You're not going to have mobile reception for most of the Inca Trail. So it's best to plan for a more mindful adventure, free from noisy or distracting phone calls.
That said, there are some places where you can usually get signal, and many trekkers like to use those opportunities to let loved ones back home know that they're okay (and having the time of their life!).
Where can I find signal on the Inca Trail?
On Day 1 of the Inca Trail you should have signal until about lunchtime. This is because you haven't yet hiked far enough into the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu to be cut off from mobile service.
A popular campsite used by many operators on the last night of the trek
After that, you shouldn't expect (or waste your time trying to find) signal until you reach the campsite near Third Pass, which will be at lunchtime or in the evening of Day 3, depending on where you're camping that night. Please do yourself a favour, however, and don't rely on finding signal here. It's spotty as heck.
Finally, you can expect to have signal again when you reach Machu Picchu on the final day of your Inca Trail trek. So if you want to phone someone then to shout excitedly down the line where you are – you're golden!
Which mobile provider offers the best coverage?
At present, Movistar offers the best coverage for both the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu. Peru's two other biggest mobile service providers are Entel and Claro.
