Honest, no-fluff answers from our team in Cusco — covering bookings, altitude, packing, permits & everything in between.
Inca Trail permits sell out months in advance. We recommend booking 4–6 months ahead for May–September (high season) and 2–3 months ahead for shoulder months. February is closed every year for trail maintenance.
You can check live 2026 availability here — we secure permits the moment you confirm.
We accept all major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Amex), and Izipay (Peruvian gateway with international card support). All payments are SSL-encrypted & 3D-Secure protected.
For multi-day treks we typically require a 50% deposit to secure permits, with the balance due 30 days before departure.
Full refund if cancelled 30+ days before tour start. 50% refund 15–29 days before. No refund within 14 days (we recommend travel insurance).
Inca Trail permit deposits are non-refundable due to government rules — we'll always be transparent about this at booking.
Full policy: Refund Policy →
Yes — student discounts apply with a valid ISIC card (or any university ID under 25). Group discounts kick in at 4+ travelers, and grow at 6+, 8+, and 10+.
New customers also get 10% off with code INKANET at checkout.
Cusco sits at 3,400 m, and most of our tours go higher. We recommend arriving at least 2 days early to acclimatize. Drink coca tea, stay hydrated, eat light meals, and skip alcohol for the first 24 hours.
Every Inkanet guide carries oxygen, a pulse oximeter, and a medical kit. We modify pace based on how the group feels.
The Classic 4-day trail is moderate-to-challenging. If you can walk 6–8 hours uphill in a day at home, you'll handle it well. Day 2 is the hardest (Dead Woman's Pass at 4,215 m).
We recommend 6 weeks of cardio prep (hiking, stairs, jogging) before your trip. Not in shape? Consider the 2D / 1N trail, Salkantay, or one of our day tours instead.
Absolutely. The Inca Trail is one of the safest treks in the world — fully guided, no unauthorized access, controlled campsites. The majority of our solo travelers are women, and many return for second trips with friends.
If you'd prefer, we can pair you with a small group that already has solo female travelers booked.
Day tours: licensed guide, transport, entrance fees, and meals as listed in the itinerary.
Multi-day treks: everything above plus permits, camping equipment (tents, sleeping pads), porters, cook & assistant guides, all meals, and train tickets where applicable.
Not included: travel insurance, sleeping bags (rentable for $20), tips (always optional), drinks & personal expenses. Full breakdown on each tour page.
Essentials: hiking boots (broken in), 3 pairs of moisture-wicking socks, layered clothing (it gets cold at night), rain jacket, sun hat, sunscreen 50+, sunglasses, headlamp with spare batteries.
Plus: reusable water bottle (1 L+), toiletries, basic first aid, snacks (we provide plenty but it's nice to have your own), passport (required to enter Machu Picchu).
Full packing list will be emailed when you book.
Absolutely — it's what we do best. Tell us how many days you have, what you want to feel, and any must-sees on your list. We'll build a hand-crafted itinerary within 24 hours, and you can adjust freely with no commitment until it feels perfect.
Yes — every tour we offer can be run privately. Private groups get a dedicated guide, more flexible pacing, and the ability to add stops along the way. Great for families, couples, or groups of friends.
Message us on WhatsApp for a quick private quote.
The dry season runs May to October (best visibility, but crowded). Shoulder months April and November are our favorites — fewer travelers, lush green landscape, and almost daily clear skies.
December to March is wet (and February closes the Inca Trail), but Machu Picchu itself stays open year-round.
Yes. Airport transfers from Cusco airport (CUZ) cost $15 one-way. We can also book hotels at preferred rates — just tell us your budget range and style (boutique, family-run, mid-range, luxury) and we'll send 2–3 options we trust.
All our guides are bilingual English & Spanish. Several speak Portuguese, French, German, or Italian as well — let us know your preference and we'll match accordingly.
Every guide is also fluent in Quechua, the language of the Andes — which makes village interactions much richer.