Inca Trail Permits
Permits are sold out until July so book soon to walk this classic trail!
Inca Trail permits are sold out April-June with limited availability during July so book NOW for August-November dates if this is the route you are after. ALL of our affordable adventure holidays to Peru include the Inca Trail. Alternatively we also offer the stunning Lares Trek.
Walk the Inca Trail on an adventure holiday to Peru with Imaginative Traveller
Walking the Inca Trail is one of the most famous and justifiably popular reasons to take an adventure holiday to Peru. Trekking to the renowned site of Machu Picchu through inspirational Andean scenery along ancient Inca stone paths and stairways is usually on most travellers' wish lists. ALL of our affordable adventures to Peru include the Inca Trail. The Classic Inca Trail is restricted by the number of trekkers permitted on the trail each day so it is an absolute MUST that you book early as it may be impossible for us to secure the necessary permits. Passport details are required to secure a permit so there is no exchanging or 'ebaying' of secondhand permits – once they're gone, they're gone!
A Typical Day on the Inca Trail
Most days begin around 6am with a hearty breakfast prepared by your trekking team. You generally trek between 5-8 hours for the first three days, with many rest opportunities available. Rest is an important factor in countering altitude sickness – walk slowly rather than hurrying and enjoy the scenery, drink plenty and avoid alcohol. You can expect to trek over well defined paths and Inca stone pathways with steep ascents and descents passing hilltop forts, snow-capped peaks and cloud forests. Three passes are climbed before a 3am wake-up call on the final morning to reach the Sun Gate at sunrise for classic Machu Picchu views.
Inca Trail Facts
The trail starts at KM82 and is 44km in length
The highest point is 4215m – 'Warminwanusca' or 'Dead Woman's Pass'
It is closed during February for a general clean up and rejuvenation
It was recently voted one of the 'New Seven Wonders of the World'
Beer and a hot shower are available on the last night of the trail
Lares Trek Alternative
If we are unable to confirm your permit for the 'Classic' route we will use the 'Lares' Trail. This is an exceptional alternative with the added bonus that you will see very few trekkers. Venturing further off the beaten path, this trek winds its way through remote rural villages and provides stunning views across the Andes Mountains. Along the way you can mingle with local families, llama herders and weavers, renowned for their brightly coloured hats and ponchos. The trek is of a similar level of difficulty as the Classic route, reaches a slightly higher altitude (4350m) and also culminates in a visit to Machu Picchu.
Why travel on an adventure holiday to Peru with Imaginative Traveller
Experience
Our leaders are experienced trekking guides, and will brief you fully, prior to the start of your trek. Our itineraries reflect decades of client and Tour Leader feedback. With over 20 years of experience and expert knowledge we have one of the best safety records in adventure travel making our adventure and activity holidays to Peru very special.
Acclimatisation
Our itineraries ensure that you have time to acclimatise in Cusco (3249m), before you commence your trek to Machu Picchu (2350m).
Great Value
Our adventure tours to Peru start from as little as £520! And no single supplements for solo travellers!
Equipment
We will provide a kitbag (to be carried by the porters) and inflatable sleeping mat (sleeping bags and trekking poles can be hired in Cusco).
Local Leaders
They speak the language, understand the culture, know the history and are passionate about their homeland. They'll provide insights into Peru and the Inca Trail that you would never discover independently.
Porter Protection
Porters are used to carry your gear so that you can fully appreciate the scenery and the trekking experience. We are members of the International Porter Protection Group which has developed a standard of employment practice for mountain porters and trek operators. We constantly try to set the benchmark for the industry on porters providing appropriate clothing, food, shelter, healthcare, insurance and above-average wages for all our porters.
Grassroots Travel
In Peru you will stay with people you've only read about, visit places few have seen and use a variety of local transport to really experience the culture.
Inclusions
All our Inca Trail adventure holidays are full service camping tours including porters, cook, transport and accommodation plus many meals and entrance fees
Small Groups
Less impact on the environment, more chance for cultural interaction.
Flexibility and Fun
Our small group adventure tours offer security and companionship as well as plenty of freedom and flexibility for you to make your own discoveries.
Responsible Travel
At the heart of ALL our adventure and activity holidays to Peru. In particular we support Peru's Challenge, which works to support poor communities throughout the country. Specifically our funding is helping bring economic benefits to Pumamarca, a small agricultural community near Cusco.
Don't miss out on the chance to trek the Inca Trail – book EARLY to secure a permit and enjoy an authentic and affordable adventure holiday to Peru the Imaginative Traveller way.
