Trust me, once you see all that is included and all the work that the porters and tour guide do, you will realize it is well worth every penny paid. Please consult your Travel Advisor with specific questions regarding trekking equipment and rental options during your Inca Trail trekking experience. Take note that the Inca Trail is closed in February for maintenance. Dead Womans Pass: 13,828 ft (4,215 m) Single-use plastic bottles are a MASSIVE threat to marine life. As is Puno and Juliaca if you're planning to visit Lake Titicaca. The Inca Trail traverses a variety of climates: temperate highlands outside of the Sacred Valley; cold, arid puna at the highest elevations; and warm, humid, cloud forest valleys close to Machu Picchu. The Inca Trail elevation varies significantly and people often struggle with altitude sickness, especially if they have not spent much time in Cusco before trekking the trail. The ULTIMATE Guide to Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, I consent to my personal information being processed in accordance with The Broke Backpackers. Inca Trail - Travel guide at Wikivoyage A typical dinner included fresh hot soup, a hearty main course, and then something sweet to round it off - all washed down at the end with cups of tea. After all, reaching Machu Picchu is the reason that many of you will be considering this hike in the first place! Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu | Peru For Less The Inca Trail has an elevation range between 2,200m (7,218ft) and 4,200m (13,780ft) above sea level. Its worth noting that not all standard off-the-shelf travel insurance policies will cover you for activities at altitude (including the Inca Trail), so you need to ensure that this is covered when buying your single or multi-trip policy. Remember the part where youre trekking through mountains at 13,000 feet? A very thin sleeping mat was included, and carried by the porter, but it was also possible to rent a thin air-mattress for S/45 / 10 / $13 / 11 which had to be stored in the duffel bag (and weighed around 1 kg). Physically prepare by training at home in the months leading up to your trip. It will take you along ancient narrow paths deep into the Peruvian countryside and high into the Andean mountains, where you will see perfect Incan ruins, cloud forest, and majestic valley views, ultimately leading to perhaps the greatest end-point of any multi-day hike on earth, the iconic Machu Picchu Citadel, one of the . Day 3 of the hike to Machu Picchu is no slouch and for most, its the day that the nagging soreness reminds you that you are human. The Classic Inca Trail is just a small portion of the 45000km network of Inca . Ive hiked all over the USA and other parts of the world but nothing has ever affected me in such a way as the Inca Trail did. Pack lightweight pants, short- and long-sleeve shirts, warm fleece jackets, underwear, and socks. Along the way, you will visit Runkurakay, a circular complex that scholars believe Inca messengers used as a refueling and resting station. If you don't, altitude sickness could make your first few days pretty uncomfortable. For those that would prefer more privacy, you can also pay extra for your own one-man tent. By staying there before your walk, you will give your body time to acclimate to the altitude of the . When to book: 3 months in advance. Hiking poles must have rubber tips on the ends. The Fejos team named the site, and uncovered the remainder. In addition, the temperatures on Mount Kilimanjaro can be much colder than on the Inca Trail and can reach below 20 F (-7C). . Pros | A less popular time to hike, so the number of people youre sharing the Trail with is notably reduced, as are the crowds at Machu Picchu. After the tunnel the town of Machupicchu (Aguas Calientes) can be seen, and trains running along the river can be heard. Stretching 42 km (26 mile) from the Sacred Valley to the Sun Gate of Machu Picchu, the classic Inca Trail traverses some of the most riveting landscapes in all of Peru. Inca Trail to Machu Picchu - Wikipedia Trails can get muddy and slippery. The trek allows hikers to witness the diverse microclimates of the Andes, from grassy plains and dramatic peaks to lush cloud forest. In all my experiences traveling and adventuring, the hike to Machu Picchu along the Inca Trail still stands as my most spectacular. 10 Things You Need To Know Before Hiking The Machu Picchu Inca trail 12 Fast Facts About the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu For the Inca roads in general, see, Elorrieta Salazar, Fernando E. & Elorrieta Salazar, Edgar (2005) Cusco and the Sacred Valley of the Incas, page 123. The two longer routes require an ascent to beyond 4,200 metres (13,800ft) above sea level, which can result in altitude sickness. A: The cost of hiking the Inca Trail varies depending on the tour operator and the length of the trek. Top Tip // As we discussed above, there are cheaper alternatives to the Inca Trail tour we took including a shorter tour by G Adventures, and this highly-rated, four-day tour on Get Your Guide. [9], The trail then descends approximately 1000metres including an irregular staircase of approximately 1500 steps, some of which were carved into solid granite. Or maybe you would rather take a longer or shorter trek or a path less beaten? We have used similar bottles on travels in both Africa and South America and cant talk highly enough of them (our Water-to-Go allowed us to fill up from taps all over Peru, from two rivers on the Inca Trail, and even an ancient water fountain at Machu Picchu). If you are not ready for the challenge of multi-day trekking, your mind might give up long before your body does. Postpone your tour with zero cost up to 30 days prior to arrival with open dates. Each evening, water is collected from nearby streams, boiled, and left to cool overnight. We were literally in the middle of the Peruvian jungle with no easy way of evacuating her. The 2-day Inca Trail ends at Machu Picchu, which is located at 7,972 ft (2,430 m). The Classic 4-day Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu is arguably the most famous trail in all of South America. Likewise, if you would prefer not to carry your sleeping bag from home to Peru, you can rent one from your trekking company with advance notice. full details on whats included in G Adventures Inca Trail Tour here, 11 Things To Know Before You Visit Rainbow Mountain in Peru, 13 Wonderful Things To Do in Cusco | The Gateway to the Sacred Valley, A Guide to Visiting to Pisac, Peru | The Ruins + Market, The Boleto Turistico | Everything You Need To Know About Cusco's Tourist Ticket, The Inca Trail Packing List | What You Need to Bring in 2023, A Short Guide to Ollantaytambo | Peru's Train Ride Town, (Updated 2022) A Guide to Huaraz | Peru's Hiking Capital, Seven of the Best Day Trips From Cusco | Ruins, Mountains and Pretty Little Towns. The highest point of the trail is Dead Women's Pass at just over 4200m. Located in the Andes mountain range, the trail passes through several types of Andean environments including cloud forest and alpine tundra. It is customary to tip the trekking team on the last night of the trek (Day 3). The Inca Trail is a well-established and iconic 4-day, 3-night hike which leads travellers from km.82 (the start point 40 minutes outside the town of Ollantaytambo) all the way to Machu Picchu via its exclusive Sun Gate (also called Inti Punku). This duffel bag is allowed to hold upto 6kgs, and is going to be where the majority of the kit + equipment you bring for the Inca Trail will be stored (i.e. Chachabamba: 6,725 ft (2,050 m) However, on the Inca Trail we experienced comparative luxury as the porters were responsible for setting up the tents each afternoon before you get near camp, and for taking them down and packing up in the morning. The vast majority of costs will be covered in the up-front price of your tour, but there are a few costs along the way for which youll need to bring cash: Toilet entry fees (usually 1 sol, 2 soles at Machu Picchu). They may also let you buy or extend a policy once youve started your trip and are already abroad which is super handy.If theres one insurance company I trust, its World Nomads. Its required to begin the Inca Trail and to visit Machu Picchu. Fascinating Facts About the Inca Trail - TOUR IN PERU Pack animals are not allowed. Thankfully, the weather gods were rooting for us, and we only had one bad rain shower and a single morning of dense mist to contend with - as our guide told us, this wont always be the case for those hiking the Inca Trail in rainy season. Your campsite is located just a few minutes from this archaeological site, famed for its steep and towering agricultural terraces that overlook the Urubamba River. Yes, the Inca Trail is safe. G Adventures minimum is 12 years old) . . As the trail ascends toward Warmi Wausqa, or "Dead Woman's Pass", which resembles a supine woman, it passes through differing habitats, one of which is a cloud forest containing Polylepis trees. Private porters can be hired to carry either 18 lbs (8 kg) or 33 lbs (15 kg) of your personal belongings. Rain gear for the trek and thermal layers to wear at night are recommended. That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we dont believe are up to scratch. A: The Inca Trail reaches an altitude of 2,700 meters (9300 feet) at its highest point. If you are hiking the Inca Trail, you will most likely be spending some time in Cusco. However, the altitude at its highest point is 13,776 ft or 4200m, which can sometimes cause problems for hikers. And it ends at the incredible Machu Picchu. Ok, now Youre Ready to Hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. As of 2016[update], 500 permits are issued for each day. By using these, you are directly supporting Along Dusty Roads to remain an independent travel blog, and to create free guides to help you travel more, travel better. clothes, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, toiletries). However, reducing the plastic footprint and impact of travellers is something we are very passionate about, so its important to note that the best way to be guaranteed plenty safe-to-drink water on the Inca Trail (and on future hikes) is to invest in a Lifestraw bottle, which has an in-built filter to remove 99.9% of harmful bacteria. From the top of the Runquraqay pass, it is a short descent of 300m (980ft) to the Phuyupatamarca ruins at 3650m (11,975 ft) above sea level. Instead, view the Inca Trail as your challenge, your motivation, and your deadline to start walking more, to lose some weight, and to make some positive changes before you fly to Peru (and if you need some inspiration, read this womans story). Trekkers head for the snow-capped mountains of the Vilcabamba Mountain Range. The hike itself, which brings you along ancient narrow paths deep into the Peruvian countryside and high into the Andean mountains, is gorgeous; perfect Incan ruins, cloud forest, and majestic valley views laid out like breadcrumbs along the way to perhaps the greatest end-point of any multi-day hike on earth, the iconic Machu Picchu. Per Inca Trail and Machu Picchu regulations, hiking poles must have rubber tips. Climb out of the Sacred Valley towards Warmiwanusca, or Dead Woman's Pass, on the second day of the classic Inca Trail 4-day. In terms of showers, weve found on our various multi-day group hikes that people can be split into two camps: Those who will take a cold shower rather than being a little smelly. This means that it is incredibly foolish to arrive in Cusco, which is at 3,339m (11,151 feet) above sea-level, and leave the next day to do a strenuous hike or even start the Inca Trail. Throughout day 3 youll also see several mini Machu Picchu-like ruins spread throughout the trail. It is closed in February for maintenance. Everyone will tell you about the knee-busting effort needed to climb this infamous summit. You will start the day with a steep ascent up Dead Womans Pass. As your elevation increases, take note of how the ecosystems change. Even so, you should ascend slowly and drink lots of water. Inca Trail permits are usually available, except for holiday weeks, such as the end of December. Yes, the trekking team will provide drinking water every morning and at each meal. Hike through the cloud forest on a gentle climb to the second pass of the day, walking through original Incan constructions. This train stop is the halfway through the railway that connects Ollantaytambo with Machu Picchu. Note in the sectional view of the trail map that Abra de Warmiwanusca is the highest point in the trek with an elevation of 13,795 feet (4,205 meters). This is the most dangerous point for altitude sickness, though little time is spent at this elevation and the trail descends again to 3,600 metres. Hiking the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Day-by-Day Itinerary for Trekking the Inca Trail (4 Days/3 Nights), Finding the Best Inca Trail Tour Operator. Even during the dry season there is the chance of rain, so make sure to bring a rain jacket or poncho. 2023, The Broke Backpacker. Permits sell out quickly, particularly those for the high season. Just remember that the 2 soles youll pay to enter the modern squeaky clean toilets at the Machu Picchu site will be money very very well spent. Reaching the crest of this ridge reveals the grandeur of the ruins of Machu Picchu, which lie below. This wont always be the case, and your own group is just as likely to contain people of mixed ages and abilities. Ask your Travel Advisor for more details. Before starting the trek, spending some time in Cusco (11,150 ft/3,400 m) will help your body adjust. There are no ATMs along the way. At this point, the trail reaches 13,828 ft (4,215 m) in elevation.This pass is so named, as from below it is said to resemble a womans supine body. As our guide Elias told us, the key thing for everyone to make the overall experience on the Inca Trail better is a positive mental attitude. Our G Adventures tour required all participants to be in Cusco for the first night of the 7 day trip, and its in the city where you will receive your briefing, rent any additional equipment and meet your tour mates. The high season is June to August, but again make sure to book at least five to seven months in advance regardless of when you decide to travel. Q: What is the cost of hiking the Inca Trail? Cons | Hiking and camping in the rain for four days is never fun, so you are increasing the chances of that. We did the trek with G Adventures, a global company focused on sustainable small-group adventures (who have also been awarded Best Inca Trail Tour Operator by the Regional Direction of Foreign Trade and Tourism of Cusco in Peru) - you can check out the specific tour we did by clicking here. This highest point of the trek at 4,215 m (3,828 ft) with stunning views at the summit. A daypack to carry water, a boxed lunch provided by your hiking guide, camera, personal items for your overnight in Aguas Calientes, etc. Hiking poles to aid you in ascending and descending the mountain trail. Inca Trail elevation continually changes as you hike over spectacular passes and down into lush valleys. Day 2 is considerably more difficult due to the severe elevation gain and altitude of the Inca Trail. Do note that if you see a tour with fewer days offered, then you are only going to be hiking a small section of the route. I don't think so. Two groups of major architectural structures, a lower and upper, are set among multiple agricultural terraces at this concave mountainside site. Although the hike is only one day long, this doesnt mean it is easy. Be prepared with a rain jacket or poncho and pants made of quick-drying synthetic material. Everything You Need To Know Before Hiking the Inca Trail ALONG DUSTY Explore one of 17 easy hiking trails in Jakarta or discover kid-friendly routes for your next family trip. If youre already in Peru or elsewhere in South America, then taking a flight from Lima - Cusco is the quickest and most sensible option. Inca Trail Distance: Common symptoms of altitude sickness include headaches, nausea, and fatigue. In addition to the Classic 4-day Inca Trail trek, there is a shorter full-day trek. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance. As with any trek, you should take proper precautions and make sure that you bring the correct gear and clothing. Yes, the dreaded Dead Woman's Pass. Even with daily tourism limits, there are still many, many tour groups and you will constantly be surrounded by other hikers, guides, and porters throughout the 4 days. Parque Arqueologic National de Machu Picchu. This is approximately 1000m (3281ft) down more than 1200 stone steps. Heres everything you need to know before doing the Inca Trail hike. The most visitors the park allows is 500 a day and that includes guides and porters which make up over half that number. All of the year's permits are released in October and are sold on a first-come, first-served basis. Days are warm, nights are freezing. Permits for the Inca Trail sell out quickly, sometimes 5 months in advance for dates during the dry season (MaySeptember). Get a quote below or read our in-depth review! At a distance of 2.1km and600m below the pass is the campground Pakaymayu. For the most part, there is no cell phone signal along the Inca Trail. A significant chunk of that 40 kms is up steep, narrow Andean mountain paths at altitude. If youre reading this and dont fit the description of someone who does a lot of exercise or could do with losing a few lbs - then dont be too despondent. About a 25% chance of rain with a mix of weather conditions. Pros | The chance of rain, as the name would suggest, is significantly reduced and you can expect hot, dry mornings and afternoons. Bring your original passport, used to book your trek. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. It wasnt all fun and games. Inca Trail to Machu Picchu - 5 day Trek Itinerary (non commercial site) In addition to all the equipment, pots and pans, food, and trash that they had to carry, they also now had a grown adult on their backs. The pass itself is located at 4,215m (13,829ft) above sea level, and is the highest point on this, the "Classic" trail. For all the essential details on visiting Machu Picchu independently, read this post. A few of the porters and our guide took turns carrying our friend throughout the remaining two and a half days of the hike. You can spend those days sightseeing in and around Cusco as there are plenty of archaeological sites like Nazca. Later on, you will stop at Sayaqmarca. Your guide will be fluent in English and Spanish. True Traveller and World Nomads are two respected travel insurers which we have used on South America trips who cover high altitude treks (just make double sure that youve selected the right option). Pack of tissues, toilet paper, and wet wipes. See below for tipping recommendations. Looking for all the essential information to plan and prepare for the Inca Trail hike? A Complete Guide to Exploring Cuscos Ruins (Without a Tour), What You Need to Know To Visit Machu Picchu in 2021, 11 Things to Know Before You Visit Rainbow Mountain, Everything You Need to Know About Cuscos Boleto Turistico, A Complete Guide to Visiting Ollantaytambo, Tagged: minimum age for the inca trail, maximum age for the Inca trail, How Much to Tip on the Inca Trail, Inca trail last minute, Inca trail hike, Inca trail, is the Inca trail expensive, what is the Inca trail, Booking the Inca Trail, Inca trail permit, Inca trail permits 2019, do you need a guide for the Inca trail, What is the best time of year to hike the Inca Trail?, Inca trail dry season, Inca trail wet season, Inca trail high season, best Inca trail tours, How Much Does The Inca Trail Cost, Inca trail fitness, where does the Inca trail start, kilometre 82, Inca trail insurance, Inca Trail Map + Route, How Difficult is the Inca Trail Hike, hiking poles inca trail, Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail, Tipping on the Inca Trail, safety on Inca trail, altitude sickness Inca trail, classic inca trail, inca trail trek, inca trail tour, Inca trail permits, inca trail itinerary, Inca trail trek, inca trail trekking, inca trail hike difficulty, inca trail cost, inca trail to machu picchu, How long does it take to hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?, What is the best time of year to hike the Inca Trail, How much does it cost to hike the Inca Trail, Can you do the Inca Trail without a guide, Do you need a permit to hike the Inca Trail, peru hiking, Inca trail difficulty, machu picchu, machu picchu peru page, most popular. 6.8 miles (11 km). For adventurous travelers seeking a challenge, the Classic 4-day Inca Trail is an excellent choice that is sure to be a highlight of any trip. Most operators advise hikers to purchase permits as soon as possible after they are released. High elevation is the greatest challenge on the Inca Trail Trek. It was not just the distance that made the Inca routes challenging, but also the extreme altitude that may be encountered at various points. Most of the Machu Picchu hiking tours begin in Cusco, which, at 3,400 meters, is already considerably higher than Machu Picchu. Also, the map shows camp zones, archeological sites, distances, high points, and tourist facilities. You can either bring your own sleeping bag or rent one for an additional fee. 30 miles (49 km), Highest Elevation: The porters carry all the tents along the Trail, but you will be responsible for including your sleeping bag and mat in the 6kg duffel bag allowance. Now, the important thing to note here is that your bog-standard, one-size-fits-all travel insurance will almost certainly not cover you getting unwell at significant altitude - youll need to buy an add-on which specially covers hiking at high altitude. Day Two of the hike, which leads you from your campsite all the way upto the Dead Womans Pass at 4,200 metres (13,776 ft) is widely regarded as the most difficult day of hiking - once youre passed that, youll be laughing (or crying). The Classic Inca Trail is easily the most famous trek in South America. These are consistently cheap (starting from 45 / $60 / 50 per person), reliable, and only take 90 minutes. Everything is set for you to walk the Inca Trail. If there are any updates or questions, feel free to let us know in the comments below! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Privacy | Terms | DMCA | Affiliate Disclosure | Site Map. Inca Trail vs. Salkantay Trek: Which Hike to Machu Picchu is Better However, using them is guaranteed make the hike easier for a number of people and result in fewer aches and pains during and post-Trail. There are no ATMs along the Inca Trail. Plan ahead . The trail only descends from this point until arriving at Machu Picchu at 2,430 metres. Required fields are marked. Once youve booked a tour and committed to the hike, there are some key milestones to hit before you get anywhere near South America. If youve made it to the end of the post, then congratulations! Train | There is a train which runs from Cusco - Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes (the Machu Picchu town), but this is really a tourist service and not relevant for reaching Cusco. The Inca Trail is one of the most famous hikes in the world. Inca Trail permits sell out fast for these months. The Inca Trail hike marked our second time visiting Machu Picchu, and arriving via the Sun Gate with sweaty brows and tired feet rather than taking the morning bus from Aguas Caliente with thousands of others clearly underlined to us that it is the best way to arrive at one of the worlds most iconic attractions. November to March: rainy season. So, whether youre heading there in high or low season and want to understand the camping and accommodation situation better, have no idea what to pack or how to get a permit, are worrying about whether youre fit enough, will get altitude sickness or if its too late to book a spot on a tour, then this post will provide you with all the necessary information answers from experienced fellow travellers (and, we hope, quite a bit of excitement and inspiration for the hike itself!). After the Sun gate, it is a short and scenic downhill walk to Machu Picchu. Tours to Machu Picchu normally arrange groups of eight to sixteen people, and you will hike with people from all around the world. Many of the most popular places in Peru, such as Cusco and Arequipa, are at high altitude; this means that for anyone planning a trip to Peru understanding altitude sickness (and how to avoid it) is incredibly important. After passing Pakaymayu the trail begins steeply ascending the other side of the valley. Your main luggage will be left in a secure hotel luggage storage room in Cusco, however we do not advise leaving any important or valuable items there - instead, its better to take them with you and keep them in your own daypack. Make sure to let loved ones know that you will be without service for four days. If your main consideration however is that you may not be able to hike for the full four days, consider joining this two-day tour.