What’s the success rate of the Inca Trail?

In my years of traveling the Inca Trail. I have observed a large number of people who manage to complete this trail. There were quite a few cases of success over those who failed, considering the characteristics of this demanding trail. Considering the 43 kilometers of length, which can vary according to the number of days. Also consider the 4200 meters above sea level. With this data you would consider that the success rate should be low, but the results will surprise you.

The answer is simple and sweet: the Inca Trail, which reaches a height of 4,200m, is not as tough as other hikes. This path has a completion rating of more than 98%.
Now the question is what happen on other 2%
The majority of them complete the hike and enjoy it; the remaining 2% return to Cusco or abandon their trek in the middle owing to altitude sickness, bad weather, and a lack of preparation for the trek and the mental distress.

Differences in success rate in the types of Inca Trail

It is necessary to know that not all Inca Trail itineraries are the same, they tend to vary by the pace at which they are mobilized and the hours at which they begin the journey. It is not the same to do it in 7 days than in 3 or 4 days, this means a faster pace to complete the trail. So the probabilities of success increase if the number of days is greater and of course it is a much calmer experience, but if your thing is the faster marches, an Inca Trail with less days will not be a problem and you will contribute to the cases of success of this modality.

Short Inca route, the success rate was around 100%; we did not contact anyone who ended their journey or returned to Cusco. If you choose a 7-day Inca trek, you have more time to slowly hike and explore the surroundings, including Inca sites, same as short Inca trail, Still we did not contact anyone who ended their journey or returned to Cusco.