Do you need a guide for the Inca Trail?
If you’re an experienced or particularly free-willed trekker, you might want to hike the Classic Inca Trail independently — no tour operator, no guide, no porter, just you and the trail. That, however, is no longer possible. Trekking along the Inca Trail without a guide has been prohibited since 2001.
How much does it cost to do Inca Trail?
General cost for Inca Trail trek: $500 On average, the classic Inca Trail hike costs around $500/person (this generally includes transportation to the trailhead from Cusco, a guide, porters, three meals a day, hiking permits, entry to Machu Picchu, and tents). You can find it even cheaper.
Who can do the Inca Trail?
Since 2002, access to the Inca Trail has been limited to 500 people per day (roughly split between 200 tourists and 300 accompanying guides and porters), no matter the time of year. This means it is necessary for everyone to obtain permits in advance to do the hike.
How much do you tip porters on the Inca Trail?
G Adventures: “A good rule of thumb is anywhere from $6 to $8 per day for the porters” (15 to 20 nuevos soles). Andean Travel Web (an independent website, not a tour agency) recommends taking an extra US$25 to $30 (65 to 78 nuevos soles) per person to cover tips, with additional personal porters tipped separately.
Can I do the Inca Trail on my own?
Can anyone buy permits and hike the Inca Trail on their own? No. Access to the Inca Trail is controlled by licensed tour operators who employ licensed Peruvian tour guides to accompany hikers beginning in Cusco to the trailhead of the Inca Trail until you arrive in Machu Picchu National Park.
What is the best time of year to do the Inca Trail?
Peru is a year-round destination for travellers, but the dry/winter season – between May and September – is generally the most popular time for trekking. This is when the nights are cooler and there are often wildflowers in bloom along the trail.
How much does a Machu Picchu permit cost?
As of 2019, the Machu Picchu entrance fee is still 152 Peruvian Nuevo Soles (about $45 USD).
How far in advance do you need to book the Inca Trail?
about six months
Ideally, you should try to book the Inca Trail about six months in advance, especially if you want to go during high season (June, July, and August). During these months, trail permits can sell out four or five months in advance.
How difficult is hiking the Inca Trail?
1) How difficult is the Inca Trail? The Classic Inca Trail Route difficulty is considered a moderate level hike. If you are hiking the Classic Inca Trail Route you will hike 26 miles over four days at an elevation nearing 13,828 feet (4,215 meters). The longest day you can expect to hike is around 10 hours.
How much does a guide cost at Machu Picchu?
Official tour guides can be found at the entrance of Machu Picchu and can be contracted on the spot. The language skills and knowledge of guides can vary greatly, so pick carefully. A guided tour should last about 2 ½ hours and cost 140 Soles (US$ 50) based on 2 people.
Which is harder Everest Base Camp or Inca Trail?
Inca Trail is over in 3-4 days with only one really tough climb. EBC takes much longer but gives you lots of time to acclimatize and the toughest part will be getting up to Namche Bazaar and then Kala Patar.
What is the hottest month in Machu Picchu?
Which is the warmest month in Machu Picchu? October has an average maximum temperature of 21°C (70°F) and is the warmest month of the year.