Hiking in Peru: The Inca Trail & Machu Picchu
Peru is the great trekking destination of the Andes — a country where Inca stone roads still climb to 4,200 m passes, where Machu Picchu sits hidden on a ridge above the Urubamba, and where the high Andes offer everything from the permit-limited classic Inca Trail to remote 6,000 m peak approaches.
The Classic Inca Trail (43 km, 4 days) is the most famous trek in the Americas, ending at the Sun Gate above Machu Picchu at dawn. It is strictly permit-limited and must be booked months ahead. The Salkantay and Ausangate treks are the permit-free alternatives.
This guide covers the Inca Trail permit system, the alternative treks, altitude, and the May–September dry season.
The Classic Inca Trail
The Classic Inca Trail (43 km, 4 days) runs from Km 82 on the railway to Machu Picchu, crossing Dead Woman's Pass (4,215 m) and finishing at the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) above the citadel at dawn. It is the only trek that enters Machu Picchu on foot via the Inca gate.
Permits are strictly limited to 500 people per day (including guides and porters) and sell out months in advance for the May–September high season — often by January for the most popular dates. Book through a licensed operator; independent trekking is not permitted. The trail closes every February for maintenance.
Salkantay and Ausangate Alternatives
The Salkantay Trek (~60 km, 5 days) is the most popular permit-free alternative, crossing the Salkantay pass (4,630 m) beneath the 6,271 m peak and descending into cloud forest to join the railway to Machu Picchu. It does not enter via the Sun Gate.
The Ausangate Trek (~70 km, 5–6 days) is a remote high-altitude circuit around the 6,384 m Ausangate massif, with no Inca ruins but extraordinary Andean scenery, glacial lakes and the Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) side trip. It is the choice for trekkers seeking solitude and altitude.
Altitude and Season
Cusco sits at 3,400 m and the treks climb above 4,200 m — acclimatisation is essential. Spend at least 2–3 days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before any trek, stay hydrated, and consider coca tea (a traditional Andean remedy).
The dry season runs May to September, with the clearest weather and best trail conditions. December–March is the rainy season. The Inca Trail closes entirely in February.
Frequently asked questions
- How long is the Inca Trail? The Classic Inca Trail is 43 km over 4 days, crossing Dead Woman's Pass (4,215 m) and finishing at the Sun Gate above Machu Picchu.
- Do I need a permit for the Inca Trail? Yes — permits are strictly limited to 500 people per day (including guides and porters) and sell out months in advance for May–September. Book through a licensed operator; independent trekking is not permitted. The trail closes in February.
- What is the best alternative to the Inca Trail? The Salkantay Trek (~60 km, 5 days) is the most popular permit-free alternative. The Ausangate Trek is the remote, high-altitude option for trekkers seeking solitude.
- When is the best time to trek in Peru? May to September (dry season) for the clearest weather. December–March is the rainy season. The Inca Trail closes entirely in February for maintenance.
- Is altitude a problem in Peru? Yes. Cusco is at 3,400 m and treks cross 4,200 m passes. Acclimatise for 2–3 days before trekking, stay hydrated, and ascend gradually. This is comparable to Toubkal's 4,167 m summit — see our Mount Toubkal treks as a first altitude test.
Mount Toubkal Treks — A comparable 4,000 m+ pass/summit altitude experience to test acclimatisation before Peru.