Everything you need to know about the Inca Trail, Peru
The Inca Trail is a hiking trail in the Andes, Peru that ends at the iconic Machu Picchu. To many, a photo of Machu Picchu resting on the mountainside, high in the Andes, conjures up images of lost civilisations, exotic travel and the sense of discovery and mystery in the South American continent. Consequently, this photogenic landmark has become a must-see destination for many tourists.
The Incan Empire, stretched over Peru and large parts of Ecuador, Bolivia and extended into Argentina, Chile and Colombia. To organise this empire, the Inca’s developed many sophisticated trails to link its important settlements. The Inca Trail formed one of these routes and was developed specifically to serve Machu Picchu, which is believed to be a royal estate. Being isolated, Machu Picchu required a regular supply of goods and services from Cusco and other parts of the Empire.
The Inca Trail is now a popular hiking trail that allows tourists to immerse themselves in the history of Machu Picchu and the Inca civilisation.
To assist your planning of this amazing adventure, I have provided the answers to the most commonly asked questions relating to the Inca Trail.
If you visiting other locations in Peru, please read for information about Lima, Miraflores, Cusco and the Amazon.
Table of Contents
1. What is the Inca Trail?
2. Why is the Inca Trail so popular?
3. Has the Inca Trail reopened?
4. Can I hike the Inca Trail without a guide?
5. How much does it cost to walk the Inca Trail?
6. How difficult is the Inca Trail?
7. How long does the Inca Trail Take?
8. How many miles is the Inca Trail hike?
9. How many miles a day are covered on the Inca Trail?
10. How many hours of walking each day can I expect along the Inca Trail?
11. What is the highest altitude along the Inca Trail?
12. What will I see each day along the Inca Trail?
13. What will I see at Machu Picchu?
14. Can you climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain?
15. What is the easiest mountain to climb, Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain?
16. How do you get back to Cusco from Machu Picchu?
17. How much does entrance to Machu Picchu cost?
18. What are the meals like along the Inca Trail?
19. What is the best month to hike the Inca Trail?
20. What is the weather like along the Inca Trail?
21. How cold does it get on the Inca Trail?
22. What is the sleeping accommodation like along the Inca Trail?
23. What Toilet facilities are along the Inca Trail?
24. What Kit will I need to bring along?
25. How do I prepare for the Inca Trail?
Background to the Inca Trail
1. What is the Inca Trail?
The Inca Trail is the impressive path that winds its way from the Sacred Valley, near Ollantaytambo all the way to the wonder of Machu Picchu via its exclusive Sun Gate, which is also known as Inti Punku.
2. Why is the Inca Trail so popular?
The Inca Trail is made special by the combination of stunning Inca ruins, spectacular views over the Sacred Valley and the Andes Mountain Range, steep mountain passes, exotic vegetation within the lush green cloud forest and ecological diversity along its route. This unique pathway comes to a dramatic conclusion by passing through the Sun Gate at sun rise. Travelling along the Inca Trail gives a unique appreciation for the Inca culture and way of life and the importance of Machu Picchu itself.
3. Has the Inca Trail reopened?
The Inca Trail reopened on 1st March 2023. Reservations for 2024 are open.
The Inca Trail closes temporarily every year in February due to heavy rains and to provide maintenance to the trails.
4. Can I hike the Inca Trail without a guide?
Since 2001, it has not been possible to hike the Inca Trail without a guide. This was introduced to help limit the numbers of hikers along the trail to 500 people per day. Permits are required to hike the Inca Trail and these can only be obtained from an approved tour provider.
5. How much does it cost to walk the Inca Trail?
The Inca Trail typically costs $500-$1000 / 450-900 euros / £375-£750. This usually includes travel to the start of the Inca Trail and travel back to Cusco, campsite accommodation, a guide, porters, meals, permits and entrance to Machu Picchu.
6. How difficult is the Inca Trail?
The Inca Trail is a challenge, but with the right preparation most people should be able to complete it. You will need to be well acclimatised to high altitude, with good levels of fitness and comfortable carrying a small rusk sack, and trekking for a number of days in a row.
7. How long does the Inca Trail Take?
The Inca Trail typically takes 4 days.
8. How many miles is the Inca Trail hike?
The Inca Trail covers about 25 miles (40 km).
9. How many miles a day are covered on the Inca Trail?
The average distance covered per day along the Inca Trail is about 6 miles.
10. How many hours of walking each day can I expect along the Inca Trail?
You can expect to hike around 6 to 7 hours per day.
11. What is the highest altitude along the Inca Trail?
The Inca Trail reaches approx. 13,750ft or 4200m, at the highest point. This altitude can cause a shortness of breath even for the strongest hikers.
12. What will I see each day along the Inca Trail?
Each tour operator will have their own itinerary but a typical day would consist of:
Day 1: Trek to Huayllabamba
An approximate 3 hour bus journey from Cusco to the beginning of the Inca Trail.
Depending on the tour operator, you will either start at Chilca (Km 77) or Pisachuco (Km 88).
The first major ruin is Llactapata near Km 88. This ruin contains vast terraces along the steeply sloping hillside.
This is followed by an approximate 3-hour walk to the village of Huayllabamba (3,000m/9,843ft), with spectacular views over the Río Cusichaca.
The first night is often at either Huayllabamba or Llulluchayoc, which is a further hour along the trail, and known as ‘3 White Stones’.
Day 2: Dead Woman’s Pass
For most people the second day is the toughest.
There is a steep climb to the meadow, which makes for a great rest point.
This is followed by an exhausting 1 ½ to 2 ½ hour trek up the first pass, Abra de Warmiwañusqa, commonly known as ‘Dead Woman’s Pass’ (4,198m / 13,773ft). This is the highest point on the trail. On our visit we were treated with a magnificent sight of Condors swooping through the air.
There are great views of the circular ruins of Runkuracay.
The day ends with a steep descent down the valley to Pacamayo.
Day 3: Pacamayo to Wiñay Wayna
The day begins with a gentle climb along the Inca Steps, through an Inca tunnel and along the fringes of the cloud forest.
You will see the mysterious Sayacmarca ruins, which are approached via a stone staircase.
There will be amazing views across the Vilcabamba Valley to enjoy.
Then there is a steep descent towards the impressive ruins of the cloud city, Phuyupatamarca.
The Inca staircase plunges 1,000m from the Phuyupatamarca ruins into the jungle and towards the extensive ruins of Huiñay Huayna (Wiñay Wayna).
Day 4: Huiñay Huayna to Machu Picchu
It is about an hour’s walk through the forest to a steep Inca staircase which leads up to Inti Punku, the Sun Gate, which gives impressive views down towards Machu Picchu, truly a magnificent sight.
Being in the Andes, the views can be cloudy and atmospheric, it is worth being aware that there is not always a clear view of Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate.
Then there is a walk down into Machu Picchu, and time to explore this famous city.
Discovering Machu Picchu
13. What will I see at Machu Picchu?
Machu Picchu is a vast 15th-century Inca citadel, built in the traditional Inca style, with polished dry-stone walls. Its three primary structures are the Intihuatana, the Temple of the Sun, and the Room of the Three Windows. There are a further 200 structures to explore, comprising religious, ceremonial, astronomical and agricultural buildings with stone terraces. These structures are arranged in an organised and complex urban plan, divided into a lower and upper part, that separates the farming from residential and civic areas.
14. Can you climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain?
It is possible to climb both Machu Picchu Mountain and Huayna Picchu in a day. However, Machu Picchu Mountain has to be climbed before 11am, and there are two departure times for Huayna Picchu, either 7am to 8am or 10am to 11am. Visitor numbers are limited on the mountains and places have to be pre-booked.
15. What is the easiest mountain to climb, Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain?
Machu Picchu Mountain is the easier, and less steep of the two mountains to climb. Both are challenging, but both command spectacular views from the top.
16. How do you get back to Cusco from Machu Picchu?
There is a bus from the entrance of Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes, the nearest village to the ruins of Machu Picchu, which leaves every 15 minutes.
The train back to Cusco leaves from Aguas Calientes at approximately 16:30 and arrives in Cusco at approximately 21:00.
There are many restaurants in Aguas Calientes if you require some refreshments before your journey back to Cusco.
17. How much does entrance to Machu Picchu cost?
The entrance to Machu Picchu costs 60 USD for adults, rising to 78 USD if you include Machu Picchu Mountain and Huayna Picchu. This fee is normally included within the Inca Trail tour prices.
Useful Information
18. What are the meals like along the Inca Trail?
To my great surprise, the food on the Trail was much better than I would normally expect from a hiking adventure. You are well looked after by amazing chefs who manage to deliver excellent and nutritious meals in limited camping conditions. They will cater for all sorts of dietary requirements and food allergies.
A typical day’s menu could include a combination of:
Snack: Mandarins and granola bar
Breakfast: Porridge, bread, corn bread, soya yoghurt, quinoa flakes, fruit salad, fruit juices and hot drinks.
Lunch: Wantan (deep-fried pastry filled with cheese and ham), Vegetable soup, quinoa soup, corn salad
Afternoon tea: Biscuits, popcorn, hot drinks.
Dinner: Vegetable soup, meatballs with gratin potatoes and rice, salad selection, fried bananas, poached apples
19. What is the best month to hike the Inca Trail?
It is best to undertake the Inca Trail during Peru’s dry / winter season i.e. between May and September.
20. What is the weather like along the Inca Trail?
Between the months of May and September, and as the trek is being held at altitude, there is a chance of rain, with cold morning and evenings. But at this time of year there is a stronger probability of sunny days, with bright blue skies.
21. How cold does it get on the Inca Trail?
Temperatures can be as cold as sub-zero in the mornings, but can reach the mid-20s by the afternoon. You will notice sharp temperature changes between the shade and sunlight.
22. What is the sleeping accommodation like along the Inca Trail?
Four season tents, designed for all weather conditions, and with lots of space for you and your belongings.
23. What Toilet facilities are along the Inca Trail?
All of the campsites along the Inca Trail have a toilet block with running water. In times of desperation, it may be necessary to go wild with visitors expected to be respectful of the environment. There are shower facilities at Wiñay Wayna, although these are basic. Most people wait until they return to Cusco.
24. What Kit will I need to bring along?
Good walking shoes or boots are essential. Given the changing climatic conditions in the High Andes, it would be advisable to wear multiple lightweight, warm and quick-drying layers that can be added or reduced depending on the temperature. For night times, a sleeping bag suitable for temperatures down to -5ºC will be required.
25. How do I prepare for the Inca Trail?
For many people, it is advisable to improve their level of fitness before starting the Inca Trail. This could include aerobic training, such as running, cycling, swimming, and strength training. It is certainly worth spending a number of hours walking, to be well prepared for the trek.
The Inca Trail Porters
The amazing Inca Trail porters are an essential part of the Inca Trail. As no animals are allowed on the route, the porters are used to carrying all the essential food and camping equipment. They walk, and even jog the long distances with this heavy load on their backs, set up the campsites and take care of essential logistics.
The Porter Protection Law in Peru helps to safeguard their welfare, limiting the maximum load they can carry to 20 kg (44 lbs). It is therefore important when choosing a tour operator, that you choose one that is certified by The Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism, to ensure that your porter is looked after responsibly.
Should I tip the Inca Trail porters? Yes. The porters support the tour operators. Their support is awe inspiring as they carry all the equipment, at speed along the Inca Trail. It is normal for participants to give a generous monetary tip, but in addition, other items such as books, pencils, paper etc. for the Porter’s children will be appreciated.
I hope you have found this post about the Inca Trail useful. I would love to hear your thoughts or if you feel something is missing from this post, please email me and let me know at [email protected].
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