The Machu Picchu via Inca Trail Trek with EverTrek costs between £2,150 and £2,250, depending on your chosen departure year. This includes a 10-day itinerary (with 5 days trekking on the Inca Trail), accommodation before and after the trek, all camping equipment, permits (including your Inca Trail permit and Machu Picchu entry), meals while trekking, a guided tour of Machu Picchu, and full support from our experienced local guides and crew. International flights to Cusco, travel insurance, tips, and some meals in Cusco are not included.

EverTrek uses the world-famous Classic Inca Trail Route to reach Machu Picchu. The Inca Trail is Peru’s most iconic trek, taking you along ancient stone paths through cloud forests, alpine passes, and past stunning Incan ruins before reaching Machu Picchu through the famous Sun Gate (Inti Punku). Due to the limited permits, it’s essential to book well in advance to secure your space.

This trek is classed as challenging. You’ll need a good level of fitness to hike 5–8 hours per day, sometimes at high altitudes up to around 4,215m at Dead Woman’s Pass. Prior trekking experience is helpful but not essential. Good stamina, strong legs, and a steady hiking pace will really help you enjoy the experience.

Training should focus on:

• Cardiovascular fitness (running, hiking, cycling, swimming)
• Leg and core strength (strength training, weighted hiking)
• Building endurance with long hikes carrying a pack

We recommend training 4–5 times a week for at least 2–3 months before the trek.
Joining one of our UK-based training weekends (such as in Snowdonia or the Brecon Beacons) is a great way to meet the EverTrek team and prepare both physically and mentally.

You won't need much during the trek itself, as all meals, camping equipment, permits, and guiding services are included. However, you may want to bring some cash for snacks, drinks in Cusco, souvenirs, or to tip the local team at the end of the trek.

While on the Inca Trail itself there are no proper showers, so we recommend bringing wet wipes, biodegradable soap, and a flannel to stay clean. While staying in Cusco before and after the trek, you will have access to hot showers and full hotel facilities. During the trek, warm water will be provided daily by the team so you can have a basic wash each morning.

The best trekking seasons are:

• April to October – The dry season, offering the most stable weather, clear skies, and great trekking conditions.

The Inca Trail is closed every year in February for maintenance, and we recommend avoiding the wettest months of November to March if possible.

Tipping is customary and greatly appreciated by the hardworking trekking crew. We recommend budgeting around 10% of your total trip cost. For a trip priced between £2,150 and £2,250, a tip of approximately £215–£225 is appropriate, to be shared fairly between your guides, cooks, and porters. Your lead guide will assist with arranging the group tipping at the end of the trek.

As you'll be trekking at altitudes up to 4,215m, managing altitude sickness is important. To minimise the risk:

• Follow the gradual ascent itinerary and allow time to acclimatise
• Drink 3–4 litres of water per day
• Avoid alcohol and smoking before and during the trek
• Be aware of early symptoms: headache, nausea, dizziness, loss of appetite
• Consider taking Diamox if recommended by your GP
• Always communicate openly with your guide if you feel unwell, early action is key