Do the Inca Trail: all the information you need to hike to Machu Picchu
The Chemin de l’Inca is by far the most famous trek in South America, and is considered by many to be one of the top 5 hikes in the world. In just 43 km, it manages to combine magnificent mountain scenery, lush cloud forests, subtropical jungle and, of course, a stunning mix of Inca cobblestones, ruins and tunnels. There’s no better destination than Machu Picchu, the mysterious « lost city of the Incas » in Peru. This may be your goal, the adventure of a lifetime, and that’s why we’ve put together as much information as possible to help you organize your trek along the Inca Trail.
Make no mistake, this trek is not for everyone. The Inca Trail involves crossing peaks (including one at 4200 metres) and descending slippery, uneven Inca pavements. Train at least a few weeks before you leave.
Flickr – World Wide Gifts
What to expect
The Inca Trail has become something of a backpacker’s highway, which is why the government has limited the climb to 500 people per day (including workers). You’ll have to go through an approved agency with a group to tread the Inca cobblestones, but if you really want to, then go for it – it’s a unique experience.
When to do the Inca Trail?
The Chemin de l’Inca is closed in February for maintenance. Apart from this (rainy) month, it’s possible to go the rest of the year. December to March is the rainy season.
June, July and August are the coldest and driest months, and therefore the most popular. If you’re a regular trekker, physically ready and with the necessary equipment, you can go trekking at any time of year (except February).
The Inca Trail is very busy. So to avoid the crowds, it’s best to leave either from March to May or from September to November.
How to book the Inca Trail trek?
First of all, only 500 people are allowed on the Inca Trail each day. Half of them are locals working on the trail (guides, porters, cooks, etc.). As a result, reservations are often required several months in advance.
If you want to do the tour between May and August, book 6 months in advance.
For the rest of the year, you can obtain your entry permit a few weeks in advance, but there are no rules on this. You can only make the trek through an approved agency. There are around 200 travel agencies authorized to organize treks on the Inca Trail.
Be sure to compare services and prices, and above all, check that the agency is approved by the Peruvian government. You’ll find a complete, up-to-date list on the official website: www.machupicchu.gob.pe (see Consultas / Queries). The site is not in French.
How do I get there?
If you’re interested in doing this trek, it’s probably because you’re planning a trip to Peru. The first thing to do is to get to Cuzco. This is where you’ll find the agencies that send out groups of trekkers every day.
Flickr – World Wide Gifts
What to pack for the Inca Trail?
Ideally, you should pack as many useful items of clothing as possible, without your bag weighing too much. Easier said than done, when you know that the intense heat of the equatorial sun rubs shoulders with the cold mountain nights in a tent on the Inca Trail. The best way to cope with both extremes is to dress in layers rather than one big sweater. If you’ve forgotten something, don’t despair, as you’ll easily find what you need in Cuzco or any other major Peruvian city.
Suggested packing list for the Inca Trail:
01. Backpack (65 liters should be quite sufficient).
02. Comfortable walking shoes with good ankle support.
03. Sleeping bag (can be rented in Cuzco).
04. Clothing
- 2 light hiking pants
- 2 T-shirts
- 1 Short-sleeved hiking shirt
- 1 Long-sleeved hiking shirt
- 2 Shorts
- Underwear and socks (thermal underwear highly recommended, as it is light, warm and good for cold nights)
05. Fleece jacket
06. K-Way or poncho
07. Hat or cap for protection from the sun
08. Toiletries: soap, toothbrush, toothpaste and toilet paper etc…
09. Sunscreen, lip balm, sunglasses
10. Flashlight
11. Basic first-aid kit
12. Insect protection
13. Money belt + passport
14. Camera
15. Water bottle
16. Water purification tablets (Micropur tablets are available in Cuzco and are very effective).
17. walking sticks if necessary
And possibly binoculars.
Flickr – Lee Coursey
The trek itself
As we’ll see below, there are several trekking options, with different durations. But the 4-day trek is the most frequently used.
At kilometer 82, the village of Ollantaytambo is on the Cuzco railway line. This is where you show your passport and permit for the trail. The first day is a simple, manageable 11 km hike. You’ll pass the Inca ruins at Llactapata as a foretaste of the rest of your trek.
The second day is the most difficult part of the hike: the main climb takes you to 4200m and the Warmiwañusca pass. At the top of the pass, you have a view over the entire valley, and it becomes difficult to imagine the endurance of the ancient Inca chasquis (« messengers ») who traversed the path to deliver emergency messages between tambos (« resting points »). One day, perhaps, they delivered news of the arrival of the Spanish. From here, take your photos, congratulate your group, and « flee » the strong winds to the cornucopia of greenery in the cloud forest below. Camp Pacamayu, 600 metres below, will be where you spend the second (cool) night, but the third day indicates that the worst is over.
The third day begins with an hour and a half’s climb to another pass at Sayaqmarka. If this discourages you, you’ll find some comfort in the fact that, now that you’ve climbed this pass, you’re well on the way to completing the Inca Trail. Depending on the time of year you hike here, the colors of the orchids will lift your spirits. You’ll then pass Wiñay Wayna, where the Incas built cultivation terraces.
Flickr – _e.t
The fourth and final day is no ordinary hiking day. It’s a real study in human behavior: during a short 2-hour trek to Inti Punku (Sun Gate), the guides will try to be the first at the site checkpoint. Some hikers get up well before 5.30 a.m. to secure their place in the front line. Everyone tries to get a photo of Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate without tourists in the background.
But here you are!
You’ve reached Machu Picchu, and any feelings of tiredness and bitterness towards the tourists ahead of you are replaced by euphoria. Enjoy the famous ruins. You’ll then take a shuttle to Aguas Calientes, then on to Ollantaytambo by train and back to Cuzco.
Flickr – World Wide Gifts
Prices for the 4-day Inca Trail
Prices for doing the Inca Trail can vary considerably, and the many options can be confusing. In general, the price for the 4-day trek ranges from $560 to $660 and includes a tent, food, a cook, a day’s entrance to the Machu Picchu ruins and the return train ride.
Alternative routes to Machu Picchu
The Inca Trail in 2 days: this is the shortest version of the fabulous Inca Trail, for those who have less time available and don’t want to miss out on this unique trek. This hike starts at kilometer 104.
The Salcantay Trek: Less well known and much more available, this trek is longer, higher, less crowded, with more « immense » landscapes, and fewer archaeological ruins. It usually takes 5 days and costs around $400.
Useful links
Map of the Inca Trail
Crédit – cordillere-andes.com