Hiking Costs for the Inca Trail in Peru

The 4 day/3 night Inca Trail trek typically costs anywhere from $500 to $1,000. If you’re on a tight budget and don’t want a luxury trek with all the trimmings, consider $500 to $600 as a good price to aim for. If on the other hand, you want gourmet meals, plenty of trekking staff, and self-inflating air mattresses, be prepared to spend more than $800 (perhaps a lot more).

Before choosing an Inca Trail tour operator, always check what’s included in the price. Key details included by most operators include:

• Inca Trail permit and Machu Picchu entrance fee
• Bus transportation to the start of the trail
• English-speaking guide (or guides, depending on group size)
• Meals (at least 3 breakfast, 3 lunch, and 3 dinners)
• Porters

Most operators provide further services and pieces of equipment as part of the total cost. Luxury treks (typically $1,000 and over) will naturally include more — or at least higher quality — services and equipment. Treks in the $500 to $600 range should include all the essentials with some extras thrown in.

Always pay close attention to what each operator includes when comparing prices. If the price seems temptingly low, make sure essentials such as the Machu Picchu entrance fee are included in the price of the trek.

Cheap Treks

In terms of lower-end prices, it’s normally a simple case of “you get what you pay for” — and you’re not the only person who could suffer from a seemingly bargain-priced Inca Trail trek.

Be cautious with classic 4 day/3 night Inca Trail treks priced below $500 (unless, for example, it's a promotional or low season offer from a reputable operator). The standard of service could drop-off noticeably and the low price may reflect poor employment standards. Guides, porters, and cooks all have to be paid by the operator — if the Inca Trail price is surprisingly low, employee welfare could be depressingly poor.

Classic Inca Trail Sample Prices (Updated 2019)

To give you a quick idea of Inca Trail prices (4 day/3 night unless otherwise stated), here are some rates from a few of our recommended Inca Trail tour operators:

• Peru Treks: $650​​
• Llama Path: $695
• Enigma Peru: $785
• Explorandes: $1,360 (extended 5 day/4 night luxury trek)​​
• Amazonas Explorer: $1,759 (extended 5 day/4 night luxury trek)

For those interested in a hike that requires less time and stamina, the two-day Inca Trail trek is a great alternative.