- Operators compared
- 7
- Priced products
- 10
- Median price (4 days)
- $944
- Range
- $699–$2,400
- Prices last verified
- 25 Oct 2026
What drives the price
- 01
The Classic Inca Trail is a four-day, 43 km trek ending at the Sun Gate above Machu Picchu. Only licensed operators may run it.
- 02
Permits are capped at 500 people per day including porters and guides, roughly 200 trekkers; peak dates sell out months ahead.
- 03
The trail closes every February for maintenance. Salkantay, Lares and Choquequirao treks have no permit cap and run year round.
- 04
All treks end with a timed entry ticket to Machu Picchu; Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain are separate limited tickets.
Options compared
| Variant | Days | offers | Min | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classic Inca Trail (4 days) | 4–5 | 10 | $699 | $945 |
Best months
Dry season
Clear days and cold nights. June to August is peak; permits sell out earliest.
Shoulder
Good conditions, fewer people, some rain.
Wet season
Daily rain likely; trails muddy but green and quiet.
Closed
Classic and Short Inca Trail closed for maintenance. Alternative treks run.
How to choose
- 1
If you want the Classic Inca Trail, book as soon as permits open for your dates; otherwise pick Salkantay or Lares.
- 2
Compare porter weight limits and porter welfare policies; the better operators publish them.
- 3
Check whether the Machu Picchu entry, return train class (Expedition vs Vistadome) and Cusco transfers are included.
- 4
Group sizes range from 8 to 16; private departures cost more but set your own pace.
Lowest price per day right now
See every operator| Trend | Verified | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inca Trail Reservations MINCUL | Classic Inca Trail (4 days) | 4 | Group | $699 | $175 | -7% | |
| TREXperience Peru Licence unverified | Classic Inca Trail (4 days) | 4 | Group | $790 | $198 | -4% | |
| G Adventures Licence unverified | Classic Inca Trail (4 days) | 4 | Group | $850 | $213 | +12% | |
| Salkantay Trekking RUC | Classic Inca Trail (4 days) | 4 | Group | $870 | $218 | -8% | |
| Llama Path Licence unverified | Classic Inca Trail (4 days) | 4 | Group | $890 | $223 | +5% | |
| Evolution Treks Peru Licence unverified | Classic Inca Trail (4 days) | 4 | Group | $999 | $250 | +1% | |
| Evolution Treks Peru Licence unverified | Classic Inca Trail (4 days) | 5 | Group | $1,400 | $280 | first seen | |
| Evolution Treks Peru Licence unverified | Classic Inca Trail (4 days) | 4 | Private | $1,250 | $313 | first seen |
Frequently asked questions
Answers use the live dataset; figures update when prices are re-verified.
How much does the Inca Trail cost?
Across the 7 authorised operators we track, the median price for a 4-day group trek is $944 per person, observed on 25 Oct 2026. Permits, Machu Picchu entry and the return train are fixed costs that make up a large share of that.
How far in advance do I need to book the Inca Trail?
Permits for the year are released by the Ministry of Culture, usually in October for the following year, and peak-season dates (May to September) can sell out within days. Book four to six months ahead for those months.
Can I hike the Inca Trail without a tour?
No. The Classic and Short Inca Trail may only be walked with a licensed operator and guide. Salkantay and Lares can be done independently, though most people go with an operator for logistics.
Is the Inca Trail closed in February?
Yes. The Classic and Short Inca Trail close every February for maintenance. Machu Picchu itself stays open and alternative treks still run.
What is the difference between the Inca Trail and Salkantay?
The Inca Trail follows original Inca paving past several ruins and enters Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate; it needs a permit. Salkantay is higher, longer and more varied in scenery, has no permit cap, and ends with a train or walk into Aguas Calientes.