TRAVEL TO INCA TRAIL
Even though it’s just one among a multitude of paths across the Andes, the INCA TRAIL is one of the world’s most famous treks. Most people visit the site on a day-tour by train from Cusco, Ollantaytambo or Urubamba, but if you’re reasonably fit and can dedicate at least four days to the experience, arriving along the Inca Trail offers the most atmospheric and rewarding option.
The trail is accompanied by stunning views, unique flora and fauna and several ancient Incan architectural sites. This wonderful trek ends by walking through the Sun Gate into Machu Picchu.
FEATURED ITINERARIES IN INCA TRAIL
All of our sample tailormade Inca Trail trip itineraries are fully customized for you.
HISTORY
Historians have used Arrowheads and rock art from the region to prove that human occupation around Arequipa spans over ten thousand years. This began with early groups of hunter-gatherers arriving here on a seasonal basis from 8000 BC to around 1000 BC when horticulture and ceramic technology began to appear in small settlements along streams and rivers. Initially influenced by the Paracas culture and later by the Tiahuanaco-I Huari, two major local tribes emerged sharing the area: the Churajone and the Chuquibamba who thrived higher up in the Andean plateaus above Arequipa.
GEOGRAPHY
Altitude sickness is suffered by all tourists who arrive in Cusco. The reason is the 3,399 meters of altitude in which this city is located. All the people who, from one moment to another, go from a flat geography to a mountainous one of great elevation; they will experience altitude sickness. The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu crosses landscapes over 4,200 meters high.
attractions
Dead Woman’s pass
Warmi (woman) Wañusca (become dead) is the highest point at 4,215 meters (13,828 feet). You can admire an amazing panorama from this point.
Inca Trail wildlife
Acting as a bio-corridor between the Cusco Andes, the sacred Valley and the lowland Amazon Forest, the Machu Picchu Sanctuary possesses over 370 species of birds, 47 mammal species and over 700 butterfly species. In addition, there are around 300 different species of hidden up in the trees of the cloud forest.
Inca remains
There are many impressive archaeological sites including Incan places, stone steps and tunnels, along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Among the highlights you will be able to see:
Llaqtapata
located in the middle of the Kusichaca River and the Vilcanota River. This is a resting place surrounded by terraces which were used to produce crops during the Incan times.
Runkurakay
an ancient Incan lodge with unique circular structures and precise stone masonry. It has remained in excellent condition over the centuries.
Sayacmarca
another tambo (lodge) or checkpoint, in the same way as Machu Picchu.
Phuyupatamarka
the place of the clouds. Like many Incan sites, this is no exception, it has achieved a remarkable balance with nature and the environment.
Wiñayhuayna
It’s a very rough, two- or three-hour descent along a non-Inca track to the next ruin, a citadel almost as impressive as Machu Picchu, Wiñay Wayna – “Forever Young”.
Consisting of only two major groups of architectural structures – a lower and an upper sector – Wiñay Wayna’s most visible features are stone baths with apparently as many as nineteen springs feeding them, all set amid several layers of fine Inca terracing.
Nearby there’s also a small waterfall created by streams coming down from the heights of Puyupatamarca. Much like today, it is believed that Wiñay Wayna was used by Incas as a washing, cleansing and resting point before arriving at the grand Machu Picchu citadel.
To reach Machu Picchu for sunrise the next day you’ll have to get up very early with a torch to avoid the rush.
Intipunku to Machu Picchu - Sun Gate
A well-marked track from Wiñay Wayna takes a right fork for about two more hours through sumptuous vegetated slopes to the stone archway entrance called Intipunku (Gateway of the Sun), from where you get your first sight of Machu Picchu – a stupendous moment, however exhausted you might be. Aim to get to Machu Picchu well before 9.30am, when the first hordes arrive off the train from Cusco, if possible.
WEATHER
The Andes and Sacred Valley climate both fall under the same category by having hot days with a lot of sunlight and extremely cold nights. It is always recommended to dress in layers with multiple items of clothing in case of a temperature drop or rise due to cloudiness. From November to March is the rainy season, this causes warmer nights but also muddy trails. Even though the rain can be a disadvantage it can also create mist that covers the mountain creating breath taking views and a wide range of flora in full bloom.
June to August are the dry seasons, since there are fewer clouds, this gives a perfect opportunity for panoramic views of snowcapped mountains. Less rain also means less vegetation, but this makes the Inca trail less difficult to conquer. Dressing in layers during this season is crucial because the temperature drops significantly at night.
TRAVEL TIPS
Acclimatization
It’s important to make time to acclimatize to the altitude before tackling the Inca Trail or any other high Andean trek, especially if you’ve flown straight up from sea level.
Inca Trail regulations
- There are only 500 hikers allowed on the trail every day. The permits can sell out up to 5 months in advance, especially for the dry season.
- It is important to book Inca trail tickets months in advance.
- The Inca trail hike permits are available only through march to January. This is because the government annually closes the trail for maintenance.
- The only way to access the trail is to go with a tour operator. These policies are very strict which makes going independently impossible. Only with a specific license some companies are able to take groups on the trail.
- All carrier animals are banned from the track, porters are hired and take care of most of the supplies, porters can be hired to carry personal items like backpacks.
- Private porters are able to carry from 8kg to 15kg. But you also have to remember that 2.5kg has to be set aside for a pad and sleeping bag.
What to pack
- To enter Machu Picchu, your original passport is required.
- A comfortable backpack with tight straps is important on the trail, if you do not hire a private porter expect to carry your sleeping bag and pad.
- A plastic or reusable water bottle is necessary.
- While hiking you will experience many different climates so taking a variety clothes to layer with, shorts, long sleeve t-shirts, lightweight pants and a fleece jacket is all recommended.
- Once it hits night time, the temperature drops drastically, to prepare for this you need to take thermal underwear, gloves and a warm hat.
- Comfortable hiking boots are very important, to prevent injuries or blisters. It is also recommended to take shower sandals.
- During any time of the year, it is always recommended to take a rain jacket or poncho.
- To protect yourself from the sun it is important to take a strong sun block, a hat and sun glasses.
- Also take a small flashlight, headlamp and plenty of extra batteries.
- For showering you will need a lightweight towel, and a small pillow for comfortable sleeping.
- Also take toilet paper and wet wipes.
- It is a good idea to bring snacks that will help energize and lift spirits, like cookies, protein bars, chocolate and mints.
- If you like a walking stick can be of great help.
- Never forget to bring your toiletries, such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, medication, etc.
- There are mosquitos in this area so remember to bring insect repellant. There is no malaria or yellow fever in this area.
- Bringing Peruvian currency (soles) to tip your team or guide is something to take into consideration.
- Last but not least, make sure to pack your camera with a full charge or extra battery packs.
How to book
- It is very important to buy tickets for the Inca Trail early but early planning does not guarantee a spot. Daily Inca Trail vacancies are limited and can be booked up to 6 months in advance.
- High season (April-October) – Book at least 2 to 6 months in advance.
- Low season (November-March) – Book at least 1 to 3 months in advance.
To book the Inca Trail you must have a valid passport.
