This first day of the trail meanders up and down gradually, with an elevation increase of only 1,610 ft (400 m). Its a somewhat strenuous 4 days so its important to consider what you are getting yourself into before leaving for the trip. Only Inca Trail trekkers are awarded the privilege of arriving at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate entrance. . Be prepared with a rain jacket or poncho and pants made of quick-drying synthetic material. 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. 3. Cusco is actually higher than most points on the Inca Trail. Fascinating Facts About the Inca Trail - TOUR IN PERU No, you can only hike the Inca Trail with a tour guide licensed for the Inca Trail. The Inca Trail has very steep inclines. 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). Bring a comfortable daypack with snug straps to wear while you hike. We told you that these guys were absolute heroes. 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. You will pass several unforgettable Incan sites like two Incan tunnels that are carved right out of the mountainside. Since 2002, access to the Inca Trail has been limited to 500 people per day (roughly split between 200 tourists and 300 accompanying guides and porters), no matter the time of year. Design of the site closely follows the natural contours, and includes five fountains and an altar, which was probably used for llama sacrifice. All rights reserved. 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. Reading this and hoping for a last minute spot? 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. If youre confused about buying travel insurance, read this post and this post. Day 2 is the most challenging day of the trek, as you will gain 3,988 ft (1,215 m) in elevation. The first 30 minutes of the trek is uphill, while the remainder of the trail is largely a descent. Trekkers reach the Dead Woman's Pass peak at 13,828 feet, which is . Located in the Andes mountain range, the trail passes through several types of Andean environments including cloud forest and alpine tundra. The Inca trail map shows a 50 km extension of the trekking route to get to Machu Picchu from the "82 km" point. 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!) This means you can expect to reach some significant heights. All permits are paired with an individual passport and are not transferable. Overview. Each morning and night you will also be provided a bowl of warm water with which to freshen up. We have used similar bottles on travels in both Africa and South America and cant talk highly enough of them (our Water-to-Go allowed us to fill up from taps all over Peru, from two rivers on the Inca Trail, and even an ancient water fountain at Machu Picchu). Hiking poles must have rubber tips on the ends. So whats the Inca Trail hikes difficulty like? From Aguas Calientes, either take the train back to Cusco or spend one night at an Aguas Calientes hotel and explore more of Machu Picchu the next day. this post on the essential things to look for before buying. True Traveller and World Nomads are two respected travel insurers which we have used on South America trips who cover high altitude treks (just make double sure that youve selected the right option). Your trekking guides will meet you at your Cusco hotel and transfer with you to the Sacred Valley. Let your Travel Advisor know if you'd be interested, as Inca Trail permits also need to be purchased in advance for porters. It is not possible to hike the trail independently. 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. 2023 Best 10 Trails and Hikes in Jakarta | AllTrails How long is the Inca trail (day by day hiking length). 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. Day one eases you into the action. Alright, lets get to the details. If it wasnt for an adventurous Yale scholar in 1913, Hiram Bingham, we might not have known of the existence of this modern-day gem. 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. The highest point on the Inca Trail is Abra Warmihuausca or 'Dead Woman's Pass which is located at 4,200 meters. Its also the place I first met my wife in person for the first time. 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. Permits are only available for purchase through the Peruvian government. 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. When to book: 36 months in advance. As you can see Cusco is one of Peru's highest cites. Youll still be able to access Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate (a really special moment), and you have the added bonus of seeing this incredible Wonder of the World at both sunset and sunrise! Highest point of the Inca Trail. After breakfast, meet your Inca Trail guide for your return bus ride up the mountain to Machu Picchu. If the skies are clear, you will enjoy an outstanding view of the Machu Picchu ruins from above. 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. Your duffel bag will be collected and weighed each morning to ensure its not over the weight limit, and will be waiting for you alongside an erected tent at each campsite. Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu - Machu Travel Peru I have been using World Nomads for some time now and made a few claims over the years. Inca Trail weather during the shoulder months is variable and it is common to experience all four seasons in one day. Besides dealing with high elevation, your general fitness and previous trekking experience will also contribute to your level of enjoyment. Are Inca Trail permits sold out for your dates? We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. You will spend the night at Huayllabamba, the only inhabited town on the trek. 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). A small spur of the trail leads directly to Wiay Wayna, while the main route continues to Intipata. The trail is about 26 miles (42 kilometers) long and takes four to five days to complete. The route was constructed by the Incas over 500 years ago. Note that, aside from the mark-up on price, Inca Trail tours booked via agencies will often simply place you on an available tour with one of several local operators, so you have very little control on the quality of the ultimate provider and group composition. Coordinates: .mw-parser-output .geo-default,.mw-parser-output .geo-dms,.mw-parser-output .geo-dec{display:inline}.mw-parser-output .geo-nondefault,.mw-parser-output .geo-multi-punct{display:none}.mw-parser-output .longitude,.mw-parser-output .latitude{white-space:nowrap}131529S 721548W / 13.25806S 72.26333W / -13.25806; -72.26333, "Inca Trail" redirects here. No matter the season, make sure to bring a rain jacket or poncho as there is always the chance of showers in the Andes. Altitude sickness on the Inca Trail is rarely severe. Hiking the Inca Trail is a feat of endurance that is just as much about the mind as the body. The good news is that it's a lot shorter than you may expect at only 40 kms (25 miles). We went in July and the temperatures were great with a bit of rain on day 2. Inca Trail Distance: Pictures just dont do it justice. Although the Classic 4-day trek to Machu Picchu is most associated with the Inca Trail, there was in fact a network of Inca Trails spanning 25,000 miles (45,000 km) and six countries (Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru). [9], The trail then descends approximately 1000metres including an irregular staircase of approximately 1500 steps, some of which were carved into solid granite. If you are struggling, its their job to control the situation, help you get to camp, and also to manage the overall group schedule. There are no ATMs along the way. No, there is no waiting list for permits. 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). The Inca Trail's length is 26 miles (42 kilometers) of pure Peruvian power that connects several Incan archaeological sites: Runcuracay, Sayacmarca, Phuyuptamarca, Wiaywayna, and of . You can arrange a private tour, but this can be considerably more expensive with a smaller group. The entire 4-day trail hike is only 25 miles (40 km). He explained that local high-speed trains will be designed to have the ability to travel at speeds of 220-230 kilometers per hour. To protect this historic trail, only 500 people are permitted to hike on it each day. 9 Things you should know to do the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu - cusco peru 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. More information. To help you prepare to go on one of the best hikes in the world, we have summarized everything you need to know with a day-by-day itinerary, picking a tour operator, and what to bring with you. Two groups of major architectural structures, a lower and upper, are set among multiple agricultural terraces at this concave mountainside site. Inca Trail Information, Everything you must KNOW Before hiking Inca Trail 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. Finally, when booking your tour for the Inca Trail, make sure that the tour operator is selling you the right trek and not misleading you with a similar sounding hike. The Inca Trail traverses a variety of climates: temperate highlands outside of the Sacred Valley; cold, arid puna at the highest elevations; and warm, humid, cloud forest valleys close to Machu Picchu. Keep in mind, regardless of how much or how little you pay for your tour, the vast majority of that money does not go to the guys that do the heavy lifting. The Inca Trail is open 11 months of the year (March through January). 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. The site was heavily restored in the late 1990s.[3]. Your body needs the time to adjust! Insect repellent (with Deet) for protection against mosquitoes and other blood-sucking critters once you get to Machu Picchu. Looking for all the essential information to plan and prepare for the Inca Trail hike? Your email address will not be published. Its a nice starter to a much more difficult day ahead. There are amazing hostels in Cuscothat offer a comfy bed so you can start the next day well-rested and read to go. After the tunnel the town of Machupicchu (Aguas Calientes) can be seen, and trains running along the river can be heard. A long flight of fountains or ritual baths utilizing as many as 19 springs runs between the two groups of buildings. However, as truly beautiful as the hike may be, the real reason for its popularity lies at the very end of this four day adventure; passing through the Sun Gate for that first magical sighting of Machu Picchu in the distance. Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.) TIP: Tell us the destinations you have in mind. Difficulty | High, this is the hardest day of walking but after you reach DWP, its mostly downhill. After celebrating your arrival to the top and snapping some photos, descend toward the Pacaymayo campsite (11,788 ft/3,590 m). There is no camping involved, as travelers spend the night in a hotel after hiking to Machu Picchu. After crossing the pass the trail drops steeply into the Pakaymayu drainage. At the very least, you will find it difficult to breathe as the air becomes thinner higher up. Pack animals, including mules, horses, and llamas, are banned from the trail. November to March: rainy season. Along the way, you will visit Runkurakay, a circular complex that scholars believe Inca messengers used as a refueling and resting station. We do not represent World Nomads. Each porter should be tipped around 30-40 soles (about $10-$15) for the entire group. Malaria and yellow fever are not a risk in this area. Travel is full of variables and there is always a risk, however small, that something might go wrong before or during your trip. However, after asking our followers on Twitter, we were assured that 1. they are really bloody useful and 2. not just for old people and Austrians. 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. INCA TRAIL SHORT 2 DAYS | Book your Inca Trail 2 Days to Machu Picchu 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. Even so, you should ascend slowly and drink lots of water. 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.