Insect repellent (with Deet) for protection against mosquitoes and other blood-sucking critters once you get to Machu Picchu. Save $$$ Save the Planet Save Your Stomach! You will also benefit from training your legs to walk/hike on stairways or steep slopes. I made sure to mentally prepare our small team of six for the adventure and kept up a weekly progress report of how everyone was training. The Inca Trail trek is over 3,000 meters in altitude. Lightweight travel towel to shower with and a small (inflatable) travel pillow for your sleeping comfort. The trail is steep and challenging in places, but the views of the . You wont be able to enter the Inca Trail nor Machu Picchu without it. They offer simple & flexible travel insurance, and safety advice to help you travel confidently. 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). Traveling to Peru and seeing Machu Picchu was one of them. Inca Trail elevation continually changes as you hike over spectacular passes and down into lush valleys. [3], It starts from one of two points: 88km (55 miles) or 82km (51 miles) from Cusco on the Urubamba River at approximately 2,800 metres (9,200ft) or 2,600 metres (8,500ft) elevation, respectively.[3]. It is very important to secure your Inca Trail permits in advance. 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. From the top of Dead Womans Pass, you will descend about 2.5km (1.6 miles) down a steep gradient into the Pacaymayo Valley. The lowest point on the trail at Llactapata ruins is roughly 2250m (7,382ft). 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. Take a break to catch your breath and enjoy the spectacular views of the Urubamba River below the sites green terraces. A very thin sleeping mat was included, and carried by the porter, but it was also possible to rent a thin air-mattress for S/45 / 10 / $13 / 11 which had to be stored in the duffel bag (and weighed around 1 kg). Get a quote below or read our in-depth review! 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. 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. The Inca Trail is open 11 months of the year (March through January). Only government-authorized trekking companies can offer Inca Trail tours and your trekking team is trained in the case of emergency. As with other sites that were being degraded due to overuse, camping is no longer allowed. 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. Enjoy hand-curated trail maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you. The first 30 minutes of the trek is uphill, while the remainder of the trail is largely a descent. SAM Travel Peru: Outstanding Inca Trail 2023 - See 3,262 traveler reviews, 2,463 candid photos, and great deals for Cusco, Peru, at Tripadvisor. This steep ascent reaches 4,215m (13,829ft) above sea level. Forgetting to book permits in advance for the Inca Trail and shorter day hikes is a mistake. . This means that it is incredibly foolish to arrive in Cusco, which is at 3,339m (11,151 feet) above sea-level, and leave the next day to do a strenuous hike or even start the Inca Trail. It is important to carefully review potential travel insurance policies to make sure that the Inca Trail portion will be covered. Personally, I could have spent the whole day there just in awe of the ruins. Don't overpack. Take note that the Inca Trail is closed in February for maintenance. Your body needs the time to adjust! 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. 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. Amongst various tour companies advice online, the tipping recommendations average out at 100 - 150 soles per hiker to the group of porters and cooks (who will take care of splitting it amongst themselves). There is a chance of rain even in the dry season, so its better to be prepared. The Classic 4-day Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu is arguably the most famous trail in all of South America. Salkantay is a great Inca Trail alternative when permits are sold out or you'd simply like to avoid crowds. 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. The altitudes on the trail are much higher than what most travellers are used to. The Classic 4-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is the most sought after trek in Peru. Mollepata is the longest of the three routes with the highest mountain pass and intersects with the Classic route before crossing Warmiwausqa ("dead woman"). Bring a daypack to carry your overnight and personal belongings, water, and provided boxed lunch. 30 miles (49 km), Highest Elevation: But before you do, there are a few important factors you need to consider, such as the best time to trek, weather conditions, and how far in advance to book. 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. Once used as a checkpoint for those entering and exiting the holy city, this viewpoint affords hikers unrivaled views of the citadel far below. The highest point on the Inca Trail is Abra Warmihuausca or 'Dead Woman's Pass which is located at 4,200 meters. The trail reaches the pass at an elevation of 3950m. The trail continues through high cloud forest, undulating, sometimes steeply while affording increasingly dramatic viewpoints of mountains and dropoffs. Each morning, your bag will be weighed and collected, and it will be waiting for you at the campsite. The route was constructed by the Incas over 500 years ago. Abra Warmihuausca, at 4,224 meters, is the trail's highest point (13,860 ft). The stock image wouldn't lie now, would it? We managed with a group of six (not including the guide, porters, and cook). The trail reaches 13,828 ft (4,215 m) on Day 2 and 12,500 feet (3,900 m) on Day 3. Ley No 28296, "Inca Trail permits to be released four months early", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Inca_Trail_to_Machu_Picchu&oldid=1125666243, Jenkins, David "A Network Analysis of Inka Roads, Administrative Centers and Storage Facilities. Pack animals are not allowed. Note that this was a couple of days longer than their standard Inca Trail (some activities and time in the Sacred Valley were bolted on) and for most people, we dont feel it would be worth the added expense; their four-day option is cheaper. The 2-day Inca Trail ends at Machu Picchu, which is located at 7,972 ft (2,430 m). Hiking the Inca Trail is an experience which should inspire excitement, invoke a little bit of fear, stoke jealousy amongst your friends, and stir a sense of wander in your soul. Besides dealing with high elevation, your general fitness and previous trekking experience will also contribute to your level of enjoyment. A daypack to carry water, a boxed lunch provided by your hiking guide, camera, personal items for your overnight in Aguas Calientes, etc. Two groups of major architectural structures, a lower and upper, are set among multiple agricultural terraces at this concave mountainside site. 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). If you choose to purchase through these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. For all the essential details on visiting Machu Picchu independently, read this post. Pack of tissues, toilet paper, and wet wipes. Most operators advise hikers to purchase permits as soon as possible after they are released. If youre confused about buying travel insurance, read this post and this post. TIP: Tell us the destinations you have in mind. They can be purchased in Cusco or rented from your trekking company with advance notice. 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). Vegetation becomes more dense, lush, and jungle-like with an accompanying increase in butterflies and birds. 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. 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. The name Phuyupatamarka ("cloud-level town") (phoo-yoo-patta-marka) is applied to both the campground, and the ruins. 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. Your trek must be organized through a licensed tour operator. Because of previous damage caused by hooves, pack animals are not allowed on the remainder of the trail. The intricate detail that the Incans put into each and every stone structure is mesmerizing. Buy a Geopress: its the last water bottle youll ever buy. Trust me, once you see all that is included and all the work that the porters and tour guide do, you will realize it is well worth every penny paid. Altitude on the Inca Trail. Poles must have rubber tips. Protip:Thats exactly how I like my walks in the park. 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 4-day Inca Trail is 30 miles (49 km) in length. 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. The food was fantastic throughout the trip. For your main and assistant guide, 25 - 50 soles for the former and 10 - 25 soles for the latter is advised per hiker. The Inca Trail elevation ranges from about 8,000 feet (2,400 meters) to 13,800 feet (4,200 meters). New York, NY:Dutton. Hiking poles will aid you in steep areas. You should bring enough money with you from Cusco for tipping and lunch in Aguas Calientes. Trails can get muddy and slippery. For the same reason, metal-tipped trekking poles are not allowed on the trail. Porters are instead responsible for carrying the tents, cooking supplies, food and additional camping equipment necessary along the trail. 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. 1. You can purchase these in Cusco or rent them from your trekking company with advance notice. Even before passing through the tunnel there are views down to the Willkanuta River, the first since leaving the river at Patallaqta. Im here to give you the lowdown on the good and the bad and how to make sure your next trip to Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail is a success. This may not sound like a lot, but it really is when you think about the fact that everyone follows the same narrow trails to Machu Picchu. 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. We hiked with G Adventures in early December, so we were ready for some rainy days. Yes, the dreaded Dead Woman's Pass. as you won't have access to what the porter carries until you reach the campsite each day. [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. 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. Regardless of which option you go for, all roads will lead to Cusco - the start point for the vast majority of all Inca Trail tours. Hike through the cloud forest on a gentle climb to the second pass of the day, walking through original Incan constructions. Common symptoms of altitude sickness include headaches, nausea, and fatigue. Here, you will be introduced to the rest of the trekking team, who will accompany you on your adventure. Required fields are marked. The biggest surprise for us both on the Trail was just how incredible the food provided was every single day. [12] The government also mandated that every trekker on the trail must be accompanied by a guide. The campsite at Llulluch'apampa (Llulluchapampa) is located on this stretch of trail at 3,800 metres (12,500ft). If you are injury-prone or have had issues in the past think twice before committing to the full hike. Day one eases you into the action. Rise early for the first day of your trek. 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. A maximum of 500 people are allowed on the trail each day, of which only 200 are trekkers, the rest being guides and porters. 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. . are 500 permits available, approximately 200 allocated to tourists and 300 to guides, porters, and cooks. Intipata (aka Yunkapata)[8] is a recently uncovered extensive set of agricultural terraces which follow the convex shape of the terrain. Because duh! Let your guide know if you are struggling and especially if your symptoms get worse. If youre all booked and ready to start preparing, then make sure to read our Inca Trail Packing List before you buy anything. Every Inca Trail tour worth its salt employs and includes an incredible team of support staff who will carry the camping and cooking equipment plus food supplies on the Trail to each campsite (the tour company provides all of this equipment), as well as everyones 6kg duffel bag. Day Two of the hike, which leads you from your campsite all the way upto the Dead Womans Pass at 4,200 metres (13,776 ft) is widely regarded as the most difficult day of hiking - once youre passed that, youll be laughing (or crying). Permits for low season travel (NovemberMarch) should be secured at least three months in advance. The meals are quite exquisite considering that all of the ingredients and cooking supplies are carried from the Sacred Valley. Lets go! The pass itself is located at 4,215m (13,829ft) above sea level, and is the highest point on this, the "Classic" trail. The Inca Trail undulates between a low point of 2,250m/8,366ft and its highest point of 4,200m/13,780ft, with many peaks and troughs along the way. 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 the past 5 years, I have had the goal of visiting each of the 7 Wonders of the world. Pictures just dont do it justice. The Inca Trail hike marked our second time visiting Machu Picchu, and arriving via the Sun Gate with sweaty brows and tired feet rather than taking the morning bus from Aguas Caliente with thousands of others clearly underlined to us that it is the best way to arrive at one of the worlds most iconic attractions. You will begin your ascent to Dead Womans Pass surrounded by lush, green scenery. You can easily spend hours on end walking up and around the magnificent ruins. It is good to know that the citadel of Machu Picchu, the final point of this unforgettable experience, is located at a much lower elevation (2,400 m.a.s.l.). Bring a comfortable daypack with snug straps to wear while you hike. Pack a hat, strong sunblock, and glasses for protection against the sun. If you have the time to take a dip in the hot springs I recommend you do so before grabbing the train out. Pack light, pack smart, and pack for two very different temperatures - thats the key advice for every Inca Trail experience. The most notable is a quota system, introduced in 2001, whereby only a set number of people (including hikers, porters, and guides) would be allowed to hike along the Inca Trail each day. The Classic Inca Trail is easily the most famous trek in South America. That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we dont believe are up to scratch. After all, reaching Machu Picchu is the reason that many of you will be considering this hike in the first place! Remember the part where my companion busted her knee and had to be carried by porters goddamn hiking in style! We have summarized everything you need to know before embarking on this incredible journey. Check in to your hotel and later enjoy dinner with your hiking group. The tents are all two-person, meaning you will either be sharing with a friend/other half, or a randomly assigned member of the same sex. The two longer routes require an ascent to beyond 4,200 metres (13,800ft) above sea level, which can result in altitude sickness. A reusable water bottle or hydration pack works well for this. Be prepared to get soaked and tread cautiously when the trail gets slippery. 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). Days are warm, nights are freezing. At this point, the trail reaches 13,828 ft (4,215 m) in elevation.This pass is so named, as from below it is said to resemble a womans supine body. Stretching 42 km (26 mile) from the Sacred Valley to the Sun Gate of Machu Picchu, the classic Inca Trail traverses some of the most riveting landscapes in all of Peru. It was not just the distance that made the Inca routes challenging, but also the extreme altitude that may be encountered at various points. There are amazing hostels in Cuscothat offer a comfy bed so you can start the next day well-rested and read to go. Once a permit is purchased for one person, the permit cannot be transferred to another individual. The entire 4-day Inca trail hike is 26 miles (42 km). 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 number of these views increases. 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). Adams, Mark. As Brits, we fully appreciate that this can result in a bit of uncertainty and awkwardness for those of us who havent been raised in a tipping culture (just pay more in wages, no? Its the hardest day of the trek, with an ascent of 1,200 meters and a challenging descent to the bottom campsite. Throughout day 3 youll also see several mini Machu Picchu-like ruins spread throughout the trail. Peru has two seasons - dry and wet - and it is possible to do the Inca Trail in either. This is the most dangerous point for altitude sickness, though . We'll give you time in Cusco to acclimatize before the trek, but altitude sickness can be a problem for some. Remember to pack smart and pack light for the Inca Trail - find out exactly what you need to bring and leave behind in our Inca Trail Packing List. Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.) Whichever tour company you do the Inca Trail with, you will be expected to tip your support staff of porters and guides. As with any trek, you should take proper precautions and make sure that you bring the correct gear and clothing. 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. Instead, youre treated to an entry at the Sun Gate just after sunrise (expect about 6-7 a.m.) and then a wonderful descent down to an uncrowded Machu Picchu with special views of it all the way (trust us, its much better than queueing in the pitch black Aguas from 4 a.m. in the morning to get on the first bus up to then queue at the ticket gate). There are three important things to note here: 1: The Inca Trail is not about finishing each day as quickly as possible; we felt that our group could have lingered a little more on sections of the hike and slowed our pace. The highest point on the Inca Trail is Dead Woman's Pass. Both the 4-day and 2-day Inca Trail treks have distinct advantages and disadvantages. 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.
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