Inca Trail guide
You have made the decision to embark on the Inca Trail! Our Inca Trail travel guide will help you to understand each process to live this experience to the fullest. Booking the Inca Trail generally requires advance planning, with reservations made at least 6 months in advance and sometimes even more than a year in advance. This is because there is a restricted daily limit on the number of people allowed on the trail. While there are occasional exceptions where lucky people get a spot at the last minute, it is not something you should rely on. Still, it is worth checking just in case, especially if you are looking for an available space during the low tourist season or the rainy season from October to March.
It’s essential to note that entry to the trail is permitted only with a certified guide, and the trail is closed in February for maintenance. If your journey to Peru is imminent or set for February, and you’re unable to secure a spot, consider exploring the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu as an alternative – it’s truly breathtaking! Additionally, there are other trekking options available to reach the magnificent citadel.
How long should I schedule my trek for?
Trekking options on the Inca Trail range from 1 to 5 days – take your pick! Keep in mind that with shorter treks, you’ll cover less of the trail or feel more rushed. For the best experience, I recommend at least a 3-day trek for avid hikers or a 4-day trek for beginners, providing a fuller and more rewarding adventure.
The 1- and 2-day hikes follow the same route but differ in pace, starting at kilometer 104 of the train tracks. The 1-day hike allows for minimal time in Machu Picchu due to its shorter duration.
You can have more information about these trips.
The 4-day trek can either cover the same route as the 1- and 2-day treks at a slower pace or align with the 5 and 7-day treks, moving at a faster pace. Confirm the details with your chosen tour company.
The 5 and 7-day treks encompass the entire modern Inca Trail, starting at Km 82 of the train tracks. Despite sharing the same route, they offer distinct paces for a more immersive experience.
Camps and which one to choose on the Inca Trail
As you travel the Inca Trail, you will find campsites along the trail, clearly signposted and marked for your convenience. Travel agencies are obliged to establish their camps only in designated and signposted places; Otherwise, it would pose a risk to the group and the environment could be violated.
The camps for trekking companies are predefined by the supervisory body of the Inca Trail (Ministry of Culture). Due to the limited capacity of campsites, it is essential to coordinate and organize everything in advance. The guards continually monitor the camping areas to guarantee your safety and peace of mind, avoiding any inconvenience or disturbance. The security guard is in charge of managing any possible risks that may arise.
In the camping areas, there is no access to electricity or cell phone coverage, so precautions are recommended. It is advisable to bring a personal flashlight, charge your devices in advance and be prepared to enjoy a starry sky, with the possibility of contemplating the light of the full moon depending on the date.
What is the difficulty and how to prepare for the Inca Trail?
The complete Inca Trail spans 43 km (26 miles) and encompasses altitudes ranging from 2,400 meters (7,874 feet) above sea level to 4,215 meters (13,829 feet). On a difficulty scale, I would categorize it as moderately challenging. If you’ve engaged in some light hiking before, this could serve as an excellent introduction to multi-day trekking experiences, offering unparalleled scenery. The trail involves a mix of uphill and downhill sections and doesn’t ascend to the same high altitudes as the Salkantay and Ausangate treks. However, it’s crucial to note that the trail features over 3,000 stone stairs, posing a challenge, especially for individuals with knee problems.
Living at sea level might lead to more pronounced altitude symptoms (such as shortness of breath, a racing heart, and headaches) compared to fellow trekkers residing in mountainous areas. It’s advisable to spend a couple of days in Cusco at 3,400 meters (11,154 feet) before embarking on the trek to allow your body to acclimatize naturally. This pre-trek stay helps reduce the risk of sickness and discomfort during your eagerly anticipated hike, ensuring you can savor the experience to the fullest. If time permits, consider taking day hikes around Cusco or ascending to Sacsayhuaman and the White Christ statue above the city before starting the Inca Trail. Prioritize abstaining from alcohol and ensure sufficient rest in the days leading up to your trek.
If altitude concerns persist, consulting your doctor for a prescription of Diamox or bringing over-the-counter chlorophyll pills could be considered. Alternatively, you can opt for traditional approaches like drinking coca tea upon reaching Cusco, aligning with local practices. Rest assured, your guide will carry an emergency oxygen bottle in case of any need.
When is the best time to explore the Inca Trail?
The Inca Trail is open all year round, except February, when it is closed for maintenance. Temperatures remain relatively stable throughout the year, but the weather can vary greatly depending on the month. However, each season has advantages and disadvantages that you should consider before planning your trip. You can choose according to which season you like the most. Here
The Dry Season from May – August
Trekking the Inca Trail in the wet season, spanning from November to March, is feasible for seasoned hikers. However, caution is advised, as the trail can become challenging with cold temperatures and muddy conditions. The numerous stone stairways pose increased risks when covered in rain and mud. If you choose to embark on the Inca Trail during these months, it is crucial to equip yourself with rain gear and trekking poles for enhanced comfort.
The period from December to early March experiences the highest rainfall, with November and late March being less predictable. Notably, the Inca Trail undergoes maintenance and is closed throughout February.
On a positive note, obtaining permits is more manageable during this season, and the trail is less crowded. It’s worth noting that Easter weekend tends to draw both crowds and an elevated likelihood of rainfall. If solitude is a priority for you, this might be the opportune time to undertake the Inca Trail trek.
The Rainy Season from December-March
Experienced travelers opt for the perfect blend of advantages by embarking on an Inca Trail trek during the shoulder seasons. While the weather may be unpredictable, offering a mix of sunny days and occasional heavy showers, there are typically numerous enjoyable walking days. During these periods, the trails are relatively serene, avoiding the heavy downpours associated with the wet season. For those who choose to venture after the rains, April presents an opportunity to relish lush green landscapes, perfect for capturing enviable photos.
The Shoulder Seasons from April, October, and November.
The transitional periods, spanning from April to May and late September to early November, prove more erratic than the dry season. However, these months offer numerous days with ideal hiking conditions, striking a balance between fewer crowds compared to the dry season and better weather than the wet season.
By April, the rains have subsided, leaving behind lush green landscapes. The reduced tourist activity during this time makes obtaining permits somewhat easier, though advance reservations are still recommended. As May unfolds, the weather further improves, and while crowds gradually return later in the month, the overall experience remains favorable.
Permit procedure and guiding services
Since 2002, the Peruvian government has mandated that individuals trekking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu must possess both a permit and a guide. Permits are exclusively obtainable through licensed guiding companies, ensuring that when you book an Inca Trail excursion, your permit and associated fees are included. This permitting system aims to prevent overcrowding on the trail and minimize the impact on the ancient ruins and ecosystems. Consequently, a daily cap of 500 individuals, inclusive of guides, porters, chefs, and staff, is enforced. In practical terms, this limits the number of travelers on the Inca Trail to approximately 200 per day. For the busiest months, permits are known to sell out six to nine months in advance, with peak season dates often selling out within hours or days.
While hiking with a guide is mandatory, it doesn’t mean you’re confined to a large, impersonal tour group. Below, we’ll explore how to select a tour operator that suits your preferences. Here
Trail Accomodations and amenities
During your Inca Trail expedition to Machu Picchu, you’ll experience rustic accommodation in tents at designated campsites, embracing the back-to-basics essence of the adventure. Our four-season tents are designed for two occupants, offering ample space. Equipped with a foam mattress or Thermarest for insulation, you also have the option to rent a sleeping bag, eliminating the need to carry one from home.
On a typical itinerary, the first campsite, located at Huayllabamba, is surrounded by farmland, while the second at Pacaymayo boasts a more rugged terrain and stunning views. The third night is spent at Wiñay Wayna, situated next to Inca ruins. Campsites are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. If Wiñay Wayna is full, an alternative, less crowded site at Phuyupatamarca will be utilized. Learn more about the distinctions between Phuyupatamarca and Wiñay Wayna here.
Each campsite is equipped with toilet facilities, although cleanliness may vary, and the facilities may require a mastery of the art of squatting. To enhance your comfort, we provide a dedicated toilet tent, allowing you to sit on your throne in relative ease. Some camps even offer cold showers for the adventurous souls!
While it may not be the most luxurious sleep, it promises to be one of the most unforgettable experiences!