Before You Send Your Inquiry
Planning a trek in Peru can involve permits, availability, and a few important logistics. Here are answers to some of the most common questions we receive before booking.
We require a minimum of 10 days’ notice to organize a new trek departure. If you are travelling within the next two weeks, please check our Trekkers Wanted departures first, as these may offer options that are already scheduled.
For popular treks and travel periods, we strongly recommend contacting us as early as possible. The Inca Trail can sell out many months in advance, and all treks that include Machu Picchu require an entrance ticket, which can also sell out months ahead of time. When you contact us early, we can check availability for your preferred dates and help secure the best possible permits and Machu Picchu tickets. If you already have specific travel dates in mind, please include them in your inquiry so we can check availability right away.
Yes. The classic Inca Trail requires a limited number of permits, which can sell out well in advance, particularly during the most popular travel months. (for Easter, all of May, and the Solstice around 21 June you need to book the year before! Seriously.)
If you have specific dates in mind, we recommend contacting us as early as possible so we can check availability for you. Or, sign up to our newsletter – our subscribers are the first to know when permits go on sale.
Don’t worry – the Inca Trail is only one of many incredible ways to experience the Andes and Machu Picchu.
Depending on your interests, fitness level, available time, and preferred style of travel, we can recommend alternatives such as:
- Short Inca Trail – A 2-day version of the famous trail, offering a taste of the Inca Trail and a memorable approach to Machu Picchu.
- Lares & Short Inca Trail – A 4-day combination of spectacular mountain scenery, traditional Andean culture, and a section of the Inca Trail, including the approach to Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate.
- Choquequirao Trek – A spectacular and more remote alternative with 4-, 5-, 7-, and 9-day options, impressive mountain scenery, and the chance to see Andean condors.
- Salkantay Trek – One of the best-known alternatives to the Inca Trail, with 4- and 5-day options and dramatic changes in landscape.
- Ausangate Trek – A high-altitude adventure through some of the most spectacular landscapes in the Cusco region, with glacial lakes, mountain views, and Andean wildlife. It can also be combined with a visit to Rainbow Mountain.
Many of these routes don’t require the same limited permits as the classic Inca Trail, giving you more flexibility with your travel dates.
Yes. If you are travelling solo and would like to join other travelers, check our Trekkers Wanted page for our current open group departures. This is the best place to see which trips are looking for additional trekkers.
However, keep in mind – most of our guests opt for the convenience of choosing their own departure dates, and opt for private tours. Over 90% of our departures are private.
There isn’t one single best alternative – it depends on what you want from your trek.
If you want a taste of the Inca Trail and an approach to Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate, the Short Inca Trail or Lares & Short Inca Trail may be ideal. If you prefer remote landscapes and archaeological sites, Choquequirao is an excellent choice. For dramatic mountain scenery, Salkantay and Ausangate offer very different but equally memorable experiences.
If you’re unsure, simply tell us what you’re looking for in your inquiry and we’ll help you choose.
Absolutely. You don’t need to have everything figured out before contacting us. Tell us your travel dates, how many days you have, your interests, and what kind of trekking experience you’re looking for. Our travel specialists can help you find the right option.
Every inquiry is personally answered by our expert sales team, and we take the time to customize your experience, tailored to your needs and interests. Most of our guests opt for private group tours, meaning that they can depart any day.
Upon receiving your message, we’ll review your travel plans and get back to you with options based on your dates, interests, group size, and preferred trekking style.
Our goal is not simply to sell you a tour, but to help you find the right experience for your time in Peru.
Normal reply times are 24 hours during the week, up to 48 hours over the weekend/ public holidays… (fun fact, Peru has 19 public holidays a year!)