Ready? The entire 4-day Inca trail hike is 26 miles (42 km). Machu Picchu: 7,972 ft (2,430 m) The Inca Trail starting point is at an elevation of 2,600m (8,500ft). The steep stairs leading to Inti Punku ("sun gate") are reached after approximately 3km. 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. If you have any doubts about whether you are covered for hiking the Inca Trail, speak with your insurance company. Its also the place I first met my wife in person for the first time. 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. Take a break to catch your breath and enjoy the spectacular views of the Urubamba River below the sites green terraces. We had to book the tour about 6 months in advance to reserve a spot. You should bring enough money with you from Cusco for tipping and lunch in Aguas Calientes. Theres even a marathon!). Day 1 is relatively easy as there isnt much elevation gain and your legs are fresh and you feel like you can take on anything. After taking transport from nearby Cusco, you meet your team and porters. This also included a guided tour around the site. Your email address will not be published. So, whether youre heading there in high or low season and want to understand the camping and accommodation situation better, have no idea what to pack or how to get a permit, are worrying about whether youre fit enough, will get altitude sickness or if its too late to book a spot on a tour, then this post will provide you with all the necessary information answers from experienced fellow travellers (and, we hope, quite a bit of excitement and inspiration for the hike itself!). Cuzco Region Machu Picchu Peru. The 4-day Inca Trail is 30 miles (49 km) in length. A narrow path of 98 stairs leads to this impressive ruin surrounded by cliffs on three sides and overlooking the Aobamba Valley. All meals can be adapted to trekkers personal dietary restrictions and preferences. Wiay Wayna: 8,694 ft (2,650 m) 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 . The lowest point on the trail at Llactapata ruins is roughly 2250m (7,382ft). Overnight buses in Peru range from basic to an incredibly high standard - we recommend you take a look at the options and book online via RedBus. 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. If there are any updates or questions, feel free to let us know in the comments below! Inca Trail permits sell out fast for these months. Porters carry all the equipment. ITMB Publishing International Travel Maps, Camino Inka. These are consistently cheap (starting from 45 / $60 / 50 per person), reliable, and only take 90 minutes. 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. In the late afternoon, you will arrive at the Sun Gate. 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. 7 things no-one tells you about the Inca Trail - Intrepid Travel Blog 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. Also pack shower sandals to rest your feet at night. Bring a comfortable daypack with snug straps to wear while you hike. (2001) Turn Right at Macho Picchu. Explore one of 17 easy hiking trails in Jakarta or discover kid-friendly routes for your next family trip. Although the hike is only one day long, this doesnt mean it is easy. Many trekkers find that hiking poles are helpful for navigating steep steps and reducing the impact on lower joints. 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!) 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. Difficulty | High, this is the hardest day of walking but after you reach DWP, its mostly downhill. The Inca Trail trek is over 3,000 meters in altitude. Nights are warmer compared to the dry season. I think doing the gruelling 4-day hike on the Inca Trail really gave us a greater appreciation for the ruins once we got there. The road on one of the highest altitude routes of the Inca Trail. We have summarized everything you need to know before embarking on this incredible journey. Both the 4-day and 2-day Inca Trail treks have distinct advantages and disadvantages. 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. Despite her eagerness to carry on, she could barely hobble her way forward without needing assistance. The Classic Inca Trail is easily the most famous trek in South America. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads usingthis link. Today you will trek to the Wiay Wayna campsite (8,700 ft/2,650 m). Whatever equipment you bring, you may not always get the best nights sleep - and it may be quite chilly in the evening - but its all part of the experience! The distances involved in hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Pichu are not that great. 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 . The Inca Trails most appealing sight is perhaps its natural beauty. It is also very common to see snow and ice near the summit . Altitude pills can be the difference between a great trip and a terrible one. Distance: 32 miles (51 km) Highest elevation: Salkantay Pass, 15,090 feet (4,600 m) Difficulty: moderate-challenging. The best time to hike the Inca Trail is May throughSeptember when there is less rain and the temperatures are slightly cooler. The trail continues to ascend, passing a small lake named Quchapata (Cochapata)[6] in an area that is recognized as deer habitat. At the top, the pass is rocky, with little vegetation. World Nomads mission is to support and encourage travellers to explore their boundaries. As is Puno and Juliaca if you're planning to visit Lake Titicaca. The government monitors the trail closely; there are several control points along the trail. Day Three: Early rise to hike the most photogenic section of the Trail. For the most part, there is no cell phone signal along the Inca Trail. Hiking the Inca Trail is a feat of endurance that is just as much about the mind as the body. 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). Before starting the trek, spending some time in Cusco (11,150 ft/3,400 m) will help your body adjust. Overview. You will spend the night at Huayllabamba, the only inhabited town on the trek. On the last day, you will wake up before dawn at an absurdly early hour (our wake up call was 3 A.M.) in order to reach the Sun Gate overlooking Machu Picchu just in time for sunrise. No, you can only hike the Inca Trail with a tour guide licensed for the Inca Trail. This duffel bag is allowed to hold upto 6kgs, and is going to be where the majority of the kit + equipment you bring for the Inca Trail will be stored (i.e. Pack animals are not allowed. Only government-authorized trekking companies can offer Inca Trail tours and your trekking team is trained in the case of emergency. 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. What we found the hardest was the sleeping at the altitude than hiking during the day. Ask your Travel Advisor for more details. The porters carry all the tents along the Trail, but you will be responsible for including your sleeping bag and mat in the 6kg duffel bag allowance. If you are struggling, its their job to control the situation, help you get to camp, and also to manage the overall group schedule. 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). It was not just the distance that made the Inca routes challenging, but also the extreme altitude that may be encountered at various points. The 2-day Inca Trail begins at the Chachabamba archaeological complex which is located at 6,725 ft (2,050 m), the lowest point of the hike. If youre confused about buying travel insurance, read this post and this post. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Privacy | Terms | DMCA | Affiliate Disclosure | Site Map. Cusco is actually higher than most points on the Inca Trail. Personally, I could have spent the whole day there just in awe of the ruins. For all the essential details on visiting Machu Picchu independently, read this post. In addition to the Classic 4-day Inca Trail trek, there is a shorter full-day trek. A long Inca tunnel and a viewpoint overlooking two valleys: the Urubamba and Aobamba (a broken word), are passed. Instead, around a table in a make-shift tent dining room, we were treated to three-course lunches and dinners and a decent breakfast. After the Sun gate, it is a short and scenic downhill walk to Machu Picchu. Your body needs the time to adjust! If youre hiking in the dry (high) season, then you should be making a reservation sooner rather than later (i.e. 2023 Best 10 Trails and Hikes in Jakarta | AllTrails No, there is no waiting list for permits. 3. For the Inca roads in general, see, Elorrieta Salazar, Fernando E. & Elorrieta Salazar, Edgar (2005) Cusco and the Sacred Valley of the Incas, page 123. It consists of three overlapping trails: Mollepata, Classic, and One Day. 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). 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. Well, the elevation of the Inca Trail is over 13,000 feet so if you have altitude problems make sure to think twice before committing. These can be purchased in Cusco or rented from your trekking company with advance notice. All the same, heres some must-bring packing for the Inca Trail: Finally, remember to pack light! If youve really enjoyed our guides, you can buy us a virtual coffee here. Be prepared for steep inclines and stone steps. What can I say? We have previously taken a three-week overland trip in Africa with G Adventures, where we were responsible for setting up and taking down our tent each day (not so fun in the rain or after a long day). The highest point of the pass is 3,700m (12,136 ft). The last major campsite before Machu Picchu, these ruins include a long flight of fountains that flow from the upper to the lower terraces. However, its also possible to buy poles in Cusco or to rent them from your tour provider. and any personal medications. Even with daily tourism limits, there are still many, many tour groups and you will constantly be surrounded by other hikers, guides, and porters throughout the 4 days. One kilometre along the trail, at an elevation of 3,750 metres (12,300ft) is the Inca tampu Runkuraqay, ruins which overlook the valley. 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. Concern about overuse leading to erosion has led the Peruvian government to place a limit on the number of people who may hike this trail per season, and to sharply limit the companies that can provide guides. Rain is likely during April and October and almost guaranteed between November and March making them a much less suitable time to walk to Machu Picchu the wet llamas are cute though! This pass has the highest elevation on the Inca Trail at 4,215m (13,829ft). 10 The Highest Point On The Inca Trail. The 4-day Inca Trail begins at Km 82 which has an elevation of 8,230 ft (2,600 m). You wont have access to what your porter carries until you reach the campsite each night, so you will need a small pack to carry water, snacks, rain jacket, extra layers of clothing, etc. If you havent planned your visit yet, then read our guide to the best things to do in Cusco. Travel is full of variables and there is always a risk, however small, that something might go wrong before or during your trip. 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. 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. This is one of Perus highest major cities with an altitude of 3400m (11,152ft). Start planning your Machu Picchu hiking holiday. So much so, that permits generally sell out up to eight months in advance. Secondly, for our G Adventures tour, we were each supplied with black duffel bags at the hotel. The most visitors the park allows is 500 a day and that includes guides and porters which make up over half that number. The biggest surprise for us both on the Trail was just how incredible the food provided was every single day. These are also the coldest months of the year so make sure to pack accordingly. Don't overpack. You can easily spend hours on end walking up and around the magnificent ruins. Be sure to exercise in the weeks leading up to your trip. The Inca Trail passes through four of the eight life zones described by Peruvian geographer Javier Pulgar Vida: Highest Elevation: Looking for all the essential information to plan and prepare for the Inca Trail hike? Alternatively, the 2-day Inca Trail is recommended for travelers who cannot or do not wish to devote four days of trekking to their trip, but would still like to experience the Inca Trail. Whether you're getting ready to hike, bike, trail run, or explore other outdoor activities, AllTrails has 22 scenic trails in the Jakarta area. No matter the season, make sure to bring a rain jacket or poncho as there is always the chance of showers in the Andes. Your guide will take you on a 2.5-hour tour of the citadel, where you will learn about its fascinating history. Guides are required to carry oxygen tanks in case of emergencies. Please also be aware that permits are only issued with a tourists name and passport number and, once booked, they are non-changeable and non-transferable. Small, permanent settlements are located adjacent to the trail, and Wayllapampa has approximately 400 inhabitants (130 families) spread along this portion of the trail. By staying there before your walk, you will give your body time to acclimate to the altitude of the . 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. 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. If you are hiking the Inca Trail, you will most likely be spending some time in Cusco. It is rated by many as being in the top 5 treks in the world. New York, NY:Dutton. Not a bad view from Warmi Wausqa in Peru with @intrepidtravel! The highest point on the Inca Trail is Dead Woman's Pass. All companies operating the Inca Trail must be registered and have a special operators license, which is renewed annually. Even during the dry season there is the chance of rain, so make sure to bring a rain jacket or poncho. You do not need to be a vastly experienced hiker, but acquiring a good level of physical fitness prior to arriving in Peru will make everything easier and more enjoyable. You'll see a greater number of ancient Inca ruins, and pass near the colossal Mt . INCA TRAIL ELEVATION - Daily Hike Gain From Easiest to Hardest However, using them is guaranteed make the hike easier for a number of people and result in fewer aches and pains during and post-Trail. The first half of the hike to Machu Picchu includes steep inclines and many stone steps. It's emotional and so much fun. The hike is beautiful and difficult both physically and mentally. The 10 Best Treks in Peru: The Inca Trail and Beyond - Inca Expert There are no opportunities to charge electronics along the trail. Inca Trail Map: Trekking to Machu Picchu - Peru For Less Securing a permit is only possible with an approved tour provider, who buy these daily permits in advance. Inca Trail, Cusco, Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu, Cusco, Inca Trail, Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu, Cusco, 2-day Inca Trail, Rainbow Mountain & Machu Picchu, Are you interested in adding a meal at one of the, We sell virtually all services available in Peru, Galapagos, Argentina, Chile, Brazil and Patagonia, Located between 7,5003,300 ft (1,0002,300 m) is the. 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). Pack a hat, strong sunblock, and glasses for protection against the sun. G Adventures minimum is 12 years old) . If you do decide to go to Peru for the hike or just to see Machu Picchu, I recommend you brush up on some basic Spanish travel phrases. 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. The good news is that it's a lot shorter than you may expect at only 40 kms (25 miles). INCA TRAIL SHORT 2 DAYS | Book your Inca Trail 2 Days to Machu Picchu As an Amazon Associate, Machu Picchu Trek earns from qualifying purchases. The trail reaches 13,828 ft (4,215 m) on Day 2 and 12,500 feet (3,900 m) on Day 3. If youre going to invest in a high quality travel sleeping bag, then read this post on the essential things to look for before buying. Inca Trail Distance: Inca Trail altitude If youre reading the above and thinking that neither sounds appealing now, then please dont be too despondent - the Inca Trail can be hiked year-round and weve just outlined the worst cons of each season so that you dont have any nasty surprises! It promotes sustainable and responsible travel for the curious modern day explorer. After all trekkers from your group have arrived at the Sun Gate, you will continue to the Machu Picchu citadel for your 2.5-hour tour. On your first day of hiking the Inca Trail, you will typically embark from the KM82 route. Everything You Need To Know Before Hiking the Inca Trail ALONG DUSTY Hiking poles must have rubber tips on the ends. With G Adventures, two chefs are included as part of the support staff, and the unanimous opinion of our group was that those two performed absolute miracles. Note that its often necessary to pay a deposit in advance to secure your Inca Trail permit, so if you go with a new, non-established, or cheaper provider, make sure you have done enough research into them before paying anything. Feedback we frequently receive from our travelers is how impressive the meals are on the Inca Trail. Because of previous damage caused by hooves, pack animals are not allowed on the remainder of the trail. We managed with a group of six (not including the guide, porters, and cook). 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. We dont know if all tours will offer the same level of food as G Adventures did, but even if its half as good youll be very happy. This morning, you will take a train from Ollantaytambo to Km 104, where you will disembark and begin the 2-day Inca Trail. Chachabamba: 6,725 ft (2,050 m) The highest point on the Inca Trail is Abra Warmihuausca or 'Dead Woman's Pass which is located at 4,200 meters. 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. Our own Inca Trail group were all roughly the same age and fitness, which meant that our pace was consistent and we all arrived to rest-stops and campsites at roughly the same time. High elevation is the greatest challenge on the Inca Trail Trek. Youll have to carry your pack for 4 days so only take the lightweight essentials. Make sure to bring your own toilet paper and hand-sanitiser, and just hold your nose (and maybe close your eyes too) when you need to go. From May to September The days are sunny and the nights are very cold. Theyre easily my picj for the best Inca Trail tour. As the trail ascends toward Warmi Wausqa, or "Dead Woman's Pass", which resembles a supine woman, it passes through differing habitats, one of which is a cloud forest containing Polylepis trees. It probably would have been glorious to see. A: The cost of hiking the Inca Trail varies depending on the tour operator and the length of the trek. The meals are quite exquisite considering that all of the ingredients and cooking supplies are carried from the Sacred Valley. Day one eases you into the action. To visit Machu Picchu at any time, whether you plan to hike for the day or for several nights, will require booking a permit. Nearby mountains are usually flanked by mist and the regions diverse flora is in full bloom. The name Phuyupatamarka ("cloud-level town") (phoo-yoo-patta-marka) is applied to both the campground, and the ruins. Check in to your hotel and later enjoy dinner with your hiking group. Your guide will be fluent in English and Spanish. Even so, you should ascend slowly and drink lots of water. After the tunnel the town of Machupicchu (Aguas Calientes) can be seen, and trains running along the river can be heard. The hike reaches its highest point at the Wiay Wayna ruins, which are located at 8,694 ft (2,650 m). Savour the route, rather than trying to set a record pace (which youll never do by the way - its currently 3 hours 23 minutes by a porter. As the trail nears Intipata, it affords views of the "Two Day" Inca Trail (aka "Camino Real de los Inkas" or "One Day Inca Trail"). Mollepata is the longest of the three routes with the highest mountain pass and intersects with the Classic route before crossing Warmiwausqa ("dead woman"). The second day ascends over Dead Woman's pass- the highest point on the Inca Trail at 4,200 metres. Stretching 42 km (26 mile) from the Sacred Valley to the Sun Gate of Machu Picchu, the classic Inca Trail traverses some of the most riveting landscapes in all of Peru. May to September: dry season with good trail conditions. As with other sites that were being degraded due to overuse, camping is no longer allowed. right now). 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). Yes, the trekking team will provide drinking water every morning and at each meal.
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