Southern Peru Explorers
Peruvian Andean landscape
2027 Early Bird Bookings Open

Inca Trail Tours to Machu Picchu

Hike the Classic or Short Inca Trail with our local team from Cusco and reach Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku).
Inca Trail permits are limited and sell out months ahead. Book early to secure your 2027 date.
  • Expert guides + oxygen, satellite phone & private portable toilets
  • Prime campsites + sunrise arrival at Intipunku
  • Fresh buffet meals prepared by wilderness chefs

Plan ahead

Inca Trail Permits 2027

Every Inca Trail hike needs an official permit, and the number of permits per day is fixed by law. Tell us your preferred dates and group size and we will check availability for you before you pay anything.

  • Limited daily permits

    The Ministry of Culture caps the Classic Inca Trail at 500 people per day, including guides, cooks and porters.

  • Only through licensed operators

    Permits cannot be bought individually: a licensed Inca Trail operator must book them for you.

  • Issued with your passport

    Each permit carries the hiker’s name and passport number and cannot be transferred to another person.

  • Closed every February

    The trail closes each February for maintenance. Dry-season dates (May to September) usually sell out first.

Plaza de Armas y centro histórico de Cusco, Perú
Aguas turquesas de Laguna en los Andes peruanos
Excursionista de Southern Peru Explorers contemplando Machu Picchu al amanecer
100% Certified Guides Inca Trail Specialists
Southern Peru Explorers

A Local Tour Operator Based in Cusco

At Southern Peru Explorers, traveling is more than just going somewhere. It is about making your travels memorable and unique. At Southern Peru Explorers, we give you a chance to make your trips unique through the expert services of our local tour guides. We care about safety and the environment and we always ensure that each and every one of our adventures is authentic and fulfilling.

Safety & High Standards

Certified mountain equipment and emergency first-aid protocols.

Environmental Care

Leave No Trace principles and ethical porter welfare.

Expert Local Guides

Native bilingual storytellers with deep Andean roots.

Memorable Adventures

Intimate group expeditions crafted for lifetime memories.
Treks & Tours

Choose Your Trek to Machu Picchu

Find your ideal travel style: from ancestral hiking routes and multi-sport adventures to comprehensive cultural packages and Amazon expeditions.
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Traveler Reviews

What Travelers Say About Our Treks

Read independent reviews from travelers who explored Peru with our local team.
Frequently Asked Questions

Everything You Need to Know Before Traveling to Peru

Find quick and verified answers about permits, acclimatization, packing, and trek planning from our licensed guides.
1How far in advance should I book the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu tours?
For the Classic Inca Trail (4D/3N and 2D/1N), we strongly recommend reserving 4 to 6 months in advance, as Peruvian government regulations strictly cap permits to 500 per day (including guides, porters, and cooks). For alternative treks like Salkantay, Inca Jungle, or day tours, booking 3 to 4 weeks prior is usually sufficient, though peak season (May through September) fills up quickly.
2How do I prevent and manage altitude sickness (soroche) in Cusco?
Cusco sits at 3,400 meters (11,150 ft) above sea level. We recommend arriving in Cusco at least 2 full days before starting any strenuous trek. Stay well hydrated, avoid heavy alcohol and greasy foods on your first day, drink traditional coca leaf or muña tea, and rest. All our mountain guides carry emergency medical oxygen tanks and first-aid kits on every trek.
3What is the best time of year to visit Cusco and trek in the Andes?
The dry season runs from April through October, offering clear blue skies, sunny daytime temperatures (18°C to 22°C), and optimal trail conditions. The rainy season spans from November through March, with warmer days and lush green landscapes. Note that the Inca Trail is closed every year during the entire month of February for environmental maintenance and conservation.
4What passport documents are required to enter Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail?
You must travel with the exact physical passport used at the time of booking. It must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel date. If you renew your passport between booking and traveling, you must bring both your old and new physical passports to validate your government-issued permits at checkpoints.
5Are transfers and airport pickups included in the tour packages?
Yes. All our multi-day packages and multi-day treks include door-to-door private transfers from Alejandro Velasco Astete Airport (CUZ) in Cusco or your designated hotel in Cusco and the Sacred Valley to the starting trailheads and back upon conclusion.
6What level of physical fitness is required for trekking expeditions?
Most multi-day treks (such as Salkantay or Classic Inca Trail) involve 5 to 7 hours of daily hiking across uneven mountain terrain with steep ascents and descents. Moderate cardiovascular fitness, prior hill walking, and aerobic training will ensure an enjoyable experience. For non-hikers, we offer panoramic train tours directly to Machu Picchu.
7Can you accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or special dietary needs?
Absolutely. Our professional trail chefs specialize in preparing fresh, wholesome gourmet meals and can easily accommodate vegetarian, vegan, lactose-free, gluten-free, celiac, and food allergy requirements at no additional charge. Please inform us of your dietary preferences upon booking.
8What essential gear and clothing should I pack for trekking in Peru?
We recommend dressing in breathable layers: moisture-wicking base layers, a warm fleece or down jacket for cold Andean nights, a waterproof and windproof outer shell, broken-in trekking boots with ankle support, a 25-30L daypack, UV sunglasses, sunhat, trekking poles with rubber tips, and personal toiletries.
9Can solo travelers join your small group departures?
Yes, solo travelers are warmly welcomed on all our guaranteed group departures. You will share a spacious tent with another traveler of the same gender, or you may opt for a private single tent supplement for a nominal fee.
10What is your cancellation, rescheduling, and refund policy?
Government-issued Inca Trail permits and Machu Picchu entrance tickets are non-refundable and strictly non-transferable under Peruvian ministerial law. For the remainder of your trip package, we offer flexible rescheduling options and partial refunds according to the notification timeframe specified in our booking terms.

Have a specific question about your trip?

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TRAVEL GUIDES & INSIGHTS

Stories, Guides & Tips from the Andes

Expert advice from our licensed local guides on trek preparation, Inca history, culture, and travel planning in Peru.
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