Two-Day Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity.

We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, guides and the communities they’re travelling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in the Inca Trail, Peru, please refer to the U.S. embassy’s guidelines on traveling to Peru and Travel Peru’s COVID-19 recommendations for travelers.

Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!

What you get on this adventure:

• • An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area, first aid training and a satellite phone for emergencies
  • 2 days of hiking
  • All necessary permits
  • A briefing the day before the trip
  • Transportation from your hotel to the trailhead and back
  • Accommodation
  • Camping equipment (for the camping tour)
  • Food & drinks

What’s not included:

• • Transportation to Cusco

You need to have moderate fitness to go hiking on the Inca Trail. The hike is not very technical, but the altitude may affect some individuals. Even though this tour is 2 days long, you’re only hiking for 6 hours of one day, and this includes some stops. The morning is mostly gradually uphill the entire time so it’ll be tiring, but well worth it when you get to Winay Wayna for lunchtime. Just remember it’s one foot in front of the other, look up at the amazing views, and enjoy it.

Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:

• • Day pack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 25-40L bag)
  • Passport
  • Valid student card (if you booked as a student)
  • Immigration Card (given on the plane as you enter Peru)
  • Hiking poles — optional
  • Water bottle or hydration bladder (Water reservoir like Camelbaks are encouraged – but enough for at least 2-3 liters)
  • Lightweight hiking boots or shoes
  • Comfortable shoes for camp
  • Spare clothes for layering
  • Waterproof rain jacket
  • 1 wicking t-shirt, 1 shirt for Machu Picchu
  • 1 hiking pant, 1 short or pants for Machu Picchu
  • Hiking socks, regular socks
  • Fleece
  • Sunhat
  • Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
  • First aid kit — band-aids, moleskin, etc.
  • Headlamp
  • Waterproof gloves
  • Quickdry towel — can be provided by your guide
  • Soap — can be provided by your guide
  • Large plastic bags
  • Sleeping bag — down bags for -10°C
  • Sunglasses
  • Camera — optional (but recommended)

Porters will carry up to 7 kg of your personal items. This must include your sleeping bag and air matt (if you bring/rent one). Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

Group sizes and prices:

• • For the private adventures, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 8:1.
  • The cost per person decreases as the group grows, so it’s the perfect opportunity to hike with friends and family!
  • For the group adventures, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 8:1. It takes a minimum of 2 people for a tour to operate. The cost does not decrease as the group grows.

Hiking in the Inca Trail can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

Min. age requirements:

• • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
  • Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the hike on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.

If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

To get to the Inca Trail, most people fly into Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima. From there, there are numerous local airlines that can get you to Cusco in around 1h20min. Keep in mind that all international travelers by plane must disembark in Lima and go through Customs. Even if your flight to Cusco is the same day by the same airline carrier, you must grab your bags in Lima and then check them back in.

Local flights are often subject to delays or flight cancellations. Due to the high altitude of Cusco, it tends to be difficult to land and any acclimate weather will stop air traffic. Bus travel is always available and the trip can be long, especially from Lima. Buses in Peru are very well maintained and comfortable. This option is strongly encouraged if you’re coming from a city closer to Cusco like Puno.

Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet, whether that’s at your hotel in Cusco or a predetermined location. The guide will choose the appropriate terrain dependent on conditions and the ability of the group.