Inca Trail Reservations
Inca Trail Reservations
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Machu Picchu, the most iconic site in South America, is awaiting for you to explore and live an adventure that will last in your memories for life.
Cusco, Peru
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Travelers' Choice
2024
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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5.0
460 reviews
Excellent
422
Very good
24
Average
6
Poor
5
Terrible
3
Peter von R
1 contribution
Dec 2019
This was truly the most incredible trip I have ever been on, and it was all thanks to Inca Trail Reservations. First off, Liz Soto was incredibly helpful and patient with us when it came to preparing for the trip. She answered all of our emails very quickly and was a pivotal piece to our preparation for the hike.
Our tour guide, Haime, was amazing and i would consider him a personal friend after the trip. He was full of knowledge and one of the most genuine people i have met in my life. His love and passion for the trail shows and is passed on to the hiker all throughout the 4 day trek. I cannot say enough great things about him! He made us both feel as if we now have family in Cusco!
Last but certainly not least, our four Porters. Carlos, Chef Simon, Santiago and Adrien. These 4 were most definitely the MVP's of our trip, waking up before us and laying down to rest after us, making sure that we were conformable. The food that Simon cooked was incredible, one of the many highlights for me on the trek. All four of them carried a significant amount of weight up the mountain, and were smiling and dancing around every corner. Truly amazing! I know Haime or the porters would never say this so i will... Bring enough money to tip them properly!! at least 100-150 Soles to EACH porter.
Again, this memories made on this trip are some that i will take with me forever, and it would not have been possible without Liz Soto, Haime and our wonderful Porters. Thank you so much for everything, I cant wait to do it again someday!
Our tour guide, Haime, was amazing and i would consider him a personal friend after the trip. He was full of knowledge and one of the most genuine people i have met in my life. His love and passion for the trail shows and is passed on to the hiker all throughout the 4 day trek. I cannot say enough great things about him! He made us both feel as if we now have family in Cusco!
Last but certainly not least, our four Porters. Carlos, Chef Simon, Santiago and Adrien. These 4 were most definitely the MVP's of our trip, waking up before us and laying down to rest after us, making sure that we were conformable. The food that Simon cooked was incredible, one of the many highlights for me on the trek. All four of them carried a significant amount of weight up the mountain, and were smiling and dancing around every corner. Truly amazing! I know Haime or the porters would never say this so i will... Bring enough money to tip them properly!! at least 100-150 Soles to EACH porter.
Again, this memories made on this trip are some that i will take with me forever, and it would not have been possible without Liz Soto, Haime and our wonderful Porters. Thank you so much for everything, I cant wait to do it again someday!
Written January 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Diego S
Cusco, Peru3 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
We had a great trip on the trail thanks to Inca Trail Reservations, despite some fog on day 3 and rain on day 4. Our guide, Raul, was really knowledgable about the history of the trail and gave us interesting insights over the four days, particularly when we were actually at the ruins. The vegetarian food cooked by our chef, Carmen, was absolutely delicious with very generous portion sizes! The only drawback was that we hadnt realised we would have to carry all our clothes, sleeping bag and sleeping mat until the briefing the night before. We would recommend paying the extra charge for an additional Porter to carry this so that the trail is easier!
Written October 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Deborah S
Arlington, MA2 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
We had a really great trip thanks to all to the organization by Maria Chacon at Inca Trail Reservations. She organized all of our tours: Lima half day, Sacred Valley Full day, Inca trail + Machu Picchu 2-day, Mandor Falls, Rainbow Mountain. She also organized our hotel in Aguas Calientes around the Machu Picchu tour (Sumaq) and we picked our other hotels from a list she sent for the rest of our time as well (but booked them ourselves). Everything went very smoothly overall. The tours were good and the Inca trail hike and Machu Picchu visit were amazing - everything I had hoped for and more. We have amazing photos and and even more amazing set of memories from this trip.
Maria was very responsive before and during the trip, answering my questions and sending me any information I asked for. At the end of the trip she was even able to find a way to reunite me with my sunglasses, which I had managed to leave on the Rainbow Mountain tour bus, by getting them delivered to our hotel, thereby turning some end of trip frustration into a happy story.
I chose Inca Trail Reservations to support our trip because Maria sent me back a very well organized and comprehensive set of information in response to my initial query (significantly better than what I got from the other companies I had contacted), and the end result lived up to my expectations. I would definitely recommend them to anyone looking to organize a trip to the area. They (and more specifically Maria) did a really good job overall.
Maria was very responsive before and during the trip, answering my questions and sending me any information I asked for. At the end of the trip she was even able to find a way to reunite me with my sunglasses, which I had managed to leave on the Rainbow Mountain tour bus, by getting them delivered to our hotel, thereby turning some end of trip frustration into a happy story.
I chose Inca Trail Reservations to support our trip because Maria sent me back a very well organized and comprehensive set of information in response to my initial query (significantly better than what I got from the other companies I had contacted), and the end result lived up to my expectations. I would definitely recommend them to anyone looking to organize a trip to the area. They (and more specifically Maria) did a really good job overall.
Written August 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Q1683WCjoshe
Sydney2 contributions
May 2024 • Solo
My journey on the Inca Trail was a remarkable and transformative experience. It began with a challenging yet rewarding first day, where I carried my own bag and sleeping bag and successfully completed the day one hike. This initial accomplishment set a positive tone for the rest of the adventure.
The second day was particularly strenuous, as it was entirely uphill. Recognizing the difficulty, our guide arranged for the cook to carry my sleeping bag. Despite the extra help, reaching the summit that day felt like a significant achievement and added to the sense of personal triumph.
Day three tested my endurance the most, being the longest day of the trek at nine hours. Pushing through the fatigue, I managed to complete this endurance test, which was a testament to my determination and perseverance.
On the fourth day, we reached Machu Picchu. Unfortunately, the heavy fog prevented me from capturing the classic photo from the lookout point. However, exploring the site up close was a unique experience that offered a deeper understanding and appreciation of its mysteries. Despite the weather, I felt I gained a comprehensive overview of this iconic archaeological site.
Throughout the trek, the food provided was excellent, with satisfying and nutritious meals served for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Our group, consisting of ten people plus our guide, was well-supported by eleven porters who ensured we had everything we needed.
One of the highlights of the trip was undoubtedly Intipata. Its beauty and historical significance left a lasting impression on me, making it my favorite part of the journey.
In summary, my Inca Trail adventure was filled with physical challenges, personal achievements, and unforgettable experiences. The combination of breathtaking scenery, rich history, and the camaraderie of our group made it a journey I will cherish forever.
The second day was particularly strenuous, as it was entirely uphill. Recognizing the difficulty, our guide arranged for the cook to carry my sleeping bag. Despite the extra help, reaching the summit that day felt like a significant achievement and added to the sense of personal triumph.
Day three tested my endurance the most, being the longest day of the trek at nine hours. Pushing through the fatigue, I managed to complete this endurance test, which was a testament to my determination and perseverance.
On the fourth day, we reached Machu Picchu. Unfortunately, the heavy fog prevented me from capturing the classic photo from the lookout point. However, exploring the site up close was a unique experience that offered a deeper understanding and appreciation of its mysteries. Despite the weather, I felt I gained a comprehensive overview of this iconic archaeological site.
Throughout the trek, the food provided was excellent, with satisfying and nutritious meals served for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Our group, consisting of ten people plus our guide, was well-supported by eleven porters who ensured we had everything we needed.
One of the highlights of the trip was undoubtedly Intipata. Its beauty and historical significance left a lasting impression on me, making it my favorite part of the journey.
In summary, my Inca Trail adventure was filled with physical challenges, personal achievements, and unforgettable experiences. The combination of breathtaking scenery, rich history, and the camaraderie of our group made it a journey I will cherish forever.
Written July 2, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SvR
Vero Beach, FL4 contributions
Dec 2019
This was an absolutely incredible experience! Thanks especially to our expert guide Jaime and the unforgettable kindness for our porters as well. My son and I embarked on the 4 day Inca Trail hike and were challenged in so many ways. A hike such as this really allows you time to learn about, not only, the obvious landscape, culture and history of this incredible place but it also a time to look inward, reflect and become a clearer, better person. Jaime, our guide, was so knowledgable about the land, vegetation, and history of the Inca people. The porters were amazing! Thanks so much to each one of them for working tirelessly from very early morning to late into the evening to make our experience unique and wonderful. SImone, our chef made each and every meal an incredible experience. Food has never tasted so good!
This was a soul enriching, life changing experience for me and one I'll keep at the top of my list of best days! Thank you Inca Trail Reservations!!
This was a soul enriching, life changing experience for me and one I'll keep at the top of my list of best days! Thank you Inca Trail Reservations!!
Written January 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
58debra
Phoenix, AZ183 contributions
Sep 2022 • Friends
I conquered the Inca Trail with 9 friends. Ages 44-64. We were successful thanks to Anthony and Jimmy. The best part of this duo is they really care. Their guidance and concern for us was overwhelming.
Anthony’s knowledge and information about the trail and dwellings was perfect. He has a gift for holding your attention as he tells the Inca stories. He also knows every flower and plant on the trail.
Anthony and Jimmy repeatedly encouraged us to be slow and steady enjoy the beauty. Now for the food on the trail Fresh, Tasty and plentiful. Our chef was Alejandro he actually made a Bday cake on the trail. Amazing with the kitchen he had to work with. The only thing I wish is someone would be definitive on a recommended tip. No one would just give a hard number in Soles or dollars.
Anthony’s knowledge and information about the trail and dwellings was perfect. He has a gift for holding your attention as he tells the Inca stories. He also knows every flower and plant on the trail.
Anthony and Jimmy repeatedly encouraged us to be slow and steady enjoy the beauty. Now for the food on the trail Fresh, Tasty and plentiful. Our chef was Alejandro he actually made a Bday cake on the trail. Amazing with the kitchen he had to work with. The only thing I wish is someone would be definitive on a recommended tip. No one would just give a hard number in Soles or dollars.
Written September 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Denise H
4 contributions
Apr 2024 • Friends
Absolutely amazing experience. Every detail was thoughtfully organized and only the highest quality buses, hotels, restaurants, guides and excursions were planned, exceeding already high expectations. This felt like it was organized by a family member, not an unknown third party. Could not have had a better experience.
Written May 21, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Katrina H
1 contribution
Mar 2022
Inca Trail Reservations is an amazing company! My husband and I had planned to hike the Inca Trail for the summer of 2020 but obviously had to cancel due to COVID as the Peru border was closed. We thought our tickets were lost but turns out they kept our reservations so now we are hiking it this June 2022! Additionally, Maria from Inca Trail Reservations has been incredibly helpful and flexible as we have nailed down a date for our trek. We had settled on a date but then had to change it because of plane flights and she worked with us so that we didn't have to purchase the tickets all over again. She was so kind and understanding. This company has amazing customer service and we are so grateful to them for helping us to plan for our trip this summer! Thank you Inca Trail Reservations!
Written March 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Melanie Z
2 contributions
Jun 2022 • Family
We went on the Inca trail in June-July 2022. Our guide, Juan Carlos, and the team made this experience amazing, even for a family with a reluctant teenager. He was very knowledgeable and taught us a lot about the history of all the sites along the trail, while also ensuring that we all had a safe and happy hike every day. The food and accommodations were all way better than we expected, and we ate better on the trail than we did in Cusco. We would definitely recommend this company.
Written July 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sarah C
Baton Rouge, LA5 contributions
Nov 2023 • Solo
Marco is the best!! There was a small hiccup in the beginning with the pickup (very late pickup and no communication about it), but this was all forgotten once underway. However, do expect communication from this company to not be the best in the day before and day of.
Marco is incredibly knowledgeable about his country, about the Inca, and about animals and flora. Every question we had was properly answered and his energy and passion is beyond clear.
The porters and chef were also all-star - the food was incredible and everyone always had a sweet smile on their face and were very helpful.
Overall, the Inca trail far exceeded my expectations, and a large part of that is thanks to Marco and the Porter team <3
Marco is incredibly knowledgeable about his country, about the Inca, and about animals and flora. Every question we had was properly answered and his energy and passion is beyond clear.
The porters and chef were also all-star - the food was incredible and everyone always had a sweet smile on their face and were very helpful.
Overall, the Inca trail far exceeded my expectations, and a large part of that is thanks to Marco and the Porter team <3
Written November 8, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Leanne G
London, United Kingdom
If I have booked a porter to carry my stuff, do I need to provide the bag for them?
On their site it says each porter load of 7.5 kg (16.5 lb) is available for USD 75.0 but that each porter can carry 25kg.
I am in Peru for 3 weeks and will have a large back pack, I don’t need to take everything on the hike, so I am trying to plan what extra bag I will need to pack for my stuff for the Inca trail hike.
Thank you.
Written May 22, 2019
On our trek nobody required more than 7.5kg for the stuff they asked the porter to carry. The 7.5kg also included the sleeping bag too. Most hotels have a set of scales so you can check the weight of what your taking before hand.
Take a few spare clothes, torch, insect repellent, and toiletries, power bank to charge camera/phone, and take a personal bag for water, hat, walking poles, sugary snacks. The things you need throughout the day as the porters do not walk with you
Written May 24, 2019
We’re looking into the 2day/1night one. We can’t find many reviews on it. Has anyone done it? How was it?
Written February 24, 2019
We’re looking into the 2day/1night one. We can’t find many reviews on it. Has anyone done it? How was it?
Written February 24, 2019
Yes we have done it. We didn’t want to camp but also didn’t want to just arrive at Macchu Picchu as we had been advised we would miss the context of the history of Macchu Picchu. So it’s the perfect combo of both in my opinion.
You have an early hotel pick up, about 2 hour drive to Ollayntambo station (which is cute), about an hour train ride to the airport 104km mark which comes about quite randomly. But it’s all well arranged. There you meet your guide who takes suit on a 5-6 hour hike through the mountains and a few Inca sites giving you the history. The terrain is beautiful through a bit of jungle and past waterfalls.
At about 2/3 pm in the afternoon you enter through Sun Gate, which the train people miss) and get a spectacular view of Macchu Picchu. Then it’s a bit slower down the trail of rocks to the site itself and you can walk around but it can be busy.
So you get a few photos and then head down to Macchu Picchu town for the night (or stay at Bellmond which is right there and you avoid the 30 min bus ride up and down. And also avoid the next morning wait for the bus.
I found the town a bit of a tourist trap. Massages were awful and food mediocre. Some have found it charming.
Would’ve tried to complete Macchu Picchu that day and tried to go back via train but it’s jot too bad. Up early the next day to get to MP early and start the tour which takes maybe an hour with the guide and then you have time to yourself to wonder about.
If you are an avid hiker, apply for Waynu Pichu permit to hike that on day 2. It looks amazing and takes apparently 45 mins up.
We took the Hiram Bingham train back for the experience which was fantastic but it only leaves at 6 in the evening and there isn’t much to do so may not be worth hanging around, try to leave earlier.
Written February 25, 2019
We are hiking the Inca Trail in late June. What can we expect regarding weather? Thanks!
Written December 28, 2018
I was on Inka trail in November. During the same day I used t-shirts and raincoat and jacket and again t -shirt. It changes a lot during the same day. You must be prepared for all seasons.
Written December 28, 2018
We are looking at the 3 night/4 day trek to Machu Picchu.
What are the campsite bathroom accommodations like?
What about washing (personal hygiene) on the trek?
I see there is an option to hire a porter to carry personal items. Would 1 porter be able to carry my husband's and my sleeping bag, foam pad and personal items?
Written December 9, 2018
The bathroom facilities are very basic, hole in the ground in some instances. I hired a porter and I was glad I did, the porters provided us with a basin of warm water each morning to wash with, which was fine. Part of the experience is being out in the wild, so it didn't matter. The scenery and the physical challenge of the trek mean that you don't really care too much if you are a little sweaty. The food is really, really good, our chef was incredible and I couldn't finish all the food that was given to us. Just pack light!
Written December 10, 2018
I have 2 weeks to walk the mountain trails of the Andes and am wondering whether anyone has trekked the regular Inca Trail route, then tackled the Salkantay route ( after a couple days rest) . I am in my early 60s and am searching as well for a fellow trekker who has done both these routes and the Everest Base camp route to comment on their relative difficulty.
Written November 8, 2016
Hi, I climbed Kilimanjaro in 2014 and walked the Inca Trail in 2016. The Inca trail is much more of a spiritual walk rather than a high difficulty walk although everyones perception is different. Everest base camp and Kili are approx 2,000 meters higher so much harder from an altitude perspective. I would certainly suggest that you try to get to somewhere like Cusco to acclimatise for 2-3 days prior to the walk and just take the walk slowly. The organised trips are excellent and they cater for a whole range of ages. Enjoy, it's an amazing trip.
Written November 10, 2016
Hi Tanya, my family and a family of friends are planing to book with this company for December the 4d/3n inca Trail trek but I was wondering about water supply and bathroom situation since we will be taking children with us between ages 9-14. how did that all worked out? how cold does it get at night, do we need to take warm clothes or blankets?
Thank you for your response.
Written June 10, 2016
Hi qkyta72,
Water supply: Bring 1 camelback style water bladder per person small size. The porters regularly stay very near by and this is sufficient to get you between stops. Most of the time, my wife and I didn't start to consume all off our water.
Bathroom situation: there are regular designated bathrooms at all camps. You will not camp at all camping spots. They stagger them along the way to allow more hikers. This means they have bathrooms all along the trail. In the event you don't find one when you need it, there is enough privacy to duck off the trail to take care of business. Please recall that all toilet paper etc will have to be packed to the next disposal point to keep the trail clean. We never had to duck off the trail, but saw it happen a few times.
Cold: the altitude does strange things like burning hot days and freezing cold nights. I would bring warm convertible clothing and a spare light weight sleeping bag for camping at high altitude. This worked well for us. Keep dry from rain or sweat. Never sleep in sweaty damp clothing that seem hot when you climb in bed but chill you when temperatures drop.
I am very ex Utes for you guys and wish you a great trip. The porters have everything you will need. It is high up, but still in an Equatorial region. It is very accommodating and beautiful. Don't forget bug spray.
Written June 11, 2016
I also went in March and I agree with the previous answer. There were hardly any bugs. I brought less than half a bottle of bugs spray and that worked just fine for the 5 days I was out on the Salkantay trek. It wasn't necessary in the city of Cusco
Written June 14, 2016
What was the quality of the camping sites used by ITR? I've read that the more expensive tours generally are granted better camping grounds throughout the trail.
Written January 28, 2016
It is a lottery for which sites go to which compnies. In many cases,it is first come first serve. I am unaware that the actual site preference goes to better companies. In general, the sites are relatively equal. There are a couple more crowded sites in some of the more remote high altitude areas. At these sites, you may be closer or further from the few bathroom locations. It is not an inconvenience to be further away as there is no plumbing. In any case, the trail to the sungate on the final day remains closed until 6:00 or 7:00. All the porters have to catch an early morning train at around 4:00. This means that all campers have to pack up early and then wait for a couple hours at the check gate. The gates open and all parties make the final stretch. Site location is irrelevant as you would only be closer to leaving at the same time. When your site is further in the trail, you hike more to get there. When it is closer on the trail, you make up for it the next day. Site location doesn't matter. The company you choose makes a big difference. ITR was a 5 star experience. I highly recommend them.
Written February 1, 2016
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