Inca Trail altitude About a 25% chance of rain with a mix of weather conditions. If hiring a porter, still carry a daypack with you. The summit of Mount Kilimanjaro stands at 19,342 feet (5,895 meters), while the highest point of the Classic Inca Trail Route is 13,828 feet (4,215 meters). Everyone will tell you about the knee-busting effort needed to climb this infamous summit. . Note that the Inca Trail is closed in February for everyone in order to allow it to replenish. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). The ULTIMATE Guide to the Inca Trail Hike (DO IT in 2023) 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. The final day of the Inca Trail is an easy and gentle slope towards the Sun gate at an elevation of 2700m (8850ft). Lets go! The maximum trekking group size generally varies between 8 to 12 trekkers plus the trekking team. 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). Bring local currency (Soles) in your wallet so that you can tip your trekking team. 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. 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. On challenging sections, you can set your own pace and take as many or as few breaks as you need. The highest point is Dead Woman's Pass at 13,828 ft (4,215 m) and the lowest point is Machu Picchu at 7,972 ft (2,430 m). From Aguas Calientes to the entrance area to the citadel, you can take a 15-minute bus ride, or you can walk up the hill (approximately 45 minutes). It consists of a 1500-meter descent into the subtropical cloud forests and through the Amazon basin. Per Inca Trail and Machu Picchu regulations, hiking poles must have rubber tips. Below are some suggestions on how much to tip the trekking team. Located in the Andes mountain range, the trail passes through several types of Andean environments including cloud forest and alpine tundra. 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. [12] Permits were previously released in January, however, in 2017 this changed to October. Rainy season days almost always bring drizzle or rain. Securing a permit is only possible with an approved tour provider, who buy these daily permits in advance. A short downhill walk is the final section of the trail.[11]. Yes, the trekking team will provide drinking water every morning and at each meal. The government monitors the trail closely; there are several control points along the trail. If youve really enjoyed our guides, you can buy us a virtual coffee here. She enjoys sharing her passion for all things nature-related. Inca Trail Elevation Gain - Day 1, 2, 3 and 4 - Machu Picchu MP Carry a reusable water bottle in your daypack. The high season is June to August, but again make sure to book at least five to seven months in advance regardless of when you decide to travel. 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. 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. 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. Along the hike, at the epicenter of the old Incan Empire, you will experience majestic mountains, cloud forests, a subtropical jungle, and a little bit of wildlife. Be sure to exercise in the weeks leading up to your trip. Make sure to tip your team well as they deserve it and likely live off of those tips. Theyre easy to use, professional and relatively affordable. All meals can be adapted to trekkers personal dietary restrictions and preferences. The trail reaches the pass at an elevation of 3950m. The trail continues through high cloud forest, undulating, sometimes steeply while affording increasingly dramatic viewpoints of mountains and dropoffs. [1] As a result, the high season books out very quickly. Sounds creepy, but it really isnt. Its sensible to take this money in the form of smaller notes and coins. With a degree in Nature Conservation and experience working with wildlife including the Big 5, Alison works as a guide for a 5-star reserve. Immediately after the pass, we descend into the Pacaymayo valley (3600m/11808ft), from which we then start to climb to the second pass, the Abra Runkurakay . Nope, and this is one of the best things about it. You'll see a greater number of ancient Inca ruins, and pass near the colossal Mt . The Inca Trail has an elevation range between 2,200m (7,218ft) and 4,200m (13,780ft) above sea level. 1)and theres also the bush. Your campsite is located just a few minutes from this archaeological site, famed for its steep and towering agricultural terraces that overlook the Urubamba River. [3] Difficulty | Youre almost at the end and Machu Picchu, you should be hopping, skipping, and jumping all the way there! At 26 miles long, it's tempting for hikers to think that the Inca Trail is an easy hike. High probability of rain on any given day. The soreness really gets at you as you make your way down the mountainside. Bring your original passport, used to book your trek. Each trekker is also provided with snacks to take with them on the trail. Inca Trail permits are usually available, except for holiday weeks, such as the end of December. All rights reserved. You will spend the night at Huayllabamba, the only inhabited town on the trek. 1. Inca Trail permits sell out fast for these months. February: Inca Trail is closed for maintenance. 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. I wouldnt be surprised if we were the last group to make it into the historic site. However, you also need to have a small daypack to carry your snacks, camera, water, suncream, and any medication, on the Trail itself - this will be carried by you and only you throughout the trip. After our own hike, we wanted to share our hard-earned insights, advice, and tips to help you plan and prepare for your own successful Trail experience - all neatly whittled down into this comprehensive guide. The trails in Machu Picchu have a limited number of permits per day. Pack thermal undergarments, a warm hat, and gloves for evenings. All companies operating the Inca Trail must be registered and have a special operators license, which is renewed annually. Hiring a personal porter to carry your belongings and sleeping bag will make your trekking experience more enjoyable. The overall distance of the Quarry Trail is about 26km (the Inca Trail is 43km) and the maximum altitude is 4,450m above sea level (the Inca Trail's highest point is Dead Woman's Pass at 4,215m). By staying there before your walk, you will give your body time to acclimate to the altitude of the . If the skies are clear, you will enjoy an outstanding view of the Machu Picchu ruins from above. The most visitors the park allows is 500 a day and that includes guides and porters which make up over half that number. This also included a guided tour around the site. We also truly hope that most of your questions about the Inca Trail hike have now been answered and you are in the best position possible for your upcoming Peruvian adventure. The 2-day Inca Trail is particularly popular with families that enjoy hiking and are looking for a taste of adventure. We managed with a group of six (not including the guide, porters, and cook). Make sure to let loved ones know that you will be without service for four days. If you choose to purchase through these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Here, you will be introduced to the rest of the trekking team, who will accompany you on your adventure. 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). When to book: 36 months in advance. However, its also possible to buy poles in Cusco or to rent them from your tour provider. Postpone your tour with zero cost up to 30 days prior to arrival with open dates. Each evening, water is collected from nearby streams, boiled, and left to cool overnight. 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. After breakfast, meet your Inca Trail guide for your return bus ride up the mountain to Machu Picchu. Once youve booked a tour and committed to the hike, there are some key milestones to hit before you get anywhere near South America. The route was constructed by the Incas over 500 years ago. No, you can only hike the Inca Trail with a tour guide licensed for the Inca Trail. Later in the afternoon you will enjoy lunch and continue on toward the first campsite, Wayllabamba (9,840 ft / 3,000 m). Or maybe you would rather take a longer or shorter trek or a path less beaten? The highest point on the Inca Trail is Dead Woman's Pass. All the same, heres some must-bring packing for the Inca Trail: Finally, remember to pack light! When the Incans were conquered by the Spanish in the 1500s, they fled the jungle and Machu Picchu went hidden for hundreds of years. Travelers who have pre-purchased Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain permits will continue on to their respective hikes after the tour. There are no opportunities to charge electronics along the trail. Altitude pills can be the difference between a great trip and a terrible one. Headlamp (with extra batteries) or small flashlight to use at night while camping. The Inca Trail follows a route through Perus Andean mountains. It is recommended to arrive in Cusco at least 2 days before the start of your trek so that you can acclimatize. Hiking the Inca Trail is challenging due to the high elevation (maximum 13,828 ft/4,215 m) and steep stone steps in some parts. Obviously, medical attention and facilities along the Inca Trail are pretty much non-existent so you need to bring any of your own required medication with you and keep it on your own person or in the daypack. The Inca Trail in Peru, South America - G Adventures A significant chunk of that 40 kms is up steep, narrow Andean mountain paths at altitude. Inca Trail Information, Everything you must KNOW Before hiking Inca Trail I really have no idea how they made such incredible meals when they were literally in the middle of the jungle. However, the altitude at its highest point is 13,776 ft or 4200m, which can sometimes cause problems for hikers. For those who are in the former camp, then youll be happy to know that two of the three campsites we stayed at had basic shower facilities - just be warned that the water began its journey as snow not too much higher up the mountain, when we say cold, we mean it! 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. Inca Trail vs. Salkantay Trek: Which Hike to Machu Picchu is Better Given our own independent travel plans, we had actually spent the previous week in Cusco and the surrounding region - for everyone planning on the Inca Trail, wed recommend arriving into Cusco at least two days before your tour starts so that you can acclimatise to the altitude (its at 3,339 metres above sea level) and enjoy what the city has to offer without aching limbs. Lowest Elevation: Bring extra batteries for personal electronics like cameras and cell phones. To protect this historic trail, only 500 people are permitted to hike on it each day. Guides are required to carry oxygen tanks in case of emergencies. The 2-day Inca Trail ends at Machu Picchu, which is located at 7,972 ft (2,430 m). On the highest points of the Inca Trail, some hikers experience unpleasant symptoms. There are several checkpoints along the route that monitor this. Its a damn good journey! Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.) The 4-Day Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu is one of the magnificent hikes I have ever done. Because of this rule, permits can only be obtained through a government registered tour operator. 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. Something as minor as a flight delay can have a significant financial impact, as can illness, bad weather or baggage delay. Instead, your trekking team will bring a portable toilet that will be set up during lunch and at each campsite. This first day of the trail meanders up and down gradually, with an elevation increase of only 1,610 ft (400 m). Pack lightweight pants, short- and long-sleeve shirts, warm fleece jackets, underwear, and socks. 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. Some travel insurance policies do not cover adventure or high-elevation activities. Yes, the Inca Trail is safe. 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. It wasnt all fun and games. This was originally done informally by organizations such as South American Explorers,[2] but is now managed officially. Let your Travel Advisor know if you'd be interested, as Inca Trail permits also need to be purchased in advance for porters. clothes, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, toiletries). Your guide will be fluent in English and Spanish. 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. Once the day has come to an end, youll take a bus down to Aguas Calientes where you will take a train back to Ollantaytambo before arriving back in Cusco by bus or car. 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. In fact, not approaching altitude correctly is one of the biggest mistakes of travellers in South America. There are no ATMs along the Inca Trail. Start planning your Machu Picchu hiking holiday. The highest point you will reach on the Salkantay Trek is 4650 meters above sea level, while the highest point on the Inca Trail lies at 4215 meters. The ticket for the $12 shuttle bus (30 minutes) down to Aguas Calientes will be included in your tour price and the ticket provided on the day by your guide. Today you will trek to the Wiay Wayna campsite (8,700 ft/2,650 m). If you do have any pre-existing medical requirements, inform your tour company when booking and also remind the CEO before setting out. World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. You can see full details on whats included in G Adventures Inca Trail Tour here.
