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Inca Trail Treks to Machu Picchu

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Step Into History on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Few trails on earth carry the weight of legend like the Inca Trail. Step by step, it winds through high mountain passes, misty cloud forests, and hidden ruins where the Incas once walked. Every turn reveals a reminder of the past, from carved terraces clinging to cliffs to silent fortresses reclaimed by jungle.

The trek is as much about the journey as the destination. Campsites with sweeping Andean views, mornings filled with birdsong, and the camaraderie of fellow hikers make each day its own adventure. And then comes the moment: crossing the Sun Gate at dawn, watching Machu Picchu appear through the mist—a view earned with every mile behind you.

With Amazonas Explorer, the trail is experienced with expert guidance, careful pacing, and full support. Routes can be tailored, from classic multi-day treks to shorter alternatives like the Royal Inca Trail, so there’s an option for every level of time and energy.

For those ready to combine history, nature, and challenge into one unforgettable experience, the Inca Trail is not just a trek—it’s a rite of passage.

All Inca Trail Treks to Machu Picchu

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See What Past Travelers Have to Say

Amazing Trek to Machu Pichu!!!

We originally wanted to trek the 4-day Classic Inka Trail but when we missed out on permits for 2 years running, we decided to look at other options. We decided to combine the 3 day Lares trek with the 2 days 104 km trek to Machu Pichu, Recommendations from Lonely Planet and Tripadvisor led us to Amazonas Explorer-what luck!! Matt dealt with our questions efficiently and patiently. Once in Cuzco, our guide Eduardo was amazing, always arriving promptly with a big, warm smile. He was so knowledgeable and passionate about Peru’s Inca history, flora, fauna, and food. He cared for us (Bruce, myself, and our Canadian buddy Linda) like we were his children. Our wonderful support team, including Braulio (our skillful, safe, and happy driver) and our incredible cooks and porters were all fantastic. Nothing was too much for them and their care in everything they did was evident. All meals were amazing-tasty, plentiful and along with tables, chairs,tents-even linen napkins-was all beyond expectation. We rate Eduardo and his team 10 out of 10. We can highly recommend Eduardo and Amazonas Explorer(AE). They’ll look after you with utmost care the entire trip. Their employees were very happy to work for AE and were treated and trained well. AE is very environmentally aware and engaged in various measures and projects to protect the environment. If you want to arrive at Machu Pichu on a path less traveled, combine the Lares and km 104 treks. On the Lares trek, it was mostly just us and the alpacas. Check out Nats adventure, our Lares Trek to Machu Picchu .

Amazing Journey through the Andes

We had the most amazing time, our guide met us at the airport, showed us around Cusco, and helped us even before our trip got fully underway. Once we were on the trail things were, if anything, even better. It was the most amazing trip, and our guide, cook, and the rest of the team took such incredible care of us. We learned, had amazing views, and day after day if anything the views became more awe-inspiring. The food was delicious, and I was even more amazed watching them cookout on the trails. I went on this trip with my two teenage daughters, and our guide Jimmy and the rest of the guys took such good care of them, made us all feel safe, and we learned so much hiking between the villages and ruins, and spotting wildlife and ducking into caves. One of the best back-country trips I have ever had in my life. Check out Jeremy’s adventure, our trek from Choquequirao to Machu Picchu, here.

Don’t hesitate — if Machu Picchu is on your list, Amazonas Explorer is the company to make it happen!

Our dream of hiking the Inca Trail started years ago, but we had plenty of doubts: our age, my weight, lack of training at altitude, and the fear of holding others back. Amazonas Explorer put all those fears to rest. Their team responded quickly, listened to our preferences, and created a trip so incredible we just had to share it! We traveled mid-May 2025, and the experience was truly phenomenal! Our deepest thanks go to Paul Cripps and the whole Amazonas Explorer team, especially: Jose – our knowledgeable, patient, and upbeat guide Paulino – our amazing cook who turned every meal into a gourmet experience Seferino – our warm and attentive waiter Leonardo, Nicholas, Julio, and Juan – our porter team, whose strength, kindness, and dedication were inspiring! Every detail was thoughtfully planned. The support, care, and professionalism were outstanding from start to finish. If you’re even thinking about visiting Machu Picchu — do it, and do it with Amazonas Explorer! You can reach them at [email protected].
Timothy H | Newalla, Oklahoma

Exceeded All Expectations- Trip of a Lifetime

I had been waiting to take this trip into the mountains of Peru to explore little-visited Incan ruins for years, I took my teenage daughters with me, and we were ready and hoping for the trip of a lifetime, and Amazonas Explorer not only gave us the trip we were hoping for, honestly they surpassed all expectations. Our guide Jimmy was amazing, we learned so much from him, and he took such good care of my girls and watched out for all of us. The food was incredible, amazing meals, especially to have while hiking back in the mountains. One of the most awe-inspiring, memorable, and amazing trips of my life. Even when our flights changed, our guide met up with us in Cusco, helped us plan days in the city after the hike was done, and took great care of us from the moment our plane landed until we took off again. For anybody thinking of taking a trip like this, there is no one better than Amazonas Explorer. Check out Jeremy’s adventure, the awe-inspiring Choquequirao to Machu Picchu trek, here.

Best time of my life

I cannot put into words what this trip means to me: One of the best times of my life. One I will relish forever. The food on the trail was fantastic and I cannot believe the quality and diversity of the cuisine. The guides were wonderful, professional, knowledgeable, and caring. Thank you so, so, much for everything you did.   Check out DR’s adventure, the incredible 5-day Inca Trail trek to the world-famous Machu Picchu.

Cristo was fantastic

Cristo was fantastic. Extremely knowledgeable, patient and helpful, and good at managing a very large group. He is passionate about sharing his Peruvian culture and we learned a lot from him. Eduardo was also excellent. The highlight was the Inca Trail. Stand-up paddleboarding was a blast and we loved the traditional Peruvian lunch. Check out Lauren and Eric’s adventure, the incredible 5-day Inca Trail trek to the world-famous Machu Picchu.

Thanks for helping us plan our unforgettable adventure.

Truly everything was great; excursions, food, accommodations, hospitality, organization…etc.

Our trip was well planned out but still allowed for a lot of flexibility.

It was just the right amount of physical challenge for my 14yo son and me. We’re both fairly active people, but also wanted some exposure to culture and variety. This trip struck a great balance of all we were looking for adventure, culture, and relaxation. Our guides were knowledgeable, patient, and easy-going. We felt very well cared for. I think the high point for both of us was when we climbed up the final steps on the Inca trail at the Sun Gate and took in the view of the amazing Machu Picchu. It was truly awe-inspiring.

I also felt that our accommodations were well-curated to have a minimal environmental impact and our excursions allowed us to patronize locally owned establishments. Thanks for helping us plan our unforgettable adventure.

N and L’s adventure was created by a travel expert according to their interests and their passions. If you want to do the same, get in touch with one of our experts today.

Chino was was so kind, intelligent and polite

Chino was so amazing. By the end of the trek we felt that we had made a great friend, he was so kind, intelligent, and polite and was just great with our teenage children. We went 9km and told Chino we wanted to go really fast to challenge ourselves. We made the trek in about 3 hours instead of 5. We were very happy. The difficult initial ascent from km104 was a very vigorous trek which we loved. The ruins of Winay Wayna were magical and the amazing flowers, ferns, moss, and vines were the best. I loved it all except the scary bus ride down from Machu Picchu to the train station. Next time I will trek down. Check out Kristen’s adventure, the one of a kind KM104 (Inca Trail) leading explorers into the world-famous Machu Picchu.

We felt safe, cared for and respected.

Dimetrio our porter was excellent, very friendly, and respectful: Julio the driver was friendly and safe. We only did the hike from km104 but it was perfect in every way.  His unbelievable knowledge and respect for the culture and history really made it a perfect trip. The 1-day hike was challenging in parts, as expected, but Chino always made sure we were safe and happy. Every part was perfect. Winay Wayna Sungate and Machu Picchu were all mind-blowing. Thank you Chino for making my wife’s 50th birthday the best ever and showing my sons a perfect example of a passionate and hard worker. Check out Mr Hall’s adventure, the one of a kind KM104 (Inca Trail) leading explorers into the world-famous Machu Picchu.

The camping and trekking was above expectation. Efrain was exceptional.

It was a busy trip but there was a lot to see and experience so one expects to try and fit in as much as possible. It was very well organized and well run, the staff were pleasant and very helpful. The camping and trekking were above expectation. Can´t believe we had so many helpful staff and the food was superb, especially for the distance covered and terrain. Exceeded all my expectations. Our guide was fantastic- well-informed and knowledgeable about all aspects of the towns and country. Humorous and interacted with the group very well. Efrain was exceptional and we really got to enjoy the trip so much with his knowledge and experiences. The best! Some trekking days were easier than expected and others quite tough but this was expected. It was a privilege to have been on such an incredible journey. Everything was wonderful, I enjoyed the whole trip and experience. Check out Lee’s adventure, the incredible 5-day Inca Trail trek to the world-famous Machu Picchu.

Fisher was amazing from start to finish.

Porters were friendly and extremely hard working. We loved them. Pedro our cook was just amazing (could not have been better). The camping was above and beyond! The entire crew delivered perfect service. Fisher was amazing from start to finish, knowledgeable, professional, fun, and motivated. He helped us have the trip of a lifetime. Would want to have him as a guide again. Every day was better than the last. The meals, the campsites, all amazing!! The champagne on the final day was such a thoughtful touch. Would not change a thing! Check out Matt’s adventure, the incredible 5-day Inca Trail trek to the world-famous Machu Picchu.

We were able to avoid other tourists on visiting all the sites at non-peak times.

We would never have been able to organize this trip without a guide. Everything went smoothly and we had a great time. Everyone was very nice and worked very hard. The food was all very good but there was more than we needed. Everyone on the trek did a great job and we really appreciate their hard work. Jose was great. He was always on time and very organized. He is also very knowledgeable and pleasant. He was very attentive to how everyone in the group was doing and we really enjoyed getting to know him. We knew the trekking was going to be difficult and it was. Jose did a good job letting us know what to expect and making sure everyone made it. The Inca trail was amazing and the best part was arriving to Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate. We have no complaints. We were especially impressed with how the trek was organized so we were able to avoid other tourists on visiting all the sites at non-peak times. Check out Kirsten’s adventure, the incredible 5-day Inca Trail trek to the world-famous Machu Picchu.
FROM THE JOURNAL

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