The Inca Trail is used to be a path which connected important places and regions, according to the chronicles there were around 3,000 different trails along the Tahuantinsuyo (Quechua language which means 4 suyos or Regions), actually we know one of this ancient footpaths that ends at Machu Picchu (It is possible there are more than one path connecting Machu Picchu). All these paths were connected to Cuzco, the capital of the Tahuantinsuyo or Inca Empire, and make easy the communication with people annexed as part of the Inca expansion process, and at the same time was an effective means of political-administrative, socioeconomic and cultural integration.

Yes, it does. The ancient footpath of the Incas was built to be a ritual path or a sacred path, people allowed to walk along this trail were royalties, who wanted to make a spiritual retreat in the Inca trail, was considered very especial for Incas because it connects the secret and spectacular Machu Picchu.

Machu Picchu is an Incan site built in 15th-century. It belonged to ancient Incan society situated almost 2500 m above sea level or 8000 feet, protected by UNESCO considered a ‘’World Heritage site’’. Machu Picchu attracts more than 5,000 people a day during the high season between May and October, with about 1 million people visiting the site yearly.

Pack animals carrying hikers’ gear are not allowed on the Inca Trail. But there are llamas living on the mountains; actually, they are domesticated by local communities. Remember that instead of horses, we have our strong porters caring all the equipment to make easier our trekking.

Mostly in the postcard photos you can get magnificent views which have been taken from 3 important places, with different angles that we have on the Machu Picchu site this are: The Sun Gate, Huayna Picchu Mountain and Machu Picchu Mountain. The Sun Gate is just for people who do the Inca Trail and pass through this gate, for the other 2 options it is necessary of an extra permit but both of them wort it, you will be impressive of the views from the peaks of these mountains.

Both Huaynapicchu and Machu Picchu Mountain are permit restricted hikes that must be done within a certain time. You need to be arranged a few months in advance of your trip. Both offer amazing views of Machu Picchu from viewpoints directly above. Machu Picchu takes about 3 hours to top and is spectacular on a lovely day, but views are often restricted by clouds. Huaynapicchu takes 45 minutes to the top and is definitely the most popular of the three options. All views are amazing. Click here to watch a short video showing the difference between Machu Picchu Mountain and Huaynapicchu.

You can contact us. Just the tour operator travel companies has the license and the permit to buy and organize groups to do the Inca Trail. The tour operator will reserve your trek dates and will secure the Inca Trail Permits necessary to hike on the Inca Trail. You first book now, and we will contact you immediately we are going to give you all the details for you, and for any travelers going with you if you have a group. You will pay a balance deposit per person to secure your permit. The deposits can be paid separately, as long as we have one booking form that we can use to track payments. Once we have all deposits and details, we will then book your permits. When permits are in our hands, we will send you your invoice and confirmation that everything is 100% set. All start dates, once confirmed, are guaranteed.

Basically, the tours are exactly the same, but the private tour will only be you and your family or friends you are not going to share service with anyone. Group tours include people from everywhere and all varieties of hiking abilities who go faster or slower than you.