. The hike up Huayna Picchu is a truly challenging climb, and you’ll have 2 hours to do it. Permits are required and climbing times are specified on your ticket. You want to add on a ticket to climb Huayna Picchu when you reserved your trip to Machu Picchu, or as soon as you know you want to climb it. IT’s a very popular climb and tickets do sell out.

We always recommend light hiking boots if possible. Ones with ankle support are extra helpful, especially for the inexperienced hiker. Because you will be climbing down so many steps created by the Incas, now uneven and at varying heights, the extra support helps from twisting your ankles. Be sure to break in any new boots well before your trip!.

No. You don’t need to carry your trekking backpack or the duffel bag we provide you with. We have a team of porters who carry these for you. However, they go at a much faster pace, so you’ll need to carry a small backpack with the supplies you need during the day, like water, snacks, a camera, etc.

With The Inca Trail being one of the most popular treks worldwide, you might be worried about large crowds. You don’t need to worry.
The Peruvian government wants to preserve the trail as much as possible, and they’ve put a limit to the number of trekkers who can hike each day. Only 500 people can enter the trail a day. In February, the Inca Trail is closed for cleaning and maintenance.

Yes. If you want to enjoy the Inca Trail with your children, it is definitely possible. We recommend that they be at least 8 years old and in excellent physical condition. We do not recommend traveling with children on the trail if they are not used to regular walks and a lot of physical exertion.

No. Along the Inca Trail, you will not find anywhere with WiFi. The only place where you will have access to the internet is if you visit a restaurant with WiFi in Aguas Calientes when you come down from Machu Picchu.

No. Along the Inca Trail there are no showers, so you will have to wait until your return to Cusco.

No. On the Inca Trail, there isn’t the option of hiring an extra horse.

No. There is nowhere to charge your electronic devices along the Inca Trail. We highly recommend bringing a power pack to keep your camera and/or phone charged for some amazing photos.

The following items are prohibited in Machu Picchu: drones, selfie sticks, camera tripods, canes without rubber tips, backpacks that exceed 40 cm x 35 cm x 20 cm, aerosol sprays, sharp objects, banners or signs.

Single-use plastic bottles and any other single-use plastic (bags, cups, straws, etc.) are prohibited in the sanctuary, on the Inca Trail, and in all other protected natural areas in Peru. This regulation was established by the Ministry of the Environment, following the Regulation of Sustainable Tourism that has as its objective the conservation of these protected natural spaces. Be sure to bring your reusable water bottle on all of our trips to Peru.