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Machu Picchu Trekking
from
USD2,090
Duration: 8+ days
Difficulty: Tough
Group Size: 4-8
Adventure: Trek
The iconic Inca Trail is a challenging multiday trek in the Andes that starts in the medieval city of Cusco and ends at the most famous ruins of the Inca civilisation known as Machu Picchu. En route, you hike through beautiful cloud rainforest and alpine grassland, and visit several incredible Inca ruins!
Schedule a call with our team, and we will answer any questions you might have.
Our itineraries
At present we're just offering the classic Inca Trail. We do, however, include two full days before the start of the trek to help you acclimatise properly. But there's plenty of exciting things to do and see during this time!
Country info and facts
Here's what you need to know to plan a trip to Peru. Please take careful note of the visa and entry procedure, as it's a little different from most other countries.
Languages
Spanish and Quechua
Currency
Nuevo soles
Airports
The main international airport is Lima's Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM). The other airport to know about for trekking to Machu Picchu is Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ), which is outside of Cusco, the gateway to the Machu Picchu trekking trails.
Seasons
Peru is just south of the Equator and so doesn't have extreme seasonal variations. The best months for trekking to Machu Picchu are April through to early October. This is the dry (or at least, drier) season. Peak months are June and July. In the wet season, the trails can get washed out. And in February the Inca Trail is closed altogether for maintenance.
You can find more detail in When is the best time to trek the Inca Trail?
Visa and Immigration
Citizens of many countries are allowed into Peru without a tourist visa. That said, whether you're entering Peru with or without a visa, note that you'll also need to present the following to obtain entry:
- Proof of onward travel (like a plane or bus ticket).
- Documents showing you can enter your onward destination if you're not returning home afterwards.
- Bank statements showing you have sufficient funds to cover your trip expenses.
- A passport that's valid for at least six months from your date of entry.
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Learn more here.
Health and Safety
There are no especial concerns for travelling to Peru like malaria or yellow fever.
That said, the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends you have the following vaccinations before visiting: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
If you're going to be trekking to Machu Picchu, you should speak with your doctor about the dangers of altitude sickness. You might helpfully be prescribed altitude meds to help mitigate the negative side effects of high altitude.
Finally, you might like to read 7 important safety tips for hiking the Inca Trail.
Local leaders
Greco
Based in Cusco and guiding since 2005, Greco brings years of experience and adventure to every trek. With certifications in guiding, first aid, and bird watching, he's passionate about sharing Peru’s rich landscapes and culture. Greco speaks Spanish, English, Quechua, and even Chinese - making him a great communicator on the trail. His favourite route? The iconic Inca Trail. When he’s not leading groups through the Andes, you’ll likely find him travelling and exploring new horizons.
Sarah Confer
Sarah has been travelling within Peru since 2006, when she first became enamoured with the cultures, the people and the landscape. Originally a textile conservator by trade, she's lectured widely on Peruvian textiles in Canada, Peru and Mexico, and has also taught textile-based workshops and courses. She now splits her time between Canada and Cusco, and spends her days dreaming up adventurous Peruvian itineraries and helping others to create memories they’ll cherish for a lifetime!
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Local guides
Our local guides look after you in every way. Our goal is to give every traveller the feeling you get when a friend is showing you their country.
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On average, over 70% of your trip price stays in the local economy. It's important to us that the visited communities benefit the most since they're the ones hosting travellers.
Trek to Machu Picchu then explore more of Peru
Why not do the Inca Trail or Salkantay Trek and then visit some of Peru's other most iconic destinations as a well-deserved reward?
From
$
2,090
Machu Picchu Trekking
The Machu Picchu region offers challenging and incredibly scenic multiday treks in the beautiful Andes.
5.0
1-8
days
From
$
485
Explore Peru
Travel to exciting destinations like the Amazon rainforest and explore this country of great beauty and diversity!
5.0
3-5
days
Top reads
Our top blog posts cover three important topics: the route you follow on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, what to pack for the trek, and everything you need to know to visit Peru as a tourist.
The Classic Inca Trail – a day-by-day itinerary
The Inca Trail is a high-altitude trek that's usually completed over four days and ends with a visit to the magnificent ruins of Machu Picchu. Here's what to expect each day on the trek, as well as seasonal differences and what the actual path looks like.
Complete packing list for trekking to Machu Picchu
In this complete packing list for trekking to Machu Picchu we list and also discuss the trekking equipment, clothing, shoes, toiletries and other essentials (as well as some non-essentials) that you need to successfully and comfortably manage the trek.
All topics
Looking to hike the Annapurna Circuit? We've got your back with all of the necessary info to you plan, prepare physically, pack your bags, and more! Take a look at how much the Annapurna Circuit trek costs, when is the best time of year to do it, what the Nar-Phu extension looks like, and much more useful stuff!
Trek comparisons
Difficulty and training
Bucket list
Gadgets and power
Packing list
General safety
General info
Get excited
FAQs
Do I need a visa to visit Peru?
es, you need a tourist visa to visit Peru, unless you're a citizen of one of these countries:
- All South American nations except Venezuela
- Canada, USA and Mexico
- Most central American and Caribbean nations
- South Africa
- Israel
- All EU countries plus Britain, Norway, Belarus and Russia
- Japan, Brunei, Philippines, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Taiwan
- Australia, New Zealand and most Oceania nations
For those of you who do need a visa, you can purchase one for 30 days or more.
Please note that everyone visiting Peru needs to provide certain documentation, such as proof of onward travel. We explain what's needed and how to obtain a visa in What to know about Peru's visa requirements and entry procedures.
Do I need any vaccinations to visit Peru?
Yes, vaccinations are recommended for travel to Peru. While most are not mandatory for entry, they are strongly advised to protect against diseases present in the region. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends being up-to-date on routine vaccines such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella, and influenza.
International travellers should also consider vaccines for:
- Yellow Fever
- Hepatitis A and B
- Typhoid – particularly if staying in rural areas or eating street food
If you’re travelling to certain parts of the country, especially lowland jungle areas, the CDC also recommends taking prescription medication to prevent malaria.
Is Peru a safe country for tourists?
es, Peru is generally considered safe for tourists, especially in popular travel areas like Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu.
Peru was the only country in South America to improve its peace ranking on the 2025 Global Peace Index (GPI), with a 4.4% improvement. This was largely due to a significant drop in internal conflict and social unrest.
Unlike in previous years, 2025 saw no major protests or violent crackdowns. While some political instability remains, governance and economic conditions have improved, and the government has strengthened its response to organised crime. Peru now ranks 96th out of 163 countries on the GPI, making it one of the safer destinations in the world.
For more details about how to stay safe while travelling in Peru, please read 8 tips to stay healthy and safe when travelling in Peru.
How difficult is the Inca Trail?
The Inca Trail is considered moderately challenging. While some sections are steep and physically demanding, others are easier and offer time to enjoy the beautiful surroundings. The main challenges are the high altitude, constant elevation changes, and long stretches of stone steps.
The trail ranges from 4,200 m to 2,430 m above sea level, which can be tough on the body if you’re not used to high altitudes. That said, most reasonably fit people can complete the trek. If you have any health concerns — especially if you're older — it's a good idea to speak with your doctor before signing up.
To learn more, please read How should I train for trekking to Machu Picchu?
Can I do the Inca Trail as a solo trekker?
No, you can't hike the Inca Trail on your own. The Peruvian government requires all trekkers to go with a registered tour operator and licensed guide. This rule helps protect the trail and ensures safety. Your tour operator will handle permits, logistics, and provide support every step of the way.
At Follow Alice, we encourage solo travellers to join one of our group departures. It’s a great way to meet like-minded adventurers and share the experience with new friends from around the world.
Where do I sleep on the Inca Trail?
All trekkers on the Inca Trail sleep in tents provided by their tour operator. At Follow Alice, we set up shared two-person tents as standard. If you'd prefer your own tent, that's no problem — just let us know in advance and we’ll arrange it for a small extra fee.
For more handy tips like where you go to the toilet on the trail, check out our guide: 22 quick things to know before trekking the Inca Trail.
Follow Alice Tours (T) LTD is registered in Tanzania and holds all the necessary licences to run Kilimanjaro climbs and safaris.