Why is it important to know the cost of the Inca Trail?

Before booking your trip, it is essential to understand what you are investing in. The cost of the Inca Trail not only covers the entrance permit, but also includes guides, porters, meals, camping equipment and even, in some cases, hotel nights, depending on the length of the trek.

Knowing what is included and what is not will avoid surprises and allow you to enjoy every step of this incredible experience.

What is the cost of the Inca Trail?

As we mentioned, the price varies according to the services included, the quality of the trekking and the agency with which you decide to do this trek. The cost fluctuates between 550 and 1500 dollars.

The agencies that operate on the Inca Trail are officially licensed by the government. These licenses are only granted to local trekking companies with an office in Cusco.

What about international agencies? Due to these regulations, many tend to subcontract to local operators, which raises the price.

Local companies

Currently, there are more than 200 authorized trekking companies in Cusco, so competition is fierce and, in some cases, can be misleading.

There are tour packages of all prices, but what makes the difference is the quality of the service, the reputation of the operator, the size of the group and the amount of services included.

Local operators offer prices ranging from US$550 to US$1200 per person for shared tours. For luxury or private treks, the price goes up to US$820 or even US$1500.

Economic Companies

These companies usually work collectively. When they are unable to gather 16 to 20 people per group for the Camino, they hand their clients over to other economic companies. In this way, they manage to reduce costs and maintain profitability.

Trekking with them can cost from US$ 550 per person, but there is a risk of last minute cancellations and poor quality service. To reduce costs, they often cut back on food, the quality of the camps and the salary of the porters.

Some agencies offer prices of less than US$500, but I do not recommend them, as the service is likely to be poor and the group is very large.

Remember: some of these companies underpay their workers and restrict their food. The porters are the real heroes of this trek, and it is not fair to treat them that way.

You can identify these companies because they do not provide uniforms or proper equipment for their staff. You will see the porters in their own clothes and sandals, and they do not usually hire female porters, as they have a lower weight limit.

What services do they usually include?

• Camping equipment rental
• Overnight stays (in hotels or local houses)
• Guide (sometimes only one for the whole group)
• Meals
• Local train back to Cusco
• Some agencies do not include entrance tickets to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu, and instead charge them separately.

Mid-Range Companies

They are more reliable and their prices range between $650 and $900 per person. They usually have groups of 8 to 12 hikers.

What services are included?

• Transfer from the airport to the hotel
• Hotel pick up
• Entrance permits to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu
• Bus ticket to Machu Picchu
• First aid certified tour guides (1 guide for every 9 people)
• Porters and personal porter
• Food and camp logistics
• First aid equipment and oxygen tank
• Transportation to and from Cusco
• Train ticket back to Cusco
• Medical assistance and oxygen
• Free luggage storage

👉 Important: 

These permits are mandatory, regulated and limited to protect the Inca Trail, and are sold out months in advance.

Luxury companies

These are usually the same mid-range local agencies, but offer customized luxury itineraries at the client's request. Here, quality takes precedence over the number of participants.

Their prices range from $900 to $1500 per person for the 4-day Inca Trail (or more if the trip is longer).

What services do they include?

They offer everything of the mid-range companies, but with higher quality:

• Private tents
• Portable toilets
• Private chef
• Luxury hotel in Machu Picchu
• Return tourist train (Vistadome Observatory or the one of your choice)

The tourist trains have different prices and services. I recommend taking a few hours rest after visiting Machu Picchu before boarding the train, so as not to miss the breathtaking views it offers.

Most people board the train and rest during the ride, missing out on this spectacle.

International companies

The international companies that offer the Inca Trail are divided into travel agencies and adventure and trekking companies.

International Adventure Companies

These companies have experience in designing travel itineraries and usually subcontract specialized local agencies. This raises the cost a little, but ensures a well-planned trip and avoids bad experiences.

In addition, some companies are actively involved in training local operators to ensure quality service.

Keep in mind that these agencies do not offer itineraries of less than 7 days. If you request only the 4-day Inca Trail, the price is usually around US$900. Customized or private packages can exceed $2,000.

International Travel Agencies

They also tend to subcontract local operators, but they are recognized brands with online shopping carts, travel insurance included and very well organized logistics.

The benefit is that you work with an established and reliable company, ideal if you are afraid of being scammed.

Their tour packages usually last more than 7 days and include the Inca Trail as one of their destinations. If you hire only the Inca Trail, it will cost you approximately $1200. The most complete itineraries usually range between 1500 and 2500 dollars.

Summary of companies

What factors affect the cost of the Inca Trail?

The price of the Inca Trail varies according to several key factors. Knowing them will help you make more informed decisions and choose the best option for your trip.

Time of year

High season (May to September) usually means higher prices and permits that sell out more quickly. Traveling in the mid-season (March to April and October to November) can save you money and also offer you an experience with fewer tourists and greater peace of mind.

Level of service

Luxury tours include pre- and post-tour hotels, high-quality meals and more personalized service. In contrast, budget tours are simpler, but still safe and entertaining.

Group size

Smaller groups, while more expensive, offer a more exclusive experience that is more attentive to your needs. On the other hand, larger groups allow you to reduce the price per person, although the experience tends to be less personalized and more crowded.

Inca Trail Discounts

The price of your tour package can be reduced if your entrance ticket to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu includes a discount.

Discounts apply for the following people:

Foreign tourists:

• University students (must present a valid university ID).
• Children from 3 to 17 years old (presenting passport or identity card).

CAN tourists, Peruvians and foreign residents 

• University students (with valid university ID).
• Children from 3 to 17 years old (presenting an identity document).

*Children under 3 years old of any nationality enter free of charge to Machu Picchu.

*Peruvian war veterans enter free of charge to Machu Picchu.

👉 To access a discount, it is essential to present the document that proves it (such as university card, passport or valid identity document).

Additional hidden costs

Although most of the services are included in the tour package, there are some additional costs that you should consider before booking your hike:

• Snacks and water: Bringing snacks and water is optional, but it can make a difference. Having these items on hand will help you keep your energy up and help you cope better with the hike.
• Tipping: At the end of the trek, many tourists tip the guides, porters and cooks as a token of appreciation for their attention and service. This is completely optional and is at the discretion of each traveler.
• Travel insurance: Taking out travel insurance is optional, but recommended. This insurance provides protection in case of accidents or incidents during the activity you plan to do in Cusco.
• Trekking poles: Trekking poles provide additional support, reduce the impact on your knees and make the hike more bearable. They are almost essential for many hikers.
• Sleeping bag: A good sleeping bag is essential to rest well and recharge energy for the next day.
• Inflatable mattress: The inflatable mattress is an optional item for those looking for more comfort when sleeping at campsites.

👉 Some of these items - such as the sleeping bag, trekking poles and inflatable mattress - can be rented from the agency you book your trek with. This can help you cut costs and simplify logistics.

Possible additional costs 

Personal porters 

Some travelers decide to carry more luggage than allowed by the travel agencies, so they need to hire an additional porter. You can hire this service directly with the agency or independently. 

👉 Important fact: the maximum weight that a porter can carry is 20 kilos for men and 15 kilos for women. Keeping this in mind will help you to better calculate the additional costs. 

If you need to know what to bring on the trek, check out our blog Inca Trail Packing List, where we detail everything you need and essential for your adventure. 

Flight costs 

As a frequent traveler, you know that the price of a flight varies depending on the date you buy it. Be sure to include this cost in your trip planning. 

Extra tour 

In addition to the main visit to Machu Picchu, some travelers wish to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. These treks are additional services to the standard tour. 

Hotel before the trek 

Accommodation before the trek is usually considered an additional service, as some agencies do not include it in the package. We recommend booking at least two nights in a hotel before the trek to acclimatize to the altitude and avoid discomfort. 

👉 Important: 

Do not underestimate acclimatization. Failure to acclimatize can cause anything from mild discomfort to serious health problems requiring hospital care. 

Food 

After your first day of acclimatization, you will probably want to sample the delicious Peruvian cuisine. Consider budgeting to visit restaurants and tourist markets. 

Laundry 

You will probably need to wash your travel clothes. In Cusco, laundry service costs approximately US$2 per kilo.

Tips to save money on the Inca Trail

Hire with a formal company

Formal agencies usually have a website, a presence on platforms such as TripAdvisor and a Google Business profile, as well as being active on social networks.

When you contact them, they will send you full branded brochures and offer different payment methods. As a client, you have the right to request to be shown the licenses granted by the government.

Formal companies usually have no problem showing you this documentation, which will help you avoid scams.

Book in advance

This is one of the most basic and, at the same time, most important rules. If you book at the last minute, you will pay much higher prices.

Remember that the Inca Trail is very popular with tourists, so we recommend booking at least 4 months in advance in high season and 2 months in low season.

Compare prices and included services

You will notice that there are very different prices among agencies, and some seem cheaper than others. Before you let yourself be tempted, carefully check the itinerary and the services included.

Why? Because some agencies offer lower prices but do not include all the necessary services, which will force you to pay additional costs. In the end, this may turn out to be the same or even more expensive than a tour package that initially seemed expensive.

Research reviews and the agency's reputation

Before booking, research the agency's reputation and what other travelers say on Google, TripAdvisor or specialized forums.

Also, it is very important to verify that the agency is authorized by the Peruvian Ministry of Culture to operate the Inca Trail.

Check the cancellation policy

We know that last minute unforeseen events such as an illness or an accident can force you to cancel your trip.

So what happens to your money? Most agencies have a cancellation policy. Some allow you to reschedule your trip at an additional cost, which is usually low, or receive a partial refund.

Refunds are usually around 50% of the amount paid or less, depending on the agency. Some even ask you for documents to prove the cause of the cancellation before proceeding with the refund.

There are agencies that do not refund you anything and they are usually the informal ones, so be careful. You could even be the victim of a scam.

Verify with the agency the purchase of your tickets

Inca Trail permits are personal and non-transferable. They are usually purchased months before the date of your trek.

Formal agencies, like ours, send you the digital tickets weeks before your arrival and verify your data to be ready to receive you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to do the Inca Trail on my own or do I need a guide?

No, it is not possible. It is forbidden to do the Inca Trail on your own because, although the trail is not dangerous, it can be confusing. In the past, some tourists have gotten lost and suffered accidents.

A guide will not only take you on the right route, but will also provide you with historical information about each of the archaeological sites you will find along the way.

Are there different rates for foreigners and Peruvians?

Yes, the rates differ. The ticket for Peruvian tourists has a more affordable cost, which makes the package for Peruvian and foreign tourists vary only in the price of the entrance ticket that is included.

What happens if I cancel or change the date?

The Peruvian government does not allow date changes or cancellations. If you decide to cancel or change your date, you will lose the value of your ticket.

Therefore, we recommend that you plan very carefully before booking.

How much does the short Inca Trail cost?

As with the classic Inca Trail, the price varies according to the services included in the package. The average cost of this tour ranges between US$430 and US$1,049 per person.

How are the prices of a private tour handled?

Unlike shared tours, private tours have a base price. As the private group increases in size, the individual price per passenger decreases.

For example:

A private tour for two people can cost around US$1,200 per person, while, for three people, the price can be reduced to US$1,100 per person.