Our G Adventures tour required all participants to be in Cusco for the first night of the 7 day trip, and its in the city where you will receive your briefing, rent any additional equipment and meet your tour mates. 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. The vital stats. Inca trail preparation: a complete guide [updated 2020] - Career Gappers A narrow path of 98 stairs leads to this impressive ruin surrounded by cliffs on three sides and overlooking the Aobamba Valley. Note in the sectional view of the trail map that Abra de Warmiwanusca is the highest point in the trek with an elevation of 13,795 feet (4,205 meters). [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. This steep ascent reaches 4,215m (13,829ft) above sea level. It is customary on the last night of the trek to tip the trekking team (guides, porters, chef) as a thank you for their terrific service and support. Inca Trail permits are usually available, except for holiday weeks, such as the end of December. Inca Trail permits sell out fast for these months. After all, its not a race and all about the incredible journey through Peru. Start planning your Machu Picchu hiking holiday. Weve tested the Geopressrigorouslyfrom the icy heights of Pakistan to the tropical jungles of Cuba, and the results are in: it WORKS. 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). There is no minimum or maximum age limit for hikers on the Inca Trail, but tour companies will operate according to their own guidelines and policies (i.e. Personally, we wouldnt recommend anyone under the age of 14 to do the trek due to group dynamics. 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.. On the highest points of the Inca Trail, some hikers experience unpleasant symptoms. Days are warm, nights are freezing. 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. It's emotional and so much fun. 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. The biggest surprise for us both on the Trail was just how incredible the food provided was every single day. Plan ahead . Remember the part where my companion busted her knee and had to be carried by porters goddamn hiking in style! The highest point of the trail is Dead Women's Pass at just over 4200m. Only Inca Trail hikers can access the Gate at sunrise, and it is this crescendo, at one of the new seven wonders of the world which makes this hike a feature on so many South America bucket lists. 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. [12] Permits were previously released in January, however, in 2017 this changed to October. If youve made it to the end of the post, then congratulations! Whether you're getting ready to hike, bike, trail run, or explore other outdoor activities, AllTrails has 22 scenic trails in the Jakarta area. Ready? A reusable water bottle or hydration pack works well for this. Permits for low season travel (NovemberMarch) should be secured at least three months in advance. The ULTIMATE Guide to the Inca Trail Hike (DO IT in 2023) It is closed in February for maintenance. 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. Those who will take being a lot smelly over taking a cold shower. Inca Trail - Travel guide at Wikivoyage There are no hotels on the Inca Trail and your only available accommodation comes in the form of a tent and a sleeping bag in the middle of nature. A second Inca tunnel is along this section of trail.[10]. Something as minor as a flight delay can have a significant financial impact, as can illness, bad weather or baggage delay. If you are injury-prone or have had issues in the past think twice before committing to the full hike. Malaria and yellow fever are not a risk in this area. Guides are required to carry oxygen tanks in case of emergencies. Prior to your arrival, the trekking team will assemble your tent, so you can focus on relaxing and enjoying the mountain scenery. The trail only descends from this point until arriving at Machu Picchu at 2,430 metres. 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. For the same reason, metal-tipped trekking poles are not allowed on the trail. Nights are warmer compared to the dry season. 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! Inca Trail tours cost from 550 per person up to 1,500; if you see a price any cheaper than the bottom-end of this range, then be very sceptical. The trail is about 26 miles (42 kilometers) long and takes four to five days to complete. The G Adventures tour we joined is now 1029 per person (price update 2023), and this included two nights hotel accommodation in Cusco, one night hotel accommodation in Ollantaytambo, private transport, all meals on the Trail, our Inca Trail permit, camping equipment, entrance and a guided tour around Machu Picchu, a support team of 15 or so guides, porters, and chefs, and visits to several Planeterra local community enterprises and projects in the Sacred Valley. This pass has the highest elevation on the Inca Trail at 4,215m (13,829ft). This is approximately 1000m (3281ft) down more than 1200 stone steps. 3. Hiking poles to help ease impact on knees on downhills. The difference is the starting point; the High Inca Trail begins three days earlier, winding its way through the remote and picturesque Cordillera Vilcabamba. Demand for tours also increases in dry season, so you really need to book your own tour further in advance (a rule of thumb is six to seven months, but we have met people who booked a year in advance to assure themselves of a place). Hiking Peru's Inca Trail to Machu Picchu - Altitude, Distances No matter the season, make sure to bring a rain jacket or poncho as there is always the chance of showers in the Andes. If you dont invest in one of these excellent bottles, both of which weve tried and tested, then at least bring a refillable water bottle with you. Both True Traveller and and World Nomads are respected insurers who offer this coverage. Booking far in advance is an absolute must. The biggest problem that comes with increasing elevations is altitude sickness. April and October: shoulder season months. If the skies are clear, you will enjoy an outstanding view of the Machu Picchu ruins from above. Cons | Hiking and camping in the rain for four days is never fun, so you are increasing the chances of that. The 2-day Inca Trail is particularly popular with families that enjoy hiking and are looking for a taste of adventure. 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. At a distance of 2.1km and600m below the pass is the campground Pakaymayu. Take note that the Inca Trail is closed in February for maintenance. Inca trail 4D/3N - Review of SAM Travel Peru, Cusco, Peru - Tripadvisor There are no opportunities to charge electronics along the trail. 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. Wiay Wayna: 8,694 ft (2,650 m) Its a nice build-up to the granddaddy of them all that follows on day 4. Alternatively, this highly rated four-day Inca Trail tour has loads of excellent reviews, allows free cancellation), and is even cheaper than the above tour meaning its a good option for those on a tighter budget. This means fuller camp sites and more traffic along the Trail (although the tours do try and stagger this out). Trekkers head for the snow-capped mountains of the Vilcabamba Mountain Range. [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]. Make sure to let loved ones know that you will be without service for four days. For this reason, all Adventure Life trips involving this hike require spending at . If you do have any pre-existing medical requirements, inform your tour company when booking and also remind the CEO before setting out. A small spur of the trail leads directly to Wiay Wayna, while the main route continues to Intipata. 9 Things you should know to do the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu - cusco peru All Rights Reserved, {"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}, Inca Trail Elevation The Ups And Downs To Machu Picchu. As there are no restrooms mid-trek, you opt to wait until lunch or to reach the campsite or to go in nature. Compare this with the speed of the electric rail train or KRL Jabodetabek, which is 80-100 kilometers per hourbecause it is designed according to operational needs with relatively close distances between stations . 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. The road on one of the highest altitude routes of the Inca Trail. [9], The trail then descends approximately 1000metres including an irregular staircase of approximately 1500 steps, some of which were carved into solid granite. Once a permit is purchased for one person, the permit cannot be transferred to another individual. 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 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. Bus | If youre travelling from Arequipa, then an overnight bus to Cusco is your best option. The government monitors the trail closely; there are several control points along the trail. If you havent planned your visit yet, then read our guide to the best things to do in Cusco. So whats the Inca Trail hikes difficulty like? Share stories over dinner, and if the weather permits, partake in Andean stargazing before retiring to your tent. Day one eases you into the action. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. All permits are paired with an individual passport and are not transferable. Ask your Travel Advisor for more details. If you choose to purchase through these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Temperatures really drop at higher elevation when the sun sets. Temperatures at night are also less chilly. Looking for all the essential information to plan and prepare for the Inca Trail hike? The highest point of the pass is 3,700m (12,136 ft). 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. 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. The trail is closed every February for cleaning. Theyre easily my picj for the best Inca Trail tour. Protip:Thats exactly how I like my walks in the park. 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. 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. Your trekking guides will meet you at your Cusco hotel and transfer with you to the Sacred Valley. Note that the Inca Trail is closed in February for everyone in order to allow it to replenish. 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. Inca Trail vs. Salkantay Trek: Which Hike to Machu Picchu is Better We recommend training for the physical challenge, as well as consulting with your physician prior to travel. 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. From what I have seen, the price is around $500-$700 USD per person. Yes, the Inca Trail is safe. Pack animals are not allowed. Hiking boots with a solid tread and ankle support to help prevent injuries. They offer simple & flexible travel insurance, and safety advice to help you travel confidently. The trail reaches 13,828 ft (4,215 m) on Day 2 and 12,500 feet (3,900 m) on Day 3. November to March: rainy season. 10 Things You Need To Know Before Hiking The Machu Picchu Inca trail The trail continues to ascend, passing a small lake named Quchapata (Cochapata)[6] in an area that is recognized as deer habitat. Its the hardest day of the trek, with an ascent of 1,200 meters and a challenging descent to the bottom campsite. Whatever equipment you bring, you may not always get the best nights sleep - and it may be quite chilly in the evening - but its all part of the experience! 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. 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. Let your guide know if you are struggling and especially if your symptoms get worse. 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. If you are yet to book a tour, then we can highly recommend the 7-day G Adventures Inca Trail tour which we joined - it exceeded our expectations. You can easily spend hours on end walking up and around the magnificent ruins. 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. Direccion Regional de Cultura Cuzco. Potatoes, maize, fruit, and sweet potato were grown here. First, make sure to book your tour on the Inca Trail well in advance as the tours sell out quickly and you can only go with a tour group or private certified guide. 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. The worst part of hiking the Inca Trail is not the altitude, nor the steep ascents, but rather the toilet options available along the route. Once you arrive, you will then have half a day to explore the ruins of Machu Picchu before heading back to Cusco by train. Difficulty | High, this is the hardest day of walking but after you reach DWP, its mostly downhill. The less you have to carry, the more enjoyable the experience. 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. 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. If you do decide to go to Peru for the hike or just to see Machu Picchu, I recommend you brush up on some basic Spanish travel phrases. The Classic 4-day Inca Trail trek begins in the Sacred Valley and navigates varied terrain. Inca Trail Distance: There is a chance of rain even in the dry season, so its better to be prepared. 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). 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). 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). These ruins are at an altitude of 3750m (12,300ft). Besides dealing with high elevation, your general fitness and previous trekking experience will also contribute to your level of enjoyment. Group porters carry tents, cooking equipment, portable restrooms, and other communal items. are 500 permits available, approximately 200 allocated to tourists and 300 to guides, porters, and cooks. Yes, sadly the answer to the question Can you hike the Inca Trail without a guide?is a big fat depressingno. At the beginning of the hike the morning mountain air is likely to be cool, however you will warm up as you continue your journey to Machu Picchu. You'll still need to at least carry a daypack with your water bottle, rain jacket, etc. Keep that in mind as you will need good long-range planning to make sure your spot is reserved. Although the hike is only one day long, this doesnt mean it is easy. The 10 Best Treks in Peru: The Inca Trail and Beyond - Inca Expert Instead, you and your group will spend evening conversing over plastic cups of hot tea, playing card games, or lazing in nature together. So much so, that permits generally sell out up to eight months in advance. 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. Later on, you will stop at Sayaqmarca. Pack lightweight pants, short- and long-sleeve shirts, warm fleece jackets, underwear, and socks. Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu | Peru For Less With high-altitude hikes, it's best to think of . Along the way, you will visit Runkurakay, a circular complex that scholars believe Inca messengers used as a refueling and resting station. This means it is necessary for everyone to obtain permits in advance to do the hike. 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. Before starting the trek, spending some time in Cusco (11,150 ft/3,400 m) will help your body adjust. If youre reading this and dont fit the description of someone who does a lot of exercise or could do with losing a few lbs - then dont be too despondent. You will begin your ascent to Dead Womans Pass surrounded by lush, green scenery. Climb out of the Sacred Valley towards Warmiwanusca, or Dead Woman's Pass, on the second day of the classic Inca Trail 4-day. You can arrange a private tour, but this can be considerably more expensive with a smaller group. Along Dusty Roads is a travel blog by British couple, Andrew & Emily. Being in decent shape, acclimatising, carrying out a few practice hikes at home, keeping yourself hydrated, wearing in your hiking boots, and taking out the correct travel insurance are essential to staying safe and healthy on this hike; if youve made it this far down in our Inca Trail Guide and taken our advice on board, then you should have very few issues once you hit the Trail. [3] Each morning and night you will also be provided a bowl of warm water with which to freshen up. as you won't have access to what the porter carries until you reach the campsite each day. I have been using World Nomads for some time now and made a few claims over the years. 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. They work hard, and based on your experience, you can even tip more. 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. To have a better understanding of the varying levels of the Inca Trail elevation during pivotal sections of the route, see the chart below: Hopefully, the chart above gives you a better idea of why its important for you to train as much as possible before your trek. In all my experiences traveling and adventuring, the hike to Machu Picchu along the Inca Trail still stands as my most spectacular. Thats an excellent jumping-off point for creating your Inca Trail packing list. When you get to the top, you can take pictures in the snow to display your fortitude. For those that would prefer more privacy, you can also pay extra for your own one-man tent. After breakfast, you will begin the ascent to Dead Womans Pass (13,828 ft (4,215 m), the highest point of the entire trek. During the trek, days are planned so that you have plenty of time to get from one point to the next. The highest point is Dead Woman's Pass at 4200 m. At its highest, the trail reaches 4200 m above sea level, so you should spend at least 2 days in Cusco acclimatizing before you start the trek. Highest Point on Inca Trail: Peru Day Seven - Tori Pines Travels For this reason, its recommendable to spend a few days in Cusco before hiking at high altitudes; this unforgettable experience. New York, NY:Dutton. Most operators advise hikers to purchase permits as soon as possible after they are released. I really have no idea how they made such incredible meals when they were literally in the middle of the jungle. Each porter should be tipped around 30-40 soles (about $10-$15) for the entire group. This steep ascent reaches 4,215m (13,829ft) above sea level. Check out the daily elevation increases and be better prepared for your trek. [1] As a result, the high season books out very quickly. The 4-day Inca Trail begins at Km 82 which has an elevation of 8,230 ft (2,600 m). Cuzco Region Machu Picchu Peru. Here, you will be introduced to the rest of the trekking team, who will accompany you on your adventure. The highest point on the Inca Trail is Abra Warmihuausca or 'Dead Woman's Pass which is located at 4,200 meters. 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.

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