I have climbed Mount Everest and led over 30 treks to Machu Picchu and I have to say the classic Inca trail itinerary is by far the best way to experience this famous trail.
With over 20 years experience leading trips on this historic trail to Machu Picchu here are 10 reasons to trek to Machu Picchu with Ian Taylor Trekking. Read some reviews from our trips.
We have developed the best service, itinerary and team to make your trip to Machu Picchu an epic adventure. Check out our upcoming trips.
The Classic Inca Trail
Our favorite itinerary is the Classic 5 Day Trek. This trek offers our clients a chance to follow this unique Inca trail past Saccaqmarca and stay in Phuyupatamarca. GET IN TOUCH today and talk to one of our expert staff, who have personally completed the trail many times. Here are 5 reasons to pick this itinerary for your Inca Trail Trek.
Below are ten reasons why we think you need to choose Ian Taylor Trekking for your Inca Trail trek.
All hotel rooms are included in the cost of our trip. We include a total of 4 hotel nights, 2 nights in Cusco, 1 night before your trek and 1 night after your trek. Our service also includes the hotel nights in Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes. A total of 4 hotel nights and 3 nights camping.
All accommodation on the trek is on a shared basis, but you can get your own room and tent for an additional fee. When flying into Cusco, you are at 3,400m/ 11,152 feet, which is very high altitude. We encourage you to add an additional night at the start of the trip to help adjust to the high elevation of Cusco.
On this additional day in Cusco we can organize a tour of Sacsayhuamán is considered one of South America’s most impressive archaeological sites. This Inca site showcases extraordinary Inca stonework and offering sweeping views over Cusco. This is worth a visit and we can hike up from our hotel in Cusco.
1). Our Team in Cusco
We have a full time staff member on the ground in Cusco, who works directly with us year round. Therefore, this gives us far more consistency in our service on the ground in Peru. This also helps us offer you quality treks, food and professional service on the ground. You will also have assistance from our Ian Taylor Trekking staff at all times.
Our head guide in Peru has over 20 years experience managing teams on the ground in Peru. Percy has been at the forefront of tourism, along the Inca Trails and in Cusco for over 20 years. He is also well connected on the ground with access to all the key organization and authorities. He is also passionate about his Inca and Quechua heritage and you will learn so much about the ancient ways of these amazing people. We have the team in place to deliver the trip of the lifetime.
We offer personal service with training advice 5 days a week. A lot of people underestimate the Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu. There are some long 10+ hour days covering over 16km/ 9.9 miles, with over 1,000m/ 3,280 feet, of up and down hill on steep stairs while on the trail. We want to make sure you come with the correct training and preparation for the trip. Therefore, all you have to do is e-mail us info@iantaylortrekking.com and we can schedule calls with you as often as needed.
2). Supporting the Local Community
We support the local community where our porters come from. We have been supporting the children for years and now trying to raise $25,000 to help build a local community center. Why not join one of our treks and then visit the children. You can also brings books, toys and gifts and Cusco and we will make sure they get to the village.
We also run treks into the Lares Region to try and support and help as many people as possible in these remote parts of Peru.
We support projects in all the areas we operate in. After Climbing Mount Everest to the summit, Ian Taylor and his climbing partner raised enough money to built the Mount Everest Primary school. In the Kilimanjaro area we support an orphanage for children in need. In Nepal we have built four schools and helping the Goli Village Trust which we helped establish.
3). Quality Run Treks
We only run high quality treks with more staff, more support and better food. Read some REVIEWS from our trips. Our staff are paid 25% more than other companies. Furthermore, we do not cut corners on any aspects of our trips. We only run quality treks along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
We offer professional advice from staff who have personally made the journey over 10 times. Our office staff have trekked to Machu Picchu many times on our 4 day, 5 day and 6 day itineraries, so they are in the perfect position to get you the correct information on your trek to Machu Picchu. They can assist with the daily training you should be doing and what gear you should be bringing. Also, our staff can help you understand more about altitude, lack of oxygen, elevation gain and distances along the trail to Machu Picchu.
You can have personal access to Ian and our team so we can answer all your questions. Why not join one of the trips that Ian Taylor will lead himself? Ian has climbed Mount Everest to the top, led 40+ treks to Everest Base Camp, 40+ Kilimanjaro climbs and also led 30+ treks along the Inca trail to Machu Picchu. Sign up and get access today.
4). High Quality Equipment, Chairs and Tents
We only use high quality Mountain Hardwear tents. You never want to be caught out on the Inca Trail with a hole in your tent or low quality gear. Therefore, we use quality tents on all our Inca trail treks to Machu Picchu and trekking itineraries in Peru. We have single tent options and we have new Mountain Hardwear tents for you to enjoy. Come ready for some great camping.
We have oxygen and fully trained medical support staff on our trips. As we trek up to 4,215m/ 13,800 feet on the trail, this is very high altitude. You need to have access to oxygen and team who have additional support staff members available to assist you while you are on the trek to Machu Picchu. Read some REVIEWS from our treks to Machu Picchu.
We provide you with a pillow, for your trek to Machu Picchu. We want you to be comfortable on the trail to Machu Picchu. Sleeping is an important part of the acclimatization process.
Likewise, we also have hand wash available for you at each stop on the trail. Staying healthy is extremely important, so we want to help provide you with the tools needed to stay clean throughout the trip!
5). The Best Food
We will provide you with three, three course meals each day on the trail. READ MORE information about our food service on the trek. We take food quality seriously on all our Machu Picchu treks. Our professional chefs and experienced kitchen team prepare fresh, nutritious, and delicious meals every day to keep you fueled for the adventure ahead.
With years of experience trekking the Inca Trail, our chefs know exactly what your body needs at altitude. You can expect restaurant-quality meals, creative menus, and exceptional service throughout the journey—making your trekking experience even more memorable. The service, food and quality are what is drawing people to our treks in Peru.
If you are on our favorite itinerary of the Classic 5 Day Trek, at the end of your trek to Machu Picchu, we celebrate your achievement with a special dinner at the famous Indio Feliz Restaurant in Aguas Calientes. The following day, you will also enjoy a delicious lunch before returning to Cusco.
For those on alternative itineraries, we provide a celebratory lunch before you board the train back. Once you arrive in Cusco, our team will present you with a meaningful gift— a lasting reminder of your once-in-a-lifetime adventure to Machu Picchu.
6). Small Group Sizes
We specialize in small group Inca Trail treks to ensure every hiker enjoys a safer, more personalized journey to Machu Picchu. Our groups are capped at a maximum of 10 people, with most teams ranging from just 6–10 trekkers.
These smaller size groups allow you to move together as a team, enjoy a more connected experience, and truly appreciate this world-class trekking route.
To enhance your adventure, we maintain an excellent guide-to-client ratio of 1 guide for every 5 trekkers, giving you greater access to knowledge about the fascinating Inca sites and history along the trail.
In addition, our large, highly trained support staff is with you every step of the way, ensuring comfort, safety, and the best possible chance of success on your trek to Machu Picchu.
7). You can Bring 10kg/ 22lbs on the Inca Trail
On our Inca Trail treks to Machu Picchu, our professional porters will carry up to 10kg (22 lbs) of your personal gear, allowing you to focus on enjoying the hike without being weighed down. To help you prepare, we provide a detailed 40-page trip dossier that covers every aspect of the journey.
Our dossier will also contain a comprehensive Inca Trail packing list so you know exactly what to bring.
We also share a step-by-step packing video to make preparation simple and stress-free. Our team is always available to answer gear questions and provide expert advice, ensuring you feel confident and fully prepared before starting your trek to Machu Picchu.
8). Two Visits to Machu Picchu
Another reason to choose Ian Taylor Trekking for your Inca Trail adventure is that we include two visits to Machu Picchu, giving you the ultimate experience of this world wonder. First, you will enjoy a late-afternoon visit, when the crowds thin out and the soft light creates a magical atmosphere—an unforgettable and unique way to see Machu Picchu.
The following morning, you return for a fully guided tour of Machu Picchu, with the option to also climb Huayna Picchu for breathtaking panoramic views. This two-day experience is truly the best way to explore the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu, allowing you to soak in the history, beauty, and wonder at a relaxed pace.
9). Learning About the Local Traditions With the Best Guides
One of the greatest reasons to trek the Inca Trail with Ian Taylor Trekking is the chance to truly connect with the culture of the Quechua and Inca people. The Inca, who introduced advanced architectural and agricultural techniques to Peru in the 12th century, left behind a legacy that still inspires awe today.
All of our professional guides are native Quechua, bringing over 15 years of experience in leading treks and sharing the deep history, traditions, and stories of their ancestors.
With their knowledge and passion, you’ll gain a far richer understanding of the sacred sites along the Inca Trail, making your journey to Machu Picchu both meaningful and unforgettable.
10). All Inclusive Packages
One of the top reasons to join Ian Taylor Trekking on the Inca Trail is our All-Inclusive Package, designed to give you a seamless and stress-free experience. We include all meals on the trek, as well as meals in Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes, so you can enjoy authentic Peruvian cuisine throughout your journey.
Your package also covers airport pick-ups in Cusco and four nights of comfortable hotel accommodation, ensuring you are well-rested and prepared before and after your trek. With everything taken care of, you can focus on the adventure and the incredible journey to Machu Picchu.
Contact Us
Ready to take on the legendary Inca Trail? Don’t just dream about Machu Picchu—experience it with the experts who put safety, service, and success first. CONTACT US today for more details, read our 5-star REVIEWS, and book early to guarantee your place on this unforgettable journey of a lifetime!