Seventeen Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Short Inca Trail Tour Operator
- Is the Trekking Company and its team fully licensed to operate the Inca Trail?
- Are you buying directly from the tour operator or from a 3th party?
- Does the company appear on TripAdvisor? How are their reviews?
- Does the tour operator guarantee the services they offer?
- What is the minimum number of people required to book a group experience?
- What is the maximum number of people allowed to join the trek or tour? And, what is the ratio of hikers to guides?
- If you book and pay your deposit, is it guaranteed you will trek or will your booking be cancelled if they do not get a big enough group?
- What are the inclusions and exclusions for this trek? Do they explain the details of the costs? This could be entrances, transfers, meals etc.
- Are all of their guides profesional? Do the guides speak fluent English? Do the guides have their First Aid certificates?
- Does the tour operator carry satellite phones, first aid supplies, and oxygen tanks on all of their treks?
- What is the quality of food provided?
- What type of accommodation is provided?
- What time are the train connections? Will the train get you back to Cusco at a reasonable hour, or did they book the first and last train of the day to save some money?
- How are the transfers? Do they pick you up from the hotel? What is the tier of the service for your transfers?
- Does the tour company offer complementary services such as a free airport transfer?
- Does the tour operator provide all of their staff a true living wage? Do they provide them with uniforms and do they care for their needs on the trek?
- What does the operator do to look after the environment and the indigenous peoples of Peru?
How to Know if a Travel Company is Good?
We recommend checking out their reviews on TripAdvisor, Google and other review forums before booking your trip to the Inca Trail.
Each company offers a different type of service, so think about what kind of trip might be right for you. Some lead large groups others lead small groups.
Prices vary on the size of the group, and the quality you can expect while on the trek itself.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE 2 DAYS INCA TRAIL
- Visiting Wiñay Wayna– an amazing and unique Inca city
- Hiking the final 1/3 of the famous Classic Inca Trail
- Hiking in the footsteps of the Incas, along the same paths they paved 500 years ago.
- Hike through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) all the way to famous Machu Picchu Citadel.
- To enjoy the spectacular views from the Sun Gate over Machu Picchu.
- Visiting Machu Picchu Citadel twice, on the 1st and 2nd day of the trek.
SHORT INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU MAP
Times are approximate and depend on your fitness level. Permits need to be booked way in advance!
Best Tours Operators
69 Explorer Peru
69 Explorer has been growing quickly thanks to its combination of fair pricing and reliable trekking quality. Travelers often mention the balance between affordability and organization, making it a strong option for younger travelers or those wanting a more adventurous vibe without sacrificing professionalism.
Sam Travel Peru
SAM Travel is probably the most established of the three in terms of volume and online reputation. The company is frequently recommended for its logistics, experienced guides, and personalized service on both the Classic and Short Inca Trail. Multiple discussions on Reddit and travel forums highlight their educational guides and strong operational consistency.
Orange Nation Peru
Orange Nation tends to appeal to travelers looking for a more curated experience. They focus heavily on smaller groups, cultural immersion, and comfort-oriented trekking. Their tours are often described as more personal and detail-oriented, especially for couples or travelers who want something beyond a basic trek.
