Best Inca Trail Tours and Machu Picchu Hikes

The best Inca Trail Tours and Machu Picchu hikes define a must-visit travel destination through direct access to ancient Inca pathways, preserved archaeological complexes, and a ceremonial arrival at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate. Each tour combines high-altitude mountain passes, cloud forest transitions, and culturally significant ruins All the sights in the route reflect advanced engineering, spiritual design, and historical continuity within the Andes. Travelers choose Inca Trail Tours or Machu Picchu hikes for regulated preservation, professional guiding standards, limited daily permits, and a structured multi-day journey that delivers cultural depth, physical achievement, and visual impact unmatched by alternative access routes.

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4.8

Average RatingOut of 5 stars

8,342

Happy TravelersSince 2015

1,487

Tours CompletedThis year alone

96%

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Garrett Corkery
4 days ago

Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had an exceptional experience with Evolution Treks! Although there was an initial permitting issue, the team handled it professionally, adjusted the schedule, and went above and beyond to ensure we had a great experience.

My wife and I hiked the Inca Trail with our guide, Jacquie, who truly elevated the experience. She was incredibly knowledgeable about the history of the ruins and genuinely invested in making sure everyone enjoyed the trek.

What stood out most was how Evolution Treks treats its staff and porters. Compared with other companies on the trail, the difference was clear. The extra cost was absolutely worth knowing that the people supporting our journey are treated fairly and valued. The Evolution crew seemed genuinely happy, enthusiastic, and supportive of one another, which was wonderful to see.

Our chef, Nicolas, was also incredible and added to an already fantastic experience. We wholeheartedly recommend Evolution Treks to anyone considering the Inca Trail!

Posted on Tripadvisor

KATHRYN M
5 days ago

Verified Salkantak at age 70. No problem.
My daughter and I walked the Salkantay trek with one other guest and guide Beli, horseman Roberto, Chef Guillermo, Assistant Dayse and Assistant Chef Roli. Could not have asked for a better crew. They treated us like family, making sure we were up to the task of a 15,000 foot vertical, and helping us decide when the rain might have made it unsafe to hike down. Guillermo works his magic in the kitchen — delicious, multi course meals with fresh vegetables and local Peruvian specialities. Dayse and Roli assisted with food, camp set up, and cleanup. I really appreciated the hot coca tea brought to the tent at day break.My duffle traveled with Roberto and his mule. What a blessing to only have to carry a waist/fanny pack. Can’t rave enough about Beli!!! He was always checking in on how were were doing/feeling. And his knowledge about the culture and history of the area and its people was exceptional. Quite the educator. And now a friend. Hats off to Evolution for hiring an excellent staff.

Posted on Tripadvisor

Cecelia M
5 days ago

Verified Salkantay Trek
Trekking to Machu Picchu has been a dream for my mom and I was more than happy to join her. I was tasked with figuring out the trek and tour company we’d be using. It was overwhelming to find a group that prioritized their staff’s welfare. I’m so grateful that my research led me to Evolution Treks their communication over WhatsApp was fast and responsive. The trek itself was incredible and I’m thankful for the staff who were able to make everything happen. Beli was our guide for 5 days. He expertly managed our group taking into account different hiking speeds, trail conditions, educating us on culture/flora/fauna, and ensuring we made it to Machu Picchu safely. I enjoyed our conversations and it felt within the first day I felt as if I had known Beli for much longer. Guillermo our chef was fantastic! I’m a pescatarian and everyone else in the group was an omnivore. Guillermo was able to not only accommodate my dietary restrictions but also make meals on the road that are nicer than anything I’ve made for myself. I never felt hungry and was amazed how we never ate the same meal twice ever! The food (and drinks) were delicious. The rest of the crew was also incredible. Daysy and Roli ensured our tents were always set up before we got to the campsite. They both were busy as sous chefs in the kitchen and cheerleaders for the trekkers always greeting us with high fives when we made it to camp. Daysy also helped me practice my Spanish and I enjoyed our time together and hope to see her guiding some day soon. Finally, Roberto! If not for Roberto I don’t think mom and I would have made it through the trek. Roberto expertly managed the mules so we only had to worry about bringing our water, extra layers and day snacks for the day. Again, it was an incredible trek and want to say thanks again!

Posted on Google

Mateusz Krasucki
13 days ago

Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We decided to do a Short Inca Trail with Evolution Treks due to their reputation for ethical treatment of all the people employed. It was all well organised and our guide made sure we had the best possible chance to experience and appreciate Machu Picchu. The company was also very helpful and informative when the accident on the Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo railway caused our return train to be significantly delayed. Highly recommended!

Posted on Google

Ethan Martin
15 days ago

Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +2
My family and I worked closely with Miguel, at Evolution Trek, to customize our entire Peruvian vacation. He was helpful, friendly, and knowledgeable throughout the entire process. Many local guides guided us throughout our vacation. Edson and Barnaby, our guides for the first and second day, were experts on history and the archaeological sites they showed us. Roberto, our guide for the third day, provided us with a more spiritual focused theory on Incan customs, traditions, and architecture. I appreciated that Miguel provided us with different guides, allowing us to learn about their own theories and interpretations of Peruvian History.

Through working with Miguel, we decided to book the five-day four-night luxury Inca Trail Expedition. Luxury was an understatement. Dionses and Daisy, two of our porters, ensured that our tents were clean and cozy each night and we had a personal restroom tent with a portable toilet inside of it! We had amazing food, fantastic guides, and good spirited porters.

Fernando and is his assistant Sergio curated amazing meals. Since all of the food has to be carried, I was nervous about what we would be eating. Fernando provided us with exceptional, filling, and delicious three course meals every day.

Our Inca Trail guide and his assistant, Marco and Edwin, knew the answer to every question we threw at them. Marco was knowledgeable about the flora and fauna and Peruvian history. He explained to us the history of the Incas and the cultures that came before them. Both were also great at lifting our spirits during the more intense hiking days. Marco was exceptionally patient and he and Edwin remained in good humor throughout the whole trip.

One very important distinction that separates Evolution Trek from other touring companies is their treatment of their porters and their hiring of women porters. Evolution Trek provides modern ergonomic backpacking equipment for their porters and strictly limits the weight that they carry, even below the government maximums. On the trail, we noticed porters from other companies struggling under the weight of their backpacks. Evolution Trek was the only company, that we saw during our 5 days, that had women porters. Furthermore, Evolution Trek provides their porters tents, something that is not standard in the industry.

Our trip to Peru was amazing and we are thankful that we chose a company leading the charge for better and safer working conditions for porters. I could not recommend Evolution Trek enough.

Posted on Google

Jeffrey Raskin
18 days ago

Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Hiking Machu Picchu has long been a bucket list item for me and the experience did not disappoint! We went with the 3 night 4 day experience guided by Evolution. The cost was competitive to higher cost peer companies, but the mission to integrate social change and promote gender diversity resonated with me. Examples of them making a difference includes first to employ female porters, providing structured hiking backpacks for the porters instead of essentially large sacks which shifts weight and destabilizes the porters as they run, sleeping accommodations instead of having porters sleep uncovered on the ground, and providing the option of supportive hiking boots for ankle support instead of not (many non-evolution porters wore sandals!).

The accommodations were great with rented gear that all worked, including poles, sleeping bag, liner, tent, and pad. The food was fresh, delicious and never got us sick! Guillermo the head chef served hot breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a tea happy hour as well. We ate in a spacious tent with camping chairs.

Our patient guide Marco (celebrating 725 tours) gave us plenty of information around the sites, mostly physically at Machu Picchu, without overwhelming us and allowed us to explore on our own. You should be aware that just cause you hiked forever you do not have a ticket to ALL three circuits so spend as much time as you like in the park before leaving! It’s also worth contextualizing experience. Our experience with Marco differed from what is described online with Sarah. Marco asked us (coerced?) to write a review prior to leaving the restaurant the company has a deal with, and comparing Marco to Sarah reviews reveals some differences. I think probably Marco feeling ill contributed a lot to him not developing rapport and being absent a bunch, but admitting to us he doesn’t always remember the clients names anymore was interesting.

Besides the ancient and spiritually powerful Inca Trail itself, the best part of the experience were the porters. Lead by Rosa, they all were personable and up-beat throughout the experience. They spoke in broken English and we spoke in broken Spanish and together we were able to understand some things about each other. The team obviously liked each other, and also worked together seamlessly. It was a camaraderie not seen in other porter groups.

Overall I’d give this experience 4 stars. For the very discerning, ultraluxury focused, i’ll contextualize this experience with the psychological experiment feeding monkeys grapes. Both monkey groups are happy to perform tasks and receive grapes, until one monkey receives marshmallows instead. This drives the grape receiving monkey crazy and it refuses to perform further tasks and throws a fit. The correlation here is that this escalating arms war of luxury accommodation between companies has some setting up full mattresses and porting private toilets for guests and their waste. This is done on the backs of porters and exploits the indigenous people who are forced to meet an increasingly divergent experience to what “hiking to Machu Picchu” means to me. That notwithstanding, simple things like a duffle or a T-shirt done for nearly every other company would be nice for the price point and would not tax the porters. Evolution delivered a grit-luxury experience that was 4/5 would recommend and delivered on my dream to hike/immerse myself in the Inca Trail while prioritizing the wellbeing of the porters. I recommend this company for a higher priced gritty experience which I think does so in a sustainable way.

Posted on Google

Tia Raskin
18 days ago

Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +0
Five stars for the porters and chefs, one star for our guide, averaged to three.

There really aren't words to describe how amazing the porters are. They are the heart of the operation, without question. They carry impossible loads at unbelievable speeds, and they genuinely seemed to be a tight-knit group who enjoyed working together, a camaraderie I didn't necessarily see in other groups. The food was outstanding. The chef and assistant chef prepared gourmet meals each evening that would rival many fine restaurants.

I chose Evolution because of how they described their treatment of porters, and I did see that their porters had tents every night, unlike porters from other groups we saw sleeping on cement under whatever overhang they could find. I also chose them because they say they were the first company to hire women porters. We had an incredible woman porter in our group, Rosa. I didn't love that she seemed to be paraded around, to her own discomfort, as proof. Giving women the opportunity is enough. They shouldn't have to perform being a woman for tourists.

I had hoped for more from our guide, Marco, who honestly did the bare minimum. He was clearly sick with a cold, and I'm grateful he powered through, but we spent roughly 40% of the trek without a guide. He would stay behind and tell us he'd catch up, with directions like "if the path forks, always stay right." Outside the ruins, he taught us exactly one thing on the trail, about the white insects used to make red dye. At camp, he went straight to his tent and didn't reappear until dinner. When he was with us, he often walked right behind us to speed us up while repeatedly telling us how patient he was. He would offer us a choice between two options when it was obvious only one was acceptable. Then at Machu Picchu, the pacing flipped: he spent so long on his tour that we had no time left to explore on our own.

He never asked us a single question, not even "where are you from?" Conversation was mostly him monologuing about how bad other companies were. One moment stuck with me. When a porter hurt his ankle, my partner, who is a doctor, offered to help. Marco instead asked him for pills for his own sore throat, and over the four days he went through all of our Advil. I've been on countless tours and have never had a less engaged guide.

One practical warning: our group was supposed to be eight, but a family of five cancelled at the last minute, leaving just three of us. We were asked to cover that family's share of tips, so the company's suggested tip of around 10% of the tour price became roughly a third. The porters and chefs absolutely deserve it, but be aware that cancellations can make this a much more expensive trip. When I did the trail 20 years ago as a broke student, that would have been impossible.

Also worth knowing: I assumed all "classic Inca Trail" trips followed the same daily schedule. They don't. Companies split the distance differently, with some putting the longest day first and others saving it for last. If you have a preference, check the day-by-day route before booking.

Overall, I would consider Evolution again, but only if I could be sure we wouldn't have the same guide. It comes with fewer frills at a higher price, but I felt good knowing our porters were treated better than those with other companies.

Posted on Tripadvisor

Tia R
19 days ago

Verified Five-star porters and chefs, one-star guide
Five stars for the porters and chefs, one star for our guide, averaged to three. There really aren't words to describe how amazing the porters are. They are the heart of the operation, without question. They carry impossible loads at unbelievable speeds, and they genuinely seemed to be a tight-knit group who enjoyed working together, a camaraderie I didn't necessarily see in other groups. The food was outstanding. The chef and assistant chef prepared gourmet meals each evening that would rival many fine restaurants. I chose Evolution because of how they described their treatment of porters, and I did see that their porters had tents every night, unlike porters from other groups we saw sleeping on cement under whatever overhang they could find. I also chose them because they say they were the first company to hire women porters. We had an incredible woman porter in our group, Rosa. I didn't love that she seemed to be paraded around, to her own discomfort, as proof. Giving women the opportunity is enough. They shouldn't have to perform being a woman for tourists. I had hoped for more from our guide, Marco, who honestly did the bare minimum. He was clearly sick with a cold, and I'm grateful he powered through, but we spent roughly 40% of the trek without a guide. He would stay behind and tell us he'd catch up, with directions like "if the path forks, always stay right." Outside the ruins, he taught us exactly one thing on the trail, about the white insects used to make red dye. At camp, he went straight to his tent and didn't reappear until dinner. When he was with us, he often walked right behind us to speed us up while repeatedly telling us how patient he was. He would offer us a choice between two options when it was obvious only one was acceptable. Then at Machu Picchu, the pacing flipped: he spent so long on his tour that we had no time left to explore on our own. He never asked us a single question, not even "where are you from?" Conversation was mostly him monologuing about how bad other companies were. One moment stuck with me. When a porter hurt his ankle, my partner, who is a doctor, offered to help. Marco instead asked him for pills for his own sore throat, and over the four days he went through all of our Advil. I've been on countless tours and have never had a less engaged guide. One practical warning: our group was supposed to be eight, but a family of five cancelled at the last minute, leaving just three of us. We were asked to cover that family's share of tips, so the company's suggested tip of around 10% of the tour price became roughly a third. The porters and chefs absolutely deserve it, but be aware that cancellations can make this a much more expensive trip. When I did the trail 20 years ago as a broke student, that would have been impossible. Also worth knowing: I assumed all "classic Inca Trail" trips followed the same daily schedule. They don't. Companies split the distance differently, with some putting the longest day first and others saving it for last. If you have a preference, check the day-by-day route before booking. Overall, I would consider Evolution again, but only if I could be sure we wouldn't have the same guide. It comes with fewer frills at a higher price, but I felt good knowing our porters were treated better than those with other companies.

Posted on Tripadvisor

Jeffrey R
19 days ago

Verified Grit-Luxury on the Inca Trail: 4 Stars for Evolution Treks and Their Porters
Hiking Machu Picchu has long been a bucket list item for me and the experience did not disappoint! We went with the 3 night 4 day experience guided by Evolution. The cost was competitive to higher cost peer companies, but the mission to integrate social change and promote gender diversity resonated with me. Examples of them making a difference includes first to employ female porters, providing structured hiking backpacks for the porters instead of essentially large sacks which shifts weight and destabilizes the porters as they run, sleeping accommodations instead of having porters sleep uncovered on the ground, and providing the option of supportive hiking boots for ankle support instead of not (many non-evolution porters wore sandals!). The accommodations were great with rented gear that all worked, including poles, sleeping bag, liner, tent, and pad. The food was fresh, delicious and never got us sick! Guillermo the head chef served hot breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a tea happy hour as well. We ate in a spacious tent with camping chairs. Our patient guide Marco (celebrating 725 tours) gave us plenty of information around the sites, mostly physically at Machu Picchu, without overwhelming us and allowed us to explore on our own. You should be aware that just cause you hiked forever you do not have a ticket to ALL three circuits so spend as much time as you like in the park before leaving! It’s also worth contextualizing experience. Our experience with Marco differed from what is described online with Sarah. Marco asked us (coerced?) to write a review prior to leaving the restaurant the company has a deal with, and comparing Marco to Sarah reviews reveals some differences. I think probably Marco feeling ill contributed a lot to him not developing rapport and being absent a bunch, but admitting to us he doesn’t always remember the clients names anymore was interesting. Besides the ancient and spiritually powerful Inca Trail itself, the best part of the experience were the porters. Lead by Rosa, they all were personable and up-beat throughout the experience. They spoke in broken English and we spoke in broken Spanish and together we were able to understand some things about each other. The team obviously liked each other, and also worked together seamlessly. It was a camaraderie not seen in other porter groups. Overall I’d give this experience 4 stars. For the very discerning, ultraluxury focused, i’ll contextualize this experience with the psychological experiment feeding monkeys grapes. Both monkey groups are happy to perform tasks and receive grapes, until one monkey receives marshmallows instead. This drives the grape receiving monkey crazy and it refuses to perform further tasks and throws a fit. The correlation here is that this escalating arms war of luxury accommodation between companies has some setting up full mattresses and porting private toilets for guests and their waste. This is done on the backs of porters and exploits the indigenous people who are forced to meet an increasingly divergent experience to what “hiking Machu Picchu” means to me. That notwithstanding, simple things like a duffle or a T-shirt done for nearly every other company would be nice for the price point and would not tax the porters. Evolution delivered a grit-luxury experience that was 4/5 would recommend and delivered on my dream to hike/immerse myself in the Inca Trail while prioritizing the wellbeing of the porters. I recommend this company for a higher priced gritty experience which I think does so in a sustainable way.

Posted on Google

Miri Kate Gubler
19 days ago

Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Their porters are incredibly nice and hardworking. It was genuinely lovely seeing them at the end of the day of hiking when we walked into camp and they had everything all ready for us. They are provided with proper gear such as backpacks with lumbar support, more supportive shoes, have weight limits of how much they can carry and are given tent spaces to sleep in at night which you’ll see the other porters from competing companies on the ground under the stars and under tarps to give them barely any protection from the elements, you’ll also see them hiking in less than ideal shoes with their hands along their back to ease the load. So. That’s why we’re here and the mission we’re happy to support. I hope the porters all get the raises they deserve. The food was also incredible so huge shoutout to the chef and assistant chef. We had plenty to eat at every meal.

Posted on Google

Andrew Scarani
20 days ago

Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +3
Evolution Treks Peru provided us with a truly inspiring and incredible experience.

We had a few separate adventures with them during our time in Peru, including day trips as well as a trek through the Salkantay wilderness.

On the Salkantay trek, Mariel did an incredible job orchestrating around timelines, baggage delivery, weather patterns, dietary restrictions, and altitude sicknesses, to ensure the entire group had a wonderful time at every step. Her assistant guide, Maxuel, also helped us along the way, teaching us more about the area, animals and some quechua lingo.

Every meal cooked by chef Rolly was incredible! My memorable meals from Peru were from that trek. And the entire Evolution crew - the horsemen, porter, assistant chef were all so friendly and made such an incredible effort to make our trip special. It was especially nice to see them taken well-care of - good gear, ergonomic packs, and training and supporting careers in the outdoors for women.

Hiram led us on an incredible trek to Machu Picchu via the short Inca trail and then gave us a tour of the site. He is incredibly knowledgeable, helpful, and patient and provided us with such an amazing tour.

I’d highly recommend Evolution Treks if you’re traveling to Peru! They hire great people and truly care about their staff and sharing Peru with others!

Posted on Google

Millie Borren
22 days ago

Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent team for Inca Trail. Margot, Guelliermo, Rene, Louisa, Victor, Vicente and
Rosmel really went above and beyond for us. Highly recommend Evolution Treks.

Posted on Google

Cheyenne Martin
25 days ago

Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Our Inca Trail journey was truly unforgettable thanks to the team at Evaluation. Miguel planned the perfect itinerary.

We acclimatized in the Sacred valley and learned so much from our guides Edson and Barnaby. Stephanie our driver was super kind and accommodating.

Our 4 day hike to Machu Picchu went better than we could have even imagined. Our guides Marco (la leyenda) and Edwin (the future leyenda) were incredible. Marco answered all of our questions with his encyclopedic amount of knowledge. He and Edwin made us laugh and forget we were going up endless stairs. They were both infinitely patient with us which is, in my opinion, the best trait in a guide. The food was so delicious and gourmet that the food in our 5 star hotel paled in comparison. Our chefs were Fernando and his brother Sergio, and I can’t even imagine what they could do with a professional kitchen.

However, The most important members of the team that made it all possible was the porters who worked under Fernando and Sergio. They are the most hardworking and strongest group of people we have ever seen. Even though the porters are the most integral to the tour, they are often the most exploited. Evolution is actively changing the standards for the industry by giving the porters the best equipment, hiring women, and respecting the maximum weight limit that the porters are legally allowed to carry.

These men and women seem superhuman but they still need to have their health and wellbeing protected by their employers. Evolution provided their porters with tents to sleep in and ergonomic backpacks, which we had not seen with other companies.

Our family booked with evolution because of their customer service, organization, and care for their workers. We saw incredible landscapes and got to rest in a camp were we were treated like family. The positive camp environment could only be attributed to the fair treatment of the porters and guides. Thank you to everyone at evolution for making this the best trip of our lives.

Posted on Google

Jack Pagan
26 days ago

Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +4
What an incredible experience with Evolution Treks! I did the 3 day Salkantay trek which was seamless from start to finish. The route, organization and knowledge along the away from our guide, Mariel and her assistant, Maxuel, was amazing. They altered our itinerary part way through to account for weather with no stress or concern. Everything flowed perfectly.

The food cooked by our chef, Rolly, was delicious and restaurant quality even when on the side of a snowy mountain! It kept us all well fuelled to complete the treks each day. All the Evolution crew were so friendly and really made this trip even more special.

It’s clear that Evolution look after their staff, with good gear, backpacks and tents for all and training for young Peruvians and women which is a fantastic model. I highly recommend Evolution Treks if you’re planning a trip to Peru, they won’t disappoint!

Posted on Tripadvisor

Izzy610
55 days ago

Verified Amazing company and trip
We had an amazing experience with evolution trek. From start to finish they were excellent they helped us decide what the best trip would be for us as a family and were really knowledgeable. They booked all the tickets and accommodation and transportation. Andmade sure that we had everything that we needed.. we did the two day Machu Picchu hike which was the highlight of our trip. We chose the private group tour as we were a family of four and Veronica was our guide.. she was absolutely amazing. She is hugely knowledgeable kind and caring and made sure that even the slowest in the group didn’t feel rushed.. I can’t recommend this company highly enough. They also pride themselves on ethical practices which is important because not all of the companies there do.they treat their people Well and is a reflection of their professionalism. if you’re in doubt about who to go with, don’t hesitate to book. A great company with great People and wonderful memory that will last a lifetime .

Posted on Tripadvisor

Rio D
91 days ago

Verified An incredible experience thanks to our team!
We had an amazing experience with Evolution Treks. Our guide Sara Herrera was friendly, professional, and always checked in on us and kept us informed. She had so much information and was super engaging. She always had an answer to our questions. We enjoyed getting to know her over the four days and many meals together. The cook, Nicolas, was amazing. Phenomenal! Everything was delicious and nutritious and kept us energized for the trek. Our first night was my partner’s birthday but we didn’t mention it to anybody ahead of time. We had brought drinks to do a little toast at the campsite and Sara overheard. She told Nicolas and he had a beautiful iced cake ready in a couple hours to sing to him after dinner! It was touching and very impressive! We’re very appreciative of them for making his birthday a little extra special. The porters, Dora, Luisa, Deunicia, Guillermo, Fernando, Abram, Augusto, Pio, Nazario, Juan, Elias, Elvio, Ignacio, and Juan de Dios, all did an amazing job not only carrying the equipment but setting up the lunch and campsites, serving the food, waking us up in the morning, and welcoming us warmly when we arrived. They make it the incredible experience that it is. I know especially because my partner and I were the only ones who didn’t hire an extra porter and I kinda wish we had because the climb was so difficult! It’s incredible what they do and they deserve a lot of recognition. We went with Evolution Treks because they promised to be the most ethical company and I sincerely hope that the porters, guides, and cooks are being paid fairly for creating the experience for us and the hard work that they do over four days. The bar seems to be very low with the protections for porters on the Inca Trail and I was pretty shocked at what I saw. I hope Evolution Trek is going beyond just hiring women and providing high quality backpacks to really repay the value that the porters bring to the company. I can’t say enough what an incredible experience we had thanks to our team and I hope they get to partake in the beautiful meals that they provide and that the company provides the same no-stress transportation to get to the trail and home afterward for them as they did for us.

Posted on Tripadvisor

Jacey C
94 days ago

Verified Amazing tour with ethical practices
We had the most amazing trip doing the 4 day/3 night Inca Trail with Evolution Treks! They accommodated our 14 person group excellently and made sure that everyone felt supported the entire time. From the porters— who help carry all of the camping equipment, bring fresh tea or coffee to your tent in the morning, and do all of the setup and tear down each day—, to the chef Fernando and assistant chef Frank—who made the most delicious multi-course meals that included fresh vegetables and meats and every day surprised us with what they could whip up on the trail, including an entire cake!—, to the guides Marco and Margot—who kept us laughing even on the steepest stairs and had so much historical and cultural knowledge to share with us—this was truly the best team to guide us along this famous trail. One of the most important reasons we picked Evolution Treks was because of their commitment to ethical working conditions for the porters, including empowering women to be porters, and we could see this on the trail. I loved getting to meet two young women, Griselda and Wendy, who were completing their first trek as porters and to see that with the good gear and responsible weight limits that Evolution Treks enforces they were enjoying themselves as much as the seasoned porters. You truly won’t regret spending a bit more money on this trek (compared to other companies) in order to be a part of Evolution Trek’s movement to empower women and improve working conditions for all porters.

Posted on Tripadvisor

KWandtheworld
106 days ago

Verified Great experience on 4-day trek!
Many thanks to Evolution Treks for a fantastic Inka trail adventure. We went as a couple and wanted to make sure we went with an ethical company who treated their workers fairly. We were super pleased with our how our guide, Jacqueline, tailored our 4-day Machu Picchu trek to what we were looking for. Super knowledgeable and a great leader. We also had a female porter, Daisy, on our team! We will miss Abram, Fernando, Vicente, Juan, Guillermo and Felix. Gracias for such a once in a lifetime experience. We highly recommend. The only thing I’d recommend would be to clarify expectations on tipping. They recommend higher than average which is good but also have to balance with what you can also afford.

Posted on Tripadvisor

Alison B
118 days ago

Verified Epic Experience with an amazing company
Our guide Sara, was a gem. She was knowledgeable, funny, responsible, and kind. We immensely enjoyed our time with her. She got us all to Machu Picchu despite an injury. We ate better on the trail then we did in Cuzco - seriously the food was better than highly rated restaurants The porters were all lively and extremely helpful anticipating our needs before we even had a chance to ask Evolution Treks treats their employees well and you can see it in the way they interact with one another and the fact that they are carrying feasibly sized packs while other tour companies appear to exploit their people. could fit in some of the packs other companies porters were carrying and that’s just not cool. I felt good about supporting Evolution Treks Peru and would recommend 10/10 to anyone wanting to do the Inca trail in Peru!

Posted on Tripadvisor

Allie T
120 days ago

Verified Amazing Experience!
The four-day, three-night Machu Picchu trek with Evolution Treks exceeded every expectation my husband and I had. This had been my bucket-list trip for more than 20 years, and somehow it was even more incredible than I imagined. One of the biggest reasons for that was our guide, Veronica Clemente. She was absolutely exceptional—warm, funny, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about sharing the history, culture, and beauty of the Inca Trail. She created such a positive, supportive atmosphere for our group of four and made everyone feel welcome and encouraged. Her insights added so much meaning to the experience, and her enthusiasm was contagious. The trek itself was nothing short of magical. Every day brought breathtaking scenery, unforgettable moments, and a deep appreciation for the incredible landscape and history of Peru. Reaching Machu Picchu after days on the trail was overwhelming in the best possible way. It's a moment I'll remember for the rest of my life. One of the main reasons I chose Evolution Treks was their reputation for treating their porters ethically and with respect. Throughout the trek, it was clear that the porters were valued members of the team. They were treated with kindness and dignity, which made me feel even better about choosing this company. I can't recommend Evolution Treks highly enough. If you're considering hiking to Machu Picchu, this is the company to go with, and if you're lucky enough to have Veronica as your guide, you're in for an unforgettable experience. Thank you to Veronica and the entire Evolution Treks team for making my dream trip everything I hoped it would be and more.

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王月
130 days ago

Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Trustindex. +0
Had a lovely experience. The food was good and the staff are very kind
Had a lovely experience. The food was good and the staff are very kind

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Bengüsu Karacayir
422 days ago

Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Trustindex. +4
Short Inca Trail with Isabel
I did the short inca trail with Isabel and it was amazing! The trail itself was a bit challenging but isabel motivated me all the way :) Everything was super organized, had my briefing the day before and then I got picked up from my accomodation at 3am, every ride was smooth, isabel guided me through everything. We did the circuit 1 on the first day. My hotel in aguas calientes was central and clean, it was really nice to have a hot shower after the long day. We did circuit 3 on the second day, which had amazing views, we saw lower terraces and lots of houses, temples etc. Isabel explained everything to me very well before and during the visit. All in all it was amazing, a trip to remember

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Anonymous
460 days ago

Verified Guillermo and his team were incredible from morning to evening, working tirelessly to provide for us. We had delicious meals prepared for us throughout the hike. The backpacks were clearly thoughtfully purchased for such long journeys with heavy loads. If it rained, they ran around and zipped our tents shut, in the morning, they came around with tea and coffee at wake-up time. I felt so well taken care of the entire time and was so thankful and impressed with this team. They made the trek so enjoyable! Gracias Evolution and Team Guillermo.

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Gert Brichau
460 days ago

Verified We had a very nice trek for 4 days with Guillermo to Macchu Picchu. What an amazing experience it was. Not only are the views breathtaking but we also got Michelin star level food each day. With the team of 14 porters and the guide Marco we were in very capable hands. It was also very clear to us that Evolution Trek is the only company that takes diversity and care for its employees serious: they were the only ones with women porters and their backpacking material was clearly superior to the other companies we witnessed on the track. Anyways, make sure to have a good condition before starting this trek as it is a difficult but rewarding one.

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Emily
499 days ago

Verified This company cares about its porters and other staff by providing them with proper backpacks and other equipment. They also employ women as porters; we were so lucky to have Yolanda, Pilar, and Saturnina helping on our trek. The staff are always provided accomodation for sleeping. We saw many other companies with porters carrying overfilled backpacks of poor quality and design, often broken and missing chest or waist straps. The companies that offer "luxury" in the mountains are doing so on the literal backs of human beings. Choosing Evolution means you are contributing to a positive change in tourism in Peru, and they also offer a fantastic experience on the Inca Trail. The food prepared by Chef Nicholas was incredible, I am gluten free and he never failed to accommodate my needs.

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Lieselotte
499 days ago

Verified We thoroughly enjoyed our trek on the Inca Trail with Evolution Treks Peru! While we might have paid a bit more, we noticed that our porters were treated better than those of other companies. They have professional backpacks, have to carry less weight and the team also includes women. Moreover, all the food that Nicholas and his team prepared was absolutely incredible every single day. They provided me (a vegetarian) with separate dishes, which were never lazy substitutions. Don't expect to lose weight! Lastly, our tour guide Marco was knowledgeable and let us set our own pace. Evolution Treks Peru comes highly recommended!

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Cami & Jonathan
759 days ago

Verified +7
I can't express enough gratitude towards our guide, Jayder, Miguel and everyone that facilitated our trek on the Inca Trail. Jayder is, without a doubt, the most knowledgeable and impressive guide I’ve ever encountered. He provided both my partner and me with an unforgettable experience, teaching us about the historical significance of the Inca Trail as we hiked. By the time we reached Machu Picchu, we felt well-versed in the history and culture of the people who lived there. At times, it truly felt like we had been transported 500 years into the past!

As fit individuals seeking a challenge, we finished the trail in just over 20 hours of hiking. As fit as we are, we were no match for our porters who carried double our pack weight and breezed by us everyday to set up and cook for us, and break down.

One of the key reasons we chose Evolution Treks Peru was their commitment to treating their porters fairly. While we saw some porters carrying up to 33 kilos (about 72 lbs), ours were limited to 15 kilos. The opportunity to work as a porter can be life-changing for locals, and we appreciated the company's ethical approach. As we got to know our porters and chefs, they became more like family than just workers.

The food exceeded our expectations. On the first day for lunch, we enjoyed trout, stuffed avocados, rice pilaf, and soup. There was a different soup for nearly every meal, and my favorite was the cream of asparagus, though all were delicious. Each day brought a new and amazing menu.

My girlfriend and I wanted a personalized challenge, so Miguel and Jayder arranged a customized experience for us. We booked a private enhanced tour to avoid waiting for slower groups, which worked perfectly. Our booking included their comfort package, which provided us with our own tent, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, and pillows—top-of-the-line items that ensured a comfortable stay. With six of us total—our guide and three porters, one of whom was a chef dressed in a coat and hat—the experience was truly memorable. YOU WILL NOT FIND A BETTER COMPANY TO HIKE WITH!

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Mala Malita
1200 days ago

Verified It was a trip of a lifetime. Evolution went above and beyond to give us an unforgettable experience.
Greetings.

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Mike From Harrisburg, PA
1406 days ago

Verified It was a trip of a lifetime. And so much of it was due to the terrific planning and hard work of the Evolution Trek team. This was in all aspects of the trip - prompt and thoughtful responses to emails, showing up five minutes early for every meeting, perfect recommendations for restaurants and hotels, taxis ready for transport, etc. We really had no problems at all. We went on the Choquequirao Trek / Manchu Picchu. It was incredible. Grueling at times, but so worth it. Nothing like having an entire Incan ruin to yourself. Literally, it was just my buddy, our guide and me. Our guide, Flavio, was simply perfect. He blended the right amount of hiking wisdom, with history, botany, and bird knowledge to keep us entertained, but not overwhelmed. The support team of Fernando, Victor, Nicholas were great - starting with the coffee before sunrise, to the enormous/ delicious meals, all the while hustling through the same trails as us carrying supplies and tending the team of horses. I highly recommend Evolution Trek.

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Eric
1407 days ago

Verified From start to finish, the experience was amazing. My friend and I (both in our early 50s) did the trail to Choquequirao Trek (which included Machu Picchu). The communication of details and logistics were quick, top notch, and they provided exactly what they said they would. This was my first time taking an organized trip like this (I normally handle all of the logistics and planning myself) and they took care of EVERY detail. If you are fortunate enough to get Flavio as your tour guide, you are in for a treat. He is a wealth of information about the trail, site history, local birds, and photography. I am a much better photographer now because of him. He motivated me to keep going when the trail became difficult. Such a positive personality! The rest of the team (Nicholas, Fernando, and Victor) were professional and efficient and I am amazed at their resiliency on the trail. The food they cooked on the trail was amazing...I think I gained weight! I chose them because they are committed to the empowerment of local women and treating their porters ethically. I saw that in action during the trip. I can't recommend Evolution Treks highly enough!

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Amala
2127 days ago

Verified Book tour tour witt the folk. Hey Will show you the real Peru.

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PazG
2128 days ago

Verified 100%peruvian and sustainable

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As featured on

Inca trail and Machu Picchu hikes are the top choice for travelers because the route delivers direct access to ancient Inca history, controlled entry to a World Heritage Site, and a structured journey that ends at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate. The trail follows original Inca stone pathways across mountain passes, cloud forests, and archaeological complexes, establishing historical continuity that rail or road access does not provide.
Limited daily permits preserve trail integrity and position the hike as an exclusive experience valued for cultural depth and environmental protection. Guided trekking programs emphasize archaeological interpretation, high safety standards, and regulated campsite systems, reinforcing reliability and consistency across multi-day itineraries. Distinct features (Sun Gate arrival, Wiñay Wayna ruins, gradual elevation transitions) solidify the reputation of Inca trail and Machu Picchu hikes as a premier choice for travelers seeking history, scenery, and structured adventure within a single expedition.

Historical continuity, cultural depth, and exceptional natural diversity make the Inca Trail Tours and Machu Picchu Hikes unique. The route follows original stone pathways constructed by the Inca civilization, linking ceremonial sites, agricultural terraces, and astronomical landmarks. The Inca trail and Machu Picchu hikes demonstrate advanced engineering and social organization preserved across centuries.
United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage recognition confirms the global significance of Machu Picchu and the surrounding network of trails as protected cultural and historical assets. The journey passes through cloud forests, high-altitude mountain passes, and subtropical valleys, presenting dramatic elevation changes and varied ecosystems that frame the archaeological remains with striking scenery. Guided interpretation along the trail connects physical landscapes with Inca belief systems, ritual practices, and regional history. The tour creates a unified experience that combines heritage preservation, cultural education, and immersive nature exploration.

Why Choose Our Inca Trail Tours and Machu Picchu Hikes?

Choose our Inca Trail Tours and Machu Picchu Hikes for the reasons listed below.

Expert Local Guides and Cultural Immersion: Knowledgeable local guides deliver accurate historical context, route interpretation, and insight into Andean traditions. The guides’ expertise creates sustained cultural depth throughout the trek.
Small Group Sizes for Authentic Experience: Small group sizes support focused guidance, balanced pacing, and meaningful interaction with the landscape. The size preserves an authentic trekking atmosphere from start to finish.
Superior Camping and Dining Experience: High-quality camping equipment, organized camp setups, and professionally prepared meals provide consistent comfort and reliable nutrition during multi-day hikes (hot meals, dietary accommodations).
Responsible and Sustainable Tourism: Responsible tourism practices prioritize trail conservation, fair porter treatment, and reduced environmental impact. The orientation supports long-term protection of the Inca Trail and surrounding communities.

Our Best Inca Trail Tours Packages

Our best Inca Trail Tours Packages present guided trekking experiences that follow original Inca pathways leading directly to Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate. Each package centers on regulated permits, professional guides, and carefully paced itineraries. Travelers enjoy the exploration of archaeological landmarks and mountain scenery across the Andes.

Classic Inca Trail Packages

The Classic Inca Trail tour presents a complete multi-day trekking experience that follows the original stone pathways built by the Inca civilization, leading directly to Machu Picchu through protected archaeological corridors. The trek covers 42 kilometers across four trekking days. Direct access to original Inca infrastructure, regulated daily permits, and a ceremonial arrival at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate are the highlights of a classic Inca trail tour.

Classic Inca Trail

Why Choose This Trek?

The Classic Inca Trail is considered one of the best hiking tours because it follows the authentic ceremonial route that Incan nobles used to reach Machu Picchu. Trekkers walk on original 15th-century stone pathways, arriving at the ancient citadel through Inti Punku at sunrise. The route passes through exceptional archaeological sites (Runcuracay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, Wiñay Wayna) while transitioning through diverse ecosystems from subtropical valleys to cloud forests. Dead Woman’s Pass at 13,828 feet delivers panoramic mountain views. Strict permit limitations (500 persons per day) preserve the trail’s integrity and create an exclusive experience.

42 KM

Distance

4 days / 3 nights

Duration

Moderate to challenging

Difficulty

4,125 m

Elevation

$ 990 USD Per Person

Price range

8–16 participants

Group size

Salkantay Trek Packages

The Salkantay Trek trail tour presents a high-altitude trekking experience that follows a scenic mountain route beneath Nevado Salkantay, combining glacial landscapes, alpine lakes, and remote Andean terrain before reaching Machu Picchu by rail connection. The route spans 60 kilometers across multiple climate zones, emphasizing natural scenery rather than dense archaeological corridors. Trek highlights cover dramatic mountain passes, turquoise lakes, and open valleys that contrast sharply with the structured stone pathways of the Inca Trail. The highlights position Salkantay Trek trail tour as a preferred option for travelers seeking physical challenge and expansive landscapes over concentrated ruins.

Salkantay Glacier & Lake

Why Choose This Trek?

The Salkantay Trek is considered one of the best hiking tours because it showcases the Andes’ most dramatic mountain scenery without requiring Inca Trail permits. Trekkers pass beneath Salkantay Mountain (20,574 feet) while crossing remote passes that reveal glacial lakes and snow-capped summits. The route descends from high-altitude wilderness into lush cloud forest, creating extreme ecosystem diversity. Traditional Andean villages offer authentic cultural encounters, while natural hot springs at Cocalmayo provide relaxation. The trek concludes at Machu Picchu with wilderness solitude and last-minute booking flexibility.

60 KM

Distance

5 days / 4 nights

Duration

Challenging

Difficulty

4,650 m

Elevation

$ 1100 USD Per Person

Price range

8–18 participants

Group size

Lares Trek Packages

Lares Trek Packages present a culturally focused trekking experience that routes through remote Andean villages, high mountain passes, and natural hot springs before connecting to Machu Picchu by rail. The route emphasizes living Andean traditions, pastoral landscapes, and community interaction rather than concentrated archaeological sites. Trek highlights center on traditional villages, terraced valleys, and geothermal hot springs. The immersive experience positions Lares Trek trail tours as a preferred option for travelers prioritizing cultural exposure, moderate physical challenge, and relaxation alongside mountain scenery.

Lares Hot Springs

Why Choose This Trek?

The Lares Trek is considered one of the best hiking tours because it prioritizes cultural immersion and authentic Andean village experiences. Trekkers visit remote communities where Quechua-speaking families maintain traditional weaving techniques and agricultural methods. The route crosses high mountain passes with views of snow-capped peaks while visiting natural hot springs. Encounters with llama and alpaca herders offer insights into pastoral lifestyles. The trail avoids tourist crowds, creating peaceful wilderness experiences before concluding with a train ride to Aguas Calientes and a guided Machu Picchu tour.

33 KM

Distance

3 days / 2 nights or 4 days / 3 nights

Duration

Moderate

Difficulty

4,400 m

Max Elevation

$1100 to $2200

Price range

8–16 participants

Group size

Short Inca Trail Packages

Short Inca Trail Packages present a condensed trekking experience that follows a preserved section of the original Inca Trail, combining archaeological landmarks and mountain scenery with a direct approach to Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate. The route focuses on high-impact cultural sites and original stone pathways within a shorter timeframe, emphasizing historical depth rather than extended physical endurance. Trek highlights feature Wiñay Wayna ruins, cloud forest terrain, and a ceremonial arrival at Machu Picchu. Travelers seeking authentic Inca heritage with limited trekking days find a short Inca Trail tour a practical option.

Short Inca Trail

Why Choose This Trek?

The Short Inca Trail is considered one of the best hiking tours because it delivers the authentic Sun Gate entrance to Machu Picchu within a condensed timeframe. Trekkers experience the ceremonial arrival at Inti Punku after hiking through cloud forest and visiting Wiñay Wayna. The two-day format suits travelers with limited vacation time or moderate fitness levels. The route follows original stone pathways without requiring multiple days of camping. Permits remain available closer to departure dates, and Aguas Calientes accommodations replace camping while maintaining the authentic Sun Gate entrance.

12 KM

Distance

2 days / 1 night

Duration

Moderate

Difficulty

2,720 m

Elevation

$590 to $1400

Price range

8–16 participants

Group size

Combined Sacred Valley Packages

Combined Sacred Valley Packages present a comprehensive travel experience that integrates guided Sacred Valley exploration with a structured route to Machu Picchu by train or short hike. The itinerary emphasizes cultural landmarks, agricultural terraces, and historic towns while maintaining a balanced pace that suits travelers seeking depth without multi-day high-altitude trekking. The package highlights the Pisac terraces, Ollantaytambo fortress, Moray agricultural circles, and seamless logistics to Machu Picchu. Trekkers looking for a value-focused option for cultural immersion and comfort-oriented travel find the combined Sacred Valley trail tour suitable for their tastes.

Sacred Valley Terraces

Why Choose This Trek?

Combined Sacred Valley packages are considered among the best hiking tours because they merge multiple archaeological sites and trekking experiences into comprehensive Andean journeys. Travelers explore major ruins (Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Moray, Maras salt mines) before beginning multi-day treks, creating historical context. Acclimatization days in the Sacred Valley prepare trekkers for high-altitude sections, reducing altitude sickness risks. The itineraries mix moderate day hikes with extended trekking, accommodating varying fitness levels. The culmination at Machu Picchu transforms the ancient citadel into a meaningful finale rather than an isolated destination.

Variable by itinerary

Distance

3 days / 2 nights to 5 days / 4 nights

Duration

Easy to moderate

Difficulty

Up to 3,762 m

Elevation

$120 per person

Price range

8–20 participants

Group size

Our Best Machu Picchu Hikes Packages

Our best Machu Picchu Hikes Packages bring together guided trekking routes that combine Inca history, Andean landscapes, and structured access to Machu Picchu. Each package focuses on certified guides, regulated trails, and balanced itineraries. Hikers explore archaeological sites and high-altitude scenery in the Machu Picchu complex.