Facts about the Inca Trail

Are you seeking a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, filled with breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and personal triumph? Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in Peru might be exactly what you’re looking for! Let’s explore these fascinating Inca Trail facts and discover why it is an unforgettable experience!

Why is the Inca Trail famous?

The Inca Trail is undeniably one of the most famous destinations in Peru. Often hailed as the “world’s greatest hike,” it offers the best of both worlds: a four-to-five day trek to the awe-inspiring lost city of Machu Picchu, winding through the zone where the snow-capped Andes Mountains meet the lush high jungle of the Amazon basin. The incredible natural scenery combined with the historical significance of hiking an ancient trail and visiting several incomparable Incan ruins along the way makes the Inca Trail Tours one of the world’s best hikes!

How long is the Inca Trail?

The classic Inca Trail route to Machu Picchu spans 39 km (24 miles) and typically takes 4 days to complete. Most people find that covering these 39 kilometers over 3 days (with the fourth day being a short hike to Machu Picchu) is challenging enough, even with some prior training! The steepness and high mountain air limit the distance most people can cover each day.

For those who prefer a more leisurely pace, the Inca Trail can also be completed in 5 days, allowing for more time to soak in the breathtaking scenery.

If you’re in a hurry, there’s the option to tackle the Inca Trail Marathon, known as one of the most difficult marathons in the world. With extreme climbs and descents, it’s estimated to be as tough as running nearly two grueling marathons back-to-back!

Accurate records can be hard to find, but it’s believed that a local porter set the record for the Inca Trail Marathon at 3 hours and 23 minutes, while foreigners have completed it in just over 5 hours.

How high does the Inca Trail reach?

Trekkers reach the highest point at Dead Woman’s Pass, standing at an impressive 13,828 feet (4,215 meters). For comparison, Whistler’s peak is a mere 2,184 meters, and even the majestic El Capitan in Yosemite National Park is just 2,307 meters. Those who conquer the Inca Trail can take great pride in summiting such a high-altitude pass!

Why is it called Dead Woman’s Pass?

The Quechua name for the highest point on the Inca Trail is Abra Warmiwanusca, which translates to Dead Woman’s Pass. It is called Dead Woman’s Pass because, when viewed from the valley below, it resembles a woman’s supine body.

Many trekkers can relate to the name, as they often feel completely exhausted, like a “dead woman” (or man!), by the time they reach the top of the pass!

How many stairs are there on the Inca trail?

Thinking about the enormous climb up Dead Woman’s Pass, one word comes to mind: STEPS! While I haven’t personally counted them, a quick Google search reveals that there are approximately 70,866 steps on the Inca Trail.

From Wayllabamba Campsite at 3,010 meters (9,875 feet) to Dead Woman’s Pass at 4,215 meters (13,828 feet), there is a 1,205 meter altitude gain in just a few hours of hiking. If each step is about half a meter, that translates to over 2,000 steps! If you have more accurate information on this Inca Trail fact, please share it in the comments!

How cold can it get on the Inca Trail?

High altitude temperatures can change quickly and drastically on the Inca Trail. Nights can get quite cold, especially during the winter months (May-September) when temperatures may drop below 0°C (32°F). During the rest of the year, it is slightly warmer but also wetter.

Is the Inca Trail dangerous?

By mountain hiking standards, the Inca Trail is not considered dangerous. The terrain is moderate, and the trail is well maintained, requiring no special ropes, harnesses, or technical training. However, you do need to be fit to hike the Inca Trail!

There are inherent risks associated with any high-altitude activity, and as mentioned earlier, the hike reaches an elevation of 13,828 feet (4,215 meters).

The rainy season in Peru brings additional risks to all mountain routes, including landslides and falling rocks. There have been a few deaths on the Inca Trail during extremely wet conditions in January, which is why the Inca Trail is closed in February.

What is the history of the Inca Trail?

If you are looking for Inca Trail facts, the history of the Inca Trail is fascinating. The story of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu begins over 500 years ago, during the height of the Incan Empire. During that time, the Incas built an enormous network of trails that connected their entire empire, spanning from Ecuador and Colombia through Peru and down into Chile, even crossing parts of Argentina, Bolivia, and Brazil. This was an incredible feat of engineering, with the roads covering an estimated distance of between 23,000 km and 45,000 km! The entire network, known as the Qhapaq Ñan, is referred to as the Royal Road, which includes the famous 43 km stretch known today as the Inca Trail.

Was the Inca trail a royal road?

One often mentioned Inca Trail fact is that it was a royal road. As we have pointed out, the entire Qhapaq Ñan is known as the “Royal Road.” The belief that the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu was part of this network and used solely for religious pilgrimages may have contributed to this idea. The religious significance and the fact that only a small number of Incan elite could use the road have given it an aura of ‘specialness.’

There are various theories about the purpose of Machu Picchu, but whether it was a religious site or an Incan vacation resort, it is generally agreed that only the Inca, the royal emperor, was allowed on this portion of the trail as he traveled to the sacred site of Machu Picchu.

Who rediscovered the Inca trail?

The actual Inca Trail to Machu Picchu was re-discovered by Hiram Bingham during his clearing work and investigations between 1912 and 1915, following the ‘discovery’ of Machu Picchu in 1911. There are various sites between Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu where you can observe a variety of architectural resources that emphasize the importance and mysticism of this Royal Road. The purpose of the Inca Trail was religious and ceremonial, serving as a pilgrimage that included rituals to honor the mountains and peaks along the route, such as Veronica or Wakaywilka.

In the 1980s, modern-day explorer Johan Reinhard hiked the Inca Trail several times and is best known for discovering several Inca mummies believed to have been sacrificed to the gods. His discoveries have significantly enhanced our understanding of how the Inca Trail was used.

Why did Incas leave Machu Picchu?

As mentioned earlier, there are various theories regarding the purpose of Machu Picchu, though there is less debate that the Inca Trail route served as a ceremonial pilgrimage for the Incas. It is believed that Machu Picchu was abandoned or fell out of use just before or around 1531, when the Spanish explorer Francisco Pizarro and his brothers arrived in what is now Peru for their conquest.

One of the key factors that facilitated the rapid and decisive conquest of the Inca Empire by the Spanish was the devastating impact of smallpox, which was introduced by earlier Spanish expeditions into the Incan empire. It is known that the Inca ruler Huayna Capac succumbed to smallpox, leaving his succession in disarray. This led to a civil war between two half-brothers — one based in Quito and the other in Cusco. It is quite possible that Machu Picchu was abandoned simply because, as a place of leisure, it could not be maintained during the state of crisis. As a result, the Spanish never discovered Machu Picchu, despite leading several military campaigns past it during their final conquest of the Incas.

Why do porters work on the Inca Trail?

Remember, the Inca people didn’t have horses, and even when the Spanish arrived with these impressive beasts, the llama was much better suited to the high-altitude terrain of the Incan trails. Llamas, with their large, soft-padded feet, also caused less damage to the stones that make up these trails.

Even in the early days of hiking the Inca Trail, it was recognized that horses could damage the precious Incan masonry, while large groups of llamas might create other issues. Since the conquest, the llama has largely fallen out of use among the Quechua people of the Andes.

Tourism on the Inca Trail became very popular after the defeat of the guerrilla group the Shining Path in the early 1990s. In 2001, new Inca Trail regulations required permits for trekkers as well as porters; today, 300 porters and guides support 200 tourists daily.

And where to do the porters come from?

The vast majority of the porters who work on the Inca Trail are Quechua people from the mountain villages around Ollantaytambo and the Sacred Valley. They lead a remote and isolated subsistence lifestyle in the high mountains, where they herd llamas and alpacas, and grow crops like potatoes. Many of their customs are similar to those of the Incas, and they speak Quechua, the language of the Incas. While some may feel uncomfortable having others carry their gear, employing local people (mostly men) is crucial for the local economy. The most important thing is to choose a travel agency that treats their porters ethically and ensures prompt and accurate payment.

The Inca Trail is the only way to walk through the Sun gate

Another interesting fact about the Inca Trail is that the pilgrimage route, the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, is the only way to pass through the Sun Gate, known as Inti Punku in Quechua. It is located a significant distance from the Machu Picchu site itself, leading researchers to believe it was a strategic entry point. The name “Inti Punku” comes from the fact that the sun’s rays pass through it during the summer solstices.

On the last day of the 4-day trek, weary trekkers are rewarded with the incredible sight of Machu Picchu as they walk through Inti Punku, the Sun Gate, at sunrise. This is the ONLY trek that allows you to experience this. On other routes, like the Short Inca Trail and the 5-day Inca Trail, you can pass through the Sun Gate at other times of the day — still special, but not at dawn.

Spaces to hike the Inca trail are limited.

Since 2001, the number of permits to hike the Inca Trail has been limited to just 500 people per day, including guides and porters. Before Covid-19, permits were in exceptionally high demand and often sold out up to 8 months in advance! With the Inca Trail closed in February due to the rainy season — and rumors that it might one day be closed entirely — it remains a true privilege for anyone who gets to hike its awesome length.

Hike the Inca Trail and you’ll feel AMAZING.

Let’s be honest: the Inca Trail, as amazing as it is, is no walk in the park. It’s a strenuous, uphill hike over challenging terrain, all at high altitude. The intrepid souls who venture out onto the trail battle sore muscles, burning lungs, and mosquitoes. During the day, the blazing sun threatens to turn you into a puddle of sweat, while at night, freezing temperatures keep you tightly bundled.

But then… walking through the Sun Gate, catching that first glimpse of Machu Picchu, with the sun just beginning to rise over the distant peaks of those glorious, verdant mountains, you realize: it was all worth it. There’s truly no beating the sense of accomplishment you feel after overcoming such physical and mental challenges. Knowing that you’ve completed a historic journey and being rewarded with some of the most spectacular views in the world is an unparalleled feeling.

Did we mention the Inca trail is beautiful?

Simply put, the Inca Trail is stunning. Every day, you encounter a wonderful array of archaeological sites to feast your eyes upon, accompanied by breathtaking Andean scenery that surrounds you every step of the way. From snow-capped mountains and alpine tundra to lush cloud forest and sub-tropical Andean jungle, the Inca Trail offers an unparalleled journey through a series of diverse micro-climates.