It has been said that Peru’s Inca Trail is one of the greatest hikes in the world. The terrain is dramatic, as the Amazon jungle meets the base of the Andes mountains. It’s also the way to the ancient lost city of Machu Picchu. The trail itself is 27 miles long and experts believe that the Incas created the trail as a way for people to take a pilgrimage into the holy city.
If you are considering Hiking Peru’s Inca travel to Machu Picchu here are some useful tips.
How long do I need to Hike the Inca Travel?
It generally takes four or five days to hike the entire trail, though there is an abbreviated version of the walk that takes only two days. Taking the five-day itinerary allows you to see some of the ruins in greater depth, and also lets you spend an extra night camping along the trail.
- You absolutely must book your hike with a company.
- Due to concerns about erosion, the Peruvian government has limited the number of people who can hike on the trail to 500 per day. This includes tour guides and porters, so in reality, only about 200 visitors can be on the trail at any one time. The spots fill up quickly, so book as soon as possible; you’ll probably need several months’ notice if you plan to hike in the high season, which is in the months of June and July.
- You will likely find that it is cheaper to book a tour through the company itself, but buyer beware.
Not all of the companies advertising are reputable. Unless you know someone in the area who can advise you or you are sure of which company you want to use, it might be better to book Peru tours through a US travel agency. - Plan on spending at least two or three days in Cusco, which is where the Inca Trail starts, before you set off on your trek.
The reason for this is that you may experience altitude sickness, which often results in a pounding heart and shortness of breath. If you are generally healthy, you should get over these symptoms in a couple of days; in some cases, though, the symptoms can get worse. For the first few days that you are at the higher elevation, you should rest and drink fluids as your body acclimates to the change in oxygen levels. Then you will be ready to begin your trek. - Ask your travel agent for a list of items that you should pack.
The days will likely be hot, and the nights cold, so you’ll need to prepare for a wide range of temperatures. Remember that you’ll also need to carry your clothing and other items with you on the trail, so you’ll need to do this while packing lightly. Don’t forget sunscreen, water purification tablets, or your camera!
How much does a typical package cost?
Our most popular seller is a 6 night package called the Inca Trail. The vacation includes a guided tour of the Sacred Valley, 4-day Inca Trail hike with a local guide, cook and porters, a guided tour of Machu Picchu along with 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 3 dinners, 3 nights hotel and 3 nights camping with a group of 12 to 16 travelers from $1,149 pp.
How much hiking will there be each day?
Distances of the Inca trail:
Day 1 Km 82 to Wayllambama
Approximate distance: 11 km
Estimated hiking time: 5-6 hrs
Day 2 Wayllabamba to Paqaymayo
Approximate distance: 12 km
Estimated hiking time: 6-7 hrs
Day 3 Paqaymayo to Wiñaywayna
Approximate distance: 16 km
Estimated hiking time: 8 hrs
Day 4
Wiñaywayna to Intipunku (Sun Gate)
Approximate distance: 4 km
Estimated hiking time: 1.5 hrs
Intipunku to Machu Picchu
Approximate distance: 1.5 km
Estimated hiking time: 45 min
NOTE: Those passengers not able or interested in the hike spend 2 days in Cuzco, then travel by train to Aguas Calientes, where they overnight. Next morning they take the bus to the Machu Picchu entrance and rendezvous with the hikers at the ruins. If you decide not to do the hike we need to know prior to your departure in order to obtain train tickets. There is an additional fee for any changes made once Inca Trail permits are confirmed. This fee may vary depending on the changes that are made to your itinerary.
Also note that portions of the Inca Trail will be closed for general maintenance during the month of February each year. Also, closures may occur at various times throughout the year due to inclement weather or other conditions beyond our control. During these periods, any tour affected will hike the Lares Trek.
Hiking the Inca Trail may well be a life-changing experience, and if you plan to do it, you’ll need to prepare yourself ahead of time. If you have taken the trek, do you have any additional tips to share?
