How To Plan An Inca Trail Trip (Everything You Need To Know In 2024)

Once you’ve decided you want to hike the Inca Trail (or even if you’ve mentally added it to your bucket list), the next vital step is to plan your Inca Trail trip properly.

From getting in shape to keeping yourself both warm and safe, there’s many important things to take into consideration before you start the trek. And trust us when we say that you won’t want to be caught out here in the Peruvian Andes!

In this guide we’ll cover everything you need to know about how you can plan an Inca Trail trip. This also includes a useful jump-board section that links to some of our most useful articles, as well as an FAQ section to answer your most burning questions.

How To Plan An Inca Trail Trip

Quick Answer: Planning an Inca Trail trip all starts with finding the right tour company for you, as well as booking well in advance to give you some much needed preparation time.

You’ll find various companies that offer different kinds of experiences on the Inca Trail, so it’s worth browsing around to find the right style of trip for you. Here at AB Expeditions, we focus on providing a culturally-immersive experience for our hikers, who can get really in touch with the local culture whilst seeing stunning ruins and beautiful scenery.

Once you’ve found the right company for you, you’ll now need to book your Inca Trail tour. We suggest book at least 6 months in advance, given you’ll be able to guarantee a spot as well as your desired camping areas.

Leaving it around six months in advance will also give you plenty of time to get ready yourself. This includes finding good flight tickets to Peru, getting fit for the hike as well as investing in solid equipment and gear.

Our Best Resources For Planning Your Inca Trail Trip

Here we’ll now share some of our very best articles and advice for you depending at which stage you are currently at for your own Inca Trail trip planning.

Choosing Your Inca Trail Tour

This is the first and most important step. There are several different routes you can choose, which vary in length and cost. The Classic 4 Day Inca Trail is by far the most popular, and you’ll need to book in advance to guarantee your spot. Those who want a shorter route can head on the 2 Day Inca Trail Tour.

Making An Inca Trail Reservation

Another important step is making your reservation in advance. You’ll want to make sure you book at least 6 months in advance, although 9-12 months is more ideal (especially if going during the dry season). You can learn more about making an Inca Trail Reservation here.

Getting In Shape For The Inca Trail

Being physically fit guarantees you both a comfortable and memorable experience, instead of one where you dread waking up each new day. Getting in shape also means adjusting to the higher altitudes. We recommend reading more about how you can start training.

Learning How To Stay Safe On The Inca Trail

As with any wild terrain, the Inca Trail can present certain risks in parts along the route. We give a full safety briefing during our meet before starting the trek, but it’s also worth learning more about how you can stay safe on the Inca Trail before embarking on your own trip.

Planning An Inca Trail Trip FAQ

Below we’ll now answer some of the biggest questions we get from readers on how to plan your own Inca Trail trip.

How To Plan An Inca Trail Trip For Beginners

If it’s your first time hiking the Inca Trail (or first time heading on any hike), then you’ll want to make sure you get all the basics right to begin with. This includes choosing a favorable month to hike in, investing in quality hiking boots and gear as well as getting in good shape. If you have any questions you can get in touch with us where we can provide extra guidance.

Is The Inca Trail Worth The Money?

Without a doubt, yes! The Inca Trail is one of a few hikes where you combine amazing scenery along with historical ruins, where you can see formidable Incan sites such as Llactapata, Wiñay Wayna and Intipata. The cost of the tour also includes all camping equipment, tasty meals, a private local guide as well as your entrance ticket to Machu Picchu.

Summary Of Planning Your Inca Trail Trip

And that’s all for our guide on how to plan an Inca Trail trip.

One of the most popular hiking routes on the continent, it’s vital to prepare well in advance for this hike. This includes booking at least 6 months in advance, as well as learning how to keep yourself safe along the route.

Be sure to read our Ultimate Inca Trail Guide, where we cover everything you need to know about this stunning Andean hike.