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Classic Inca Trail Regulations

 

In 2000 and 2001 the Peruvian government created and approved several laws to regulate the use of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Most of these rules were given to preserve and protect the park and the environment surrounding the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

 

Before these laws were given, the entrance to the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu was not regulated and only an entrance ticket was necessary to be able to hike the Inca Trail. This lack of regulation resulted in many travelers’ choosing a multitude of areas in which to camp, in their failure to clean up after themselves when camping, and in their building fires with no regard for the surrounding environment. This behavior thus ended free hiking on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. We hope that trekkers using other trails, such us the Salkantay Trek or the Choquequirao Trek, respect the environment and pick up their trash so that these treks remain free of severe regulations.

 

After the Peruvian government approved the laws that regulate the use of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, whoever wants to hike this trail has to hire the services of an Inca Trail Tour Operator. This means that nobody is able to hike the Inca Trail by himself/herself. The law established that only 500 people are allowed to enter the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu per day. This number includes tourists, tour guides, and porters, meaning that only about 200 to 220 tourists are able to hike the Inca Trail per day.

 

Permits are sold by the National Institute of Culture located in Cusco, and they are sold on a first come, first served basis to registered tour operators only. At the time that a tour operator purchases a permit for a tourist, the tour operator needs to provide information such as first name, last name, date of birth, gender, nationality, passport number, and ISIC Student ID Card in cases where the student discount is offered. The tour operator also needs to purchase the permits of porters. (The information of porters does not need to be provided at that time.)

 

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is open from March 1 to January 31 of the following year. During the month of February the Inca Trail is closed for maintenance and because this is the most rainy month of the year. 

 

Every year during the months of November and December all Inca Trail Tour Operators are required to apply for an authorization to operate hikes along the Inca Trail. In order to be authorized to operate, companies need to observe a few minimum requirements:

• Apply as a Peruvian registered Tour Operator.
• Show equipment with the logo of the company to operate at least a group of 16 trekkers or tourists. Per group of 16 travelers, the law requires that a company hires 22 porters and 2 guides. The company needs to show camping equipment, adequate gear for porters and guides, first aid kit, environmental cleaning equipment, among other less important requirements.

In addition, every year tour guides and porters need to be authorized by the INRENA (National Institute of Natural Resources) in order to work as an Inca Trail crew. Tour guides need to obtain their authorization to enter the Inca Trail during the same period while porters need to obtain their authorization during the month of January.

 

In 2005, the Peruvian government discovered that several tour operators were underpaying and abusing their porters. As a consequence, the Porter Law was approved, requiring companies to provide a fair pay, life insurance, proper equipment, and social security benefits. This law also established that a porter carries 20 kilograms (12.5 pounds). Unfortunately, the majority of companies operating the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu are not complying with these rules and are still abusing their hard-working porters. 

• Classic Inca Trail Regulations

Classic Inca Trail Tips & FAQs

 

This site provides relevant tips and FAQs regarding the Classic Inca Trail.

 

Is hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu worth it?

It’s definitely a privilege to trek this trail, which was in use more than 500 years ago. If you enjoy nature and human history, the Inca Trail, with its ruins, beautiful landscapes, and Machu Picchu, will be one of the greatest adventures you will ever take.

 

In order to fully enjoy the Inca Trail it is important to be in good physical shape, healthy, acclimatized to high altitudes, and prepared with the correct gear. You do not need to be a super athlete, but it is important to be an active person who exercises or hikes regularly. A flu or bad cough can easily end in a more serious illness or even death in extreme situations. Usually two days are good enough for most bodies to acclimatize to the altitude, but some bodies need longer than that. (Read more at our Altitude Sickness site.) For a list of gear, check out our What to Bring Site.   

 

How difficult is the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?

This 4-Day version of the Inca Trail is considered a moderate to difficult trek with the second day the most difficult one because the majority of elevation is gained this day. Travelers need to be accustomed to hiking or trekking and acclimatized to high elevations in order to fully enjoy this trek. 

 

When is the best time to hike the Classic Inca Trail?

The dry season is generally the best time to do the trek. The dry season runs from April to November, while the wet season runs from December to March. Even during rainy season it doesn’t usually rain all day long. June to September are the most popular months for treks. May and October offer the nicest weather. The Inca Trail is closed in February.

 

Could I hike the Classic Inca Trail at any time?

Yes, as long as there is availability on the day you will start the trek. You don’t need to check for availability for all the days you will be on the trek, just the starting day. However, during the month of February the trail is closed for maintenance.

 

How far in advance should I book my Classic Inca Trail?

Due to limited availability, we recommend that you book your Inca Trail trek at least 3 months in advance for the low season. If you plan to hike the Inca Trail during busy season (May through September), you should book it 5 or 6 months in advance.

 

Why do I need to check availability?

Availability is restricted by the Peruvian government. Only 500 people per day are allowed to hike the Inca Trail. Of this number, only 200 to 230 are tourists. The remaining number includes porters, guides, and cooks.

 

We are in November or December and I want to book a permit for the month of May of next year. All companies show 0 or 500 permits available. Why is that?

The National Institute of Culture starts selling permits for the March to January season during the month of January. For instance, permits for March 2019 will be available for sale in November 2018.

 

Can I buy the Classic Inca Trail permit on my own and hike the trail on my own?

No, you are not allowed to buy the permit or hike the trail by yourself. The National Institute of Culture sells permits only to authorized tour operators. 

 

Can I change my starting date for the Classic Inca Trail?

Once the Inca Trail permit has been purchased, you cannot change the starting date without incurring an additional cost. The permits are issued by the Peruvian government and are non-refundable and non-transferable. If the permit has been issued and you need to change your starting date, you will lose your deposit and a new security deposit will be required.

 

What should I do if there is no availability for the days that I will be in Cusco?

There are alternative treks, such as Salkantay, Lares, Huchuy Qosqo, Inca Jungle or Choquequirao. You can also take the train from Cusco or Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and visit Machu Picchu. If you are planning on visiting Machu Picchu, we recommend spending the night in Aguas Calientes; that way you will have enough time to really enjoy the magic and mysticism of Machu Picchu.

 

How do I reserve a spot for the Classic Inca Trail?

Verify availability of spaces, choose your departure date and then select the BOOK NOW button. 

 

Booking the Classic Inca Trail through a Peruvian Tour Operator or a Foreign Travel Agency

Some Inca Trail informative websites are opposed to travelers’ booking the Inca Trail through a Travel Agency; however using the services of a Travel Agency can be a smart thing to do when a traveler is looking for a small group and good service. Using the services of well-known Peruvian Tour Operators guarantees a good service and a group of 16 people. When travelers are looking for small groups with reputable companies that are not going to dump you on another operator because just one person signed up, the task can be complicated. In these cases, a smart thing to do is to book with a reputable Foreign Travel Agency which is going to offer you a good service. The use of a reliable Foreign Travel Agency usually means a higher price, but it will also usually mean complete satisfaction. It is most likely that a Foreign Travel Agency is going to give you a refund when services are not as advertised. Refunds are unfamiliar to most Peruvian Tour Operators.

 

Do all the tour operators provide the same service?

No. Make sure that you are hiring a professionally run tour operator that will take proper care of you and the environment. If you see prices that are too low, be careful. Some companies have hidden extra charges or fees. Also some companies won’t provide all the services they claim they are offering. Do not expect refunds if you are working with an Inca Trail Tour Operator based only in Peru.

 

Service provided during the Inca Trail

Since there are several Inca Trail Tour Operators, the service from one to another can be different, affecting the price that is charged. Some differences can be observed in the following areas:

• Guides: All guides need to have graduated from local institutions, but not all guides have a good knowledge of the history and nature of the Inca Trail, nor are they all proficient in English or the language offered. Guides need to be carefully selected to provide a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Also, if you are hiring a company charging less than USD 550.00, you should expect a guide with poor English skills and one who is probably unhappy because he / she is underpaid.
• Transportation from Cusco to Piscacucho and from Ollantaytambo to Cusco: Some companies offer transportation for only the travelers in their group while other companies share transportation.
• Tents: This is an important area because some tents are not good for all four seasons (rain and strong wind) or are not replaced once the material is too old.
• Food: Some companies train their cooks and prepare real meals offering variety, quality, and quantity. Other companies skimp on meals to keep expenses down. It is important that companies properly train their cook so stomach infections are avoided. Remember that the quality of the food you eat will be highly dependent upon the amount of money you have paid.
• Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo: The majority of companies offer the cheaper backpacker train. Usually these trains depart Aguas Calientes after 19:00 hours. If you depart Aguas Calientes at 19:00 hours, you will arrive exhausted in Cusco around 22:30 hours.
• Group Size: The bigger the group, the more profitable the expedition. Some companies are focused on departures with 16 travelers while others are focused on small groups with no more than 8 or 12 travelers. These companies are more likely to charge more.

What do I need to carry during the Classic Inca Trail?

Most companies will ask you to carry your personal belongings, sleeping bags, and mattress foam. If you are not willing to carry anything other than a small backpack, you should hire the services of an extra porter through your Inca Trail Tour Operator.

We include in our price  the service of a porter to carry up to 15 pounds (7 kilograms) and 30 pounds (14 kilograms) of your personal belongings.

 

The Inca Trail Porters and Cooks

These amazing guys are usually from local Cusco communities. Our staff of porters and cooks have been trained to avoid injuries while carrying the equipment needed for the trek, and also to prepare high quality meals.

 

Tipping Inca Trail Porters and Cooks

Travelers are not obligated to tip porters and cooks, but it is a custom that at the end of Day 3 guides ask the entire group of travelers for a tip for the hard work of these guys. (If you do not want to be ashamed, you might consider tipping.) If you decide to tip them, you should handle the money to the porters and cook as a group. Most travelers who decide to contribute usually give around USD 20.00 to USD 30.00 for the entire crew.

 

Restrooms in the Classic Inca Trail

The Classic Inca Trail offers basic restrooms with no toilet seats or showers from Day 1 to 3. Some tour operators bring portable toilets. Also, the majority of restrooms have no potable running water. (Use filters or purification pills.) Once at Machu Picchu toilet seats can be found. 

 

Is water provided during the trek?

We will provide boiled water every morning.

 

What should I bring on the trek?

PLEASE CHECK OUR WHAT TO BRING SITE.

 

Can I hike the Inca Trail the same day that I arrive at Cusco?

The main effects of altitude sickness show the first or second day. For that reason, we highly recommend that you hike the Inca Trail at least a couple of days after arriving in Cusco.

 

What should I do to avoid altitude sickness?

To avoid altitude sickness, give yourself time to acclimatize to the change in altitude (2 to 3 days). For instance, if you are trekking the Inca Trail, you should rest the day before. Try to avoid alcohol, and make sure you eat lightly and drink plenty of water. Make sure to stay hydrated, walk slowly, and take frequent breaks. Drinking coca leaf tea always helps. It is widely available, and your hotel in Cusco will probably offer it as well. For further details, please click here.

 

What should I do if I get altitude sickness in Cusco City or in the middle of the trek?

Drink plenty of liquids, (coca leaf tea will definitely help), take a nap, and try to rest.

If you are in the middle of the trek and start feeling dizzy, extremely tired, nauseated, and headachy, ask for advice from your guide. You will probably need to go back in search of a lower altitude. Usually symptoms go away once you are in a lower elevation. If not, you should contact a doctor.

• Classic Inca Trail Tips & FAQs

Inca Trail Weather

 
• Inca Trail Weather

What to Bring to the Classic Inca Trail

 

Below is a suggested check list for the Classic Inca Trail Trek:

• Original passport and ISIC student ID Card in case you requested student discount
• Backpack with a strong plastic bag to keep things dry in case it rains
• Sleeping bag designed for low temperatures
• Sleeping mat. Most companies provide foam sleeping mats. Check with your Inca Trail Tour Operator
• Well-broken-in waterproof boots
• Tennis shoes or sandals to be around campsites
• Long raincoat
• Waterproof jacket. Preferably made from Gore-Tex
• Fleece top or light jacket to wear under your waterproof jacket
• Light long-sleeved shirts
• T-shirts
• Hiking pants / short pants
• Underwear
• Wool hat and gloves
• Thick socks
• Small towel
• Head flashlight with extra batteries
• Sun hat
• Sunglasses
• Sun block
• Insect repellent
• Camera with extra battery
• Small first aid kit (include adhesive bandages, alcohol wipes, sterile gauze, antiseptic and antihistamine creams, ibuprofen, aspirin, small scissors, lighter, altitude sickness and diarrhea pills, and re-hydrating powders)
• Personal medicine
• Pocket knife
• Water purification pills, toothpaste, toothbrush, toilet paper, hand sanitizer, sanitary towels, lip balm, and small soap
• Bottle of water
• What to Bring to the Classic Inca Trail

WHY CHOOSE OUR CLASSIC INCA TRAIL

 

This is a list of reasons to book the Classic Inca Trail with GoTrekPeru.com:

 

1. 1. We include the service of 1/2 porter to carry up to 15 pounds or 7 kilograms of your personal belongings.
2. Only a couple of tour providers in the market offer this service for the price we charge.
3. If you are not used to hike with a heavy backpack, you will need this addition if you want to enjoy this adventure.
5. 2. We include a thermarest for your comfort so you can have a better sleep at night.
6. You will be sleeping 3 nights in a tent and a thermarest makes a big difference. Our competitors provide an uncomfortable foam pad and they charge extra for a thermarest. We include this in our price as well.
8. 3. We provide 2 walking poles (black diamond) for the duration of the trek.
9. Walking poles are extremely helpful and there is no company in the market that includes walking poles in their price.
11. 4. Breakfast will be provided the first day of the Classic Inca Trail.
12. Pick-up time for the Classic Inca Trail starts at 6:00am and many travelers leave their hotels without eating breakfast. With us you don't have to rush to get ready and eat breakfast.
14. 5. Your last meal of the Classic Inca Trail will be a buffet style meal at a local restaurant in Machu Picchu Town (aka Aguas Calientes).
15. There is no company in the market that provides a buffet style lunch on Day 4.
17. 6. We offer discounts for students and groups of 6 and more (these 2 discounts cannot be combined).

 

4. 7. Our cooks, guides, and crew are trained to provide you an unforgettable experience and most importantly to keep you safe and comfortable.
6. 8. You should compare what we offer with what is offered by other companies. Our service and price are similar to the ones offered by Alpaca Expeditions, Peru Treks, or Inca Trail Reservations.
• WHY CHOOSE OUR CLASSIC INCA TRAIL