Travel comfortably and confidently with Inside Peru Adventures. Our modern, fully-insured vehicles are operated by professional, local drivers who value punctuality and care. With smooth transfers and scenic routes, your journey becomes part of the experience—not just the way to get there.

• lassic Inca Trail permit (government-issued, limited availability)

• Machu Picchu entrance ticket (best available circuit/time slot at the time of booking)

3 nights of tent-based camping at designated campsites (double occupancy tents).

• Sleep-Warm Kit + Rain Protection Provided by IPA (Return Required): For extra comfort at altitude, IPA provides a Sleep-Warm Kit (sleeping bag + insulated sleeping pad + clean liner + soft pillow) and a Rain Protection Kit (rain poncho + daypack rain cover). These items are issued before the trek and must be returned together at the end of the trip. If packed inside your IPA duffel, they count toward the 7 kg / 14 lb duffel limit. Replacement/cleaning fees may apply for lost or damaged items.

• Porters for your duffel: Your IPA duffel is transported between camps by our porters (max 7 kg / 14 lb).

• Field Dining on Trekking Days: Comfortable field dining set-ups (dining tent, tables, seating) with chef service during trekking days.

• Meals included: 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners.

• Chef-prepared meals: Freshly prepared by a professional trekking chef.

• Safe drinking water: Boiled/filtered water provided at every meal.

• Vegetarian and special diets available upon request.

Scenic train journey aboard PeruRail Expedition Train (standard), included as part of your experience.

• Upgrade Option – Vistadome Train: If you’re looking for enhanced comfort and panoramic windows for better sightseeing, you can upgrade to the Vistadome service:

  • Vistadome Upgrade (one-way): US$75 USD per person

This optional upgrade is not included in the base package price and must be requested at the time of booking.

Unlike mass-market operators, Inside Peru Adventures focuses on small-group expedition trekking, with careful pacing, personalized attention, and deep respect for the landscapes, protected trail regulations, and local communities along the Classic Inca Trail. Our Classic Inca Trail expedition is supported by fair wages, ethical working conditions, and responsible operations through the IPA Sustainable Fund—ensuring a positive impact for the people who make this journey possible.

This optional hike to the iconic peak next to Machu Picchu is not included. It requires a separate permit and sells out quickly. If you’d like to add it, please request it at least one month in advance. The cost is $75 USD per person.

Not included. US$75 per person (requires a second visit/extra day).

Please bring a small daypack (max 25L) for daily essentials (water, sunscreen, bug spray, layers, hat).

• Lunch and dinner are on your own unless your booking states otherwise.

While not mandatory, we strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance, especially for altitude-related concerns, weather disruptions, or unexpected delays.

Restrooms are outside the entrance and may require small cash (approx. S/2).

Storage may be available near the entrance (approx. US$5, subject to availability).

Cusco Airport (CUZ) is primarily a domestic airport, with limited international routes on select days/seasons. Most international travelers fly into Lima (LIM) first, clear immigration + customs, collect checked luggage, and then re-check for the domestic flight to Cusco.

• By Plane (Recommended)

  The fastest and most convenient option is flying Lima → Cusco. Airlines such as LATAM, Avianca, and SKY operate daily. LATAM typically offers the most frequency and reliability, but it can be more expensive.

  Because Cusco is a high-altitude airport, weather-related delays or cancellations are common, so we strongly recommend building flexibility into your schedule.

• By Bus (Budget + Scenic)

  You can also reach Cusco by bus. The trip from Lima → Cusco usually takes about 20–22 hours, but many services are modern and comfortable, especially with VIP/reclining seats. This is also a good option if you’re arriving from nearby regions like Arequipa or Puno.

Inside Peru Tip

Arrive in Cusco at least 2 days before your trek to acclimatize and protect your plans from potential travel delays.

Pick-up is coordinated the day before your trek. Because Cusco’s historic center has narrow streets and limited vehicle access, we may arrange either hotel pick-up (when access is possible) or a nearby meeting point (easy walking distance) for smoother logistics.

Pick-up window: Please be ready 30–45 minutes around the confirmed time (traffic and city access restrictions can affect timing).

Sacred Valley option: If you’re staying in Urubamba or Ollantaytambo, we can often coordinate a pickup there (upon request, subject to route timing + group logistics).

Possible Starting Locations (by Trip Type)

Inside Peru Tip (optional): If you’re booking accommodation, choose a spot with easy vehicle access to make pick-up and drop-off smoother.

At the mandatory pre-trek briefing, you’ll receive your IPA expedition duffel and complete a final gear check with your guide. Our porter team transports your duffel between camps and returns it to you at each campsite.

Important: Keep valuables, electronics, documents, and money in your daypack (not in the duffel).

For comfortable camping at altitude, Inside Peru Adventures includes a complete Sleep-Warm Kit at no extra cost:

• Warm sleeping bag

• Inflatable sleeping pad (insulated)

• Clean liner

• Soft pillow

Weight note: If packed inside your duffel, it counts toward the 7 kg / 14 lb limit. Loaned items must be returned completely at the trip end.

This is a true expedition-style trek (not lodge-based). Along the Classic Inca Trail, there are no lodges—camping is required as part of Peru’s strict protection measures to preserve the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu (UNESCO World Heritage) and protect fragile ecosystems + archaeological areas.

You will camp 3 nights at designated Inca Trail campsites in high-quality expedition tents (double occupancy), with full organized camp infrastructure supported by our crew, including:

• Dining setup (tables + seating)

• Kitchen / chef service (fresh meals prepared on the trail)

• Support team logistics to keep camp comfortable and efficient

Qué esperar

La altitud puede afectar a cada persona de manera diferente, incluso a los viajeros en buena forma física. Los síntomas leves más comunes incluyen dolor de cabeza, fatiga, dificultad para respirar al subir escaleras, mareos leves o disminución del apetito. La mejor manera de afrontarlo es sencilla: ir despacio, hidratarse, comer ligero y descansar.

Informe a su guía con anticipación si los síntomas son intensos o no mejoran. Nuestro equipo está capacitado para atender los malestares causados por la altitud y monitorear su bienestar, y llevamos equipo de apoyo para la altitud en las rutas de gran elevación.

Nota sobre medicamentos: Algunos viajeros utilizan medicación para la altura (como la acetazolamida). Consulte a su médico antes del viaje y siga las indicaciones médicas.

El Camino Inca Clásico implica una caminata sostenida a gran altitud, incluyendo un importante paso de montaña.

Tips:

• Walk at a steady pace (no rushing)

• Hydrate consistently

• Eat light and regularly

• Avoid alcohol before and during the trek

Peru occasionally experiences social protests/transport strikes that can disrupt roads or rail service. Your safety and well-being always come first. If disruptions are announced, our Operations team will:

• Adjust logistics proactively (earlier departures, alternative routes, revised timings),

• Coordinate transparently with your group and authorities, and

• Operate only when it is safe and responsible.

Machu Picchu operates with timed entry and assigned circuits. Your ticket shows your entry time + circuit, and re-entry is not permitted once you exit.

If you want to add an iconic mountain hike above Machu Picchu, we can request it in advance. Tickets are very limited and sold in specific time slots.

Important (read before requesting):

• These hikes require an additional entrance ticket and a specific time slot.

• Availability is controlled by authorities and can sell out far in advance.

• If your preferred option doesn’t fit your Inca Trail schedule, we’ll recommend the best alternative based on official availability.

After your Machu Picchu visit, you’ll take the shuttle bus down to Aguas Calientes, then continue by train (typically to the Sacred Valley) and finish with private transportation back to Cusco. Exact timing depends on train schedules and operational conditions.

Your stored main luggage will be returned to you after the trek so you can continue your onward plans comfortably.

Tipping is customary on multi-day treks in Peru, but it is always voluntary. At IPA we pay fair wages; tips are a personal way to recognize exceptional service. Amounts below are guidelines per traveler. For the support team (porters on the Inca Trail; cook team, and horsemen on some other treks), tips are pooled and divided by your lead guide at the end of the trek. The guide’s tip is personal, not pooled.

• Currency: Support team prefers Peruvian soles (PEN). Guides are happy with USD or PEN.

• When: Usually after the last dinner/briefing of your trek.

Classic Inca Trail note: On this trek, the support team is porters + cook team.

Suggested Amounts (per traveler)

How to Pool (example)

• Each traveler contributes the suggested amounts (in soles) into two envelopes: Support Team (porters OR horsemen, depending on the trek) and Chef/Cook Team.

• The Lead Guide handles the fair split and delivers on your behalf during the farewell.

• The Lead Guide’s tip is given personally (in USD or PEN) based on your satisfaction.

• Classic Inca Trail note On this trek, the support team is porters + cook team.”

  
  

Small & Private Groups

Smaller groups mean the same crew supports fewer travelers. If you are 1–3 trekkers, consider the upper end of the ranges (or +10–20%) if service is outstanding.

Tips are shared at your discretion and always appreciated.

Peru’s Andes are full of microclimates—on the Classic Inca Trail you’ll move from high Andean ridgelines (cold mornings/nights) into humid cloud forest (warmer, wetter). Plan for fast weather changes and big temperature swings.

• Dry Season (Best conditions): April–October

  Expect mostly sunny days, crisp mornings, and cold nights at camp—especially around the high passes. This is the most popular time for the Inca Trail, so permits sell out early. Pack warm layers + strong sun protection.

• Rainy Season: November–March

  More frequent rain showers, muddy trail sections, and higher humidity in the cloud forest. Tours still operate in many months, but conditions can be more variable—bring reliable waterproof gear and quick-dry layers.

• Important: Inca Trail Closure in February (every year)

  The Classic Inca Trail is closed throughout February for maintenance and conservation work, and to protect the trail during the peak rainy season. If your travel dates fall in February, we can recommend excellent alternatives (like Salkantay or Lares) or plan a Machu Picchu visit by train instead.

• Weather-related closures can extend beyond February
• In unusually heavy rainy seasons, authorities may temporarily keep sections closed for safety and trail rehabilitation. In some years, authorities may extend the reopening into March or early April due to intense rains and landslide risk—highlighting why safety comes first for travelers and our full staff (porters, chefs, guides, and assistants).

• Layered Clothing for Changing Climates: From chilly Cusco mornings to humid cloud forest near Machu Picchu, pack breathable, quick-dry layers: thermal base + warm mid-layer + lightweight waterproof shell.

• Reliable Sun Protection: High-altitude UV is strong—even on cloudy days. Bring SPF 50+, UV sunglasses, and a sun hat.

• Compact Rain Gear: Weather can shift suddenly. A packable poncho or waterproof jacket is essential—especially for exposed ridge sections and the cloud forest.

• Footwear for Stone Steps & Uneven Trail: Use well-worn hiking shoes/boots with solid grip. Avoid brand-new footwear to prevent blisters (this trail includes steep stone steps and uneven terrain).

• Warm Accessories for Early Mornings: Bring a beanie, light gloves, and a neck buff—camp evenings and early starts can be cold.

• Headlamp (Highly Recommended): Useful at campsites and for early starts (hands-free light is a game-changer).

• Hydration System: Bring a refillable bottle or hydration bladder. Staying hydrated helps significantly at altitude.

• Personal Meds + Blister Care: Pack any personal medication, plus blister care (moleskin/Compeed), and a few basic items like band-aids.

• Snacks: Bring a few high-energy snacks (protein bars, nuts, dried fruit) for extra boosts between meals.

• Daypack (required on the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu): You’ll hike every day with a small daypack (recommended max ~25L) for your daily essentials: water, rain gear, warm layer, sunscreen, snacks, camera/phone, and personal items you need within reach. 

• Passport/ID (required): Keep your original passport/ID with you in your daypack throughout the trek—it's required at checkpoints and for entering Machu Picchu.

• Machu Picchu bag rules (extra restriction): Inside the citadel, large backpacks are restricted, so you’ll enter with only your daypack, kept compact.

• At Inside Peru Adventures, your well-being comes first. Whether you're exploring the Andes, or visiting remote destinations in the highlands, we ensure your journey is not only unforgettable—but also safe, supported, and professionally managed.

• Trained & Certified Guides: All of our professional tour guides are certified in first aid and emergency response, with regular training in high-altitude safety, evacuation protocols, and outdoor risk management. This ensures they're fully prepared to handle any situation—from minor injuries to altitude-related discomfort.

• First-Aid Kits on Every Tour: We carry a fully equipped first-aid kit on every excursion, including supplies for common travel issues such as scrapes, blisters, motion sickness, insect bites, and altitude symptoms.

• Oxygen & Altitude Support: On all tours that venture above 3,000 m.a.s.l. (9,840 ft)—including popular routes like Choquequirao Trek, the Inca Trail, Salkantay Lodge-Based Trek, Humantay Lagoon Hike, Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley Hike, Lares Trek and Ausangate Trek—our guides are equipped with portable oxygen tanks. They’re trained to monitor and respond to altitude-related symptoms, providing immediate relief when needed.

• Emergency Transport Access: All our routes are carefully selected not only for beauty and cultural value, but also for emergency accessibility. In the unlikely event of a medical emergency, we have established response plans with local authorities and transport services for rapid evacuation.

Why Travel Insurance Matters for Adventure Travel

While Inside Peru Adventures prioritizes safety and preparation on every journey, the nature of adventure travel always carries a degree of unpredictability. For your peace of mind, we highly recommend securing comprehensive travel insurance before your trip.

What Should Your Policy Cover?

When exploring high-altitude regions or remote natural landscapes, make sure your insurance plan includes:

• Altitude sickness and medical emergencies

• Trip cancellations or itinerary interruptions

• Weather-related delays or disruptions

• Emergency evacuation and repatriation

• Lost or delayed luggage

• Coverage for adventure travel activities like trekking, hiking, and off-the-beaten-path exploration

Adventure destinations often involve rugged terrain, high elevation, and changing weather. A proper adventure travel insurance policy ensures you're covered in case of unexpected incidents. We recommend choosing a provider experienced in insuring active travelers and reviewing all terms carefully.

Pro Tip for Trekking Travelers: Not all travel insurance policies automatically cover high-altitude adventures. When choosing a plan, verify that your provider includes coverage for activities above 3,000 m.a.s.l. and for adventure sports or trekking. This ensures you're protected during iconic hikes like the Inca Trail, Salkantay Lodge-Based Trek, or Ausangate Trek.

At Inside Peru Adventures, sustainability isn’t just a value — it’s a way of life. Our tours are designed with deep respect for nature, culture, and people. We proudly follow the principles of responsible travel in Peru to protect the destinations we love and empower the communities we partner with.

• Eco-Friendly Adventure Travel: We follow Leave No Trace guidelines and minimize our environmental footprint across every tour. From trekking to cultural immersion, we prioritize low-impact experiences that help preserve Peru’s diverse ecosystems, from high-Andean trails to tropical forests and coastal deserts.

• Plastic-Free Philosophy: We actively promote a plastic-free travel experience. Bring your reusable water bottle—please check if water refills are included in this tour under the Inclusions section. On treks and hikes where this service is provided, we’ll help you keep it full along the way. Reducing single-use plastic is one of the simplest and most powerful steps we take toward a greener Peru. 

• Respect for Local Culture & Traditions: Every destination we visit is treated with reverence. We engage with indigenous communities, sacred sites, and ancestral customs in a way that is ethical and culturally sensitive. Our team educates travelers on cultural respect to ensure tourism strengthens—not disrupts—local heritage.

• Community Empowerment & Fair Tourism: We believe in tourism that gives back. Every tour you book helps generate fair and sustainable income for local guides, craftswomen, organic farmers, transport providers, and indigenous cooperatives. We prioritize hiring local, sourcing handmade, and supporting projects that uplift Peru’s living cultural heritage.

• Valid Passport (or Student ID if booked as a student)

  Always carry official ID—required for Inca Trail checkpoints, Machu Picchu entry, trains, and hotel check-ins.

• Entry record (passport entry stamp / Andean migration record, if issued)

• Travel Insurance Details

  Policy number + proof of coverage for trekking above 3,000 m.

• (FYI) Tickets & hotels

  Your IPA guide manages all train/bus tickets, Machu Picchu entry, and hotel arrangements. Keeping a digital copy on your phone is optional for peace of mind.

• Trekking poles (highly recommended)
• Rubber tips are required on the Inca Trail. Poles available for rent (US$25, subject to availability).

IPA provides an expedition duffel, warm sleeping bag, and an inflatable insulated sleeping pad.

If you pack the sleeping bag/pad inside your duffel, they count toward the 7 kg limit.

• 2–3 wicking t-shirts

• 2–3 hiking pants

• 4 sets of undergarments

• 4 pairs of hiking socks

• Warm layers for cold nights (especially at higher camps and early mornings)

• Waterproof jacket + rain pants (recommended even though IPA provides a poncho)

• Wool hat/beanie

• Lightweight waterproof gloves (cold mornings)

• Lightweight down jacket

• Headlamp (essential)

• Comfortable camp shoes (light sandals or slip-ons)

• Quick-dry towel (IPA supplies a small one; bring a larger one if you prefer)

• Small personal soap (optional — we provide warm water for basic washing)

• Power bank/charger (no outlets on the trail)

• Large plastic/dry bags (separate clean/dirty clothes).

• Trekking shoes/boots with solid grip (water-resistant recommended)

• Daypack (small; ≤25 L recommended for Machu Picchu)

• Layered trekking system: breathable base layer → fleece/sweater → waterproof/windproof shell

• Long-sleeve lightweight shirts (sun + insect protection)

• Lightweight long pants (breathable; sun/insects)

• Quick-dry underwear

• Extra thermal layer for cold nights

• Merino/synthetic socks (bring an extra pair)

• Sunscreen (SPF 50+) + UV sunglasses

• Lip balm + hydrating face cream

• Hand sanitizer + biodegradable wet wipes

• Toothbrush + toothpaste

• Toilet paper (small roll)

• Insect repellent (high-DEET recommended)

• After-bite / anti-itch cream

• Headlamp batteries (or charging cable if rechargeable)

• Electrolyte tablets

• Personal medication (motion sickness tabs, pain relievers, prescriptions)

• Mini first-aid kit (band-aids, moleskin/Compeed, etc.)

• 
  

IPA provides: rain poncho + rain cover for your daypack.

• Water: We provide safe drinking water starting from lunch on Day 1 and at meals during the trek (availability may vary in exceptional conditions).

  You are responsible for your own water on the morning of Day 1 until the first lunch refill.

• Sun hat

• Fleece / warm layer

• Phone/camera

• Earphones (optional)

• Hand sanitizer

• Toilet paper + small waste bag

• Extra cash (souvenirs, drinks, tips)

• Earplugs

• Passport (required for Machu Picchu entry)

• High-Energy Snacks

  Pack nutritious, compact snacks such as granola bars, trail mix, or dried fruit. They help replenish energy quickly during the hike.

• Camera or Smartphone

  You’ll want to capture epic landscapes and spontaneous moments. A backup battery ensures you won’t miss a shot.

• Cash in Soles

  Small denominations are useful for optional tips, snacks, or souvenirs from local vendors.

• Reusable Water Bottle or Hydration Pack

• Stay eco-friendly and hydrated. Water reservoirs like Camelbaks are encouraged – but enough for at least 2-3 liters for each day. Please check the Inclusions section to see if water refills are provided on your trail—refilling options may be limited otherwise.

This is a true expedition-style trek on Peru’s most iconic—and most regulated—trail. Inside Peru Adventures provides the essential camping infrastructure so you can focus on the experience, not the logistics.

You’ll camp in high-quality expedition tents (double occupancy) at designated Inca Trail campsites. Each camp is fully set up by our team and includes a comfortable dining area with tables and seating, plus a dedicated kitchen setup—creating an organized, efficient base even in remote trail environments.

For cold nights at altitude, IPA includes a complete Sleep-Warm Kit at no extra cost: a warm sleeping bag, inflatable insulated sleeping pad, clean liner, and soft pillow. If you pack the sleep kit inside your IPA duffel, it counts toward the 7 kg / 14 lb porter limit. All sleep systems are cleaned and sanitized between departures.

At your mandatory pre-trek briefing, you’ll receive your IPA expedition duffel, which is transported between camps by our porter team—so you hike each day with only a light daypack (recommended ≤25 L for Machu Picchu). For weather protection, IPA also provides a rain poncho (trekking days) and a rain cover for your daypack to help protect gear and electronics during sudden rain showers.

Trekking poles are highly recommended, and rubber tips are required on the Inca Trail to protect both the trail and the stone steps. Bring your own poles or rent a pair from IPA (US$25, subject to availability).

Electricity is not available at campsites, so we strongly recommend bringing a power bank for your phone/camera. If you have specific comfort needs or gear preferences, let us know in advance—we’re happy to help you prepare with confidence.

Food on the Classic Inca Trail is a key part of the expedition—and it’s designed to keep you energized for long hiking days with significant altitude change.

During the trek, all meals are freshly prepared by our professional trekking chef using a mix of local Andean ingredients and trail-tested nutrition. Each day includes a hot breakfast, a satisfying lunch, and a hearty dinner, served in our dining setup at camp.

In the afternoons, we host IPA’s signature happy hour with hot tea, coffee, and snacks—an ideal recovery moment after the day’s hike.

Meals are served in a friendly, family-style format, allowing you to eat to appetite—an important factor for energy and acclimatization. Our kitchen team follows strict hygiene and food-safety protocols adapted for remote trail conditions.

Dietary requirements (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and food allergies) can be accommodated with advance notice—please inform us at the time of booking.

Proper hydration is essential for energy, recovery, and altitude adaptation on the Inca Trail.

Inside Peru Adventures provides safe drinking water (boiled, filtered, and cooled) starting from lunch on Day 1 and at meals during the trek. You are only responsible for bringing your own water on the morning of Day 1 until the first refill at lunchtime.

We recommend starting each hiking day with 2–3 liters, carried in reusable bottles or a hydration bladder (CamelBak-style systems are highly encouraged). In Machu Picchu Town, bottled water is readily available for purchase if needed.

As part of our sustainability commitment, IPA actively reduces single-use plastic on the trail. By using refillable bottles and shared water systems, we help protect the Inca Trail’s fragile ecosystems—while keeping you strong, hydrated, and ready for each day’s adventure.

The Classic Inca Trail is Peru’s most regulated trek. Inside Peru Adventures operates within strict government rules while delivering an expedition-style experience supported by an experienced local team.

From the trailhead through your final campsite, our porter team transports your IPA duffel (max 7 kg / 14 lb) and the shared expedition logistics—camping equipment, kitchen gear, and food supplies—between campsites. You hike with only a small daypack carrying daily essentials, while our crew handles the behind-the-scenes work: camp set-up, dining area organization, meal service, and efficient trail logistics.

This support model makes the trek safer, smoother, and far more enjoyable—while creating dignified, professional work for local families connected to the Andes for generations.

Inside Peru Adventures is committed to ethical operations—never shortcuts.

Our porters, chef team, and guides work under clear agreements and are paid fair wages. We follow strict load policies and operational standards so the team can work safely and sustainably. Our field staff are equipped with appropriate clothing and rain protection, and they are provided with proper meals and support during the expedition.

Because the Inca Trail is highly protected, everything must be done correctly: permits, checkpoints, campsite use, waste handling, and staff regulations. IPA respects these rules fully—not only because they’re required, but because they protect a world-class cultural and natural sanctuary.

We keep operations organized, communicate clearly, and work with a professional crew structure that prioritizes safety, efficiency, and respect for the trail.

The Inca Trail passes through fragile ecosystems and irreplaceable archaeological areas. IPA operates with strict environmental standards to protect them.

The Inca Trail is not just a hike—it’s a living cultural corridor. We practice respectful travel by protecting sacred spaces, following trail regulations, and educating travelers on cultural etiquette along the route.

Your trek is also supported by a team rooted in Andean communities, often Quechua-speaking, whose knowledge and hard work make this expedition possible.

Your journey directly supports:

• Fair wages and ethical working conditions for porters, chefs, and guides

• Safer load policies and professional standards

• Quality expedition equipment and proper staff protection

• Responsible trail operations aligned with Inca Trail regulations

• Environmental stewardship and low-impact trekking practices

• Long-term community initiatives supported through the IPA Sustainable Fund

You can be part of this positive impact by packing thoughtfully, using reusable water bottles, following Leave No Trace guidance, and respecting local customs and instructions at campsites and archaeological areas.

Tipping is optional and always at your discretion, but genuinely appreciated when service exceeds expectations. A thank-you, patience, and kindness toward the team go a long way—helping keep the Inca Trail respected and welcoming for generations.