Ultimate Guide to the Inca Trail: Peru’s Most Famous Trek

Every year, Peru welcomes hundreds of adventurists who dream about joining the adventure considered to be one of the world’s most depicted. This is the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu that ends in the mysteriously famous city of Machu Picchu. To promise yourself a life-changing trek and years-long memories, peek into this guide gathering pieces of what to expect, ways to avoid mistakes, and stages of fundamental planning of your journey.

Overview

During the 14th and 15th centuries, the Inca meticulously crafted a network of pathways connecting villages, fertile farmlands, regal domains, and revered religious sites. This intricate web stood as the most sophisticated and expansive transportation system across South America before Columbus’ arrival. Spanning from the Andes in southern Colombia to the northern boundaries of Patagonia, Inca trails formed crucial arteries for trade, cultural exchange, and imperial dominance.

At the nucleus of the Inca Empire lay Cusco, while the Sacred Valley served as its spiritual and regal enclave. The ceremonial path leading from the Urubamba river valley to the lofty heights of Machu Picchu emerged as the emblematic “Inca Trail” celebrated today. These very stone steps and sanctuaries traversed by the Inca continue to be trodden upon by both the Quechua people (the descendants of the Inca) and modern-day travelers.

Itinerary options

The classic Inca Trail typically spans four to five days, culminating with a symbolic passage through the revered Sun Gate to reach Machu Picchu. Many travelers complement this trek with various activities throughout the Sacred Valley. It’s advisable to schedule the Inca Trail toward the conclusion of your exploration of the Cusco Region, allowing ample time for acclimatization.

Each of the itineraries outlined below ensures an afternoon or evening arrival at Machu Picchu, followed by an overnight stay in Aguas Calientes. Subsequently, the following day is dedicated to the primary exploration of the ancient ruins.

Short Inca Trail (2 days)

Explore complete itinerary. Recently, a daily allowance of 200 permits has been designated for those trekking the final leg of the Inca Trail. This option proves ideal for time-constrained adventurers, granting passage through the renowned Sun Gate into Machu Picchu. To optimize your experience, depart from Cusco or Ollantaytambo promptly to seize the day’s opportunities, and remain mindful of checkpoint closure times (having a dependable guide is indispensable for staying on course).

Classic Inca Trail (4-day version)

This represents the quintessential rendition of the Inca Trail, guiding you steadily towards the magnificent Machu Picchu. It stands as the prime choice for those with time constraints or a preference for fewer camping nights along the trail.

Classic Inca Trail (5-day version)

View full itinerary. Compared to the 4-day version, the 5-day Inca Trail itinerary moves at a slower pace and allow more time to enjoy the sights along the way. If you have the time, we highly recommend taking 5 days as it lends itself to a much better overall experience (see the next section).

What to expect on the trail

Each year, a multitude of adventurers flock to Peru to embark on the legendary Inca Trail, thus encountering fellow travelers along the path. Due to the restricted daily permits, securing a slot on the Inca Trail Tours can prove challenging, particularly during peak seasons when bookings fill up 5–6 months ahead. (Of the 500 permits allocated daily, only 200 are earmarked for international trekkers, with the remainder reserved for staff and porters.)

While 500 daily hikers may seem substantial, the reality is that the Inca Trail maintains a sense of spaciousness. Despite following a single main route, adept guides ensure groups are evenly dispersed, mitigating the feeling of overcrowding. However, due to limited camping facilities, trekkers often converge at the same campsites each night along the journey.

Private vs Group Tours

Travelers must arrange their Inca Trail trek through a licensed local agency authorized to operate on the trail and procure permits on their behalf. Your initial decision should involve determining whether you prefer a private, guided excursion or are amenable to joining a group trek. Each option offers unique rewards; your choice should align with your preferences and budgetary considerations.

Should I do 4 days or 5 days?

Enhancing your Inca Trail experience and sidestepping crowds can be achieved by extending your trek to five days, if time permits. Here’s why opting for a 5-day itinerary is advantageous:

• Avoiding the 4-day crowds: While most trekkers opt for the standard 4-day journey, embarking on a 5-day adventure allows you to maintain a different pace from the majority. This flexibility enables you to synchronize your schedule to reach key sites and campsites either before or after the rush of other groups.
• Prioritizing rest: With an additional day, you can indulge in a more leisurely start, waking up around 7–8 am and ensuring a well-rested body throughout the day. This rejuvenation grants you increased vigor to relish the trek, savor scenic marvels en route, and fully immerse yourself in the wonder of Machu Picchu upon its culmination.
• Improved acclimatization: Extending your journey to five days facilitates better acclimatization before tackling the challenging Dead Woman’s Pass (4215 m / 13,828 ft) on Day 3. Unlike the 4-day itinerary, where this pass is crossed on Day 2 with limited acclimatization time, the extended timeframe allows for a more gradual adjustment to the altitude.
• Securing prime campsites: With the added day, you gain the flexibility to select optimal campsites. Collaborating with your group, you can choose spots boasting the most breathtaking vistas or those in close proximity to the ruins, ensuring an unparalleled camping experience tailored to your preferences.

How much does it cost?

Inca Trail costs fluctuate based on the local tour operator selected and the desired level of service, ranging from standard to luxurious. In the case of private tours, pricing is contingent upon the size of your group — larger groups typically yield a lower per-person rate. Conversely, for group tours, the pricing remains consistent irrespective of group size.

Choosing what company to go with

Given its widespread popularity, the Inca Trail has become a market-driven venture with competitive pricing. However, it’s imperative to exercise caution when opting for cheaper alternatives, as they often entail compromises in quality, such as subpar equipment and inexperienced guides, leaving you with a sense of being rushed through the trek rather than being attentively guided.

We strongly advocate for selecting a reputable company with a proven track record, fair compensation for their guides and porters (which translates to better-equipped and more skilled staff), and provision of high-quality equipment. Investing a bit more, perhaps an additional hundred dollars, to align with a seasoned company can yield significant dividends in terms of the caliber and overall satisfaction of your trekking experience.

What’s included in the price

Quotations encompass all essential elements for completing the trek to Machu Picchu, including transportation, services, and equipment. However, please note that certain services required post-Machu Picchu exploration may not be included.

Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of what’s typically included in all Inca Trail prices:

• Transportation to the trek’s starting point (from Cusco or Ollantaytambo to 85 km)
• All meals throughout the trek (inclusive of breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
• Camping gear (double occupancy tents equipped with thermarest sleeping pads)
• Services of a certified English-speaking guide
• Porter support, with each porter capable of carrying up to 15 kg
• Provision of a first-aid kit
• Guided excursion of Machu Picchu on the concluding day of the trek

Inca Trail permits

Securing a government-issued permit is a prerequisite for embarking on the Inca Trail, with a daily quota of 200 permits reserved for foreign visitors. To prevent companies from monopolizing permits, they are allocated on a “first-come, first-served” basis. Typically, permits are released either in December or January annually and tend to sell out rapidly, often for several months in advance. To guarantee your place on the Inca Trail, we advise finalizing your booking before this period or up to 6 months ahead.

Inca Trail alternatives

Fortunately, if permits for your preferred dates are sold out, there are several other remarkable treks that culminate at Machu Picchu. The 3-Day Lares trek, the 5-Day Salkantay trek, and the 7-Day Choquequirao trek all traverse scenic routes adorned with their own archaeological sites en route to Machu Picchu.

However, it’s worth noting that these alternative treks do not lead directly to Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate. Instead, they conclude in Aguas Calientes, the village situated at the foot of Machu Picchu. From there, you’ll embark on a guided tour of the ruins on the following day.

When to hike the Inca Trail

Given Peru’s location in the Southern Hemisphere, the seasons diverge from those familiar to Americans and Europeans. Consequently, July and August generally offer moderate temperatures (with potentially chilly nights), whereas the winter months, characterized by the rainy season, bring about hot and humid conditions. For a comprehensive guide on optimal timing for your trip, here’s an in-depth overview detailing the best times to visit Peru.

Shoulder season (May & October)

Highly recommended. Late spring (May) and early autumn (October) are optimal for hiking the Inca Trail. During these months, the trail experiences fewer crowds while still offering favorable weather conditions reminiscent of the peak summer months.

Busy season (June to September)

This period sees the highest influx of hikers on the Inca Trail. While you can expect excellent weather, be prepared for crowds as it coincides with the summer vacation season in the northern hemisphere.

Off-season (November to April)

Characterized by the rainy season in the Andes, spanning from November to April. Although the Inca Trail remains open (except for February), trail conditions are less than ideal during this time.

Getting there & away

Cusco stands as the closest city with access to both domestic and international flights, serving as the primary launchpad for excursions to the Inca Trail and the Sacred Valley. Spending 2–3 days immersing yourself in Cusco’s cultural tapestry is highly recommended. Delve into its rich history and marvel at the well-preserved Inca architecture, with many structures retaining their original grandeur.

Flights:

For international arrivals, most flights will necessitate a connection through Lima’s Jorge Chávez International Airport before boarding a domestic flight to Cusco. However, if you’re arriving from neighboring countries in South America, it’s advisable to check for direct flights to Cusco, particularly if time is of the essence. Additionally, it’s prudent to allocate some buffer time in your itinerary to accommodate potential flight cancellations or delays.

Ground transport

Alternatively, you have the option to travel from Lima Peru to Cusco by bus, although this entails a lengthy journey that can span up to a day. Considering the affordable cost of flights, we strongly recommend opting for air travel.

Physical requirements

For novices or people who have no exposure to trekking previously, crossing the last frontier Inca Trail can be a daunting act. The predecessor of a 1220m (4000ft) climb followed by a similar decrescendo, puts the knees under enormous strain. Sweating it through the most brutal ascents, sometimes on full throttle for up to two continuous hours, and throwing in intermittent rest stops only serves to make the whole experience more extreme.

Besides your body experiencing an exertion of stress, you are also faced with the question of how to cope with the extreme height. Such degree of elevation is pretty hard, as the trail goes up over 4,200m above the see level and makes yourself liable to the effects of altitude sickness which may cause symptoms like head aching, fatigue and breathlessness. The fact is that these altitude related concerns are very normal. Still, if an individual follows closely a prescribed acclimatization regimen by their guide, it should reduce most of these issues.

So as to make the hike more plausible, it would be a good idea to prepare yourself for the trek in the weeks before your departure. Engage in daily walks , take a particular notice of hills , to grow stamina. This too is the time when you get familiar with your new hiking boots, which ensures less blisters along the way. As such, planning ahead to allow for a quiet adaptation period of a few days in Cusco before the trip starts is crucial.

In the way of age we’ve seen people from the age of 6 years old and for the oldest completing the trail there was also 80! Lastly, it all comes down to your physical fitness at the end, as well as your medium level experience and confidence throughout the entire process!

What to pack for the Inca Trail

Andes is known to be the place where average weather condition is very uncertain and unstable. Switching back-packing strategy to one of mountain environments, we suggest bringing on multiple layers that would accommodate temperature fluctuation. Make sure you have a rain and wind coat for the cloudy days and that the jacket allows you to zip off the sleeves down to your T-Shirt when the weather pick up.

Sometimes, evenings are even more notably cold with a possibility of very low temperature, close to freezing, especially during the night or the late hours. For my gear, I need to bring a sleeping bag that is warm enough for camping. Considering ones own comfortability, thermal underwear, gloves, a scarf, and a hat, are mandatory in colder weather conditions.

For easy use and access, put all the necessary things in one backpack that you will carry with you all the time. Therefore these must include water bottles, cameras, sunscreen sprays, bug sprays, and jackets. Disregard superfluous stuffs like camping gears and insignificant loads the porter will take for you. These permit holders are commonly found with bulky bags that can hold 6–8 kg, which is as specified. To keep any extra luggage in care, you should get in touch with the Cusco hotel you’ve booked. They would be able to store your luggage for you.