Inca Trail FAQ

Can I buy the Inca Trail permit and hike the trail on my own?

No, you are not allowed to buy the permit or hike the trail by yourself.  The National Institute of Culture only sells permits to authorized tour operators.  For a list of 2011 authorized Inca Trail Tour Operator, please click here.

Do all the tour operators provide the same service?

No.  Make sure that you are hiring a professionally run tour operator that will take proper care of you and the environment.  If you see prices that are too low, be careful.  Some companies have hidden extra charges or fees.  Also, some companies won’t provide all the services they claim they are offering.  Do not expect refunds if you are working with an Inca Trail Tour Operator only based in Peru.

Why do I need to check availability?

Availability is restricted by the Peruvian Government.  Only 500 people per day are allowed to hike the Inca Trail.  From these, only 200 to 230 are tourists.  The remaining number includes porters, guides and cooks.

How far in advance should I book my Inca Trail?

Due to limited availability, we recommend that you book your Inca Trail trek at least 3 months in advance.  If you plan to hike the Inca Trail during the busy season (June through September), you should book it at least 4 months in advance.

How do I reserve a spot for the Inca Trail?

Please review our Inca Trail Booking post.

Why do companies show on their websites at the end of the year that permits are not available for the following year?

The National Institute of Culture starts selling permits for the following season (March to January of the following year) during the month of February.  For instance, permits for March 2011 will not be available for sale until February 2011.  However, there are some companies that will accept pre-reservations.

Can I change my starting date for the Inca Trail?

Once the Inca Trail permit has been purchased, you cannot change the starting date without incurring in an additional cost.  The permits are issued by the Peruvian Government and are non-refundable and non-transferable.  If the permit has been issued and you need to change your starting date, you will probably lose your deposit in full and a new security deposit will be required.

What should I do if there is no availability for the days that I will be in Cusco?

There are alternative treks, such as Salkantay, Lares, Huchuy Qosqo, Inca Jungle or  Choquequirao.  You can also take the train from Cusco or Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and visit Machu Picchu.  If you are planning on visiting Machu Picchu, we recommend spending the night in Aguas Calientes; that way you will have enough time to really enjoy the magic and mysticism of Machu Picchu.

 When is the best time to hike the Inca Trail?

The dry season is generally the best time to hike the trek.  The dry season runs from April to November, while the wet season runs from December to March.  During the rainy season, however, the rain does not usually last all day.

June to September are the most popular months for treks. May and October offer the nicest weather.  The Inca Trail is closed in February.

Could I hike the Inca Trail at any time?

Yes, as long as there is availability on the day you will start the trek.  You don’t need to check for availability for all the days you will be on the trek, just the starting day.  However, during the month of February the trail is closed for maintenance.

What do I need to carry during the Inca Trail?

Most companies will ask you to carry your personal belongings, sleeping bags, and mattress foam.  If you are not willing to carry anything other than a small backpack, you should hire the service of an extra porter through your Inca Trail Tour Operator.

Usually, porters will carry up to either 15 pounds (7 kilograms) or 30 pounds (14 kilograms), depending on the type of service hired.  The cost of this service varies from one company to another one.

If I hire the service of a porter, will he walk with me?

No.  Porters carry up to 55 pounds (25 kilograms) in total.  Eleven pounds (5 kilograms) are reserved for the use of the porter while the other 44 pounds (20 kilograms) are reserved for the use of the company you are hiring.  If you hire the service of a porter to carry up to 30 pounds (14 kilograms), the porter will still be carrying 14 pounds (6.5 kilograms) of company equipment.  In order to be able to carry all this weight, porters need to keep a steady pace which is usually faster than the pace of a traveler.

What is the food like on the Inca Trail?

It depends.  Some companies provide nutritious and delicious elaborated meals while other companies provide poorly prepared meals.  At the end of the day, what you eat during the Inca Trail is what you have paid for.

What are the guides like?

If you are hiring a company charging less than USD 420.00, you could expect a guide with poor English.  Also, guides who work for companies that charge a low rate are usually underpaid.  If you are paying over USD 450.00, you should expect a knowledgeable guide with good English who will make this a once-in-a-lifetime experience. 

Is water provided during the trek?

Some companies provide bottles of water or boiled water during the trek.  If your company does not provide water at all, you will be able to get water from several natural streams or rest areas that you will find along the trail.  Please use a filter or water purification pill every time you refill your bottle with water from any of these sources.

What should I bring on the trek?

Please review our what to bring post. 

Can I hike the Inca Trail the same day that I arrive in Cusco?

The main effects of altitude sickness show the first or second day.  For that reason, we highly recommend that you hike the Inca Trail at least a couple of days after arriving in Cusco.

What should I do to avoid altitude sickness?

To avoid altitude sickness, give yourself time to acclimatize to the change in altitude (2 to 3 days).  For instance, if you are trekking the Inca Trail, you should rest the day before.  Try to avoid alcohol, and make sure you eat light meals and drink plenty of water.  Make sure to stay hydrated, walk slowly and take frequent breaks.  Drinking coca leaf tea always helps.  It is widely available, and your hotel in Cusco will probably offer it as well.  For further details, please review our altitude sickness post.

What should I do if I get altitude sickness in Cusco City or in the middle of the trek?

Drink plenty of liquids (coca leaf tea will definitely help), take a nap, and try to rest. If you are in the middle of the trek and start feeling dizzy, extremely tired, nauseated, or have a headache, ask for advice from your guide.  You may need to go back in search of lower elevation.  Usually, symptoms go away once you are at a  lower elevation.  If not, you should contact a doctor.