First thing to know is that you need a permit to get on the trail. On the 500 available each day, 200 are for tourists. The others are for the porters, who will carry the camping material and the food.
For the high season, it is advised to book way in advance. In my case, I booked one and a half month prior to my trip for a trek in November, and we almost took the last permits.
There are a lot of companies that can lead you on the way. You have to determine the size of the group you want and the type of experience you wish to have.
The price will start around 550 $ and can easily go up to 2000 $ depending on what you want. Some will include the sleeping bag, the mattress and the porters services. Walking sticks might be included or not. In most cases, you'll need to pay some fees for each of these items.
The choice of the company is important too for your safety. If you get altitude sickness, which is rare, it will be reassuring to know your guide carries oxygen.
Most of the groups can go up to 16 persons. My company, Wayki Trek, said it wouldn't go higher than 8, which they respected for us.
They also offered to spend one night in the porters' village, in Huayllacoccha. This offer was free and totally worth it. When you get the chance to see how locals live, you shouldn't pass on it.
The food is also included in the trek and, at least in our case, is excellent. I'll say more later about that.
For a complete list of all the companies offering the trek, click on this link.
If there is no permit available for the Inca Trail, don't give up. There are numerous treks leading to the Machu Picchu. Most of them go through Salkantay.
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