Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
WARNING!
Due to the Inca Trail's overwhelming popularity, you must book at least six weeks in advance for trips outside of
high season and six months to a full year beforehand for departures between late May and early September. The
same goes for the abbreviated two-day route.
And if it's already booked for your dates? Check out the alternative routes.
Regulations & Fees
The Inca Trail is the only trek in the Cuzco area that cannot be walked independently -
you must go with a licensed operator. Prices range from US$480 to US$600 and above.
Only 500 people each day (including guides and porters) are allowed to start the trail.
You must go through an approved Inca Trail operator. Permits are issued to them on a
first-come, first-served basis. You will need to provide your passport number to get a per-
mit, and carry the passport with you to show at checkpoints along the trail. Be aware that
if you get a new passport but had applied with your old, it may present a problem.
Also, permits are nontransferrable: no name changes.
Choosing an Inca Trail Operator
While it may be tempting to quickly book your trek and move onto the next item on your
To Do list, it's a good idea to examine the options carefully before sending that deposit. If
price is your bottom line, keep in mind that the cheapest agencies may cut corners by pay-
ing their guides and porters lower wages. Other issues are substandard gear (ie leaky
tents) and dull or lackadaisical guiding.
Yet paying more may not mean getting more, especially since international operators
take their cut and hire local Peruvian agencies. Talk with a few agencies to get a sense of
their quality of service. You might ask if the guide speaks English (fluently or just a little),
request a list of what is included and inquire about group size and the kind of transporta-
tion used. Ensure that your tour includes a tent, food, a cook, one-day admission to the ru-
ins and the return train fare.
If you have special dietary requirements, state them clearly before the trip, being clear
about allergies (versus preference issues). Vegans will meet with a lot of quinoa and len-
tils. If possible, get confirmation in writing that your specific requirements will be met.
