These are consistently cheap (starting from 45 / $60 / 50 per person), reliable, and only take 90 minutes. The Inca Trails most appealing sight is perhaps its natural beauty. As mentioned, the Inca Trail isnt just a walk in the park. At Wayllapampa the trail to Machu Picchu turns west and begins ascending along a tributary of the Cusichaka. It wasnt all fun and games. 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. Vegetation becomes more dense, lush, and jungle-like with an accompanying increase in butterflies and birds. Unfortunately, this is the day that things went south for a couple of members of our team. A portable power bank is also useful. 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. A long Inca tunnel and a viewpoint overlooking two valleys: the Urubamba and Aobamba (a broken word), are passed. 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). In this article, you can find everything you need to know about altitudes on the Inca Trail. 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). It is rated by many as being in the top 5 treks in the world. About a 25% chance of rain with a mix of weather conditions. Tours to Machu Picchu normally arrange groups of eight to sixteen people, and you will hike with people from all around the world. During the rainy season, there is the possibility of landslides. What is the best time of year to hike the Inca Trail? Single-use plastic bottles are a MASSIVE threat to marine life. 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. Just remember that the 2 soles youll pay to enter the modern squeaky clean toilets at the Machu Picchu site will be money very very well spent. If youve really enjoyed our guides, you can buy us a virtual coffee here. Each morning and night you will also be provided a bowl of warm water with which to freshen up. Of course, dont forget your camera, with extra battery packs and memory cards. Cusco is exceptionally easy to reach from various parts of Peru, but there are no direct flights to Cusco from the US, Canada or Europe. The trail undulates, but overall ascends along the Cusichaka River. Personally, I could have spent the whole day there just in awe of the ruins. Booking far in advance is an absolute must. Yes, the trekking team will provide drinking water every morning and at each meal. This section of the Inca Trail hike provides a fantastic perspective of the gorgeous Peruvian countryside but is also very cold due to the high altitude. If you are a little older in years and need some inspiration, then Alan Goldin is the oldest recorded hiker of the Trail at the age of 84, whilst three of our local porters were 62! The most visitors the park allows is 500 a day and that includes guides and porters which make up over half that number. Both the 4-day and 2-day Inca Trail treks have distinct advantages and disadvantages. Reading this and hoping for a last minute spot? We'll give you time in Cusco to acclimatize before the trek, but altitude sickness can be a problem for some. Poles must have rubber tips. Because of this rule, permits can only be obtained through a government registered tour operator. Its a nice build-up to the granddaddy of them all that follows on day 4. When packing your bag, keep in mind that a sleeping bag and sleeping pad account for 5.5 lbs (2.5 kg) of the total weight. 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). Peru has two seasons - dry and wet - and it is possible to do the Inca Trail in either. Hiking the Inca Trail is a feat of endurance that is just as much about the mind as the body. The bad news? 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 also included a guided tour around the site. If you happen to change your passport between booking and arriving at the entry checkpoint at Km.82 (where they check your passport), then contact your tour company for advice. From Pacaymayo camp, the trail ascends steeply up the valleys opposite side. Train | There is a train which runs from Cusco - Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes (the Machu Picchu town), but this is really a tourist service and not relevant for reaching Cusco. If youre hiking in the dry (high) season, then you should be making a reservation sooner rather than later (i.e. Your trekking guides will meet you at your Cusco hotel and transfer with you to the Sacred Valley. Travel is full of variables and there is always a risk, however small, that something might go wrong before or during your trip. Before starting the trek, spending some time in Cusco (11,150 ft/3,400 m) will help your body adjust. 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. Again, thank you! The Fejos team named the site, and uncovered the remainder. Carry a reusable water bottle in your daypack. Common symptoms of altitude sickness include headaches, nausea, and fatigue. Your guide will take you on a 2.5-hour tour of the citadel, where you will learn about its fascinating history. The 4-day Inca Trail begins at Km 82 which has an elevation of 8,230 ft (2,600 m). This is where your campsite is located. 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. 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. Each trekker is also provided with snacks to take with them on the trail. At the very least, you will find it difficult to breathe as the air becomes thinner higher up. You can easily spend hours on end walking up and around the magnificent ruins. Up mountain passes and down into humid cloud forest valleys, the final destination is majestic Machu Picchu. A good rule of thumb is to give yourself and your body two easy days at altitude to acclimatise to the change, and to keep yourself well hydrated throughout. At a distance of 2.1km and600m below the pass is the campground Pakaymayu. Buy a Geopress: its the last water bottle youll ever buy. A typical dinner included fresh hot soup, a hearty main course, and then something sweet to round it off - all washed down at the end with cups of tea. The outline of the mountains at one point resembles a woman lying on her back. 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. Along the way, you will visit Runkurakay, a circular complex that scholars believe Inca messengers used as a refueling and resting station. Difficulty | Moderate to a little difficult as there are several steep sections. PLUS, you save money and the environment! So, its clear that most of the hard work when it comes to carrying things will be done by others and the tour company provides a lot of the key camping equipment. This steep ascent reaches 4,215m (13,829ft) above sea level. The lowest point on the trail at Llactapata ruins is roughly 2250m (7,382ft). Bring local currency (Soles) in your wallet so that you can tip your trekking team. Ask your Travel Advisor for more details. 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. 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). First up, heres your beginners guide to hiking. 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. The Classic 4-day Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu is arguably the most famous trail in all of South America. Alright, lets get to the details. You can arrange a private tour, but this can be considerably more expensive with a smaller group. Hiking poles to aid you in ascending and descending the mountain trail. The highest point is Dead Womans Pass at 13,828 ft (4,215 m) and the lowest point is Machu Picchu at 7,972 ft (2,430 m). Weve mentioned this earlier, but with the understanding that this is such an important purchase before you step foot in Peru, we thought it only correct to mention it again here. High elevation is the greatest challenge on the Inca Trail Trek. 98 steps lead to this site, which is positioned on a cliff that affords splendid views of the Aobamba Valley. After passing Pakaymayu the trail begins steeply ascending the other side of the valley. 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. The trail reaches 13,828 ft (4,215 m) on Day 2 and 12,500 feet (3,900 m) on Day 3. Permits sell out quickly, particularly those for the high season. Share stories over dinner, and if the weather permits, partake in Andean stargazing before retiring to your tent. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. If the sky is clear, the views of Llulluchapampa Valley are phenomenal. However, each trekker is responsible for transporting their personal items (clothing, toiletries, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, etc.). Home Blog The ULTIMATE Guide to Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. We went in July and the temperatures were great with a bit of rain on day 2. In addition to the Classic 4-day Inca Trail trek, there is a shorter full-day trek. Cons | Hiking and camping in the rain for four days is never fun, so you are increasing the chances of that. 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. The name Phuyupatamarka ("cloud-level town") (phoo-yoo-patta-marka) is applied to both the campground, and the ruins. After the ruins, the trail continues its ascent to the top of the pass at 3975m (13,035ft). April & October Next, the Sayaqmarka ("steep-place town") is reached followed by the tampu Qunchamarka. 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. Get used to walking long distances before embarking. So youve decided to hike the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Physically prepare by training at home in the months leading up to your trip. Pack animals are not allowed. Were both vegetarian and were catered for incredibly well - with each meal giving us a vegetarian version of the same dish the others were eating (another thing we did not expect at all). In fact, not approaching altitude correctly is one of the biggest mistakes of travellers in South America. 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). 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. The trail continues to ascend, passing a small lake named Quchapata (Cochapata)[6] in an area that is recognized as deer habitat. Make sure to tip your team well as they deserve it and likely live off of those tips. 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. Highest point (Warmiwanusca Pass /Dead Womans Pass). Climb a narrow stone stairway to view the highland terraces of Patallacta, which were likely used to grow crops. Chachabamba: 6,725 ft (2,050 m) We told you that these guys were absolute heroes. The third and fourth day of the Inca Trail altitude change is a relative descent to Machu Picchu. 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. Its a damn good journey! Each campsite has toilet facilities available, but these are often rudimentary squat toilets and with campsites being so remote and over-subscribed, cleanliness understandably isnt the highest. Only government-authorized trekking companies can offer Inca Trail tours and your trekking team is trained in the case of emergency. Four days of trekking through a variety of landscapes is a great way of getting to know this part of Peru. If this is the case, you have plenty of options for hiking in the Andes: Camping equipment, daily meals, and boiled drinking water are provided by your trekking team. Longer 5-day Inca Trail itineraries are also available for travelers with a bit more time for hiking to Machu Picchu. For this reason, its recommendable to spend a few days in Cusco before hiking at high altitudes; this unforgettable experience. 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. 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. One of the most popular things to do in South America - and one of the worlds most famous hikes - the Inca Trail is the sort of singular adventures for which we all travel. Located in the Andes mountain range, the trail passes through several types of Andean environments including cloud forest and alpine tundra. Whichever tour company you do the Inca Trail with, you will be expected to tip your support staff of porters and guides. Looking for the best hiking trails in Jakarta? The 2-day Inca Trail is particularly popular with families that enjoy hiking and are looking for a taste of adventure. 1)and theres also the bush. The best time to hike the Inca Trail is May throughSeptember when there is less rain and the temperatures are slightly cooler. [9], The trail then descends approximately 1000metres including an irregular staircase of approximately 1500 steps, some of which were carved into solid granite. 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. Most of the Machu Picchu hiking tours begin in Cusco, which, at 3,400 meters, is already considerably higher than Machu Picchu. right now). 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). 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. Visitors to Machu Picchu must purchase . The first 30 minutes of the trek is uphill, while the remainder of the trail is largely a descent. On your first day of hiking the Inca Trail, you will typically embark from the KM82 route. The Classic Inca Trail is easily the most famous trek in South America. The well-established route is outlined in the below image below (red line) but do note that your own specific campsites and stops may differ depending on your tour provider. When to book: a minimum of 6 months in advance. This means you can expect to reach some significant heights. You will spend the night at Huayllabamba, the only inhabited town on the trek. Something as minor as a flight delay can have a significant financial impact, as can illness, bad weather or baggage delay. Hiking poles must have rubber tips on the ends. Be prepared with a rain jacket or poncho and pants made of quick-drying synthetic material. At 4,215m above sea level, it's the highest point of the Inca Trail.Subscribe for more htt. A common misconception about the Inca Trail is that it will allow you to be amongst the first people into Machu Picchu - this simply isnt true as its much easier to get through its gates just after opening if you stay in Aguas Calientes the night before and hike or take the bus up. 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. Day Three: Early rise to hike the most photogenic section of the Trail. Because duh! This is the most dangerous point for altitude sickness, though little time is spent at this elevation and the trail descends again to 3,600 metres. 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.. Many of the most popular places in Peru, such as Cusco and Arequipa, are at high altitude; this means that for anyone planning a trip to Peru understanding altitude sickness (and how to avoid it) is incredibly important. It promotes sustainable and responsible travel for the curious modern day explorer. Group porters carry tents, cooking equipment, portable restrooms, and other communal items. 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. If you are one of the quicker ones in a group, dont ruin another persons experience by castigating them for taking longer - everyone has their own challenges,circumstances, and reasons for being on the Trail, and a friendship and positive experience is more likely to blossom out of supporting someone through their struggle. Bring a comfortable daypack with snug straps to wear while you hike. However, the altitude, which at it's highest point is 13,776 ft or 4200m, can cause problems even for the strongest hikers. The Inca Trail has very steep inclines. The Inca road system, originally called Qhapaq an in Quechua, an indigenous Peruvian language, was used for general transportation, trade, religious, and military purposes. . 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 is approximately 1000m (3281ft) down more than 1200 stone steps. There are no ATMs along the way. You will begin your ascent to Dead Womans Pass surrounded by lush, green scenery. full details on whats included in G Adventures Inca Trail Tour here, 11 Things To Know Before You Visit Rainbow Mountain in Peru, 13 Wonderful Things To Do in Cusco | The Gateway to the Sacred Valley, A Guide to Visiting to Pisac, Peru | The Ruins + Market, The Boleto Turistico | Everything You Need To Know About Cusco's Tourist Ticket, The Inca Trail Packing List | What You Need to Bring in 2023, A Short Guide to Ollantaytambo | Peru's Train Ride Town, (Updated 2022) A Guide to Huaraz | Peru's Hiking Capital, Seven of the Best Day Trips From Cusco | Ruins, Mountains and Pretty Little Towns. A short downhill walk is the final section of the trail.[11]. Difficulty | Moderate, with a steep tiring section towards the end. Day 2 is considerably more difficult due to the severe elevation gain and altitude of the Inca Trail. Theyre easily my picj for the best Inca Trail tour. It is closed in February for maintenance. Pack thermal undergarments, a warm hat, and gloves for evenings. If hotels and tour companies offered lockers in Cusco which travellers could secure with their own padlock, then this would have allowed us to leave various cards, cash, and tech with confidence (and insurance coverage) in the city rather than carrying it all in our backpack on the trail (Andrew actually lugged 18 kgs on his back for the entirety of the trail because of this, so views himself as an honorary porter!). The stock image wouldn't lie now, would it? The food was fantastic throughout the trip. Within the first hour of your day, you will reach the Runquraqay ruins. A few of the porters and our guide took turns carrying our friend throughout the remaining two and a half days of the hike. Its required to begin the Inca Trail and to visit Machu Picchu. The second day ascends over Dead Woman's pass- the highest point on the Inca Trail at 4,200 metres. It is best to book directly through a local tour operator instead of a foreign travel agency since the travel agencies may charge you double the price. 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. November to March: rainy season. It was cool enough in the evening to get a good nights sleep without freezing. Inca Trail permits are usually available, except for holiday weeks, such as the end of December. Each morning, your bag will be weighed and collected, and it will be waiting for you at the campsite. If you are struggling, its their job to control the situation, help you get to camp, and also to manage the overall group schedule.
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