9 Things you should know to do the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Many countries have hiking routes similar to the Inca Trail in Peru, yet few can match this journey where one encounters an ecosystem with a truly astonishing abundance of species and remnants of the Inca civilization scattered along the route.

WHAT IS THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO BOOK THE INCA TRAIL?

The dry season, from April to October, is the best time to trek the Inca Trail, as the weather is favorable, allowing clear views of the majestic valleys and mountains along the path without clouds or fog obstructing the view.

During the months of December, January, February, and March, rain is frequent and heavy in this part of Peru, while dense fog covers everything under its gray mantle.

In June, the festivities of the city of Cusco attract many domestic and foreign visitors eager to explore the land of the Incas, making it quite difficult to book entry during this month.

HOW FAR IN ADVANCE SHOULD I BOOK THE INCA TRAIL TOUR?

If you want to walk the Inca Trail in June or July, you should book an entry ticket at least twelve months in advance because of its high popularity; tickets for this incredible hike sell out months in advance.

For the Inca Trail in any other month of the year, it is usually necessary to book at least six months in advance.

The National Institute of Culture of Peru (INC) is the agency in charge of the care and conservation of this World Heritage site, as well as managing ticket sales. The INC has stipulated that 500 tickets be sold for the Inca Trail per day, distributed as follows:

• 300 tickets are reserved for agency staff, including porters, cooks, helpers, carriers, and other personnel,
• 200 tickets are available for sale to the general public.

IS THE INCA TRAIL OPEN ALL YEAR ROUND?

It is important to note that the Inca Trail is closed in February each year for maintenance work across various sections of the route. These maintenance efforts aim to mitigate the significant impact of the massive influx of visitors on the integrity and beauty of this section.

WHAT IS THE DIFFICULTY LEVEL OF THE INCA TRAIL?

According to the international classification of hiking difficulty levels, we have the following:

• Grade 1.— The easiest level of hiking. Typically, in this type of trek, one can reach the highest point of the route via a path with little slope. A fall usually does not result in significant personal injury.
• Grade 2.—In this type of trekking the traveler must eventually leave the route and make occasional use of his hands to continue the route. However, the time spent walking is greater than the time spent climbing or making use of the hands. The level of attention required is definitely higher than in grade 1.
• Grade 3.— In this grade, hikers need to use their hands more frequently, but the majority of the trail is still traversed by walking. This difficulty level often offers various route alternatives. A fall in this type of hiking can result in serious injuries.
• Grade 4.— This is the first level considered as climbing. The route predominantly goes upward, frequently requiring the use of hands. Some sections at this difficulty level are completed with the aid of safety ropes. A fall could be fatal.
• Grade 5.— This grade is considered pure climbing, requiring professional training, experience, and the use of safety ropes for most of the route.

The Inca Trail is considered by travelers and experienced hikers to have a difficulty level of 3. This is because the route passes through various types of climates and different altitudes.

However, it is observed each year that among the travelers coming to Cusco to take on the Inca Trail, there are often children or older individuals with enviable physical conditions, meaning anyone can undertake this hike with the proper preparation and, above all, with a positive emotional state and a desire to enjoy the experience.

WHAT ITEMS DO I NEED TO BRING ON THE INCA TRAIL?

The maximum weight allowed for travelers during their journey on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is 5 Kg. Considering this weight restriction, the following items should be considered for this route:

• The most important: original and valid ID or passport, otherwise entry will not be permitted
• Sleeping bag
• A medium backpack of approximately 30 to 40 cm
• Personal hygiene items, including toilet paper and wet wipes, as there are no restroom facilities along the route
• Underwear, especially microfiber socks or materials specifically designed for this use
• Insect repellent
• Sunscreen with an SPF of 40+
• Sunglasses
• Water bottle or canteen for refilling water and water purification tablets
• Flashlight with spare batteries
• Cash in Peruvian Soles, as there are no ATMs or places to pay with credit card along the route
• Wide-brimmed hat that protects the entire face as well as the neck and ears

WHAT TYPE OF FOOTWEAR SHOULD I WEAR ON THE INCA TRAIL?

Boots are one of the most important elements to consider, as continuous use of feet is typical on a journey of this nature, and it's normal to experience some swelling or numbness by the second or third day.

It is highly recommended to wear mountain boots that are one size larger than usual, that are not new or have been moderately worn. Wearing new boots can cause scrapes on the ankles or heels, which would lead to significant discomfort during the hike.

CAN I HIKE THE INCA TRAIL ON MY OWN?

Since 2000, the Peruvian government has mandated that entry to the Inca Trail route be done exclusively through a tour agency, so a traveler CANNOT undertake this route on their own.

WHAT IS THE HIGHEST POINT OF THE INCA TRAIL?

The highest point on the Inca Trail route is called 'Dead Woman's Pass' or Warmihuañuska in Quechua, located at 4,200 meters above sea level. It's good to know that the citadel of Machu Picchu, the end point of this unforgettable experience, is located at a much lower elevation (2,400 meters above sea level).

IS THE INCA TRAIL DANGEROUS?

We must be honest about this, as there is a danger of falling off the mountain side. The entire Inca Trail is properly marked and tour guides and operators are primarily responsible for the safety of travelers during their journey, however, this does not guarantee that travelers always follow the instructions and in some cases accidents have occurred due to the recklessness of visitors.

It is important to consider that the physical condition of the traveler must be adequate, as well as having undergone two or three days of acclimatization in Cusco prior to the hike. A traveler unaccustomed to walking or physical exertion may find the Inca Trail route very difficult or even impossible.