Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is on many people’s bucket lists. It was on mine until 2022, when I traveled to Peru and checked it off my personal bucket list. This trip isn’t something you can do on a whim; it requires planning. The Peruvian government limits the number of hikers allowed on the trail each day to 200, so it’s recommended to book well in advance to avoid disappointment. The most important investment you’ll make is researching Machu Picchu Tours and choosing the right tour company. In this blog, I am reviewing Inca Vision Tours, which I used for my Inca Trail hike, and why I believe they are the best Inca Trail tour company in Cusco.
This post was created in partnership with Inca Vision Tours. I was compensated to review this experience, but—as always—my opinions are honest and based on my personal trip, which I paid full price for.
Planning your Inca trail hike
🏨 Where to stay in Cusco: Principe III – Great location near Wanchaq
🏙️ What to do in Cusco before your hike: Best things to do in Cusco
✈️ Getting to Cusco: Set price alerts with Skyscanner
⛰️ Best time to visit: May–September (Dry Season)
👉Need help planning your Peru itinerary? Read my blog, Peru 10-Day Itinerary: Ultimate Guide (With Machu Picchu)
There Are Hundreds of Tour Companies Offering Machu Picchu Tours
There are up to a thousand tour companies in Cusco. Of these, it’s estimated that about 226 are authorized for the Inca Trail. Many run without proper permits, so it’s essential to do your research. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so choosing a licensed tour company like Inca Vision Tours is crucial. Not only to ensure an epic adventure with experienced local guides, but also for safety reasons. Avoid disappointment by selecting a licensed tour operator first, thereby eliminating hundreds of companies.
Why I Chose Inca Vision Tours for My Machu Picchu Trek
If you’re looking for an authentic, locally operated Inca Trail adventure, Inca Vision Tours stands out as one of the best tour companies in Peru. Based in Cusco and run 100% by local experts, this operator focuses on sustainable and responsible travel, fair treatment of staff, and truly unforgettable trekking adventures.
The Best Inca Trail Guides for Your Machu Picchu Hike
Their guides are the real deal: responsible, super knowledgeable, and passionate about sharing Inca history, culture, and the natural beauty of the Inca Trail. Expect stories, legends, orientations, and plenty of laughs along the trail. Meals are prepared fresh daily using ingredients sourced from local farmers. This is a huge bonus if you want your travel dollars to support the communities that make this trek possible.
My guide, Jaime, the owner, was one of the best tour guides I’ve ever had for a hike, and he pretty much lives on the Inca Trail. He knows it like the back of his hand, which made for an epic experience. Remember, you will likely only do this once, so it has to be perfect!
A Unique Tour Experience Through the Eyes of the Incas
Their guides bring Peru to life through the eyes of the Incas, sharing extensive knowledge of the Incas’ history, astronomy, and Andean culture. Groups can start with as few as 2 travelers, ensuring a more personal experience. They can also organize special groups — such as seniors, families, or faster-paced hikers.
What are The Most Popular Machu Picchu Tours?
Inca Vision Tours’ most popular guided trips to Machu Picchu range from 2 days / 1 night to 5 days / 4 nights. The price range for these tours is $500-$950 USD per person. The group sizes are small, which always makes for a better experience.
If you’re wondering about fitness levels, think of these tours as moderate. If you have an average fitness level, you shouldn’t have any problems. I was recovering from COVID when I did my Machu Picchu trek, and I had no issues whatsoever.
Machu Picchu Hike Accommodations
With Inca Vision Tours, you can choose between two different accommodation options depending on the hike you select.
- Camping on the Inca Trail. Don’t worry, they have porters who carry the “camping gear.”
- Hotels in Machu Picchu Village (Aguas Calientes). If you’re doing the two-day hike, for example, you’ll stay in a nice hotel in the village. Staying in Aguas Calientes is an incredible experience, surrounded by stunning mountains at a close distance.
Inca Vision Tours: Machu Picchu and Inca Hike Packages
I’m going to highlight three of the most popular Machu Picchu and Inca tours offered by Inca Vision Tours.
Short Inca Trail with Train to Machu Picchu Including Hotel – 2 Days
This 2-day Short Inca Trail experience allows you to hike the most scenic part of the Inca Trail, explore archaeological sites like Wiñay Wayna, and reach Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate with breathtaking views. You’ll spend the night in Aguas Calientes, then enjoy a guided morning tour of Machu Picchu before heading back to Cusco. The iconic train journey to the trailhead at “Km 104” (Chachabamba), where your Inca Trail hike begins, is truly unforgettable. This is the best train journey I have ever experienced. For more details about this tour, visit the info page on the Inca Vision Tours website.
👉Check out my Short (2-Day) Inca Trail Guide: Short Inca Trail (2-Day) Machu Picchu Hike: Ultimate Guide
Hiking The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – 4 days
This is one of the most popular Machu Picchu hiking tours and is on almost every avid backpacker’s bucket list. The 4-day Inca Trail with Inca Vision Tours takes you across stunning Andean landscapes, ancient Inca ruins, and lush cloud forests before reaching Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate at sunrise. With well-organized camping, friendly porters, and excellent meals, this classic trek provides an unforgettable and comfortable way to experience Peru’s most iconic adventure. For more details about this tour, visit the info page on the Inca Vision Tours website.
Full-Day Tour of Machu Picchu from Cusco – 1 Day
The Machu Picchu Full Day Tour from Cusco with Inca Vision Tours is a fast, seamless way to explore Peru’s most iconic archaeological site in just one day. From scenic train journeys through the Sacred Valley to a guided tour of Machu Picchu’s main sights. This trip is perfect for travelers who want a hassle-free and unforgettable visit without a multi-day hike. For more information about this tour, visit the info page on the Inca Vision Tours website.
They also offer a 5-day, 4-night Inca trek, with the details on the website if you want to check it out.
Booking, Customer Service, and Hike Preparation
From the moment you send them a message, their communication is quick, friendly, and super clear. They walk you through everything you need to know about both the Short Inca Trail and the classic multi-day trek. Once your booking, payment, and briefing are sorted, you can relax — the Inca Vision team handles everything else. Your only job is to hike, eat, and enjoy the Andes.
Inca Vision Tours is an Ethical local Indigenous (Quechua) Operator
Inca Vision Tours is proud to be Quechua and a 100% local, Cusco-based operator. The company employs Quechua and English-speaking staff to allow travelers to enjoy an authentic Andean experience while ensuring that the revenue directly benefits the local economy. Porters, chefs, and guides are paid fairly, and profits support rural social projects — a practice not commonly followed by other operators.
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Inca Vision Tours Provides Extras Not Offered by Most Operators
An Eco-Friendly Machu Picchu Tours Operator
Inca Vision Tours also promotes eco-friendly tourism within the Inca Trail National Park, protects the environment, and supports community projects by paying fair wages to porters, chefs, and guides. We all love to support local, and when you choose this company, the dollars stay local, supporting local initiatives. Being eco-friendly helps ensure that travelers will continue to enjoy the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu for years to come.
Other Popular Cusco Tours
Rainbow Mountain Hike – 1 Day
Discover the stunning Vinicunca on this full-day Rainbow Mountain tour from Cusco. Inca Vision Tours provides seamless transport, expert guidance, and a supported hike to the vibrant mountain viewpoints that make this one of Peru’s most iconic day trips. Here are the details to book the Rainbow Mountain Hike – 1 Day tour.
👉Check out my blog 18 Best Things to Do in Cusco Before Machu Picchu
Sacred Valley Tours From Cusco
Inca Vision Tours’ Sacred Valley tour takes you through Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero, providing a full day of Inca history, vibrant markets, and breathtaking mountain landscapes. It’s a perfect introduction to the region’s culture and archaeology for travelers short on time.
Here is the link to book the Sacred Valley Full Day Tour.
If you have two days in Cusco and want to combine the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, you can do that. This two-day tour covers the main highlights of the Sacred Valley, includes an overnight stay in Aguas Calientes, and features a guided tour of Machu Picchu. Offering a seamless, immersive way to explore Peru’s most iconic sites without trekking.
Here is the link to book the Sacred Valley Tour + Machu Picchu 2 Days
Cusco City Tour
You’re probably visiting Cusco for Machu Picchu Tours. But don’t forget: Cusco is the city of the Incas, rich in history. Be sure to do a city tour and learn about its rich Inca history. It’s one of the most historic and beautiful cities I have ever visited.
The Cusco City Tour (Half Day) by Inca Vision Tours takes you through the heart of the former Inca Empire. You will explore iconic sites like Qorikancha, Sacsayhuamán, Q’enqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay. It’s a perfect introduction to Cusco’s rich history, blending Inca engineering with colonial heritage in just a few hours.
Here is the link if you would like to book directly with Inca Vision Tours, Cusco City Tour Half Day – Heart of the Inca Empire.
Peru Package Tours
They also offer Peru package tours of 5 to 7 days if you don’t want to stress about planning and enjoy group travel. Here is a link to all of the Peru tour packages if you’d like to check them out.
If you’re still reading, you’re likely planning and serious about booking Machu Picchu tours for your upcoming trip to Peru. Inca Vision Tours is one of the top tour companies in Cusco for Machu Picchu adventures. They are a locally licensed tour operator offering options for all budgets. They offer a one-stop shop for all your activities in Cusco. Check out the tours on their website and start planning your bucket-list trip to Machu Picchu. There isn’t another tour company in Cusco that I use when I travel to Peru.
👉Check out my blog, 3-Day Lima Itinerary – How to spend 2–3 days in Lima like a local
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