Overview of the Inca Trail
Distance: 26 Miles (42 Km)
Time: 4 Days, 3 Nights
Highest Point: 13,828 ft (Dead Woman’s Pass)
Difficulty: Hard
The Inca Trail is a 26 mile (42 km) trekking route located in Peru. This challenging but seriously stunning hike in the Andes Mountains traverses through diverse landscapes, cloud forests and high-altitude passes before ending at the ancient Incan city of Machu Picchu. Due to the nature of this trek, good physical fitness is required for hiking the Inca Trail.
Planning Guidance
Trail Permits
The Inca Trail can only be completed with a guide. Even if you are a very skilled and experienced hiker, you must purchase a permit and hike the trail with a reputable tour company. Due to its popularity, permits should be secured well in advance as they often sell out months ahead of time.
There are many tour companies that operate on the Inca Trail. We chose to go with Wayki Trek and absolutely loved them (please note, we were NOT sponsored by Wayki Trek we just truly loved our experience with them). See all our reasons outlined below but the TLDR is they provided small groups, amazing service, and an incredible home stay experience the night before our trek began. More on that later.
Acclimatization
For anyone who hasn’t been to a high-altitude destination before, this is a major factor to consider before planning your trip to Peru. High-altitude destinations in Peru like Cusco and Machu Picchu require travelers build in an acclimatization period upon arrival. High elevations have lower oxygen levels that can cause altitude sickness in travelers. Altitude sickness can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea and fatigue. If symptoms worsen, descending to a lower altitude may be necessary.
Even very physically fit people can suffer from altitude sickness. To ensure your best chance at avoiding altitude sickness, plan to arrive in Cusco or the Sacred Valley 2-3 days before beginning the Inca Trail hike. This will give your body time to adjust. Additionally, be sure to stay hydrated and eat light during your first couple of days.
Travel Insurance
Because the Inca Trail hike is strenuous and at a high-altitude, everyone should secure travel insurance before their trip. You never know what may come up and racking up thousands of dollars in medical fees abroad is the easiest way to ruin your trip and pocketbook.
We love World Nomads for travel insurance especially for the Inca Trail because they provide insurance specifically for hiking and trekking adventures. It’s important to make sure you have the right coverage for an adventure like making your way through the Andes Mountains.
What to Expect When Hiking the Inca Trail
Hiking the Inca Trail is a truly amazing, once in a lifetime experience. If you are on the fence, DO IT! You will not regret it. The days may be long and challenging but they are well worth the reward. Waking up with a cup of cocoa tea with the sun coming up over the mountain is an unforgettable experience.
When to Hike the Inca Trail
The best time to hike is during the dry season which runs from May to September. Hiking during dry season will provide the best weather and best views. If possible, aim for shoulder season in May or September when the weather is great but crowds are smaller.
- Dry Season (May-September): The best time. Dry season will provide sunny warm days with mild evenings. The trail will remain dry and less slippery. This is peak season so permits sell out fast. Be sure to book well in advance.
- Rainy Season (October-April): The trail can still be hiked during rainy season; however, you will likely experience muddy, slippery conditions. The weather will be warm and fewer crowds means easier to secure permits.
- February: The Inca Trail is closed for maintenance during the month of February. However, Machu Picchu remains open during this time.
Hiking the Inca Trail with Wayki Trek
Orientation/Wayki Experience
The day before your trek begins, Wayki Trek provides an orientation at their office in Cusco for a full overview of what to expect, how to pack for your porters and a chance to meet any other travelers that will be hitting the trail with you. After orientation you have the opportunity to participate in the Wayki Experience and this is one of the reasons we loved using them over other tour companies.
The Wayki Experience is an included option to spend the afternoon/evening before your hike visiting the porter’s town to stay in their homes with their families. We had the opportunity to help out on the farm and were provided with an authentic Peruvian meal for dinner. We spent the night in a guest house and were provided breakfast in the morning before we were picked up for the hike. This is such a unique, immersive, cultural experience you will not find elsewhere and one of our favorite memories from our trip to Peru.
Day 1: Start of the Trail
On day one, we were picked up from our homestay and taken to the start of the trail where you’ll meet your porters/trek team. After passing through the beginning control point, you’ll start your hike into the mountains along the Vilcanota River. Keep your eyes open for alpacas, llamas and horses along the way.
After hiking along the river, and beginning your way into the mountains, you’ll come along the first Incan archaeological site known as Llactapata. Hike a bit more before stopping for lunch, then continue your afternoon hiking through Wayllabamba Valley until you arrive at your first campsite. You’ll be amazed by the camp setup complete with bathroom tent, your own personal tent and a dining tent. The porters and chef are so amazing at what they do.
Day 2: Dead Woman’s Pass
Start your day with hot cocoa tea and a delicious breakfast in the dining tent to fuel up. After breakfast, the hike to Warmiwañuska (Dead Woman’s) Pass begins. This will be the biggest test of strength and perseverance on the Inca Trail. Take your time and stop for water breaks as needed. The reward at the 13,828 ft peak is well worth the effort as you take in panoramic views of the mountains from above.
After enjoying the top of Dead Woman’s Pass, make your way down the other side of the mountain. Something about going downhill after a trek uphill is so relieving. Make your way to camp where you can unwind and relax before your longest day of hiking.
Day 3: Runkuracay Pass + Archaeological Sites
This will be your longest hiking day which can be daunting after already enduring two full, challenging days of hiking already. But know that you’re now half of the way to your destination and today will provide some truly stunning mountain views. Start your day climbing Runkuracay Pass, the second highest peak at 12,467 ft, where you can see the cloud forest.
Next, make your way down through the valley to Sayacmarca, known as a dominant town due to its position high above the valleys. Then stop for your last lunch in the food tent before continuing on your hike in the afternoon.
After lunch, continue through the mountains and take in all breathtaking scenery. Ascend the third pass of the route and make your way to Phuyupatamarca. where you’ll then see Machu Picchu Mountain and the Vilcanota River. Make your way to your final camping location and spend your last peaceful night in the mountains.
Day 4: Machu Picchu
Leave early this morning to depart for Intipunku (The Sun Gate) where you’ll get your first glimpse of Machu Picchu. This is what you’ve worked so hard for and it will be a memory you’ll never forget. After taking in the views from above, descend down the trail into Machu Picchu. Spend a few hours exploring the beauty of the Machu Picchu ruins to end your epic 4-day adventure in the Andes Mountains.
After the tour of Machu Picchu, your guide will help you back to Aguas Calientes and eventually back to Ollantaytambo and Cusco.
Add an activity – Huaynapicchu Mountain: For another unique experience while at Machu Picchu, consider hiking up Huaynapicchu for an alternate view of the Inca Ruins. This hike is 2-3 hours round trip and requires booking a permit in advance.
The Hiking Team
Your hiking team will include a guide that will lead you on your hike everyday. They are very knowledgable of the mountains, Peruvian culture and the history of the Inca people. Additionally, there will be a number of porters who carry all of the camping gear and up to 8 kg of your gear. These porters are amazing and can basically run the trail with backpacks the size of them. Finally, there’s a chef that will make all your meals and let me tell you, the food was amazing. I was so impressed with what could be made in the middle of the mountains. This team will take such good care of you during your time in the Andes.
A note on porter welfare and tipping: Peru has laws in place to ensure porters are provided fair compensation and safeguards for their work. However, many tour operators choose to ignore those laws and find ways around them. Be sure to use reputable tour companies and if a company is charging significantly less than others, be very wary as they are likely keeping costs down by treating their porters unfairly. Additionally, don’t forget to tip your guide and team well at the end of your journey if you enjoyed their service.
What to Expect at Camp
We were so impressed with the setup at our campsite. Every time we arrived, everything was already set up and they were waiting for us with refreshments and a hot meal on the way. There was a bathroom tent that was all set up and moved with us to every spot.
Packing for the Inca Trail
The weather in the mountains will always provide a wide range of temperatures and conditions. Be sure to prepare for everything by bringing many layers and very comfortable hiking boots/trail runners. However, also remember that porters will carry 8 kg (17.6 lbs) of your things and you must carry the rest so do not overpack.
Variations of Hiking the Inca Trail
If you are planning a last minute trip and are unable to secure a permit for the Inca Trail or if you prefer to explore an alternate route, there are a few other options to consider:
- Salkantay Trek: The Salkantay route offers a 45 miles / 72 km trek with the highest peak at 15,255 ft. This route often takes five days and is less crowded than the more popular Inca Trail trek. Instead of ending at Machu Picchu, it ends in Aguas Calientes which offers an easy connection to the ruins. Can only be completed April-November.
- Choquequiraw Trek: This alternate route visits the Choquequirao ruins – a larger Incan city (only partially excavated) known as Machu Picchu’s Sacred Sister. This trek has different distance and day length options. Can only be completed April-November.
- Lares Trek: Known as the weavers route, this is a great option for hikers who don’t want a trek as challenging as the Inca Trail. This route also offers more opportunity to experience the culture of the Incas.
Where Should You Stay Before and After
Cusco – Stay Before
Aguas Calientes – Stay After
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Have a question about hiking to Machu Picchu? Leave a comment below or shoot us an email. We’d love to help!