The bad news? All permits are paired with an individual passport and are not transferable. About a 25% chance of rain with a mix of weather conditions. If you have specific dietary requirements, make sure you enquire with your tour provider to make sure you can be catered for adequately. For more information on altitude sickness, the symptoms, and how to deal with them in Peru, read this post. It consists of a 1500-meter descent into the subtropical cloud forests and through the Amazon basin. This also included a guided tour around the site. The Inca Trail has very steep inclines. Instead, view the Inca Trail as your challenge, your motivation, and your deadline to start walking more, to lose some weight, and to make some positive changes before you fly to Peru (and if you need some inspiration, read this womans story). Travel is full of variables and there is always a risk, however small, that something might go wrong before or during your trip. Also, the map shows camp zones, archeological sites, distances, high points, and tourist facilities. Pack of tissues, toilet paper, and wet wipes. For the same reason, metal-tipped trekking poles are not allowed on the trail. In fact, not approaching altitude correctly is one of the biggest mistakes of travellers in South America. Preparing for the Inca Trail isnt just a case of throwing some unworn hiking boots in your backpack and hoping for the best, but rather doing the necessary to ensure you have a successful and unforgettable adventure in the Peruvian mountains for all the right reasons! Up mountain passes and down into humid cloud forest valleys, the final destination is majestic Machu Picchu. In the afternoon, you will arrive at the Wiay Wayna ruins, which are situated at the hikes highest elevation (8,694 ft/2,650 m). For all the essential details on visiting Machu Picchu independently, read this post. Feedback we frequently receive from our travelers is how impressive the meals are on the Inca Trail. In this article, you can find everything you need to know about altitudes on the Inca Trail. There are no ATMs along the Inca Trail. 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. The outline of the mountains at one point resembles a woman lying on her back. 2: The best tour companies each come with a main guide and an assistant guide - one will lead at the front of your group whilst another will stay at the back. To find out what clothes and footwear are best, read our Inca Trail Packing post. [12] Permits were previously released in January, however, in 2017 this changed to October. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); This website uses cookies to improve your experience. [10], From Wiay Wayna the trail undulates along below the crest of the east slope of the mountain named Machu Picchu. Inca Trail to Machu Picchu - Wikipedia The Inca Trails length is 26 miles (42 kilometers) of pure Peruvian power that connects several Incan archaeological sites: Runcuracay, Sayacmarca, Phuyuptamarca, Wiaywayna, and of course none other than the magnificent Machu Picchu ruins! So, whatever you do, dont underestimate how much cash you will need - wed say at least 300 soles per person for the Trail-specific section. Inca Trail Distance: Overnight buses in Peru range from basic to an incredibly high standard - we recommend you take a look at the options and book online via RedBus. By using these, you are directly supporting Along Dusty Roads to remain an independent travel blog, and to create free guides to help you travel more, travel better. Trails can get muddy and slippery. Personally, we wouldnt recommend anyone under the age of 14 to do the trek due to group dynamics. [1] As a result, the high season books out very quickly. All of the year's permits are released in October and are sold on a first-come, first-served basis. No, there is no waiting list for permits. Porters carry all the equipment. Hiking the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Day-by-Day Itinerary for Trekking the Inca Trail (4 Days/3 Nights), Finding the Best Inca Trail Tour Operator. Difficulty | Youre almost at the end and Machu Picchu, you should be hopping, skipping, and jumping all the way there! Its sensible to take this money in the form of smaller notes and coins. I wouldnt be surprised if we were the last group to make it into the historic site. The trek allows hikers to witness the diverse microclimates of the Andes, from grassy plains and dramatic peaks to lush cloud forest. The Classic 4-day Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu is arguably the most famous trail in all of South America. Only 500 Inca Trail permits are available per day, Booking Inca Trail tickets in advance is a must, Inca Trail is closed for the month of February. Remember the part where my companion busted her knee and had to be carried by porters goddamn hiking in style! The highest point on the Inca Trail is Abra Warmihuausca or 'Dead Woman's Pass which is located at 4,200 meters. However, its also possible to buy poles in Cusco or to rent them from your tour provider. A maximum of 500 people are allowed on the trail each day, of which only 200 are trekkers, the rest being guides and porters. Trekkers reach the Dead Woman's Pass peak at 13,828 feet, which is . To visit Machu Picchu at any time, whether you plan to hike for the day or for several nights, will require booking a permit. 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. Because duh! A: The cost of hiking the Inca Trail varies depending on the tour operator and the length of the trek. High probability of rain on any given day. 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. You can see full details on whats included in G Adventures Inca Trail Tour here. If there is notable rainfall, then hiking conditions become slippier and more difficult. Check out the daily elevation increases and be better prepared for your trek. Reaching the crest of this ridge reveals the grandeur of the ruins of Machu Picchu, which lie below. Plan to spend two to three days staying in Cusco acclimatizing before beginning the trek. How long is the Inca trail (day by day hiking length). The trail begins at Km 82 of the Inca Trail and ends at Machu Picchu's Sun Gate. 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. Pack light, pack smart, and pack for two very different temperatures - thats the key advice for every Inca Trail experience. It is recommended to spend a few days getting used to the elevation before you hike the Inca Trail. Something as minor as a flight delay can have a significant financial impact, as can illness, bad weather or baggage delay. You will start the day with a steep ascent up Dead Womans Pass. Alright, lets get to the details. Tours to Machu Picchu normally arrange groups of eight to sixteen people, and you will hike with people from all around the world. She enjoys sharing her passion for all things nature-related. Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.) After the tour, trekkers who pre-purchased Huayna Picchu tickets will continue hiking, while the rest of the group will take the 25-minute shuttle bus to Aguas Calientes. We would never travel without taking out insurance (if youre not convinced, read this post), and having the necessary insurance arrangements in place in advance is a requirement for every Inca Trail tour; you are responsible for buying and purchasing this. How long does it take to hike the Inca Trail to 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). After all, reaching Machu Picchu is the reason that many of you will be considering this hike in the first place! Direccion Regional de Cultura Cuzco. Hiking Peru's Inca Trail to Machu Picchu - Altitude, Distances Thankfully, we both fall into the latter camp and we always tell people to embrace getting a little stinky and dirty for a few days. However, the altitude at its highest point is 13,776 ft or 4200m, which can sometimes cause problems for hikers. Tips for porters and guides (more on this below). Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu - Machu Travel Peru 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. When the Incans were conquered by the Spanish in the 1500s, they fled the jungle and Machu Picchu went hidden for hundreds of years. One kilometre along the trail, at an elevation of 3,750 metres (12,300ft) is the Inca tampu Runkuraqay, ruins which overlook the valley. Hiking boots with a solid tread and ankle support to help prevent injuries. The Grayl Geopress is the markets leading filtered water bottle protecting your tum from all the waterborne nasties. Inca Trail elevation continually changes as you hike over spectacular passes and down into lush valleys. If you have any doubts about whether you are covered for hiking the Inca Trail, speak with your insurance company. Design of the site closely follows the natural contours, and includes five fountains and an altar, which was probably used for llama sacrifice. The Inca Trail is open 11 months of the year (March through January). 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. PLUS, you save money and the environment! As an Amazon Associate, Machu Picchu Trek earns from qualifying purchases. Securing a permit is only possible with an approved tour provider, who buy these daily permits in advance. 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. Temperatures really drop at higher elevation when the sun sets. The altitude starts around 9,000 feet above sea level but the highest point on the Inca Trail is Dead Woman's Pass . You can get a 15% discount on the Water-to-Go if you use this code at the checkout (ADR15), and read this post to find out about more ways about how to use less plastic when you travel. Your guide will take you on a 2.5-hour tour of the citadel, where you will learn about its fascinating history. this post on the essential things to look for before buying. The stock image wouldn't lie now, would it? Our guide kept on calling us all professional hikers and the fastest group hed had that year as we arrived at camp each night a few hours ahead of expected 5-7 hours in his schedule. Four days of trekking through a variety of landscapes is a great way of getting to know this part of Peru. As the trail ascends toward Warmi Wausqa, or "Dead Woman's Pass", which resembles a supine woman, it passes through differing habitats, one of which is a cloud forest containing Polylepis trees. No, you can only hike the Inca Trail with a tour guide licensed for the Inca Trail. Before starting the trek, spending some time in Cusco (11,150 ft/3,400 m) will help your body adjust. We recommend 2 nights or more if possible. As your elevation increases, take note of how the ecosystems change. As mentioned, the tour company will provide the tents and porters will carry the majority of the camping equipment. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance. The trail is steep and challenging in places, but the views of the . If the tour operator charges much less, they are probably not paying their porters fair wages. Whether you're getting ready to hike, bike, trail run, or explore other outdoor activities, AllTrails has 22 scenic trails in the Jakarta area. Their shorter tour is around 710 per person, and our recommended cheaper alternative is around 600 - 650 depending upon whether it has a an offer running (which it often does). The overall distance of the Quarry Trail is about 26km (the Inca Trail is 43km) and the maximum altitude is 4,450m above sea level (the Inca Trail's highest point is Dead Woman's Pass at 4,215m). The intricate detail that the Incans put into each and every stone structure is mesmerizing. You can spend those days sightseeing in and around Cusco as there are plenty of archaeological sites like Nazca. Climb out of the Sacred Valley towards Warmiwanusca, or Dead Woman's Pass, on the second day of the classic Inca Trail 4-day. Buy a Geopress: its the last water bottle youll ever buy. Porters can be hired to carry up to 18 lb (8 kg) or 33 lb (15 kg). The Inca Trail trek is over 3,000 meters in altitude. 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. We were literally in the middle of the Peruvian jungle with no easy way of evacuating her. This is the second highest pass on the Inca Trail known as the Runquraqay Pass. Malaria and yellow fever are not a risk in this area. Note that the Inca Trail is closed in February for everyone in order to allow it to replenish. If you are seeing a higher price than this, then you will either be on a very very luxury tour or likely booking through a tour agent. At the top, the pass is rocky, with little vegetation. So whats the Inca Trail hikes difficulty like? 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!) (2001) Turn Right at Macho Picchu. Your email address will not be published. Cuzco Region Machu Picchu Peru. So youve decided to hike the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. The government monitors the trail closely; there are several control points along the 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 second day ascends over Dead Woman's pass- the highest point on the Inca Trail at 4,200 metres. Be prepared to get soaked and tread cautiously when the trail gets slippery. The trail is closed in February for annual maintenance, conservation, and clean-up. As with other sites that were being degraded due to overuse, camping is no longer allowed. It consists of three overlapping trails: . A small spur of the trail leads directly to Wiay Wayna, while the main route continues to Intipata. The next step is to pick your dates and start the process of booking your Inca Trail permit. Despite your best efforts (as well as the efforts of your CEO, porters etc), things can and do go wrong; if you get sick whilst hiking and are unable to make your own way back, without travel insurance, your evacuation will get expensive pretty quickly. World Nomads mission is to support and encourage travellers to explore their boundaries. I really have no idea how they made such incredible meals when they were literally in the middle of the jungle. Included in the price is transport to the start of the trail, a bilingual guide, entrance fees to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu, tents, all meals and a cook, porters, emergency first aid, oxygen, and return transport back to Cusco. But it's nothing so dramatic. Get a quote below or read our in-depth review! On your first day of hiking the Inca Trail, you will typically embark from the KM82 route. On the highest points of the Inca Trail, some hikers experience unpleasant symptoms. 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. Everything You Need To Know Before Hiking the Inca Trail, 13 Wonderful Things To Do in Drake Bay | The Wild Side of Costa Rica, this highly rated four-day Inca Trail tour, these excellent lightweight travel hiking poles in the UK, three-week overland trip in Africa with G Adventures, these excellent lightweight sleeping bags. Small, permanent settlements are located adjacent to the trail, and Wayllapampa has approximately 400 inhabitants (130 families) spread along this portion of the trail. 1)and theres also the bush. ), 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. Its a nice build-up to the granddaddy of them all that follows on day 4. In short, hiking poles are not essential for the Inca Trail; it is 100% possible to do it without them. 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). She enjoys hiking, horseriding, 4x4 driving and kayaking. 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. [12] The government also mandated that every trekker on the trail must be accompanied by a guide. . Thankfully, the weather gods were rooting for us, and we only had one bad rain shower and a single morning of dense mist to contend with - as our guide told us, this wont always be the case for those hiking the Inca Trail in rainy season. Cons | Dry season also coincides with high tourism season in Peru (June - August), so the Inca Trail will be at full capacity each day. After taking transport from nearby Cusco, you meet your team and porters. If there are any updates or questions, feel free to let us know in the comments below! 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). 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. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. The best time to hike the Inca Trail is May throughSeptember when there is less rain and the temperatures are slightly cooler. Settlements, tunnels, and many Incan ruins are located along the trail before ending the terminus at the Sun Gate on Machu Picchu mountain. Your body needs the time to adjust! Get insured. Explore one of 17 easy hiking trails in Jakarta or discover kid-friendly routes for your next family trip. Located in the Andes mountain range, the trail passes through several types of Andean environments including cloud forest and alpine tundra. You should be able to walk for at least 23 hours at a time on varied terrain. However, one of the main challenges is its high altitude. Rainy season days almost always bring drizzle or rain. The trail undulates, but overall ascends along the Cusichaka River. 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. Drink water from ANYWHERE. It is possible to book a longer organised Peru tour which includes the Inca Trail within it, or to simply include it on your own independent Peru + South American adventure. 6.8 miles (11 km). It consists of three overlapping trails: Mollepata, Classic, and One Day. TIP: Tell us the destinations you have in mind. ITMB Publishing International Travel Maps, Camino Inka. Let your Travel Advisor know if you'd be interested, as Inca Trail permits also need to be purchased in advance for porters. What is the best time of year to hike the Inca Trail, How much does it cost to hike the Inca Trail, Can you do the Inca Trail without a guide, Do you need a permit to hike the Inca Trail. A Complete Guide to Exploring Cuscos Ruins (Without a Tour), What You Need to Know To Visit Machu Picchu in 2021, 11 Things to Know Before You Visit Rainbow Mountain, Everything You Need to Know About Cuscos Boleto Turistico, A Complete Guide to Visiting Ollantaytambo, Tagged: minimum age for the inca trail, maximum age for the Inca trail, How Much to Tip on the Inca Trail, Inca trail last minute, Inca trail hike, Inca trail, is the Inca trail expensive, what is the Inca trail, Booking the Inca Trail, Inca trail permit, Inca trail permits 2019, do you need a guide for the Inca trail, What is the best time of year to hike the Inca Trail?, Inca trail dry season, Inca trail wet season, Inca trail high season, best Inca trail tours, How Much Does The Inca Trail Cost, Inca trail fitness, where does the Inca trail start, kilometre 82, Inca trail insurance, Inca Trail Map + Route, How Difficult is the Inca Trail Hike, hiking poles inca trail, Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail, Tipping on the Inca Trail, safety on Inca trail, altitude sickness Inca trail, classic inca trail, inca trail trek, inca trail tour, Inca trail permits, inca trail itinerary, Inca trail trek, inca trail trekking, inca trail hike difficulty, inca trail cost, inca trail to machu picchu, How long does it take to hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?, What is the best time of year to hike the Inca Trail, How much does it cost to hike the Inca Trail, Can you do the Inca Trail without a guide, Do you need a permit to hike the Inca Trail, peru hiking, Inca trail difficulty, machu picchu, machu picchu peru page, most popular. If you are not ready for the challenge of multi-day trekking, your mind might give up long before your body does. No matter the season, make sure to bring a rain jacket or poncho as there is always the chance of showers in the Andes. Lowest Elevation: . In terms of showers, weve found on our various multi-day group hikes that people can be split into two camps: Those who will take a cold shower rather than being a little smelly. Besides dealing with high elevation, your general fitness and previous trekking experience will also contribute to your level of enjoyment. 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. Your trek must be organized through a licensed tour operator. You may want to bring extra (or diet-specific) high energy snacks, such as some cookies, protein bars, chocolates, or nuts. 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. Inca Trail weather during the shoulder months is variable and it is common to experience all four seasons in one day. Even so, you should ascend slowly and drink lots of water. You'll still need to at least carry a daypack with your water bottle, rain jacket, etc. The Trail is Peru in a microcosm; lush green cloud forest alive with birds, Andean peaks and steep mountain passes, a landscape dotted with centuries old ruins, accessible only to those that follow this most famous pathway. Best tips before you hike the Inca trail to Machu Picchu She did walksparingly, but for the most part, was carried for a good portion of the time. The 4-day Inca Trail begins at Km 82 which has an elevation of 8,230 ft (2,600 m). However, on the Inca Trail we experienced comparative luxury as the porters were responsible for setting up the tents each afternoon before you get near camp, and for taking them down and packing up in the morning. The lowest point on the trail at Llactapata ruins is roughly 2250m (7,382ft). The altitudes on the trail are much higher than what most travellers are used to. 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! Day 2 is considerably more difficult due to the severe elevation gain and altitude of the Inca Trail. Ok, now Youre Ready to Hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. After our own hike, we wanted to share our hard-earned insights, advice, and tips to help you plan and prepare for your own successful Trail experience - all neatly whittled down into this comprehensive guide. Lastly, make sure you have the policy number, insurance provider, and emergency contact number on your person whilst hiking. 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. Postpone your tour with zero cost up to 30 days prior to arrival with open dates. Day 2 is the most challenging day of the trek, as you will gain 3,988 ft (1,215 m) in elevation. You will begin your ascent to Dead Womans Pass surrounded by lush, green scenery. Overview. We dont know if all tours will offer the same level of food as G Adventures did, but even if its half as good youll be very happy. Trekking on the High Inca Trail | Exodus Travels Its a nice starter to a much more difficult day ahead. As of 2016[update], 500 permits are issued for each day. See below for tipping recommendations. Mollepata is the longest of the three routes with the highest mountain pass and intersects with the Classic route before crossing Warmiwausqa ("dead woman").
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