Once youve booked a tour and committed to the hike, there are some key milestones to hit before you get anywhere near South America. April & October Inca Trail to Machu Picchu - 5 day Trek Itinerary (non commercial site) At the top, the pass is rocky, with little vegetation. The food was fantastic throughout the trip. You wont have access to what your porter carries until you reach the campsite each night, so you will need a small pack to carry water, snacks, rain jacket, extra layers of clothing, etc. 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). 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. Group porters carry tents, cooking equipment, portable restrooms, and other communal items. Inca Trail weather during the shoulder months is variable and it is common to experience all four seasons in one day. 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). Its a nice starter to a much more difficult day ahead. The Inca Trail in Peru, South America - G Adventures In the late afternoon, you will arrive at the Sun Gate. Because of this rule, permits can only be obtained through a government registered tour operator. Day Three: Early rise to hike the most photogenic section of the Trail. We were literally in the middle of the Peruvian jungle with no easy way of evacuating her. Bring extra batteries for personal electronics like cameras and cell phones. Many of the most popular places in Peru, such as Cusco and Arequipa, are at high altitude; this means that for anyone planning a trip to Peru understanding altitude sickness (and how to avoid it) is incredibly important. Bring local currency (Soles) in your wallet so that you can tip your trekking team. These are consistently cheap (starting from 45 / $60 / 50 per person), reliable, and only take 90 minutes. Please note that some links on our blog are affiliate links. All Rights Reserved, {"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}, Inca Trail Elevation The Ups And Downs To Machu Picchu. So, whatever you do, dont underestimate how much cash you will need - wed say at least 300 soles per person for the Trail-specific section. 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. Start planning your Machu Picchu hiking holiday. SAM Travel Peru: Outstanding Inca Trail 2023 - See 3,262 traveler reviews, 2,463 candid photos, and great deals for Cusco, Peru, at Tripadvisor. See below for our packing recommendations. The trail passes through diverse microclimates each day. First up, heres your beginners guide to hiking. Most of the Machu Picchu hiking tours begin in Cusco, which, at 3,400 meters, is already considerably higher than Machu Picchu. May to September: dry season with good trail conditions. Every extra pound matters! A small spur of the trail leads directly to Wiay Wayna, while the main route continues to Intipata. However, after asking our followers on Twitter, we were assured that 1. they are really bloody useful and 2. not just for old people and Austrians. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads usingthis link. As an Amazon Associate, Machu Picchu Trek earns from qualifying purchases. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Outstanding Inca Trail 2023 - Review of SAM Travel Peru - Tripadvisor 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. Wear quick-drying ayers. The first half of the hike to Machu Picchu includes steep inclines and many stone steps. Hiking the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. ITMB Publishing International Travel Maps, Camino Inka. We dont know if all tours will offer the same level of food as G Adventures did, but even if its half as good youll be very happy. INCA TRAIL SHORT 2 DAYS | Book your Inca Trail 2 Days to Machu Picchu A common misconception about the Inca Trail is that it will allow you to be amongst the first people into Machu Picchu - this simply isnt true as its much easier to get through its gates just after opening if you stay in Aguas Calientes the night before and hike or take the bus up. Even during the dry season there is the chance of rain, so make sure to bring a rain jacket or poncho. Tours to Machu Picchu normally arrange groups of eight to sixteen people, and you will hike with people from all around the world. What is the best time of year to hike the Inca Trail? Mollepata is the longest of the three routes with the highest mountain pass and intersects with the Classic route before crossing Warmiwausqa ("dead woman"). Cusco, in the south-east of Peru, thankfully doubles up as one of the countrys most popular destinations due to its history and position as an access point to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, so every Peru itinerary is guaranteed to include at least a few nights here. We also truly hope that most of your questions about the Inca Trail hike have now been answered and you are in the best position possible for your upcoming Peruvian adventure. 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). A chef accompanies each group and prepares breakfast and three course lunches and dinners. To find out what clothes and footwear are best, read our Inca Trail Packing post. The Inca Trail is open 11 months of the year (March through January). Of course, dont forget your camera, with extra battery packs and memory cards. Its the hardest day of the trek, with an ascent of 1,200 meters and a challenging descent to the bottom campsite. Enjoy hand-curated trail maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you. These are also the coldest months of the year so make sure to pack accordingly. The 2-day Inca Trail ends at Machu Picchu, which is located at 7,972 ft (2,430 m). TIP: Tell us the destinations you have in mind. Pack animals are not allowed. After the tour, trekkers who pre-purchased Huayna Picchu tickets will continue hiking, while the rest of the group will take the 25-minute shuttle bus to Aguas Calientes. I don't think so. During the rainy season, there is the possibility of landslides. The 2-day Inca Trail is particularly popular with families that enjoy hiking and are looking for a taste of adventure. When the Incans were conquered by the Spanish in the 1500s, they fled the jungle and Machu Picchu went hidden for hundreds of years. Inca trail preparation: a complete guide [updated 2020] - Career Gappers If this is the case, you have plenty of options for hiking in the Andes: Camping equipment, daily meals, and boiled drinking water are provided by your trekking team. As our G Adventures Inca Trail tour was actually over seven days, including time in Cusco and Ollantaytambo, we also required cash to cover a few meals as well as spending money for souvenirs in the Sacred Valley. The 4-day Inca Trail begins at Km 82 which has an elevation of 8,230 ft (2,600 m). 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. [3], It starts from one of two points: 88km (55 miles) or 82km (51 miles) from Cusco on the Urubamba River at approximately 2,800 metres (9,200ft) or 2,600 metres (8,500ft) elevation, respectively.[3]. The less you have to carry, the more enjoyable the experience. It was not just the distance that made the Inca routes challenging, but also the extreme altitude that may be encountered at various points. 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. Demand for Inca Trail permits is high, especially during the dry season. November to March: rainy season. Theyve been doing it since 2002 protecting, connecting, and inspiring independent travellers just like you. The name Phuyupatamarka ("cloud-level town") (phoo-yoo-patta-marka) is applied to both the campground, and the ruins. We have used similar bottles on travels in both Africa and South America and cant talk highly enough of them (our Water-to-Go allowed us to fill up from taps all over Peru, from two rivers on the Inca Trail, and even an ancient water fountain at Machu Picchu). Take a break to catch your breath and enjoy the spectacular views of the Urubamba River below the sites green terraces. Day 2 is the biggest elevation gain on your hike. Inca Trail Information, Everything you must KNOW Before hiking Inca Trail Its a damn good journey! 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. A short downhill walk is the final section of the trail.[11]. It is closed in February for maintenance. [7], Another high point at elevation of 3650m is crossed, followed by a campground, and then after a short descent, a site with extensive ruins. For adventurous travelers seeking a challenge, the Classic 4-day Inca Trail is an excellent choice that is sure to be a highlight of any trip. Youll still be able to access Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate (a really special moment), and you have the added bonus of seeing this incredible Wonder of the World at both sunset and sunrise! The Inca Trail is one of the most famous hikes in the world. Don't forget to book Inca Trail permits for your visit well in advance of your trip. Be prepared for steep inclines and stone steps. This will vary from tour to tour, and also may evolve as Machu Picchu continues to change its own rules and restrictions to abate UNESCOs concerns, but on our own tour we enjoyed a full morning to explore Machu Picchu from about 7 a.m. until 11.30 a.m. (we could have stayed another hour but by that point we were desperate for a beer and lunch!). To protect this historic trail, only 500 people are permitted to hike on it each day. they soon adjusted and had no issues by day one of the hike itself. If you have any doubts about whether you are covered for hiking the Inca Trail, speak with your insurance company. The Inca Trail starting point is at an elevation of 2,600m (8,500ft). 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. He explained that local high-speed trains will be designed to have the ability to travel at speeds of 220-230 kilometers per hour. The Inca Trail has an elevation range between 2,200m (7,218ft) and 4,200m (13,780ft) above sea level. You can see full details on whats included in G Adventures Inca Trail Tour here. At this point, the trail reaches 13,828 ft (4,215 m) in elevation.This pass is so named, as from below it is said to resemble a womans supine body. If youve never camped before, than that is all about to change! Make sure to tip your team well as they deserve it and likely live off of those tips. Day one eases you into the action. Your email address will not be published. The legendary hike culminates at the Puerta de Sol (Sun Gate) where you overlook the magnificent ruins below and the iconic Huayna Picchu mountain to the side. The good news is that its a lot shorter than you may expect at only 40 kms (25 miles). You would be greatly remiss if you do not visit Machu Picchu at some point in your life. I made sure to mentally prepare our small team of six for the adventure and kept up a weekly progress report of how everyone was training. As you can see Cusco is one of Peru's highest cites. Those who will take being a lot smelly over taking a cold shower. Inca Trail to Machu Picchu - Wikipedia 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. Altitude sickness on the Inca Trail is rarely severe. Once you arrive, you will then have half a day to explore the ruins of Machu Picchu before heading back to Cusco by train. You do not need to be a vastly experienced hiker, but acquiring a good level of physical fitness prior to arriving in Peru will make everything easier and more enjoyable. A: The Inca Trail reaches an altitude of 2,700 meters (9300 feet) at its highest point. From what I have seen, the price is around $500-$700 USD per person. Your guide will show you the most important areas of the site and share with you their historical and cultural significance. Because of its popularity, the Peruvian Government instituted several controls to reduce human impact upon the trail and within the ancient city. 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. Inca trail 4D/3N - Review of SAM Travel Peru, Cusco, Peru - Tripadvisor Day 2 is considerably more difficult due to the severe elevation gain and altitude of the Inca Trail. Hiking the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Day-by-Day Itinerary for Trekking the Inca Trail (4 Days/3 Nights), Finding the Best Inca Trail Tour Operator. Single-use plastic bottles are a MASSIVE threat to marine life. What is the best time of year to hike the Inca Trail, How much does it cost to hike the Inca Trail, Can you do the Inca Trail without a guide, Do you need a permit to hike the Inca Trail. 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. Reaching the crest of this ridge reveals the grandeur of the ruins of Machu Picchu, which lie below. Note that, aside from the mark-up on price, Inca Trail tours booked via agencies will often simply place you on an available tour with one of several local operators, so you have very little control on the quality of the ultimate provider and group composition. 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) . As is Puno and Juliaca if you're planning to visit Lake Titicaca. The trail undulates, but overall ascends along the Cusichaka River. A maximum of 500 people are allowed on the trail each day, of which only 200 are trekkers, the rest being guides and porters. All the same, heres some must-bring packing for the Inca Trail: Finally, remember to pack light! You wont be able to enter the Inca Trail nor Machu Picchu without it. and any personal medications. Forgetting to book permits in advance for the Inca Trail and shorter day hikes is a mistake. Within the first hour of your day, you will reach the Runquraqay ruins. After celebrating your arrival to the top and snapping some photos, descend toward the Pacaymayo campsite (11,788 ft/3,590 m). Each morning, your bag will be weighed and collected, and it will be waiting for you at the campsite. It is recommended to spend a few days getting used to the elevation before you hike the Inca Trail. High elevation is the greatest challenge on the Inca Trail Trek. The ULTIMATE Guide to the Inca Trail Hike (DO IT in 2023) For those that would prefer more privacy, you can also pay extra for your own one-man tent. This means that it is incredibly foolish to arrive in Cusco, which is at 3,339m (11,151 feet) above sea-level, and leave the next day to do a strenuous hike or even start the Inca Trail. Whatever equipment you bring, you may not always get the best nights sleep - and it may be quite chilly in the evening - but its all part of the experience! 98 steps lead to this site, which is positioned on a cliff that affords splendid views of the Aobamba Valley. The Classic 4-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is the most sought after trek in Peru. The biggest problem that comes with increasing elevations is altitude sickness. Difficulty | Youre almost at the end and Machu Picchu, you should be hopping, skipping, and jumping all the way there! We do not represent World Nomads. Many trekkers find that hiking poles are helpful for navigating steep steps and reducing the impact on lower joints. 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. Only Inca Trail trekkers are awarded the privilege of arriving at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate entrance. 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). The High Inca Trail covers everything the classic Inca Trail does. Two groups of major architectural structures, a lower and upper, are set among multiple agricultural terraces at this concave mountainside site. 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). World Nomads mission is to support and encourage travellers to explore their boundaries. ", This page was last edited on 5 December 2022, at 05:54. Weve outlined our own route on the Inca Trail below and, in broad terms, this is the sort of the itinerary you can expect (note that this relates solely to the days spent on the hike, not the days of travelling to/from Cusco and Ollantaytambo): Day One: Travel from Ollantaytambo to km.82 in the morning and hike to campsite. The campsite at Llulluch'apampa (Llulluchapampa) is located on this stretch of trail at 3,800 metres (12,500ft). 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. So youve decided to hike the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. See below for tipping recommendations. If youre already in Peru or elsewhere in South America, then taking a flight from Lima - Cusco is the quickest and most sensible option. You can spend those days sightseeing in and around Cusco as there are plenty of archaeological sites like Nazca. The well-established route is outlined in the below image below (red line) but do note that your own specific campsites and stops may differ depending on your tour provider. The trail is about 26 miles (42 kilometers) long and takes four to five days to complete. As we were doing so many hikes in South America, we bought these excellent lightweight travel hiking poles in the UK. This highest point of the trek at 4,215 m (3,828 ft) with stunning views at the summit. 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. 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. Before leaving, I had heard horror stories about the difficulty of the hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. However, you also need to have a small daypack to carry your snacks, camera, water, suncream, and any medication, on the Trail itself - this will be carried by you and only you throughout the trip. Being in decent shape, acclimatising, carrying out a few practice hikes at home, keeping yourself hydrated, wearing in your hiking boots, and taking out the correct travel insurance are essential to staying safe and healthy on this hike; if youve made it this far down in our Inca Trail Guide and taken our advice on board, then you should have very few issues once you hit the Trail. Whether you're getting ready to hike, bike, trail run, or explore other outdoor activities, AllTrails has 22 scenic trails in the Jakarta area. Hiking boots with a solid tread and ankle support to help prevent injuries. Hiring a personal porter to carry your belongings and sleeping bag will make your trekking experience more enjoyable. Compare this with the speed of the electric rail train or KRL Jabodetabek, which is 80-100 kilometers per hourbecause it is designed according to operational needs with relatively close distances between stations . About a 25% chance of rain with a mix of weather conditions. The name Wiay Wayna (forever young) (win-yay-way-na) is used to refer to both a hostelrestaurantcamp site and a set of Inca ruins. [3][6][8], Hiram Bingham III discovered the site, but left most of it covered with vegetation. Throughout day 3 youll also see several mini Machu Picchu-like ruins spread throughout the trail. You are expected to bring and carry your own snacks, although our tour did provide us each with a snack bag on Day One of the trail (we finished ours on the last day, others finished it by Day Two). 6.8 miles (11 km). Personally, I could have spent the whole day there just in awe of the ruins. The biggest surprise for us both on the Trail was just how incredible the food provided was every single day. Its a somewhat strenuous 4 days so its important to consider what you are getting yourself into before leaving for the trip. Please consult your Travel Advisor with specific questions regarding trekking equipment and rental options during your Inca Trail trekking experience. Finally, when booking your tour for the Inca Trail, make sure that the tour operator is selling you the right trek and not misleading you with a similar sounding hike. As the above has hopefully made clear, the Inca Trail is not as difficult or challenging as you may think, but every persons own hike experience will be very subjective based on your fitness, hiking experience, your groups approach, attitude, the weather conditions on the route, and a bunch of other factors. Longer 5-day Inca Trail itineraries are also available for travelers with a bit more time for hiking to Machu Picchu. Yes, sadly the answer to the question Can you hike the Inca Trail without a guide?is a big fat depressingno. The best time to hike the Inca Trail is May throughSeptember when there is less rain and the temperatures are slightly cooler. After all, its not a race and all about the incredible journey through Peru. are 500 permits available, approximately 200 allocated to tourists and 300 to guides, porters, and cooks. The trail reaches the pass at an elevation of 3950m. The trail continues through high cloud forest, undulating, sometimes steeply while affording increasingly dramatic viewpoints of mountains and dropoffs. The distances involved in hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Pichu are not that great. The third and fourth day of the Inca Trail altitude change is a relative descent to Machu Picchu. The lowest point on the trail at Llactapata ruins is roughly 2250m (7,382ft). The meals are quite exquisite considering that all of the ingredients and cooking supplies are carried from the Sacred Valley. Thankfully, the weather gods were rooting for us, and we only had one bad rain shower and a single morning of dense mist to contend with - as our guide told us, this wont always be the case for those hiking the Inca Trail in rainy season. How long is the Inca trail (day by day hiking length). The 4-day Inca Trail begins at Km 82 which has an elevation of 8,230 ft (2,600 m). As with other sites that were being degraded due to overuse, camping is no longer allowed. Fascinating Facts About the Inca Trail - TOUR IN PERU Let your Travel Advisor know if you'd be interested, as Inca Trail permits also need to be purchased in advance for porters. 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!). As mentioned, the tour company will provide the tents and porters will carry the majority of the camping equipment. Tips for porters and guides (more on this below). A daypack to carry water, a boxed lunch provided by your hiking guide, camera, personal items for your overnight in Aguas Calientes, etc. If you are seeing a higher price than this, then you will either be on a very very luxury tour or likely booking through a tour agent. This trek additionally permits hikers to enter Machu Picchu through its Sun Gate. The hike itself, which brings you along ancient narrow paths deep into the Peruvian countryside and high into the Andean mountains, is gorgeous; perfect Incan ruins, cloud forest, and majestic valley views laid out like breadcrumbs along the way to perhaps the greatest end-point of any multi-day hike on earth, the iconic Machu Picchu. Plan to spend two to three days staying in Cusco acclimatizing before beginning the trek. The number of these views increases. [9], The trail then descends approximately 1000metres including an irregular staircase of approximately 1500 steps, some of which were carved into solid granite. In addition to the Classic 4-day Inca Trail trek, there is a shorter full-day trek. And for transparencys sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. Personally, we wouldnt recommend anyone under the age of 14 to do the trek due to group dynamics. Best tips before you hike the Inca trail to Machu Picchu 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). The exact itinerary for the hike may differ between various Inca Trail tour operators, but almost all groups follow a similar itinerary and have set times to leave to avoid overcrowding.