Yes, you will always need to hike the Inca Trail trek. The trail is closed during February for conservation and cleaning. In order to preserve the Inca Trail Trek and its surrounds, the Peruvian authorities cap the number of Inca Trail trekking permits to 500 per day. This number includes trekkers, guides, porters and other support staff. Permits often sell out several months in advance and you must book well ahead to secure your place.

An experienced guide with extensive local historical and archaeological knowledge will always lead your trek. Along the way, you will pass many Inca ruins, and your guide will conduct short tours wherever possible. A team of porters will carry all the equipment, leaving you with just a small daypack. Tours often include local cooks who will prepare three meals daily (while camping) and provide hot drinks and snacks. 

Check with your tour operator. Many provide camping gear and cooking equipment. Professional porters carry equipment ahead, arriving to set up camp before trekkers arrive.  This gives them plenty of time to set up camp and prepare dinner. The porters usually also provide a small bowl of warm water, soap and a small flannel/towel for every person to wash their hands when reaching camp and each morning. Campfires are not permitted. Please note that campsites are subject to change depending on availability. At the Inca Trail trek briefing, you will be advised of the exact campsites where you will stay.

Your porters, guides and cooks have fantastic strength, stamina and skill.  Together, they make your trek a thoroughly enjoyable and hassle-free experience. They will set up camp daily, prepare meals and carry extra luggage. Most people would almost certainly be unable to complete the trek without them. It is, therefore, commonly accepted that porters, guides and cooks are all tipped well. Some tour operators include tips in the cost to ensure that all porters and other Inca Trail staff are tipped relatively and equally. We advise that you check with your tour operator. 

If your tour operator specifies that they do not provide sleeping bags, you will need a warm sleeping bag for the Inca Trail trek. Where possible, we recommend that you bring your sleeping bag. Some may be available for hire locally (for approximately US$15), but please check with your operator first. If you plan to hire a bag, bringing a silk sleeping bag liner for added warmth and comfort is a good idea.

A four-season* (or -10) bag is recommended for the winter months. At other times, you will probably be fine in a 3-season (or -4/-5) bag, although this depends on how much you feel the cold and is given as a guideline only. Roll mats are provided on the Inca Trail; however, for greater comfort and warmth, Thermarest-style mattresses can also be hired in Cusco for US$15.

*Please note: If you are travelling in winter and you do not wish to invest in a 4 season bag, you may want to consider purchasing a 3 season bag plus a sleeping bag liner and bringing additional clothing

Good quality, comfortable footwear is essential. Whatever you wear, the most important thing is comfort. It is vital to ensure that boots are well worn in and lightweight. Ankle support and waterproofing is recommended, but if you already have something comfortable with good grip on rocks, don’t go rushing out to buy new boots – you are better off with your well-worn pair! Make sure you bring a pair of flip-flops/thongs back in your duffel bag too. There’s nothing like letting your feet ‘air’ after a long day of trekking in hiking boots.

Again, check with your tour operator. However, usually your main luggage will be stored in Cuzco and you will receive a small duffle bag at your Inca Trail briefing to pack clothes for 3-4 days. Your team of porters will carry these bags together with the food and equipment for the trail. Please note that you will not have access to these items until the end of each day as the porters will always be ahead of the group. You should therefore bring a day pack to carry personal belongings such as your camera, water and sunscreen, etc. By Peruvian law, the duffle bag carried by the porters must not weigh more than 5kg (10lbs), which is to include your sleeping bag – this limit is set to protect the health of porters. All bags will be weighed before being accepted. If you require more than 5kg, it will be your responsibility to carry the extra amount with your day pack. For more details on packing for the Inca Trail please see our blog.

Don’t panic, there are other ways to get to see Machu Picchu! Find out more here.