High elevation is the greatest challenge on the Inca Trail Trek. Its also the place I first met my wife in person for the first time. On the first day, you will also pass the lowest elevation on the Inca Trail known as the Llactapata/Patallacta Ruins at an elevation of 2,250m (7,382 ft). This is the most dangerous point for altitude sickness, though little time is spent at this elevation and the trail descends again to 3,600 metres. Inca Trail permits sell out fast for these months. Inca Trail to Machu Picchu - Wikipedia Tipping is not mandatory, and you are entitled to put in more, less, or nothing at all. 1. Let your guide know if you are struggling and especially if your symptoms get worse. Pictures just dont do it justice. We went in July and the temperatures were great with a bit of rain on day 2. However, there are a few key things to know about how luggage and kit is transported on the hike before you even think about whether you really need that extra pair of pants. 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. You will spend the night at Huayllabamba, the only inhabited town on the trek. For the same reason, metal-tipped trekking poles are not allowed on the trail. I think doing the gruelling 4-day hike on the Inca Trail really gave us a greater appreciation for the ruins once we got there. Trekkers head for the snow-capped mountains of the Vilcabamba Mountain Range. are 500 permits available, approximately 200 allocated to tourists and 300 to guides, porters, and cooks. It probably would have been glorious to see. This is approximately 1000m (3281ft) down more than 1200 stone steps. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance. The Inca Trail trek is over 3,000 meters in altitude. If you plan on renting the sleeping bag and air-mattress, then just bear in mind that this will take up over 50% of your 6kgs allowance and also takes up most of the room available inside the duffel bag. The bad news? The trail is closed every February for cleaning. First up, heres your beginners guide to hiking. In the late afternoon, you will arrive at the Sun Gate. Cuscos high altitude makes it a convenient place to acclimatize. 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. The last major campsite before Machu Picchu, these ruins include a long flight of fountains that flow from the upper to the lower terraces. For high season travel (AprilOctober) and December holidays, permits can sell out up to six months before travel. It is best to book directly through a local tour operator instead of a foreign travel agency since the travel agencies may charge you double the price. A typical dinner included fresh hot soup, a hearty main course, and then something sweet to round it off - all washed down at the end with cups of tea. Day Three: Early rise to hike the most photogenic section of the Trail. A common misconception about the Inca Trail is that it will allow you to be amongst the first people into Machu Picchu - this simply isnt true as its much easier to get through its gates just after opening if you stay in Aguas Calientes the night before and hike or take the bus up. The intricate detail that the Incans put into each and every stone structure is mesmerizing. The highest point on the Inca Trail is Dead Womans Pass. If youve made it to the end of the post, then congratulations! Pack thermal undergarments, a warm hat, and gloves for evenings. Day one eases you into the action. You are expected to bring and carry your own snacks, although our tour did provide us each with a snack bag on Day One of the trail (we finished ours on the last day, others finished it by Day Two). After all, you dont want the upfront savings to mean inadequate equipment, poor quality food, or a less memorable experience. The 4-Day Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu is one of the magnificent hikes I have ever done. The Inca road system, originally called Qhapaq an in Quechua, an indigenous Peruvian language, was used for general transportation, trade, religious, and military purposes. Demand for Inca Trail permits is high, especially during the dry season. The ticket for the $12 shuttle bus (30 minutes) down to Aguas Calientes will be included in your tour price and the ticket provided on the day by your guide. Despite only including one day of hiking, this shorter hike is referred to as the 2-day Inca Trail because the hike to Machu Picchu is on Day 1 and the Machu Picchu tour is on Day 2. This total includes 4-day, and 5-day routes, as well as trekking guides, porters, and chefs. A long flight of fountains or ritual baths utilizing as many as 19 springs runs between the two groups of buildings. The vital stats. Along the way, you will stop at Llactapata, an Inca archaeological site located at the convergence of the Cusichaca and Vilcanota Rivers. Whichever tour company you do the Inca Trail with, you will be expected to tip your support staff of porters and guides. New York, NY:Dutton. You would be greatly remiss if you do not visit Machu Picchu at some point in your life. All food, apart from snacks along the way (although we were also provided with a bag of snacks), is included in the up-front tour price - and you wont have to lift a finger to prepare it or wash up. 7 things no-one tells you about the Inca Trail - Intrepid Travel Blog Cons | Hiking and camping in the rain for four days is never fun, so you are increasing the chances of that. Your trek must be organized through a licensed tour operator. TIP: Tell us the destinations you have in mind. In the late afternoon, you will arrive at Wiay Wayna. The entire 4-day Inca trail hike is 26 miles (42 km). Even before passing through the tunnel there are views down to the Willkanuta River, the first since leaving the river at Patallaqta. With high-altitude hikes, it's best to think of . Overview. Inca Trail Elevation - The Ups And Downs To Machu Picchu pp.233,268271,300. Were both vegetarian and were catered for incredibly well - with each meal giving us a vegetarian version of the same dish the others were eating (another thing we did not expect at all). Many trekkers find that hiking poles are helpful for navigating steep steps and reducing the impact on lower joints. This will include a private minibus to Ollantaytambo and km.82 (the Inca Trail start point) and either a train or minibus back to Cusco. 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. More information. Q: What is the cost of hiking the Inca Trail? SAM Travel Peru: Outstanding Inca Trail 2023 - See 3,262 traveler reviews, 2,463 candid photos, and great deals for Cusco, Peru, at Tripadvisor. The ULTIMATE Guide to Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, I consent to my personal information being processed in accordance with The Broke Backpackers. With G Adventures, two chefs are included as part of the support staff, and the unanimous opinion of our group was that those two performed absolute miracles. This wont always be the case, and your own group is just as likely to contain people of mixed ages and abilities. Parque Arqueologic National de Machu Picchu. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). . SAM Travel Peru: Inca trail 4D/3N - See 3,255 traveler reviews, 2,451 candid photos, and great deals for Cusco, Peru, at Tripadvisor. 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. In this article, you can find everything you need to know about altitudes on the Inca Trail. No, there is no waiting list for permits. From May to September The days are sunny and the nights are very cold. The first 30 minutes of the trek is uphill, while the remainder of the trail is largely a descent. Pack a hat, strong sunblock, and glasses for protection against the sun. G Adventures minimum is 12 years old) . If your budget is a little higher, or youd prefer a longer organised tour in Peru, they also offer a 14-day National Geographic Iconic Peru tour which includes the Inca Trail, the Amazon, Lake Titicaca, and return flights from Lima - Cusco. right now). Every extra pound matters! It is important to carefully review potential travel insurance policies to make sure that the Inca Trail portion will be covered. 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. 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. Porters can be hired to carry up to 18 lb (8 kg) or 33 lb (15 kg). If the tour operator charges much less, they are probably not paying their porters fair wages. The 2-day Inca Trail is particularly popular with families that enjoy hiking and are looking for a taste of adventure. Lowest Elevation: Drink water from ANYWHERE. Don't overpack. 1)and theres also the bush. 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. There are amazing hostels in Cuscothat offer a comfy bed so you can start the next day well-rested and read to go. The 2-day Inca Trail ends at Machu Picchu, which is located 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. A: The Inca Trail reaches an altitude of 2,700 meters (9300 feet) at its highest point. 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 site was heavily restored in the late 1990s.[3]. Permits sell out quickly, particularly those for the high season. After breakfast, meet your Inca Trail guide for your return bus ride up the mountain to Machu Picchu. 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). The Inca Trail, How Long Is It? | Andean Trails The Inca Trail has very steep inclines. Everyone will tell you about the knee-busting effort needed to climb this infamous summit. Its worth noting that not all standard off-the-shelf travel insurance policies will cover you for activities at altitude (including the Inca Trail), so you need to ensure that this is covered when buying your single or multi-trip policy. After breakfast, we continue our hike up the highest point in the Inca Trail, reaching the mountain pass of Abra Warmihuausca (Dead Woman's Pass - 4200m/13776ft) after about 2 hours. Pros | A less popular time to hike, so the number of people youre sharing the Trail with is notably reduced, as are the crowds at Machu Picchu. Cusco stands at 3,200 metres and is already significantly higher than Machu Picchu itself, though many sections of the Inca Trail are much higher. February: Inca Trail is closed for maintenance. This pass has the highest elevation on the Inca Trail at 4,215m (13,829ft). The 10 Best Treks in Peru: The Inca Trail and Beyond - Inca Expert All rights reserved. As with other sites that were being degraded due to overuse, camping is no longer allowed. The last part of your day is a descent to Winay Wayna. Note that its often necessary to pay a deposit in advance to secure your Inca Trail permit, so if you go with a new, non-established, or cheaper provider, make sure you have done enough research into them before paying anything. From what I have seen, the price is around $500-$700 USD per person. Temperatures at night are also less chilly. Malaria and yellow fever are not a risk in this area. This trek additionally permits hikers to enter Machu Picchu through its Sun Gate. High probability of rain on any given day. 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. Headlamp (with extra batteries) or small flashlight to use at night while camping. For this reason, all Adventure Life trips involving this hike require spending at . For adventurous travelers seeking a challenge, the Classic 4-day Inca Trail is an excellent choice that is sure to be a highlight of any trip. Before leaving, I had heard horror stories about the difficulty of the hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. They are experienced in supporting members of a group who may be struggling or slower than the rest, and ensuring that everyones experience is the best possible in the circumstances. Private porters can be hired to carry either 18 lbs (8 kg) or 33 lbs (15 kg) of your personal belongings. ), 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. Each morning and night you will also be provided a bowl of warm water with which to freshen up. You can easily spend hours on end walking up and around the magnificent ruins. Climb a narrow stone stairway to view the highland terraces of Patallacta, which were likely used to grow crops. Trekking on the High Inca Trail | Exodus Travels We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Instead, around a table in a make-shift tent dining room, we were treated to three-course lunches and dinners and a decent breakfast. 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. After the tunnel the town of Machupicchu (Aguas Calientes) can be seen, and trains running along the river can be heard. With a degree in Nature Conservation and experience working with wildlife including the Big 5, Alison works as a guide for a 5-star reserve. The second day is the hardest, starting at 10,000 feet (3,000 m) and ascending to Dead Woman's Pass. The biggest problem that comes with increasing elevations is altitude sickness. Personally, I could have spent the whole day there just in awe of the ruins. Take note that the Inca Trail is closed in February for maintenance. The first pass is Runquraqay at 3,950m (13,113 ft) where, on a clear day, hikers can catch a glimpse of the snow-capped Cordillera Vilcabamba. Once youve booked a tour and committed to the hike, there are some key milestones to hit before you get anywhere near South America. . Please note that some links on our blog are affiliate links. 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. The biggest surprise for us both on the Trail was just how incredible the food provided was every single day. If youve really enjoyed our guides, you can buy us a virtual coffee here. Small, permanent settlements are located adjacent to the trail, and Wayllapampa has approximately 400 inhabitants (130 families) spread along this portion of the trail. Most operators advise hikers to purchase permits as soon as possible after they are released. At the top, the pass is rocky, with little vegetation. The pass itself is located at 4,215m (13,829ft) above sea level, and is the highest point on this, the "Classic" trail. There are no ATMs along the way. They offer simple & flexible travel insurance, and safety advice to help you travel confidently. November to March: rainy season. 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. Lastly, make sure you have the policy number, insurance provider, and emergency contact number on your person whilst hiking. At 4,215m above sea level, it's the highest point of the Inca Trail.Subscribe for more htt. Bring local currency (Soles) in your wallet so that you can tip your trekking team. The final day of the Inca Trail is an easy and gentle slope towards the Sun gate at an elevation of 2700m (8850ft). Its a nice build-up to the granddaddy of them all that follows on day 4. Dead Woman's Pass is even steeper on the way down. Besides dealing with high elevation, your general fitness and previous trekking experience will also contribute to your level of enjoyment. Each campsite has toilet facilities available, but these are often rudimentary squat toilets and with campsites being so remote and over-subscribed, cleanliness understandably isnt the highest. I can hardly carry my petite wife for more than 20 seconds yet somehow our porters and guide managed for hours on end. It is rated by many as being in the top 5 treks in the world. There is a chance of rain even in the dry season, so its better to be prepared. Ask your Travel Advisor for more details. On the first two days of the Trail, there are also local people who have set up toilets for trekkers (charging S/. Now, the important thing to note here is that your bog-standard, one-size-fits-all travel insurance will almost certainly not cover you getting unwell at significant altitude - youll need to buy an add-on which specially covers hiking at high altitude. He profiles some of his. What we found the hardest was the sleeping at the altitude than hiking during the day. 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. Securing a permit is only possible with an approved tour provider, who buy these daily permits in advance. If your main consideration however is that you may not be able to hike for the full four days, consider joining this two-day tour. Nights are warmer compared to the dry season. This means you can expect to reach some significant heights. Pack light, pack smart, and pack for two very different temperatures - thats the key advice for every Inca Trail experience. It is customary to tip the trekking team on the last night of the trek (Day 3). The highest point of the Inca Trail is Dead Woman's Pass, which reaches 4,200m above sea level Mental preparation for the Inca Trail. Along the way, you will visit Runkurakay, a circular complex that scholars believe Inca messengers used as a refueling and resting station. About a 25% chance of rain with a mix of weather conditions. Obviously, medical attention and facilities along the Inca Trail are pretty much non-existent so you need to bring any of your own required medication with you and keep it on your own person or in the daypack. And for transparencys sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. If youre reading the above and thinking that neither sounds appealing now, then please dont be too despondent - the Inca Trail can be hiked year-round and weve just outlined the worst cons of each season so that you dont have any nasty surprises! 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. Settlements, tunnels, and many Incan ruins are located along the trail before ending the terminus at the Sun Gate on Machu Picchu mountain. If youre confused about buying travel insurance, read this post and this post. We did the trek with G Adventures, a global company focused on sustainable small-group adventures (who have also been awarded Best Inca Trail Tour Operator by the Regional Direction of Foreign Trade and Tourism of Cusco in Peru) - you can check out the specific tour we did by clicking here. Tips for porters and guides (more on this below). After all trekkers from your group have arrived at the Sun Gate, you will continue to the Machu Picchu citadel for your 2.5-hour tour. A portable power bank is also useful. Reaching the crest of this ridge reveals the grandeur of the ruins of Machu Picchu, which lie below. It was not just the distance that made the Inca routes challenging, but also the extreme altitude that may be encountered at various points. The third and fourth day of the Inca Trail altitude change is a relative descent to Machu Picchu. Rain gear for the trek and thermal layers to wear at night are recommended. The road on one of the highest altitude routes of the Inca Trail. Cusco is actually higher than most points on the Inca Trail. If youre all booked and ready to start preparing, then make sure to read our Inca Trail Packing List before you buy anything. Most of the Machu Picchu hiking tours begin in Cusco, which, at 3,400 meters, is already considerably higher than Machu Picchu. This day offers a great feeling of achievement when you get to Dead Womans Pass which is named after the resemblance of the mountains shadow of a womans head. Ready? A significant chunk of that 40 kms is up steep, narrow Andean mountain paths at altitude. The meals are quite exquisite considering that all of the ingredients and cooking supplies are carried from the Sacred Valley. Inca Trail, Cusco, Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu, Cusco, Inca Trail, Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu, Cusco, 2-day Inca Trail, Rainbow Mountain & Machu Picchu, Are you interested in adding a meal at one of the, We sell virtually all services available in Peru, Galapagos, Argentina, Chile, Brazil and Patagonia, Located between 7,5003,300 ft (1,0002,300 m) is the. Weve covered all the essentials you definitely need to buy and pack for either season (plus some nice to haves) in this Inca Trail Packing List post, whilst more information on the camping + food on the trek is outlined in specific sections below. full details on whats included in G Adventures Inca Trail Tour here, 11 Things To Know Before You Visit Rainbow Mountain in Peru, 13 Wonderful Things To Do in Cusco | The Gateway to the Sacred Valley, A Guide to Visiting to Pisac, Peru | The Ruins + Market, The Boleto Turistico | Everything You Need To Know About Cusco's Tourist Ticket, The Inca Trail Packing List | What You Need to Bring in 2023, A Short Guide to Ollantaytambo | Peru's Train Ride Town, (Updated 2022) A Guide to Huaraz | Peru's Hiking Capital, Seven of the Best Day Trips From Cusco | Ruins, Mountains and Pretty Little Towns. It is closed in February for maintenance. You may want to bring extra (or diet-specific) high energy snacks, such as some cookies, protein bars, chocolates, or nuts. Share stories over dinner, and if the weather permits, partake in Andean stargazing before retiring to your tent. If you arent in tip-top shape, this day will either make you or break you. This is one of Perus highest major cities with an altitude of 3400m (11,152ft). Be prepared with a rain jacket or poncho and pants made of quick-drying synthetic material. As is Puno and Juliaca if you're planning to visit Lake Titicaca. 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. Make sure to let loved ones know that you will be without service for four days. Tours should provide you with purified, safe-to-drink water at camp each night and morning; this in addition to drinks purchased in advance and along the way (and those endless cups of tea glugged at camp) should be sufficient to keep you well hydrated. ITMB Publishing International Travel Maps, Camino Inka. Here you will get all the inside information on the hike from someone who has spent a lot of time researching it and completed it firsthand. The Inca Trail porters are the unsung heroes of every experience, and they will carry up to 25 kgs of food and supplies on their backs. Rainy season days almost always bring drizzle or rain. As there are no restrooms mid-trek, you opt to wait until lunch or to reach the campsite or to go in nature. In our group of 10, three people were feeling the altitude on the first day of the tour due to lack of acclimitisation, but with more time, water, and a healthy dose of coca tea (the age-old Peruvian cure!) You can see full details on whats included in G Adventures Inca Trail Tour here. Its a damn good journey! One kilometre along the trail, at an elevation of 3,750 metres (12,300ft) is the Inca tampu Runkuraqay, ruins which overlook the valley. When packing your bag, keep in mind that a sleeping bag and sleeping pad account for 5.5 lbs (2.5 kg) of the total weight. We have these excellent lightweight sleeping bags, but its also possible to rent them - just note that the ones available for rental are bulky and weigh around 2 kgs. Hiking poles to aid you in ascending and descending the mountain trail. During the rainy season, there is the possibility of landslides. In addition to all the equipment, pots and pans, food, and trash that they had to carry, they also now had a grown adult on their backs.

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