Hike the Famous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

March 3, 2016 Pirwa

Although one can get to the famed Lost City of the Incas in a myriad number of ways, including by bus, train, and a variety of hikes, none has more cache than the storied Inca Trail. Its allure is an immersion not just in the legendary history of the Capac Ñan, Royal Road, but also the astounding scenery of various climactic zones as the cold gives way to the cloud forest and then the high-altitude jungle brow, along a path dotted with small sets of ruins amidst overgrown foliage. There is a romance to traversing the same path the Incas used centuries ago, with Machu Picchu coming into view as one reaches the Sun Gate. In modern movie parlance, it’s “Machu Picchu, as Machu Picchu was meant to be seen…”

The 4-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a moderate 30 mile climb suitable for anyone in normal shape, with the only difficult segment being on the second day, with a challenging and very steep two hours up and two hours down that tends to leave hikers sore. En route to Machu Picchu, you’ll pass sites like Q’entimarka, Sayaqmarka, Phuyupatamarca, and Winaywayna. These provide a visual primer to go along with your guide’s information, providing insight into the Inca world. The trek tops off at 13,600 feet, so to prevent altitude-caused fatigue, think about spending a couple days in Cusco, resting and limiting the alcohol.

Arranging Your Trek

Travelers who wish to hike the trail are required to do so only with a licensed tour company. There is a daily limit of 500 hikers, including guides, cooks, and porters, as well as a high demand, so book your permit as soon as possible if you don’t want to lose your chance. If you are considering visiting Cusco and Machu Picchu during the high season, which is June, July, and August, reserving even six months prior is often too late. For the rest of the year you can wait to reserve just a few months prior, but any less is risky.

You can check real-time availability including how many spaces are available at the official Machu Picchu website (machupicchu.gob.pe/), just click consultas and then select Camino Inka. At the time of writing, there is still availability for the final few days of November and all of the first two weeks of December, but this is because of the low season- it’s better not to take any chances. If you must wait, keep monitoring!

Packing Tips

You’ll experience a wide array of temperatures from mid-afternoon heat to cold nights, so make sure to bring layers so you can adjust to the changes.
Especially during the November through March Keep your clothes in plastic bags in case of rains
Whether it’s hot or cold, the elevated altitude means the sun can get very strong, so don’t forget your sunscreen, sunglasses, and hat.
Don’t let views of snow-capped Andean peaks full you- by the time you finish the trek, you’ll be in a semi-tropical to tropical climb, so insect repellent is a must.
Bring spare batteries for your camera- you won’t be able to charge during the trekking days and will want lots of photos- especially of that first view of Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate!
You can rent camping equipment to save luggage space. You’ll need a sleeping bag approved for 10 below, rain poncho, and if you can, opt for some rubber-topped walking sticks. (Yes, walking sticks are an unnecessary luxury, but highly recommended for steep sections and the ensuing sore legs- you’ll be glad you have them!)

Inca Trail Alternatives
Unfortunately, sometimes it just doesn’t work out. It can be difficult to pin down travel dates or train. There’s more than one trail to Machu Picchu, however. Here are some of our recommendations:

Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu: If you’ve got a few more days to spare on your Machu Picchu odyssey, think about packing some thermal underway and trekking along the steep ice- and snow-covered Salkantay, loosely translated from the Quechua as Savage Mountain.

Lares Trek to Machu Picchu: This slightly shorter option takes you through one of the most scenic of Cusco’s surrounding valleys. Many local guides admit that they actually prefer the Lares Trek to the famous Inca Trail because of its superior views.

Choquequirao to Machu Picchu: A 5-day journey of spectacular vistas passing Andean highlands, tropical valleys and snowy peaks en route to the last refuge of the Incas and Machu Picchu’s “sacred sister”, Choquequirao, an impressive site larger than Machu Picchu although a majority of it remains buried. Although it is still under excavation and is a little difficult to get to, the site is gaining popularity. This trek allows you to visit both famous sites in one go.

For more tips and information, or to book the 4-day Inca Trail (or the abbreviated 2-day version), you can contact our travel agency Pirwa Travel Service at pirwatravel@gmail.com. Our experienced travel specialists have been providing touristic services including guided excursions, transport, and admissions for a decade, and can help you with any aspect of your trip!