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Inca Trail Costs: Prices and Discounts Explained

So you’re thinking about the Inca Trail? Awesome! It’s hands down the most famous hike in Peru probably because it ends right at the incredible Machu Picchu (which sits way up at about 7,972 ft / 2,430 m). Because it’s so popular and goes to the spot it generally costs more than other cool hikes starting around Cusco (the main city nearby, at about 11,152 ft / 3,399 m). Let’s dive into the typical costs and any discounts you might be able to score for this truly world-class trek.

What’s Usually Included in the Price?

Just so you know what you’re paying for the classic 4-day Inca Trail trek usually costs somewhere around $600 USD per person give or take. This price typically gets you the whole package:

• All your transport (bus to the start train back from near Machu Picchu)
• An official licensed tour guide
• Porters (these guys are amazing they carry the main camping gear food etc)
• Cooks and all your main meals on the trail (breakfast lunch dinner)
• Camping gear like tents and sleeping mats (usually you rent/bring your own sleeping bag)
• Your entrance ticket for Machu Picchu itself
• Basic first-aid kit with the guide

Prices definitely vary a bit between different tour companies but they mostly include these key things.

Why the Inca Trail is Special (and Pricier)

The Inca Trail is considered the trek in Peru mostly because it follows actual ancient Inca paths called qhapac ñan leading directly to Machu Picchu. The main classic route is about 26 miles (around 39 km) long takes four days and you camp for three nights.

Now Cusco has other really great treks that also end up at Machu Picchu like the 5-day Salkantay trek the 4-day Lares trek the 3-day Huchuy Qosqo trek or the 4-day Inca Jungle trip. So what makes the official Inca Trail different and why does it cost more?

1. It’s Protected: The Peruvian government strictly controls access. You absolutely cannot just show up and hike it yourself. You must have a permit and go with an authorized tour company. This protection costs money to manage.
2. Permits are Limited: Only 500 people total (including guides porters cooks) are allowed to start the trail each day. High demand low supply = higher price.
3. Unique Route: It’s the only trek that follows this specific historic Inca route passing several other cool Inca ruins along the way like Llactapata Runkuracay Sayacmarca Phuyupatamarca and the beautiful Wiñayhuayna just before Machu Picchu. You don’t see these on the other treks. It’s the original pilgrimage path feels pretty special.

Those other treks? They’re awesome too but less regulated so you could potentially hike some parts independently (though tours are still recommended) and permits aren’t usually needed or are easier/cheaper to get.

How to Actually Book the 4-Day Inca Trail

Right so how do you get a spot?

• You must book an all-inclusive tour package.
• It has to be through an officially licensed tour agency.
• You must book online usually 6 to 7 MONTHS in advance. Seriously no joke permits sell out incredibly fast especially for the popular dry season (May-Sept). Don’t wait!

If you can’t plan that far ahead or if permits are already gone check out the alternatives like the Short Inca Trail (just 2 days same ending) or Salkantay Lares etc. You can often book those with much less notice maybe just a few weeks or a month ahead.

Inca Trail Prices (4-Day Classic)

Again prices change based on the company the level of service etc But here’s a rough idea for the standard 4-day trek:

*Super important: These are just ballpark figures! Prices really do vary between tour operators check their websites for current costs.

About That Student Discount

That $25-ish discount you see? It’s specifically for university students under 25 years old. And you usually need the official International Student Identity Card (ISIC) to prove it. Your regular ID from your school back home might not work. Make sure your ISIC is valid (not expired!) when you travel. You’ll need to send a scan when booking and carry the actual card on the hike.

Optional Add-Ons and Extras

Need to rent some gear or want an upgrade? Most companies offer extras you can pay for. Prices vary but here are some common ones:

*Again these rental/extra prices are just estimates check with your chosen agency.

Prices for Other Popular Cusco Treks

If the Classic Inca Trail doesn’t work out here are some rough costs for those alternative treks to Machu Picchu:

*Guess what? These prices are also just averages! Always check current rates.

How to Pay for Your Tour

Okay so how do you actually pay?

1. Check Availability First! Use the tour company’s website or contact them to see if permits are open for your dates. This is crucial.
2. Pay Online: Once you confirm availability you’ll need to pay usually a deposit or the full amount online to lock in your spot.
3. Payment Methods: Most companies take major credit/debit cards like Visa and MasterCard. Some might accept American Express Diners Club or allow payment through PayPal.
4. No In-Person Payment: You generally can’t just show up in Cusco and pay for the Inca Trail. Because permits are so limited and booked months ahead its all done online beforehand.

More Important Info and Rules (Don’t Forget!)

The government takes protecting the Inca Trail seriously so there are rules:

• Permit Limit: Only 500 people per day start the trail including all staff.
• Must Be Organized Group: You have to be part of a tour group run by a licensed agency with an official guide. No exceptions.
• Carry Original Passport: You absolutely must bring your original passport (the one you booked with) on the trail. Not a copy not a photo. They check it at control points. If the details don’t match your permit or you don’t have it you likely won’t be allowed to continue.
• Carry ISIC Card (if student): If you got the student discount you need your valid ISIC card too. They check this as well.

Basically be prepared book way ahead have your documents in order and get ready for an amazing (but regulated) experience! It’s a bit of planning but totally worth it to walk those ancient paths.