You can easily spend hours on end walking up and around the magnificent ruins. 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!). The government monitors the trail closely; there are several control points along the trail. Make sure to let loved ones know that you will be without service for four days. The Classic Inca Trail is easily the most famous trek in South America. For more information on altitude sickness, the symptoms, and how to deal with them in Peru, read this post. Travel is full of variables and there is always a risk, however small, that something might go wrong before or during your trip. If youre hiking in the dry (high) season, then you should be making a reservation sooner rather than later (i.e. Despite only including one day of hiking, this shorter hike is referred to as the 2-day Inca Trail because the hike to Machu Picchu is on Day 1 and the Machu Picchu tour is on Day 2. Be prepared for steep inclines and stone steps. This section of the Inca Trail hike provides a fantastic perspective of the gorgeous Peruvian countryside but is also very cold due to the high altitude. You are however responsible for bringing your own sleeping bag, which can be stored within your 6kg duffel bag allowance. If you need to pay for an additional porter to lighten your load and carry some of your things, you can do that for around $50-$100 USD. How long is the Inca trail (day by day hiking length). The highest point is Dead Woman's Pass at 4200 m. At its highest, the trail reaches 4200 m above sea level, so you should spend at least 2 days in Cusco acclimatizing before you start the trek. High elevation is the greatest challenge on the Inca Trail Trek. You will also benefit from training your legs to walk/hike on stairways or steep slopes. Before leaving, I had heard horror stories about the difficulty of the hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Peru has two seasons - dry and wet - and it is possible to do the Inca Trail in either. We managed with a group of six (not including the guide, porters, and cook). The Inca road system, originally called Qhapaq an in Quechua, an indigenous Peruvian language, was used for general transportation, trade, religious, and military purposes. On your first day of hiking the Inca Trail, you will typically embark from the KM82 route. It is also very common to see snow and ice near the summit . So whats the Inca Trail hikes difficulty like? The ticket for the $12 shuttle bus (30 minutes) down to Aguas Calientes will be included in your tour price and the ticket provided on the day by your guide. Your email address will not be published. Every extra pound matters! TIP: Tell us the destinations you have in mind. Both the 4-day and 2-day Inca Trail treks have distinct advantages and disadvantages. Their shorter tour is around 710 per person, and our recommended cheaper alternative is around 600 - 650 depending upon whether it has a an offer running (which it often does). These local porters, from fresh-faced 18 year olds to gnarled mountain men, are the unsung heroes of every Inca Trail experience and they will each carry up to 25 kgs on their backs for the group (yep, and you were worried about how hard the Trail would be for you!). 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). Per Inca Trail and Machu Picchu regulations, hiking poles must have rubber tips. The process and guideline amounts will vary from tour company to tour company, but with G Adventures our group circulated an envelope amongst us so that everyone could confidentially put in what they were happy with, and then presented that to the porters on our last evening at camp. The 4-day Inca Trail is ideal for travelers looking for a physically challenging adventure. Home Blog The ULTIMATE Guide to Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Instead, you and your group will spend evening conversing over plastic cups of hot tea, playing card games, or lazing in nature together. After celebrating your arrival to the top and snapping some photos, descend toward the Pacaymayo campsite (11,788 ft/3,590 m). Hiking poles to help ease impact on knees on downhills. Q: What is the cost of hiking the Inca Trail? Lastly, our guide told us that the nighttime temperatures in dry season drop significantly, so expect cold nights in the tent. Hike through the cloud forest on a gentle climb to the second pass of the day, walking through original Incan constructions. The Inca Trail is one of the most famous hikes in the world. Parque Arqueologic National de Machu Picchu. Were both vegetarian and were catered for incredibly well - with each meal giving us a vegetarian version of the same dish the others were eating (another thing we did not expect at all). The Trail is Peru in a microcosm; lush green cloud forest alive with birds, Andean peaks and steep mountain passes, a landscape dotted with centuries old ruins, accessible only to those that follow this most famous pathway. For the same reason, metal-tipped trekking poles are not allowed on the trail. As we were doing so many hikes in South America, we bought these excellent lightweight travel hiking poles in the UK. At 4,215m, it's the highest point of the Inca Trail and is nearly 1,800m higher than Machu Picchu! By staying there before your walk, you will give your body time to acclimate to the altitude of the . We hiked with G Adventures in early December, so we were ready for some rainy days. The pass itself is located at 4,215m (13,829ft) above sea level, and is the highest point on this, the "Classic" trail. After the ruins, the trail continues its ascent to the top of the pass at 3975m (13,035ft). New York, NY:Dutton. Wiay Wayna: 8,694 ft (2,650 m) If you choose to purchase through these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. 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). One kilometre along the trail, at an elevation of 3,750 metres (12,300ft) is the Inca tampu Runkuraqay, ruins which overlook the valley. A daypack to carry water, a boxed lunch provided by your hiking guide, camera, personal items for your overnight in Aguas Calientes, etc. 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). Please also be aware that permits are only issued with a tourists name and passport number and, once booked, they are non-changeable and non-transferable. Personally, we wouldnt recommend anyone under the age of 14 to do the trek due to group dynamics. Rainy season days almost always bring drizzle or rain. The Inca Trail porters are the unsung heroes of every experience, and they will carry up to 25 kgs of food and supplies on their backs. Remember the part where my companion busted her knee and had to be carried by porters goddamn hiking in style! The name Phuyupatamarka ("cloud-level town") (phoo-yoo-patta-marka) is applied to both the campground, and the ruins. Weve tested the Geopressrigorouslyfrom the icy heights of Pakistan to the tropical jungles of Cuba, and the results are in: it WORKS. However, there are a few key things to know about how luggage and kit is transported on the hike before you even think about whether you really need that extra pair of pants. they soon adjusted and had no issues by day one of the hike itself. The trail undulates, but overall ascends along the Cusichaka River. . Hiking poles will aid you in steep areas. Permits sell out quickly, particularly those for the high season. 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. Rain is likely during April and October and almost guaranteed between November and March making them a much less suitable time to walk to Machu Picchu the wet llamas are cute though! We had to book the tour about 6 months in advance to reserve a spot. A long flight of fountains or ritual baths utilizing as many as 19 springs runs between the two groups of buildings. It is possible to book a longer organised Peru tour which includes the Inca Trail within it, or to simply include it on your own independent Peru + South American adventure. Pack of tissues, toilet paper, and wet wipes. So youve decided to hike the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. The best way to minimise the likelihood and / or impact of altitude sickness is factoring in enough time into your Peru itinerary to acclimatise to the conditions. Some campsites have on-site restrooms and showers, however, these are not well maintained. Hiking poles must have rubber tips on the ends. Secondly, for our G Adventures tour, we were each supplied with black duffel bags at the hotel. All food, apart from snacks along the way (although we were also provided with a bag of snacks), is included in the up-front tour price - and you wont have to lift a finger to prepare it or wash up. The less you have to carry, the more enjoyable the experience. Or maybe you would rather take a longer or shorter trek or a path less beaten? Nearby mountains are usually flanked by mist and the regions diverse flora is in full bloom. 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. 2: The best tour companies each come with a main guide and an assistant guide - one will lead at the front of your group whilst another will stay at the back. The trail continues to ascend, passing a small lake named Quchapata (Cochapata)[6] in an area that is recognized as deer habitat. The maximum trekking group size generally varies between 8 to 12 trekkers plus the trekking team. The Fejos team named the site, and uncovered the remainder. With a degree in Nature Conservation and experience working with wildlife including the Big 5, Alison works as a guide for a 5-star reserve. This means fuller camp sites and more traffic along the Trail (although the tours do try and stagger this out). Rest easy once you get to the campsite because the next day is likely to be the most unforgettable experience of your hiking existence (it was for me). As of 2016[update], 500 permits are issued for each day. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); This website uses cookies to improve your experience. If you are looking for a more personal, private outdoor experience, I recommend you pick a less prevalent adventure as there are many alternative Inca sites to choose from around the Cusco area. 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). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we dont believe are up to scratch. Amazingly, no meal was the same as the last (we had sort of expected a lot of pasta!). Your trekking guides will meet you at your Cusco hotel and transfer with you to the Sacred Valley. We paid at the lower end as my wife is Colombian and we found a tour operator that catered more to the Spanish speaking South American clientele. Tours should provide you with purified, safe-to-drink water at camp each night and morning; this in addition to drinks purchased in advance and along the way (and those endless cups of tea glugged at camp) should be sufficient to keep you well hydrated. Make sure to tip your team well as they deserve it and likely live off of those tips. The remainder of the group will return to Aguas Calientes and board the train for their returns to the Sacred Valley or Cusco. After breakfast, we continue our hike up the highest point in the Inca Trail, reaching the mountain pass of Abra Warmihuausca (Dead Woman's Pass - 4200m/13776ft) after about 2 hours. This may not sound like a lot, but it really is when you think about the fact that everyone follows the same narrow trails to Machu Picchu. The tents are all two-person, meaning you will either be sharing with a friend/other half, or a randomly assigned member of the same sex. The trekking team will wake you before sunrise to ensure that you arrive at Machu Picchus Sun Gate by mid-morning. Pack a hat, strong sunblock, and glasses for protection against the sun. Take some time to relish in your accomplishment before accompanying your guide to the Machu Picchu bus stop for your transfer down the mountain to Aguas Calientes. Inca Trail elevation continually changes as you hike over spectacular passes and down into lush valleys. A short downhill walk is the final section of the trail.[11]. Regardless of which option you go for, all roads will lead to Cusco - the start point for the vast majority of all Inca Trail tours. To help you prepare to go on one of the best hikes in the world, we have summarized everything you need to know with a day-by-day itinerary, picking a tour operator, and what to bring with you. Our guide kept on calling us all professional hikers and the fastest group hed had that year as we arrived at camp each night a few hours ahead of expected 5-7 hours in his schedule. Day Three: Early rise to hike the most photogenic section of the Trail. Let your Travel Advisor know if you'd be interested, as Inca Trail permits also need to be purchased in advance for porters. Marci Vaughn Kolt. We'll give you time in Cusco to acclimatize before the trek, but altitude sickness can be a problem for some. It wasnt all fun and games. This is the second highest pass on the Inca Trail known as the Runquraqay Pass. Small, permanent settlements are located adjacent to the trail, and Wayllapampa has approximately 400 inhabitants (130 families) spread along this portion of the trail. Settlements, tunnels, and many Incan ruins are located along the trail before ending the terminus at the Sun Gate on Machu Picchu mountain. The G Adventures tour we joined is now 1029 per person (price update 2023), and this included two nights hotel accommodation in Cusco, one night hotel accommodation in Ollantaytambo, private transport, all meals on the Trail, our Inca Trail permit, camping equipment, entrance and a guided tour around Machu Picchu, a support team of 15 or so guides, porters, and chefs, and visits to several Planeterra local community enterprises and projects in the Sacred Valley. He explained that local high-speed trains will be designed to have the ability to travel at speeds of 220-230 kilometers per hour. What is the High Inca Trail? A few of the porters and our guide took turns carrying our friend throughout the remaining two and a half days of the hike. A maximum of 500 people are allowed on the trail each day, of which only 200 are trekkers, the rest being guides and porters. The elevation of the Inca Trail varies, with the highest point rising to 13,828 feet (4200 m) above sea level. Altitude on the Inca Trail. 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. The 4-Day Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu is one of the magnificent hikes I have ever done. clothes, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, toiletries). Torre Mirador is 12.5 mi (20 km) to the north of Nazca city along the Panamerican Highway. Demand for tours also increases in dry season, so you really need to book your own tour further in advance (a rule of thumb is six to seven months, but we have met people who booked a year in advance to assure themselves of a place). Within the first hour of your day, you will reach the Runquraqay ruins. There are also some ATMs in Aguas Calientes if you need to withdraw additional money. It is good to know that the citadel of Machu Picchu, the final point of this unforgettable experience, is located at a much lower elevation (2,400 m.a.s.l.). Bring extra batteries for personal electronics like cameras and cell phones. If youll be taking an Inca Trail tour in rainy season, a little more spontaneity is possible, unless you have very specific dates in mind where it makes sense to get your booking in sooner rather than later. Enjoy hand-curated trail maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you. Today you will trek to the Wiay Wayna campsite (8,700 ft/2,650 m). Get insured. Most operators advise hikers to purchase permits as soon as possible after they are released. See below for our packing recommendations. Highest point of the Inca Trail. The last major campsite before Machu Picchu, these ruins include a long flight of fountains that flow from the upper to the lower terraces. The first half of the hike to Machu Picchu includes steep inclines and many stone steps. right now). Looking for the best hiking trails in Jakarta? The good news is that it's a lot shorter than you may expect at only 40 kms (25 miles). Starting at 2,600 metres, the trail ascends to 3,300 metres on the first day. Guides are required to carry oxygen tanks in case of emergencies. The campsite at Llulluch'apampa (Llulluchapampa) is located on this stretch of trail at 3,800 metres (12,500ft). The 2-day Inca Trail begins at the Chachabamba archaeological complex which is located at 6,725 ft (2,050 m), the lowest point of the hike. 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. G Adventures minimum is 12 years old) . In addition to the Classic 4-day Inca Trail trek, there is a shorter full-day trek. Tours are slightly cheaper and easier to book with only a few weeks notice (a guy on our tour booked his place only a week before the trip began). 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. The first day is a relatively easy hike and goes past the ruins of Patallaqta, which means town on a hillside in the Incan language of Quechua. Cusco is exceptionally easy to reach from various parts of Peru, but there are no direct flights to Cusco from the US, Canada or Europe. With G Adventures, two chefs are included as part of the support staff, and the unanimous opinion of our group was that those two performed absolute miracles. 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. 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. Unlike most archaeological wonders, Peru allows visitors to actually go in and around the beautiful ruins and see firsthand the inside of the structures and the once magnificent buildings. The trek allows hikers to witness the diverse microclimates of the Andes, from grassy plains and dramatic peaks to lush cloud forest. Be sure to exercise in the weeks leading up to your trip. Share stories over dinner, and if the weather permits, partake in Andean stargazing before retiring to your tent. The highest point is Dead Womans Pass at 13,828 ft (4,215 m) and the lowest point is Machu Picchu at 7,972 ft (2,430 m). Porters can be hired to carry up to 18 lb (8 kg) or 33 lb (15 kg). First up, heres your beginners guide to hiking. You can get a 15% discount on the Water-to-Go if you use this code at the checkout (ADR15), and read this post to find out about more ways about how to use less plastic when you travel. They can be purchased in Cusco or rented from your trekking company with advance notice. Make sure to pack your original passport. For this reason, all Adventure Life trips involving this hike require spending at . Take a break to catch your breath and enjoy the spectacular views of the Urubamba River below the sites green terraces. this post on the essential things to look for before buying. Even during the dry season there is the chance of rain, so make sure to bring a rain jacket or poncho. 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. From November to March 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. About a 25% chance of rain with a mix of weather conditions. Hiking the Inca Trail is an experience which should inspire excitement, invoke a little bit of fear, stoke jealousy amongst your friends, and stir a sense of wander in your soul. Two groups of major architectural structures, a lower and upper, are set among multiple agricultural terraces at this concave mountainside site. Pictures just dont do it justice. Vegetation becomes more dense, lush, and jungle-like with an accompanying increase in butterflies and birds. As mentioned, the Inca Trail isnt just a walk in the park. Your last chance to use the internet or have a reliable phone signal will be in Ollantaytambo, and your first opportunity will be outside Machu Picchu or in Aguas Calientes. Reaching the crest of this ridge reveals the grandeur of the ruins of Machu Picchu, which lie below. The Inca Trails most appealing sight is perhaps its natural beauty. Yes, the trekking team will provide drinking water every morning and at each meal. The good news is that its a lot shorter than you may expect at only 40 kms (25 miles). Your trek must be organized through a licensed tour operator. The 4-day Inca Trail is 30 miles (49 km) in length. And for transparencys sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. Theyre easily my picj for the best Inca Trail tour. After all, you dont want the upfront savings to mean inadequate equipment, poor quality food, or a less memorable experience. 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