Peru Tours: Trek The Inca Trail

Our adventures are built for small groups, with a maximum of 12 travellers on each guided tour. Each group is diverse, comprised of men and women of many different nationalities and ages. By travelling in small groups we leave minimal ecological impact, cause less disruption to the native life and are able to gain a better appreciation for our surroundings. Small numbers also allow greater flexibility and spontaneity: a dinner in a local home, an impromptu village wedding invite and any such experiences that can become among the most memorable experiences of your BikeHike adventure.

We understand that people come in many fitness levels, so we've graded our trips accordingly. There are four difficulty levels on our trips: Easy, Moderate, Challenging, and Strenuous.

This is a “challenging” trip.

The main challenge of the trip is the physical demands of consecutive days of hiking during the trek along with the demands of altitude. Although the hikes themselves are not particularly strenuous, their length and challenging terrain will be more taxing than expected. Days are full, average 6-9 hours per day. The winds can be extremely strong and the temperatures change from one moment to the next. For the most part, you are only expected to carry your daypack on the trail while hiking. Your daypack should be large enough to include your lunch, water, camera, sunscreen and any layer clothing you may need to adapt to the changing weather on the trail. You should have a good level of fitness and the stamina to cope with consecutive hiking days.

We strongly recommend that you begin a regular fitness program that includes walking or hiking - that is if you are not already doing so. Working out four times a week (including some hiking whenever possible), 60 minutes per session should be a minimum to prepare you for this adventure. In addition, try to get in some longer distance hikes beforehand to prepare for your adventure.

BikeHike Adventures has been operating since 1994.

The logistics of organizing tours to remote corners of the world can be very complex. Our trip development department spends long hours researching destinations, routes, ground operations and equipment. All itineraries are screened without clients before they are added to our growing repertoire of adventures. Nothing is untested.

Our travellers share a common love for outdoor adventure. Most are looking for a physical adventure in an unfamiliar destination. This trip attracts one of our most diverse groups. A typical trip is comprised of men and women in good physical condition, who exercise regularly and are invigorated by a personal challenge. The age range on this trip is typically from 30-60, although we occasionally get younger and older travellers as well.

Cuzco, Peru. You can arrive anytime on day 1 of the trip and depart anytime on day 8.

The best time of year is from April to November, where the weather is generally clear, dry, and cool. During the transitional months of April/May and October/November, one can experience variable weather patterns with a general build up of afternoon clouds and possible showers that rarely last throughout the night. Andean nights are cold, ranging from 25 to 40°F (-4 to 5°C) depending on the elevation, while the days are pleasantly warm with temperatures between 60 to 80°F (15 to 26°C).  

Yes, Cuzco is located at 11,200 feet, so your body needs time to acclimate. Take your time settling in at the new altitude. Don’t rush things. Drink lots of water. Don’t physically exert yourselves for the first couple days. Avoid alcohol. Don’t eat heavy meals. It’s really important to spend a couple days at altitude before even thinking about starting a trip. So, many travellers arrive into Cuzco at least two or three days before starting any treks. It’s definitely NOT recommended to fly up to that altitude and then start a trip right away.

Absolutely! This trip is quite popular with singles. Unlike many adventure travel companies, we don't charge single supplement fees to solo travellers. Instead, we pair you with another traveller of the same gender. If we can't find you a roommate, you get your own room at no additional charge. A single private room supplement fee is only required if you specifically request a confirmed private room for the duration of the trip. Learn more about solo travel with BikeHike. 

We will do our best to accommodate special dietary requests (e.g. vegetarian, gluten free, etc.), but ask that you please discuss your request with us when signing up for a trip.

This trip is generally not a family focused trip for young families but could be suitable for families with strong teenagers. However, we do offer many Family Focused trips, some of which are able to accommodate children as young as six.

Yes. Over the years, the number of people hiking the Inca Trail has increased exponentially. Due to this demand, the Peruvian government has begun limiting the number of trekkers allowed on the main Inca Trail each day to 500 and those spaces sell out quickly, months in advance. If you are looking for a quieter alternative to the Inca Trail, consider our Lares Trail Adventure.

The Inca Trail is an old trade route and a famous trek. Your trek begins in the small village of Chilca and slowly climbs up through a lush valley. The next four days will be spent following the footsteps of the Inca through a blend of snow-peaked mountains, lush cloud forests and deep canyons. This adventure includes four consecutive days of trekking (5-6 hours per day with breaks), and three nights of camping with altitudes ranging between 10,000 – 13,500 ft /3,050 – 4,100 m. For the most part, you are only expected to carry your daypack on the trail while hiking. Your daypack should be large enough to include your lunch, water, camera, sunscreen and any layer clothing you may need to adapt to the changing weather on the trail.

Packing for this trip must be very organized.

We have prepared a specific packing list with instructions that you can download by clicking the link to the right on this page.

Thermarests (inflatable mattresses) are provided, but you must bring your own sleeping bag. If you don’t have one, they are available to rent.

Expect nighttime temperatures to be chilly -5°C to  +3°C / 20°F to 25°F). Tents and sleeping mats are supplied, and down-filled sleeping bags are available for rent. Porters and cooks will carry your gear and prepare your campsites and meals throughout the Inca Trail trek. Each morning, you will be brought a washing basin filled with warm water to wash your face and brush your teeth; bathing facilities are not available along this trek. 

There is no cell coverage on the trail. For any emergencies, we carry a satellite phone.