Local operator · Cusco, Peru
Hike the Inca Trail and the Andes with local experts
Treks to Machu Picchu, Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain with certified guides, small groups and responsible travel that supports Andean communities.
- Licensed agency
- Small groups
- Sustainable travel
Our travellers' favourites
Best tours in Cusco
Routes trusted by thousands of hikers, with flawless logistics and guides who know every stone of the trail.
Made by people of the AndesAbout us
Sustainable travel with guides born in these mountains
American Trekking Cusco is a local operator specialising in adventure treks. We design every route around your safety, an authentic experience and the wellbeing of the communities that welcome us: from the Inca Trail to the glaciers of Ausangate.
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Certified local guides
Official tour guides born in Cusco, bilingual and trained in high-altitude first aid.
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Fairly treated porters
Load limits respected, fair pay, insurance and proper gear for every crew member.
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Minimal footprint
Zero single-use plastics, all waste carried back to Cusco and purchases from community producers.
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Safety at altitude
Oxygen, first-aid kit, radio communication and evacuation protocols on every expedition.
Choose your travel style
Tour categories
South America's most famous hike
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
The Inca Trail (Qhapaq Ñan) is part of the road network that connected the Inca empire. Its classic section starts at Kilometre 82 (Piscacucho) in the Sacred Valley and crosses cloud forest, high mountain passes and archaeological complexes reachable only on foot, arriving at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku).
Over four days you will pass Llactapata, Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca and Wiñay Wayna. Access is regulated by the Ministry of Culture and SERNANP: only licensed operators can obtain the name-specific permits, which sell out months in advance. For a shorter experience, the 2-day Inca Trail starts at Km 104 and reaches Machu Picchu the same afternoon.
- Distance≈ 42 km (classic route)
- Highest pointDead Woman's Pass, 4,215 m
- Daily permitsLimited quota (≈ 500 people incl. staff)
- SeasonMarch to January · closed in February
Inca Trail tours
Real-time permits
Inca Trail availability
Check open spaces by date. Permits are name-specific and sell out fast: book with your valid passport.
Contact us
High-altitude trekking
Ausangate Trek: glaciers, lakes and Rainbow Mountain
Apu Ausangate is the highest sacred mountain in the Cusco region. Its circuit loops around the peak past turquoise lakes, alpaca herds and herding communities, and can be combined with Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain) and the Red Valley. It is a route for experienced hikers: you sleep above 4,000 m and nights drop below 0 °C.
- Ausangate summit
- 6,384 m
- Highest pass on the circuit
- Palomani ≈ 5,165 m
- Full circuit
- ≈ 70 km · 4 to 6 days
- Lowest campsite altitude
- ≈ 4,200 m
- Difficulty
- Demanding / challenging
- Best season
- April to November (dry season)
Every departure includes an emergency horse, oxygen and a heated dining tent.
Ausangate tours
No long hikes
Classic tours
Machu Picchu by train, the Sacred Valley and the Cusco City Tour: Inca culture in comfort, ideal for families.
Guides and tips
Travel blog
How to Acclimatise Before the Inca Trail
Cusco sits at 3,400 m and the Inca Trail rises above 4,200 m at its highest point. Good acclimatisation is…
Read articleAusangate or Salkantay: Which Trek Should You Choose?
Both are spectacular high-altitude treks, but they offer different experiences. Salkantay It ends at Machu Picchu, goes from glacier to…
Read articleWhat to Pack for Rainbow Mountain
Vinicunca rises above 5,000 m and the weather changes in minutes. This is the list our guides recommend.
Read articleWe answer your questions
Frequently asked questions
How far in advance should I book the Inca Trail?
Inca Trail permits are limited and name-specific. For high season (May to September) we recommend booking 4 to 6 months ahead; for the rest of the year, at least 2 to 3 months. Check real-time availability in our calendar.
Is the Inca Trail open all year?
No. The classic Inca Trail closes every February for maintenance and conservation. During that month we offer alternative routes such as Salkantay or Lares, and Machu Picchu remains open for train visits.
How hard is the Ausangate trek?
It is a demanding high-altitude trek: you hike above 4,000 m and cross passes over 5,000 m. We recommend previous trekking experience and at least 3 days of acclimatisation in Cusco.
How do I avoid altitude sickness (soroche)?
Arrive in Cusco 2 or 3 days before any trek, stay well hydrated, avoid alcohol on the first nights and eat light. Our guides carry oxygen and a first-aid kit on every trek.
Which payment methods do you accept?
We accept credit and debit cards through a secure gateway, PayPal and bank transfers. For the Inca Trail a deposit is required at booking to purchase permits; the balance is paid before the tour starts.
Are you a formal, licensed agency?
Yes. We are a company registered in Peru with the regional tourism authority (GERCETUR/DIRCETUR Cusco), and we work with licensed official guides and porters with fair working conditions.
Registered agency and licensed operator
- GERCETUR Regional Office of Foreign Trade and Tourism of Cusco
- MINCETUR Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism
- DIRCETUR Regional Directorate of Foreign Trade and Tourism
- SERNANP National Service of Protected Natural Areas
- Tripadvisor Verified traveller reviews