Inca Trail Cost: Classic Inca Trail Price Guide

The Classic Inca Trail costs USD 890 per person with us, in a group (USD 860 for students), for 4 days and 3 nights. The price includes the Inca Trail permit and the Machu Picchu ticket, a bilingual guide, porters, a cook and all meals on the trail, the camping equipment, the transfer to Km 82 and the return by bus and train. The shorter versions cost less, from USD 550 for the 1-Day Inca Trail, and a private Classic Inca Trail costs from USD 1,250 per person, depending on the size of the group.

How much does the Inca Trail cost?#

Our current prices, in US dollars per person, for group service unless stated. Students with a valid student card pay USD 30 less. We confirm availability and the final price before you pay.

What makes up the price#

Part of the price is the official fee. In 2026 the Ministry of Culture charges S/ 292 per person for the Inca Trail from Km 82 (S/ 147 for students and S/ 135 for children) and S/ 222 from Km 104, the same for Peruvians and foreigners (Ministerial Resolution 000451-2024-MC). S/ 292 is about USD 85. Since September 2026 permits are paid in full when they are issued, and Inca Trail hikers enter Machu Picchu on route 3-B; our prices include the permit and your Machu Picchu entry. Read how permits work in our Inca Trail permits guide.

The rest of the price pays for the team and the logistics of four days in a protected area, where everything is carried in on foot: the guide, the porters and the cook, the tents and kitchen, the food, the transport to Km 82 and the train back from Aguas Calientes. That is why the Inca Trail costs more than treks without a permit, such as the Salkantay Trek, where horses carry the loads.

What the Classic Inca Trail price includes#

• Your Inca Trail permit and your Machu Picchu entrance ticket, issued in your name.
• A professional guide, in English and Spanish, trained in first aid, and a guided tour of Machu Picchu.
• Porters to carry the tents, the kitchen and the food; by law, no porter carries more than 20 kg.
• A cook, and all meals and snacks on the trail from lunch on day 1 to breakfast on day 4.
• Camping equipment: tents, a dining tent with tables and chairs, sleeping mats and a duffel bag.
• Hotel pick-up in Cusco, the transfer to Km 82, the bus down from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes, the Expedition train to Ollantaytambo and the transfer back to Cusco.
• A first-aid kit and emergency oxygen.

Not included#

• Breakfast on day 1 and lunch on day 4.
• A sleeping bag and trekking poles (you can rent them from us).
• Tips for the guide, cook and porters.
• Snacks and drinks bought on the way, and souvenirs.
• Travel insurance.

Optional extras#

Hotel upgrades in Cusco or Aguas Calientes and private service can be arranged on request.

Why Inca Trail prices differ between operators#

Every licensed operator pays the same official fees, so the difference is in the service. Before you compare prices, check:

• Group size: our Classic groups are up to 12 travellers.
• What is included: the return train class, the bus down from Machu Picchu, meals on the first and last days, sleeping bags and poles.
• Who carries your things: whether a porter for your personal gear is included or extra.
• The team: whether the guide speaks your language, and how porters are paid and equipped.
• The licence: only operators authorized by the Ministry of Culture and SERNANP can sell the Inca Trail.

Our guide to choosing an Inca Trail operator has a full checklist.

When to book#

Permits are limited to 500 people a day, including staff, and the trail closes every February. For May to August, book six to eight months ahead; see our Inca Trail permits guide and our guide to the best time to hike the Inca Trail.

Frequently asked questions#

How much is the Inca Trail permit?

In 2026 the official fee is S/ 292 per adult from Km 82 and S/ 222 from Km 104, with lower fees for students and children. Only registered agencies can buy permits, and the fee is included in our tour prices.

Is the Short Inca Trail cheaper?

Yes. The 2-day Short Inca Trail from Km 104 costs from USD 580 and the 1-Day Inca Trail USD 550, because there are no nights of camping and fewer staff. You walk the last 10 km of the trail, past Wiñay Wayna, and enter Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate.

Do students get a discount?

Yes: USD 30 less on our Inca Trail tours, with a valid student card. The card is checked at the entrance to Machu Picchu.

Why is the private tour more expensive?

You have your own guide, cook and porters, and the dates and pace are set for your group alone. The price per person goes down as the group grows: from USD 1,550 for two travellers to USD 1,250 for five.