Everything you need to know about the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
The Inca Trail is by far the most famous trek in South America and ranks among many in the top five of the best hikes in the world. In just 43 km, it manages to combine stunning mountain scenery, lush cloud forests, subtropical jungle and, of course, an astonishing mix of Inca cobblestones, ruins and tunnels. The path has no better destination.
Everything you need to know about the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Do the Inca Trail: All the information to hike to Machu Picchu
The Inca Trail is by far the most famous trek in South America and ranks among many in the top five of the best hikes in the world. In just 43 km, it manages to combine stunning mountain scenery, lush cloud forests, subtropical jungle and, of course, an astonishing mix of Inca cobblestones, ruins and tunnels. The path has no better destination: Machu Picchu, the mysterious “lost city of the Incas” in Peru. This may be a goal for you, the adventure of a lifetime, and it is for this reason that you have gathered as much information as possible to organize your trek on the Inca Trail.
Be careful, don’t get me wrong, this trek is not for everyone. The Inca Trail requires climbing peaks (including one at 4,200 meters) and descending slippery and uneven Inca cobblestones. Practice at least a few weeks before your departure.
What is Inca Trail?
The Inca Trail has become a bit of a hikers’ highway and it is for this reason that the government has limited its ascent to 350 people per day included the workers (2021). You must go through an approved agency with a group to tread the Inca cobblestones, but if this is really your wish then do it, it is a unique experience.
When to do the Inca Trail?
The Inca Trail is closed in February for maintenance. Except for this (rainy) month it is possible to leave the rest of the year. From December to March, it is the rainy season.
June, July and August are the coldest, driest months, and therefore the most popular. If you are a regular hiker, physically prepared and with the necessary equipment, you can go trekking any time of the year (except February).
The Inca Trail 4 day is very busy. So to avoid the crowds, it is best to leave either from March to May or from September to November.
How to book the trek on the Inca Trail?
First of all, note that only 350 people can use the Inca Trail tours each day, involves the Classic Inca Trail, Inca Trail Piso Valle and Salkantay to Inca Trail Trek. Half of them are locals and work on the trail (guides, porters, cooks, etc.). Thus, you often have to book several months in advance.
If you want to hike between May and August, book 6 months in advance.
For the rest of the year, you can get your admission a few weeks in advance, but there are no rules about it. You can only do the trek through an approved agency. There are around 200 Inca Trail tour companies to organize treks on the Inca Trail.
Make sure you compare services, prices and most importantly, check that the agency is approved by the Peruvian government. You will find the complete and up-to-date list on the official website: Inca Trail Tour Operator (see in Consultas / Queries).
How to get there ?
If you want to do this trek, you have probably planned a trip to Peru. The first thing to do there is therefore to go to Cuzco. It is from this city that are located the agencies which leave groups of hikers every day.
What to take in your bag for the Inca Trail?
It is best to pack as many useful clothes as possible without making your bag too heavy. Easier said than done when you know that the intense heat of the equatorial sun rubs shoulders with cold nights in the mountains in a tent on the Inca Trail. The best way to get away with both of these extremes is to dress in layers rather than a chunky sweater. If you forgot something, don’t despair because you will easily find what you will need in Cuzco or in another big Peruvian city.
Suggested list to pack for the Inca Trail:
01. Backpack (65 liters should be quite sufficient).
02. Comfortable walking shoes with good ankle support.
03. Sleeping bag (can be rented in Cuzco)
04. Clothing
2 hiking pants (light)
2 T-shirts
1 Short-sleeved hiking shirt
1 Long-sleeved hiking shirt
2 Shorts
Underwear and socks (thermal underwear highly recommended, being light, warm and good for cold nights)
05. Fleece jacket
06. K-Way or poncho
07. Hat or cap for protection from the sun
08. Toiletries: soap, toothbrush, toothpaste and toilet paper etc…
09. Sunscreen, lip balm, sunglasses
10. Flashlight
11. Basic first aid kit
12. Protection against insects
13. Belt to store your money + passport
14. Camera / Camera
15. Water bottles
16. Water purification tablets (Micropur tablets can be found in Cuzco, they are very effective).
17.Walking poles if necessary
And possibly binoculars.
Inca Trail Itinerary
Usually the local guide will pick you up from your hotel, transfers to the trailhead. the 4-day trek is the most point to start the hike
At kilometer 82, the village of Ollantaytambo is on the Cuzco railway line. This is where you show your passport and Inca Trail permit for the path. This first day consists of a simple, manageable 11 km hike. You will notably pass the Inca ruins at Llactapata for a taste of the rest of your trek.
The second day is the most difficult part of the hike: the main climb takes you to 4200m and the Warmiwañusca pass. At the top of the pass, you have a view of the whole valley and it becomes difficult to imagine the endurance of the ancient Inca chasquis (“messengers”) who traveled the path to broadcast emergency messages between the tambos (“points of rest “). One day, perhaps, they delivered the news of the arrival of the Spaniards. From there, take your photos, congratulate your group, and “flee” the strong winds to the lush green cornucopia of the cloud forest below. The Pacamayu camp, 600 meters below, will be where you spend the second (cool) night, but the third day indicates that the worst is over.
Day three begins with an hour and a half ascent to another pass at Sayaqmarka. If this puts you off, you will find some comfort in the fact that, now that you have climbed this pass, you are well advanced in completing the Inca Trail. Depending on the time of year you hike here, the colors of the orchids will put you in a good mood. You will then pass Wiñay Wayna where the Incas built cultivation terraces.
The fourth and final day is no ordinary hiking day. This is a real study of human behavior: during a short 2-hour trek to reach Inti Punku (Sun Gate), the guides will try to be the first at the site checkpoint. Some hikers get up well before 5:30 a.m. to secure their place on the front line. Everyone tries to take the picture of Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate without tourists being present in the background.
Machu Picchu Hike
You have reached Machu Picchu and any feeling of fatigue and bitterness towards these tourists before you gives way to some euphoria. Now enjoy the famous ruins. You will then take a shuttle bus to Aguas Calientes, then to Ollantaytambo by train and back to Cusco.
INCA TRAIL COST
Prices for the Inca Trail can vary widely and the many options can be confusing. Typically, the price for the 4-day trek ranges from $ 560 to $ 700 and includes a tent, food, cook, one-day entrance fee to the ruins of Machu Picchu, and return by train.
Alternative routes to get to Machu Picchu
The Machu Picchu trek 2 Days: this is the shortest version of the fabulous Inca Trail, for those who have less time available and do not want to miss this unique trek. This hike starts at kilometer 104.
The Salkantay Trek: Less known and much more available, this trek is longer, higher, less frequented, with more “immense” landscapes, and fewer archaeological ruins. It is generally done over 5 days and it takes around $ 550.
SALKANTAY WALK WITHOUT GUIDE — travellerexperience.medium.com
Salkantay Walk without Guide
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOWFor many years, the Inca Trail tours 2021, the famous trail that leads to Machu Pichu tours , has become very difficult to do. Firstly, it is limited to around 200 travelers per day (500 with guides, porters, cooks, etc.), so you must book at least 4 months in advance in high season. I’m not even talking to you about the price.Fortunately, there are thief alternatives!
National Geographic Adventure Travel magazine counts it among the best hikes in the world, passing through the most striking mountain in the region, culminating at 6270m, I allow travelers to see a multitude of incredible landscapes, I follow them, I am, I am following you! The Salkantay trek, of course! (It was difficult considering the title)
RECOMMENDATIONSThis walk lasts five days, it is of medium difficulty, if one goes through a branch, it is difficult alone. We did approximately 89 km on foot with 3,700 m of unevenness and more than 15 kg on the back.
The advantages onlyThe price returns to U$ 240 all inclusive for 5 days! Transportation, accommodation, food, entrance to Machu Pichu in the morning with access to the mountain.You are dependent on a few people, fewer restrictions, almost total autonomy in nature.You are very proud to have done it later!
The solo downsidesYou carry your accommodation, your food and all the accompanying equipment on your back, which makes the hike much more challenging and difficult.You should know that when you go through a Salkantay tour operators, you will have at least U$ 550, tips included. His things are carried by horses, he doesn’t walk all the way and he walks in groups of about 10 people.
If you need to rent a tent and other camping equipment, we recommend the Speedy Gonzales camping center in Cusco with very good equipment at an excellent price.
To carry out- A tent- A mattress- A sleeping bag with a comfort zone at 0 ° C.- Sticks (optional)- Clothes to withstand a temperature of 0 to -5 ° C, but can also be comfortable at 20 ° C in the sun- Waterproof- Headlamp (phone flash may be sufficient)- Passport and money, of course.- Trekking shoes (we do it in sneakers)- Light cap, scarf or hat to protect yourself from the sun- Kitchen kit with something to heat the pan- Sunscreen- Mosquito repellents (very important)- Care kit- Towels and products to take care of your hygiene (brush your teeth in particular and shower gel for the few you will have during the walk)- Phone with Maps.me application- External battery with USB cable- The PQ Roll!- Sausages, cheese and white wine … Ah well, we are not in France, complicated!- FoodWe are not experts, but the goal is simple, to have enough energy and nutritional elements in the least amount of space in our bag!
Here is the list of what I took:- 5 soups- 5 cans of tuna- Wholemeal bread- 5 cans of pasta- A 2 liter bottle of water- 10 cereal bars- Tea and 400 g of muesli
It was enough for me, it depends on appetite, of course.
As for the water, we are in each point of the field of around 10 soles per bottle (U$ 3.5) 2.5 L. It also has the solution for the use of tablets that treat impurities in order to fill your bottle with tap water or different water points you find.
SALKANTAY ADVENTURE WITHOUT GUIDEDay 1: the most difficult day for me.Until 04:30, towards Acoparta street in Cusco to take a bus (mini-bus) at 15 soles (U$ 15), Mollepata destination, 3 hours by car.
In Mollepata, you must pay 10 soles for entrance fee to Salkantay Trek, it is not clear why, but this is the entrance price for the gringos.
We started this day at 8:45 am after trying our kitchen equipment for breakfast on the edge of a dirt road, very glamorous!
In the 23 km program that includes 1400m of unevenness to reach Soraypampa, settle in the camp, visit humantay lake and return for the beer at the end of the day. 10 soles (U$ 5) for a tent, this is the price we pay. The bags have their maximum weight, weight 20 kg and Michael at 16, we adapt according to our respective weights knowing that we are going to be very loaded, but that was the price to pay!
The weather is great, the weather is nice and even warm (October)! Some climbs are significant and the first pain is felt in the back and shoulders! Fortunately, the scenery is pleasant with a view of the surrounding mountains.
Almost anyone we come across to the locals to share with their horses during the day. The last 5 kilometers before reaching Soraypampa are along a road were endless, the legs were heavy, with the back, but the poise, the beer of victory in the lead!
We arrived at 3:15 p.m. , after 7:30 a.m. of walks and various breaks. The place where we put the tent is magnificent, we have in view the side of a mountain that leads to Lake Humantay with dozens of horses, at 3900 m above sea level.
We settled in, recovered a bit before starting the 1h30 hike to reach the famous Lake Humantay.
It was hard on the legs, especially since oxygen starvation was felt during inspiration, but we had to reach the top before the sun disappeared! We got to the top a few minutes too late, flute! This does not detract from the beauty of the place with an emerald lake and snow in the background. A well-deserved visual treat!
Day 2 Salkantay Mountain (Apu Sacred Mountain)The first night in a tent is never easy, especially with a non-inflatable mattress, not very thick, in short, we really feel the ground!
Depart a little late at 7.45 am (no rush), towards Chaullay (19 km according to MAPS.ME). We start with the difficulty of the day, the increase of 1 hour to pass Huayracpampa, located at 4460 m. Tired Legs from the day before, again a little painful, you arrive at the same time as the agency groups with a view of the gun on the Salkantay glacier!
We took advantage of the view for 20 minutes and set off for a long descent towards Chaullay!
Change of landscape on the descent with vegetation that becomes more and more dense over the hundreds of meters of altitude that we lose.
We begin to get used to the weight we carry on our backs, the hike is active, we arrive at 2:50 p.m. in the first camp we found. 10 more soles for a store launch, that’s perfect.
Day 3: the most difficult day for Michael’s DayDeparture at 07:15, the day was sunny yet announcement on the 24km ride program with:- A long descent of 16 km, a drop of 850 m from Sahuayaco.- A second part that includes 7 km of ascent over 800 m of positive altitude before reaching the El Abra Q’elloqasa campsite.
The first part is a delight, we descend along the river, the path is narrow, but well marked.
It is not recommended during the rainy season, as it can be dangerous, but in September there is no risk, the ground is dry and not very slippery. In any case, there is the alternative of taking the path to the other side of the river.
11:15 am, we arrive at the small town of Sahuayaco where we take bananas from a few soles to regain strength, the most difficult part is waiting for us.
We continue our journey with 2 cows that accompany us for a few minutes and begin the ascent. 15 minutes later we found picnic facilities with chickens, dogs and cats that surround us, it is time to eat!
We meet a girl who lives in the place, happy to meet people around here, we understand!We take our bags, the sun is strong, but we are ahead and eager to get to the top!
So, we went up this path that the Inca used to use, there are many stone steps, but this does not necessarily facilitate climbing, the effort on the legs is more difficult and the weight of the bags feels more than ever. . The number of breaks accelerates at the end, we don’t see the end of this climb!
The landscape is becoming increasingly wild with a dense jungle surrounding us! The last kilometer was a real mental and physical hell, but we are nearing the top!
We arrived at 14:30, the need for the rest is omnipresent, this climb is over! Fortunately, the effort is worth it and a panoramic view awaits us with the snow-covered Salkantay to Machu Picchu, but especially Machu Picchu in the distance, a sign that we are getting closer!
Day 4From the Abra de Q’elloqasa, we go to Hidroelectrica, then to Agua Caliente. First bulbs for Michael’s Day, if not very heavy legs after these last days of hiking, luckily there is no climb today, just downhill and flat!14 km to the Municipal camp at the foot of the climb to reach Machu Pichhu, just before Agua Calientes. Speaking of the latter, we must go there to buy our tickets to Machu Picchu with access to the mountain as well (200 soles for the morning slot, equivalent to U$ 65). This last walk is equivalent to 4 km round trip.
Therefore, we hurry, under the scorching sun once again and follow the rails where the famous train from Cusco passes to reach Machu Picchu.Walking is painful because it is done on large stones and the arch of the foot is probably tired of not amortizing for four days now!
Upon arrival at the camp, we found that it is infested with mosquitoes, luckily we only stayed for one night!
Day 5 Machu Picchu!!In today’s program more than 7 km to visit Machu Picchu (1000m of altitude), its mountain and go back down at the campsite followed by more than 8 km to reach Hidro Eléctrica and take the mini-bus.
At 4:30 a.m. We fill up on muesli and cereal bars before starting the ascent to reach Machu Picchu. Stupor! We see a row of 50 people blocked, because they open the access only from 05:00 and we did not realize it! In short, we are patient, the doors open, the climb lasted 45 minutes with one hundred steps and we arrived at 5:50 am in the first 10 for the opening, perfect.The people behind us, before entering.
We enter the facilities and take our eyes full! The site is truly magical with an incredible view of the mountains and ruins that mark the undeniable fact that these Incas were so crazy to have settled there!
We meet slats that occupy the facilities before starting the climb to the Machu Picchu mountain!
More steps! The sun is this time for 45 minutes of steep climb! Machu Picchu (the site) is gradually moving away and here we are at 3000m with views of the surroundings, I have no words!However, little regret, because for many days a puppy had settled on the top of the mountain, but we did not have the opportunity to cross it, flute! This was followed by a visit to the city with cultivation terraces and the most urban area.
Corn, potatoes and other vegetables were grown on these terraces that could feed up to 10,000 people! The popular area was divided into several districts: noble, popular and sacred. This is where religious and civil activities took place. This ancient city dates from the XV century.
At 10 a.m., we had finished watching the program, we had the passport stamped with the Machu Picchu logo before going back down, folding the tent, putting away our things, eating and going to Hydro Electrica before 2:30 p.m. to take a mini-bus to Cusco (40 soles) and 6 hours of driving.
Other more recommended Salkantay Trail Alternatives that you can also do alone is Choquequirao Trek is a level 5 hike where it is more complex if you do not arrive at the city of Machu Picchu but you arrive at a similar citadel or better Machu Picchu.
You also have an alternative to make Lares trek is one of the most expensive tours where you pass through lagoons, mountains, snowy mountains and many native populations, if you have little time in Peru and your calendar is very tight you can do the alternative of Short Inca Trail where you will have the opportunity to walk on Inca roads where they were wandering to reach the citadel of machu picchu, if you have between 3 to 4 days you can do Machu Picchu Hike is the 3 day walk with all inclusive
