We ran our first LGBT friendly trekking holiday to Peru in November 2022. It was by far our most popular outing including a gay group tour of sixteen people. On our itinerary was the classic Inca Trail trek that finishes at the Sun Gate in Machu Picchu. Our itinerary also includes time in the Incan capital of Cusco and a trip to an Eco Lodge deep in the Amazon. There are plenty of other stunning treks in the Peruvian Andes but the Inca trail is always at the top of people’s bucket list. Is it as busy as people say? Is it as spectacular as people say?

Machu Picchu is so popular and receives hundreds of visitors every day although only a very small proportion walk in via the Inca trail. In fact the Inca trail has a protected status that means only 500 people are allowed to start each day. This is heavily regulated and sounds like a lot but this includes guides, porters, cook staff and other support staff. This fundamentally means there are about 200 tourists that are allowed to start each day. They will not all start at the same time and they may not all start at the same place. Having done the trail we found it remarkably quiet and peaceful.

There are several reasons that is is so popular..

The classic Inca trail is the only route that finishes directly at the Machu Picchu world heritage site via the Sun Gate
You will see lots of other equally impressive Inca ruins on the four day trek. Ruins only accessible via trekking
The Inca Trail is a track of Incan stones and steps laid hundreds of years ago and is a historical trading route
It does get booked months in advance and short supply increases popularity
You get stunning views of Andean mountains and Incan ruins. No other trail provides in Peru provides an abundance of both things.

If you want to trek the Inca trail we can only guarantee spaces if you book at least eight months in advance. This is due to the limited number of permits available. You are welcome to try nearer the time and we will try our best to source you a permit!

Our next gay friendly holiday to trek to Machu Picchu is in November 2024 . The sooner you book the better!

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