10 important things about Inca Trail you should know about

10 important things about Inca Trail

The Inca Trail is recognized as one of the 5 best treks in the world by the most expert walkers in the world. This hiking trail is the most impressive way to get your first glimpse of the Wonder of the World, just as the Incas did almost 600 years ago.

If you chose to enter the Wonder of the World through this amazing walking route, you should know these 10 important facts

1 – When to book the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?

The Inca Trail in its two best-known versions, the classic 4-day Inca Trail and the short 2-day Inca Trail, are the best treks on the planet. That is why there is a great demand for tickets. That’s why you’ll need to reserve income well in advance.

Take into account the following before reserving the ticket to the Inca Trail:

• Entrances tickets to the Inca Trail is recommend to buy 6 months before. Remember that only 500 people can travel this route each day.
• Only 200 people will end up entering Machu Picchu through this Hike, since the rest belongs to the support team, cooks, porters, and guides.
• The entrance to the Inca Trail only includes the Inca City of Machu Picchu. If you want to tour Machu Picchu Mountain or the Huayna Picchu; request it at the tourist agency.
• The purchase of the income to the Inca Trail is through the website of an authorized tourism agency.

2 – How long is the Inca Trail tour?

The Inca Trail 4 Days or also known as the Classic Inca Trail is 40 kilometers long and takes 4 days of walking (approximately 18 to 24 hours). The route will take you through the mountains until arriving at Machu Picchu in the Amazon jungle of Peru.

Some facts about the Inca Trail tour :

This Inca trail crosses archaeological sites such as Llactapata , Runkurakay , Sayacmarca , Phuyupatamarca and Wiñaywayna .

At the end of the Inca Trail you will arrive at the entrance to Machu Picchu through the Intipunku (Puerta del Sol). That was the main gate in the time of the Incas. The landscape there is amazing.

In most cases, after traveling the Inca Trail, you will return to Cusco by train.

The only way to do the Inca Trail is by buying a tour through a tourism agency that has the corresponding permit.

No tourist can travel the Inca Trail without the company of a travel agency. Tourism agencies are responsible for processing said authorization for the visitor.

3 – What is the maximum height of the Inca Trail?

The Inca Trail is considered a difficult expedition not only because of the distance but because of the high altitude at some point along the way. The highest point of the trail is at the ‘Abra Warmihuañusca ‘, at 4,224 meters (13,860 feet).

Some tips to take into account to do the Inca Trail:

Altitude sickness or soroche is a typical discomfort in places of high altitudes. It can cause headaches, nausea, loss of appetite, and lack of energy.

The best way to combat soroche and do the Inca Trail is to spend a few days acclimatizing in Cusco or the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

However, at the end of the road it also goes through lower altitude sites such as Intipata (2,743 masl), and Intipunku (2,700 masl). or Machu Picchu itself (2,400 masl).

The best way to enjoy the Inca Trail and avoid altitude sickness is to drink plenty of coca tea (infusion made from coca leaves) or chew it, just as the Incas did hundreds of years ago.

In any case, the tour guide has a lot of experience in these discomforts and will know how to help the visitor during the Inca Trail.

4 – Can I do the Inca Trail on my own?

The entrance to the Inca Trail is highly regulated by the authorities, this for the Inca Trail of more than 500 years old and the wonderful natural environment that surrounds it.

More information about the Inca Trail permits:

The Inca Trail is only allowed with the company of a tour guide. The purchase of the ticket is in an authorized travel agency.

Our Sullpayky Experiences Travel Agency will take care of reserving the entrance ticket for you and everything you need to complete the Inca Trail.

Tickets must be reserved 6 months in advance. Permits are limited to 500 people per day.

Among the 500 people who make the Inca Trail, cooks, porters and guides are included. So there are only 200 tourists who can enter Machu Picchu through the Inca Trail.

5 – Is the Inca Trail open all year?

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is closed in February. During that month, the rains are stronger and can make it very difficult to travel along the Inca Trail trails. The guards take advantage of those days to carry out the maintenance of the road and the Inca structures. The rest of the year, this hiking trail is open to the public.

Alternative walks to get to Machu Picchu:

The Salkantay Trek is one of the alternative routes to Machu Picchu. Salkantay trek for 5 days and the Salkantay trek for 4 days, cross the famous Salkantay snow-capped mountain as well as jungle landscapes.

If you want to do the trek to Choquequirao you can choose the option Choquequirao 8 days and Choquequira ¿ or Trek 9 Days ,

The trek to Lares Trek is a trek of 4 days and 3 nights through high altitude landscapes until arriving at Machu Picchu. There are several variants of this hiking trail.

The Huchuy Qosqo trek is a simple route of only 3 days and 2 nights that covers only 17 kilometers and ends in Machu Picchu. It is recommended for the whole family.

6 – What is the best time of year to do the Inca Trail?

Cusco and the entire southern region of Peru is marked by two different climatic seasons: the rainy season (from November to March) and the dry season (from April to October). The best time to do the Inca Trail is the dry season. The weather in those months is warm and rarely rainy.

What to bring to combat the weather on the Inca Trail?

If you plan to visit the Inca Trail during the dry season, it is advisable to bring a hat, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, sunglasses, light clothing during the day and warm clothing at night.

If you plan to visit the Inca Trail during the rainy season, it is recommended to bring a rain poncho, a windbreaker jacket, non-slip shoes, and a walking stick.

7 – Does the trek have to be 4 days?

There is a short version of the Inca Trail that lasts 2 days. This option is ideal for travelers who do not have enough time to do the 4-day route. It often includes a night in comfortable accommodation instead of the camp.

More information about the alternative Inca Trail:

There are many alternative treks to Machu Picchu such as the Salkantay Trek or the Lares Trek. However, the Inca Trail is the only one that will take you directly to the Inca City through the Intipunku (Sun Gate).

The 2-day Inca Trail travels only 12 kilometers to reach Machu Picchu through the Intipunku sector. However, that day he spends the night in lodging in Aguas Calientes. The next day the visit to the archaeological site of Machu Picchu is just made.

The availability of income for the alternative Inca Trail is not as much in demand as the classic version. It can be reserved 2 or 3 weeks in advance.

8 – Is the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu dangerous?

The Inca Trail is not dangerous. The security measures arranged include first aid equipment. Tour guides are trained to act effectively in any type of emergency.

What dangers can there be on the Inca Trail?

The Inca Trail route is wide and well signposted. But for no reason should tourists risk their lives seeking to do this tour on their own.

Many tourists fear doing the Inca Trail for fear of suffering from altitude sickness, however, the symptoms of this discomfort usually disappear as soon as they acclimatize to the mountains.

Older adults may feel physical wear and tear more intensely during the Inca Trail. They should check with their doctor before doing the trek.

If you travel with children you must be especially careful; Our Sullpayky Experiences travel agency has trained staff to take special care of your children. It is recommended that children enjoy walks or outdoor physical activities.

9 – Can I do the Inca Trail with children?

The Inca Trail is allowed to people of any age. Children or adolescents can take the walk accompanied by their parents. It is preferable that minors like long walks and camping.

Tips for doing the Inca Trail with children

It is not advisable to do the Inca Trail with children under 8 years of age unless they have already successfully completed similar treks.

Of course it is not recommended to do the Inca Trail with babies.

If you have already decided to do the Inca Trail with children, it is advisable to prepare them psychologically for the journey.

Are there toilets during the Inca Trail? Yes. These are established in each of the three camps. Most are used in the ‘squat’ fashion. Only in the last camp there is a shower service.

10 – How much does the Inca Trail cost?

The Inca Trail is organized by groups of a maximum of 8 participants. These people are of different nationalities, ages, and cultures.

The prices of the Inca Trail vary according to each tourism agency. It is estimated that on average, the 4-day tour costs US$600 per person.

How to get the best price on the Inca Trail?

If you are a student you can get a discount between $20 or $30 with a valid card (the ISIC card is not allowed).

Children under 18 years of age also have an approximate discount by presenting a passport that certifies their age.

You can get a discount for the Inca trail for citizens of Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, and Bolivia.

The cost of the Inca Trail in private service depends on the number of tourists in a group. The more tourists, the lower the cost.

More information about the Inca Trail

The return to Cusco – After visiting Machu Picchu with the Inca Trail, the return is with a train trip from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo. From there, a minivan transports tourists to the city of Cusco.

The porters – The porters are local people in charge of transporting the food the camping equipment and the extra luggage of the tourist in order to provide greater comfort during the trip.

The professional cooks of the Inca trail – The cooks are also local people who specialized in preparing nutritious and delicious dishes for the tourists in each camp. If the tourist requests it in advance, the menu can include an option for vegetarians.

Tips – Tips are directed to the tour guide, porters, and cooks. Although it is not mandatory, it has become a tradition to offer this gratuity.

Camps on the Inca Trail – There are 3 camps established during the trek: Ayapata , Chaquicocha and Wiñayhuayna. However, these may vary based on availability. To get the most recommended camps, it is advisable to buy the tour approximately 6 months in advance.

The availability of the Inca Trail – The Inca Trail offers availability of only 200 people per day. Due to the high demand for this tour, it is recommended to purchase the service online 6 months in advance. Otherwise you will not find availability. The purchase can be made with the website of a tourism agency.

The archaeological sites of the Inca Trail – Along the route of the Inca Trail there are Inca archaeological sites such as: Llactapata , Runkurakay , Sayacmarca , Phuyupatamarca, and Wiñayhuayna. These sites have a historical importance and scenic beauty similar to Machu Picchu.

Tourism agencies – There are many tourism agencies that offer the 4-day Inca Trail tour. Which to choose? We always recommend choosing a travel agency with good comments on Tripadvisor, our travel agency is committed to quality service, that is why all our travelers recommend us on TripAdvisor