If hiring a porter, still carry a daypack with you. Instead, you and your group will spend evening conversing over plastic cups of hot tea, playing card games, or lazing in nature together. Personally, we had some really difficult moments on Day One and Two on the climbs, but the rest of the hike was at the right level of satisfyingly challenging. The good news is that it's a lot shorter than you may expect at only 40 kms (25 miles). Tips for porters and guides (more on this below). 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. The trail only descends from this point until arriving at Machu Picchu at 2,430 metres. 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!). Ive hiked some of the best national parks in the U.S.and this Inca Trail hike is still my favorite in terms of scenery and complete awesomeness. On challenging sections, you can set your own pace and take as many or as few breaks as you need. Take note that the Inca Trail is closed in February for maintenance. This is one of Perus highest major cities with an altitude of 3400m (11,152ft). The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu can be hiked all year round, except for February when the trail is closed for maintenance. Travelers who have pre-purchased Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain permits will continue on to their respective hikes after the tour. The steep stairs leading to Inti Punku ("sun gate") are reached after approximately 3km. This first day of the trail meanders up and down gradually, with an elevation increase of only 1,610 ft (400 m). A long Inca tunnel and a viewpoint overlooking two valleys: the Urubamba and Aobamba (a broken word), are passed. If youre hiking in the dry (high) season, then you should be making a reservation sooner rather than later (i.e. Temperatures really drop at higher elevation when the sun sets. Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu - Machu Travel Peru The third and fourth day of the Inca Trail altitude change is a relative descent to Machu Picchu. Quarry Trail FAQ: The 'other' route to Machu Picchu For the Inca roads in general, see, Elorrieta Salazar, Fernando E. & Elorrieta Salazar, Edgar (2005) Cusco and the Sacred Valley of the Incas, page 123. The Classic 4-day Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu is arguably the most famous trail in all of South America. The final day of the Inca Trail is an easy and gentle slope towards the Sun gate at an elevation of 2700m (8850ft). Its required to begin the Inca Trail and to visit Machu Picchu. On the first two days of the Trail, there are also local people who have set up toilets for trekkers (charging S/. The trail is about 26 miles (42 kilometers) long and takes four to five days to complete. For all the essential details on visiting Machu Picchu independently, read this post. It consists of three overlapping trails: Mollepata, Classic, and One Day. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); This website uses cookies to improve your experience. 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. Weve tested the Geopressrigorouslyfrom the icy heights of Pakistan to the tropical jungles of Cuba, and the results are in: it WORKS. Save $$$ Save the Planet Save Your Stomach! Feedback we frequently receive from our travelers is how impressive the meals are on the Inca Trail. 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. A small spur of the trail leads directly to Wiay Wayna, while the main route continues to Intipata. Once you arrive, you will then have half a day to explore the ruins of Machu Picchu before heading back to Cusco by train. Booking far in advance is an absolute must. If you are looking for a more personal, private outdoor experience, I recommend you pick a less prevalent adventure as there are many alternative Inca sites to choose from around the Cusco area. Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in 2023 This is where your campsite is located. [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. Chachabamba: 6,725 ft (2,050 m) 10 Things You Need To Know Before Hiking The Machu Picchu Inca trail Each morning and night you will also be provided a bowl of warm water with which to freshen up. As there are no restrooms mid-trek, you opt to wait until lunch or to reach the campsite or to go in nature. For the same reason, metal-tipped trekking poles are not allowed on the trail. Marci Vaughn Kolt. These unique circular structures display precise stone masonry and are thought to have served as a resting, refueling, and relay station for messengers on the Inca Trail. To protect this historic trail, only 500 people are permitted to hike on it each day. During the trek, days are planned so that you have plenty of time to get from one point to the next. If hotels and tour companies offered lockers in Cusco which travellers could secure with their own padlock, then this would have allowed us to leave various cards, cash, and tech with confidence (and insurance coverage) in the city rather than carrying it all in our backpack on the trail (Andrew actually lugged 18 kgs on his back for the entirety of the trail because of this, so views himself as an honorary porter!). It will take you along ancient narrow paths deep into the Peruvian countryside and high into the Andean mountains, where you will see perfect Incan ruins, cloud forest, and majestic valley views, ultimately leading to perhaps the greatest end-point of any multi-day hike on earth, the iconic Machu Picchu Citadel, one of the . Machu Picchu: 7,972 ft (2,430 m) Everyone will tell you about the knee-busting effort needed to climb this infamous summit. The lowest point on the trail at Llactapata ruins is roughly 2250m (7,382ft). . You can read more about altitude sickness in the Health + Safety section towards the bottom of this post. The Inca Trail in Peru, South America - G Adventures We were literally in the middle of the Peruvian jungle with no easy way of evacuating her. If you happen to change your passport between booking and arriving at the entry checkpoint at Km.82 (where they check your passport), then contact your tour company for advice. The 2-day Inca Trail ends at Machu Picchu, which is located at 7,972 ft (2,430 m). However, as truly beautiful as the hike may be, the real reason for its popularity lies at the very end of this four day adventure; passing through the Sun Gate for that first magical sighting of Machu Picchu in the distance. For this reason, all Adventure Life trips involving this hike require spending at . Tipping is not mandatory, and you are entitled to put in more, less, or nothing at all. Altitude sickness on the Inca Trail is rarely severe. Trekkers head for the snow-capped mountains of the Vilcabamba Mountain Range. The entire 4-day trail hike is only 25 miles (40 km). First up, heres your beginners guide to hiking. Youll have to carry your pack for 4 days so only take the lightweight essentials. Torre Mirador is 12.5 mi (20 km) to the north of Nazca city along the Panamerican Highway. This means that - although many of Perus best hikes, like the Colca Canyon, are possible to do independently - you can only do the Inca Trail with an approved tour company and spaces are capped. In the late afternoon, you will arrive at Wiay Wayna. Although the Classic 4-day trek to Machu Picchu is most associated with the Inca Trail, there was in fact a network of Inca Trails spanning 25,000 miles (45,000 km) and six countries (Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru). It is recommended to spend a few days getting used to the elevation before you hike the Inca Trail. The maximum trekking group size generally varies between 8 to 12 trekkers plus the trekking team. Given our own independent travel plans, we had actually spent the previous week in Cusco and the surrounding region - for everyone planning on the Inca Trail, wed recommend arriving into Cusco at least two days before your tour starts so that you can acclimatise to the altitude (its at 3,339 metres above sea level) and enjoy what the city has to offer without aching limbs. Keep in mind, regardless of how much or how little you pay for your tour, the vast majority of that money does not go to the guys that do the heavy lifting. This also included a guided tour around the site. pp.233,268271,300. The trail passes through diverse microclimates each day. Amazingly, no meal was the same as the last (we had sort of expected a lot of pasta!). Climb a narrow stone stairway to view the highland terraces of Patallacta, which were likely used to grow crops. The highest point is Dead Woman's Pass at 13,828 ft (4,215 m) and the lowest point is Machu Picchu at 7,972 ft (2,430 m). To make your experience hiking in Peru more enjoyable, we recommend hiring a personal porter to help carry these items. Remember, you can always pay for an extra porter ahead of time if you need help carrying your things. For the most part, there is no cell phone signal along the Inca Trail. Cusco is exceptionally easy to reach from various parts of Peru, but there are no direct flights to Cusco from the US, Canada or Europe. Ok, now Youre Ready to Hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. 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. A short downhill walk is the final section of the trail.[11]. The Inca Trail is a well-established and iconic 4-day, 3-night hike which leads travellers from km.82 (the start point 40 minutes outside the town of Ollantaytambo) all the way to Machu Picchu via its exclusive Sun Gate (also called Inti Punku). World Nomads mission is to support and encourage travellers to explore their boundaries. However, the altitude, which at it's highest point is 13,776 ft or 4200m, can cause problems even for the strongest hikers. As mentioned, the Inca Trail isnt just a walk in the park. On the highest points of the Inca Trail, some hikers experience unpleasant symptoms. Dress in layers and adjust as necessary during the day. Hiking the Inca Trail is challenging due to the high elevation (maximum 13,828 ft/4,215 m) and steep stone steps in some parts. The Inca Trail elevation varies significantly and people often struggle with altitude sickness, especially if they have not spent much time in Cusco before trekking the trail. From the top of the Runquraqay pass, it is a short descent of 300m (980ft) to the Phuyupatamarca ruins at 3650m (11,975 ft) above sea level. The elevation of the Inca Trail varies, with the highest point rising to 13,828 feet (4200 m) above sea level. Along the way, you will visit Runkurakay, a circular complex that scholars believe Inca messengers used as a refueling and resting station. Access to the Inca Trail is strictly controlled. The Inca Trail is open 11 months of the year (March through January). 30 miles (49 km), Highest Elevation: As we were doing so many hikes in South America, we bought these excellent lightweight travel hiking poles in the UK. 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. When to book: 36 months in advance. Day 1 is relatively easy as there isnt much elevation gain and your legs are fresh and you feel like you can take on anything. The next step is to pick your dates and start the process of booking your Inca Trail permit. If youre already in Peru or elsewhere in South America, then taking a flight from Lima - Cusco is the quickest and most sensible option. The vast majority of costs will be covered in the up-front price of your tour, but there are a few costs along the way for which youll need to bring cash: Toilet entry fees (usually 1 sol, 2 soles at Machu Picchu). The 2-day Inca Trail begins at the Chachabamba archaeological complex which is located at 6,725 ft (2,050 m), the lowest point of the hike. Cons | Dry season also coincides with high tourism season in Peru (June - August), so the Inca Trail will be at full capacity each day. Your guide will be fluent in English and Spanish. Make sure to pack your original passport. Top Tip // As we discussed above, there are cheaper alternatives to the Inca Trail tour we took including a shorter tour by G Adventures, and this highly-rated, four-day tour on Get Your Guide. Located in the Andes mountain range, the trail passes through several types of Andean environments including cloud forest and alpine tundra. After all, its not a race and all about the incredible journey through Peru. ), but after your time on the Trail you will be left in no doubt that those porters deserve an extra bit of cash to recognise their sterling work and to support their own endeavours in life. At the small village Wayllapampa ("grassy plain", Wayllabamba) the trail intersects with the "Mollepata Trail" at 3,000 metres (9,800ft).[3]. The second day is the hardest, starting at 10,000 feet (3,000 m) and ascending to Dead Woman's Pass. Settlements, tunnels, and many Incan ruins are located along the trail before ending the terminus at the Sun Gate on Machu Picchu mountain. Don't overpack. Your body needs the time to adjust! If you do have any pre-existing medical requirements, inform your tour company when booking and also remind the CEO before setting out. If youre fit enough to handle the constant incline, there is a good chance the high altitude will zap your energy and perhaps give you dizziness. The high season is June to August, but again make sure to book at least five to seven months in advance regardless of when you decide to travel. Along the way, you will stop at Llactapata, an Inca archaeological site located at the convergence of the Cusichaca and Vilcanota Rivers. You will pass several unforgettable Incan sites like two Incan tunnels that are carved right out of the mountainside. If you are struggling, its their job to control the situation, help you get to camp, and also to manage the overall group schedule. Alright, lets get to the details. Pack light, pack smart, and pack for two very different temperatures - thats the key advice for every Inca Trail experience. The most visitors the park allows is 500 a day and that includes guides and porters which make up over half that number. The Inca Trail's length is 26 miles (42 kilometers) of pure Peruvian power that connects several Incan archaeological sites: Runcuracay, Sayacmarca, Phuyuptamarca, Wiaywayna, and of . Instead, your trekking team will bring a portable toilet that will be set up during lunch and at each campsite. Lowest Elevation: At Wayllapampa the trail to Machu Picchu turns west and begins ascending along a tributary of the Cusichaka. Longer 5-day Inca Trail itineraries are also available for travelers with a bit more time for hiking to Machu Picchu. Its also the place I first met my wife in person for the first time. As a result, advance booking is mandatory. Your trek must be organized through a licensed tour operator. The bad news? The second day ascends over Dead Woman's pass- the highest point on the Inca Trail at 4,200 metres. And it ends at the incredible Machu Picchu. Looking for the best hiking trails in Jakarta? Before starting the trek, spending some time in Cusco (11,150 ft/3,400 m) will help your body adjust. How long is the Inca trail (day by day hiking length). 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. It is not possible to hike the trail independently. Home Blog The ULTIMATE Guide to Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Inca Trail to Machu Picchu - Wikipedia They may also let you buy or extend a policy once youve started your trip and are already abroad which is super handy.If theres one insurance company I trust, its World Nomads. Ask your Travel Advisor for more details. In short, hiking poles are not essential for the Inca Trail; it is 100% possible to do it without them. Once the day has come to an end, youll take a bus down to Aguas Calientes where you will take a train back to Ollantaytambo before arriving back in Cusco by bus or car. This is one area where the tour companies could provide a better solution, although we appreciate our situation as travel photographers and bloggers who carry a lot of technology is a little unique. When to book: 3 months in advance. It stands at 4,215 m. It's easy to get the impression that the name comes from some tragic story of someone that didn't quite make it to where they were going.. Your trekking guides will meet you at your Cusco hotel and transfer with you to the Sacred Valley. However, as mentioned earlier, a couple of our team members were really hurting by day 4 so it made hiking to the Sun Gate longer than anticipated and we certainly didnt see the sun come up. Your campsite is located just a few minutes from this archaeological site, famed for its steep and towering agricultural terraces that overlook the Urubamba River. A large number of these companies are only established to provide specific private tours in high season, with the rest offering year-round expeditions. Our own Inca Trail group were all roughly the same age and fitness, which meant that our pace was consistent and we all arrived to rest-stops and campsites at roughly the same time. Day Three: Early rise to hike the most photogenic section of the Trail. Day Two: Early rise to hike through cloud forest and up to Dead Womans Pass and the descent to campsite. and any personal medications. Day 3 of the hike to Machu Picchu is no slouch and for most, its the day that the nagging soreness reminds you that you are human. Coordinates: .mw-parser-output .geo-default,.mw-parser-output .geo-dms,.mw-parser-output .geo-dec{display:inline}.mw-parser-output .geo-nondefault,.mw-parser-output .geo-multi-punct{display:none}.mw-parser-output .longitude,.mw-parser-output .latitude{white-space:nowrap}131529S 721548W / 13.25806S 72.26333W / -13.25806; -72.26333, "Inca Trail" redirects here. Inca Trail permits sell out fast for these months. Cuzco Region Machu Picchu Peru. Nate is avid hiker throughout South America and still considers the Inca Trail hike to be one of the most memorable experiences he has ever had. Each porter should be tipped around 30-40 soles (about $10-$15) for the entire group. Your email address will not be published. The entire 4-day Inca trail hike is 26 miles (42 km). All permits are paired with an individual passport and are not transferable. 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. INCA TRAIL ELEVATION - Daily Hike Gain From Easiest to Hardest After crossing the pass the trail drops steeply into the Pakaymayu drainage. Protip:Thats exactly how I like my walks in the park. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Privacy | Terms | DMCA | Affiliate Disclosure | Site Map. 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 vs. Salkantay Trek: Which Hike to Machu Picchu is Better You'll still need to at least carry a daypack with your water bottle, rain jacket, etc. Salkantay is a great Inca Trail alternative when permits are sold out or you'd simply like to avoid crowds. Theyve been doing it since 2002 protecting, connecting, and inspiring independent travellers just like you. All rights reserved. Although it wasnt by any stretch the most physically challenging hike weve done in South America, its ascents and conditions provided enough of a task to make us both feel it. After all, reaching Machu Picchu is the reason that many of you will be considering this hike in the first place! Instead, these are your best options: Flights | Fly into Jorge Chavez International Airport in Lima, Perus capital city, and connect onto one of the frequent flights from Lima - Cusco run by several airlines. SAM Travel Peru: Inca trail 4D/3N - See 3,255 traveler reviews, 2,451 candid photos, and great deals for Cusco, Peru, at Tripadvisor. You will spend the night at Huayllabamba, the only inhabited town on the trek. SAM Travel Peru: Outstanding Inca Trail 2023 - See 3,262 traveler reviews, 2,463 candid photos, and great deals for Cusco, Peru, at Tripadvisor. Immediately after the pass, we descend into the Pacaymayo valley (3600m/11808ft), from which we then start to climb to the second pass, the Abra Runkurakay . 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. 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. For this reason, its recommendable to spend a few days in Cusco before hiking at high altitudes; this unforgettable experience. The second day ascends over Dead Woman's pass- the highest point on the Inca Trail at 4,200 metres. The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (also known as Camino Inca or Camino Inka) is a hiking trail in Peru that terminates at Machu Picchu. INCA TRAIL SHORT 2 DAYS | Book your Inca Trail 2 Days to Machu Picchu It was not just the distance that made the Inca routes challenging, but also the extreme altitude that may be encountered at various points. Difficulty | Moderate to a little difficult as there are several steep sections. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Well, the elevation of the Inca Trail is over 13,000 feet so if you have altitude problems make sure to think twice before committing. Hiking the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Looking for all the essential information to plan and prepare for the Inca Trail hike? Weve mentioned this earlier, but with the understanding that this is such an important purchase before you step foot in Peru, we thought it only correct to mention it again here. It makes sense to buy them in Cusco or Ollantaytambo, although on Days One and Two of the trail you will find women along the Trail with makeshift stalls selling drinks, biscuits, and sweets. The Inca Trail has an elevation range between 2,200m (7,218ft) and 4,200m (13,780ft) above sea level. Do note that if you see a tour with fewer days offered, then you are only going to be hiking a small section of the route. The lowest point on the trail at Llactapata ruins is roughly 2250m (7,382ft). Each trekker is also provided with snacks to take with them on the trail. It is very important to secure your Inca Trail permits in advance. This is the most dangerous point for altitude sickness, though . These local porters, from fresh-faced 18 year olds to gnarled mountain men, are the unsung heroes of every Inca Trail experience and they will each carry up to 25 kgs on their backs for the group (yep, and you were worried about how hard the Trail would be for you!). Many trekkers also choose to hire a porter to carry personal belongings. From Aguas Calientes to the entrance area to the citadel, you can take a 15-minute bus ride, or you can walk up the hill (approximately 45 minutes). You will begin your ascent to Dead Womans Pass surrounded by lush, green scenery. The Inca Trail is a well-established and iconic 4-day, 3-night hike which leads travellers from km.82 (the start point 40 minutes outside the town of Ollantaytambo) all the way to Machu Picchu via its exclusive Sun Gate (also called Inti Punku). Just remember that the 2 soles youll pay to enter the modern squeaky clean toilets at the Machu Picchu site will be money very very well spent. There is no camping involved, as travelers spend the night in a hotel after hiking to Machu Picchu. Instead, around a table in a make-shift tent dining room, we were treated to three-course lunches and dinners and a decent breakfast. Tours are slightly cheaper and easier to book with only a few weeks notice (a guy on our tour booked his place only a week before the trip began).