Pack thermal undergarments, a warm hat, and gloves for evenings. The Grayl Geopress is the markets leading filtered water bottle protecting your tum from all the waterborne nasties. 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. We recommend going with Cachi Life as they are doing really great work in Peru that goes well beyond the Inca Trail hike. It stands at 4,215 m. It's easy to get the impression that the name comes from some tragic story of someone that didn't quite make it to where they were going.. Your trek must be organized through a licensed tour operator. Indonesia to Build High-Speed Train, Speed Up to 220-230 Km/h Pros | The chance of rain, as the name would suggest, is significantly reduced and you can expect hot, dry mornings and afternoons. 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! The entire 4-day trail hike is only 25 miles (40 km). 1. 2023 Machu Picchu Trek | A Mountain IQ Guide. Because of this rule, permits can only be obtained through a government registered tour operator. If you are struggling, its their job to control the situation, help you get to camp, and also to manage the overall group schedule. Dress in layers and adjust as necessary during the day. right now). The last part of your day is a descent to Winay Wayna. 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). Compare this with the speed of the electric rail train or KRL Jabodetabek, which is 80-100 kilometers per hourbecause it is designed according to operational needs with relatively close distances between stations . Inca Trail - Travel guide at Wikivoyage They are experienced in supporting members of a group who may be struggling or slower than the rest, and ensuring that everyones experience is the best possible in the circumstances. Close. The food was fantastic throughout the trip. The elevation of the Inca Trail varies, with the highest point rising to 13,828 feet (4200 m) above sea level. In addition to the Classic 4-day Inca Trail trek, there is a shorter full-day trek. 1)and theres also the bush. The steep stairs leading to Inti Punku ("sun gate") are reached after approximately 3km. The Inca Trail has very steep inclines. The Trail is Peru in a microcosm; lush green cloud forest alive with birds, Andean peaks and steep mountain passes, a landscape dotted with centuries old ruins, accessible only to those that follow this most famous pathway. This means that it is incredibly foolish to arrive in Cusco, which is at 3,339m (11,151 feet) above sea-level, and leave the next day to do a strenuous hike or even start the Inca Trail. But it's nothing so dramatic. At 4,215m above sea level, it's the highest point of the Inca Trail.Subscribe for more htt. Mollepata is the longest of the three routes with the highest mountain pass and intersects with the Classic route before crossing Warmiwausqa ("dead woman"). So whats the Inca Trail hikes difficulty like? This first day of the trail meanders up and down gradually, with an elevation increase of only 1,610 ft (400 m). No matter the season, make sure to bring a rain jacket or poncho as there is always the chance of showers in the Andes. they soon adjusted and had no issues by day one of the hike itself. Both the 4-day and 2-day Inca Trail treks have distinct advantages and disadvantages. When the Incans were conquered by the Spanish in the 1500s, they fled the jungle and Machu Picchu went hidden for hundreds of years. Not a bad view from Warmi Wausqa in Peru with @intrepidtravel! [3], It starts from one of two points: 88km (55 miles) or 82km (51 miles) from Cusco on the Urubamba River at approximately 2,800 metres (9,200ft) or 2,600 metres (8,500ft) elevation, respectively.[3]. Inca Trail permits sell out fast for these months. Be prepared for all types of weather conditions. The hike reaches its highest point at the Wiay Wayna ruins, which are located at 8,694 ft (2,650 m). Because duh! The highest point is at Dead Woman's Pass, which is about halfway through the hike. Temperatures at night are also less chilly. [10], From Wiay Wayna the trail undulates along below the crest of the east slope of the mountain named Machu Picchu. POV: You've reached Warmi Wausqa, the highest point of the Inca Trail Let your Travel Advisor know if you'd be interested, as Inca Trail permits also need to be purchased in advance for porters. ", This page was last edited on 5 December 2022, at 05:54. Reaching the crest of this ridge reveals the grandeur of the ruins of Machu Picchu, which lie below. 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. Because of previous damage caused by hooves, pack animals are not allowed on the remainder of the trail. 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. Enjoy hand-curated trail maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you. Temperatures really drop at higher elevation when the sun sets. Preparing for the Inca Trail isnt just a case of throwing some unworn hiking boots in your backpack and hoping for the best, but rather doing the necessary to ensure you have a successful and unforgettable adventure in the Peruvian mountains for all the right reasons! As your elevation increases, take note of how the ecosystems change. Be prepared with a rain jacket or poncho and pants made of quick-drying synthetic material. There are several checkpoints along the route that monitor this. After the Sun gate, it is a short and scenic downhill walk to Machu Picchu. A daypack to carry water, a boxed lunch provided by your hiking guide, camera, personal items for your overnight in Aguas Calientes, etc. Instead, around a table in a make-shift tent dining room, we were treated to three-course lunches and dinners and a decent breakfast. No, there is no waiting list for permits. However, the altitude at its highest point is 13,776 ft or 4200m, which can sometimes cause problems for hikers. Looking for all the essential information to plan and prepare for the Inca Trail hike? The Inca Trail undulates between a low point of 2,250m/8,366ft and its highest point of 4,200m/13,780ft, with many peaks and troughs along the way. Unlike most archaeological wonders, Peru allows visitors to actually go in and around the beautiful ruins and see firsthand the inside of the structures and the once magnificent buildings. On your first day of hiking the Inca Trail, you will typically embark from the KM82 route. For high season travel (AprilOctober) and December holidays, permits can sell out up to six months before travel. The trail continues to ascend, passing a small lake named Quchapata (Cochapata)[6] in an area that is recognized as deer habitat. Inca trail preparation: a complete guide [updated 2020] - Career Gappers More information. These local porters, from fresh-faced 18 year olds to gnarled mountain men, are the unsung heroes of every Inca Trail experience and they will each carry up to 25 kgs on their backs for the group (yep, and you were worried about how hard the Trail would be for you!). The two longer routes require an ascent to beyond 4,200 metres (13,800ft) above sea level, which can result in altitude sickness. 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. Porters can be hired to carry up to 18 lb (8 kg) or 33 lb (15 kg). 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. If you are hiking the Inca Trail, you will most likely be spending some time in Cusco. Weve mentioned this earlier, but with the understanding that this is such an important purchase before you step foot in Peru, we thought it only correct to mention it again here. Its a nice build-up to the granddaddy of them all that follows on day 4. 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. If you havent planned your visit yet, then read our guide to the best things to do in Cusco. Check in to your hotel and later enjoy dinner with your hiking group. The government monitors the trail closely; there are several control points along the trail. Our G Adventures tour required all participants to be in Cusco for the first night of the 7 day trip, and its in the city where you will receive your briefing, rent any additional equipment and meet your tour mates. Being in decent shape, acclimatising, carrying out a few practice hikes at home, keeping yourself hydrated, wearing in your hiking boots, and taking out the correct travel insurance are essential to staying safe and healthy on this hike; if youve made it this far down in our Inca Trail Guide and taken our advice on board, then you should have very few issues once you hit the Trail. 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. April & October There is no minimum or maximum age limit for hikers on the Inca Trail, but tour companies will operate according to their own guidelines and policies (i.e. The G Adventures tour we joined is now 1029 per person (price update 2023), and this included two nights hotel accommodation in Cusco, one night hotel accommodation in Ollantaytambo, private transport, all meals on the Trail, our Inca Trail permit, camping equipment, entrance and a guided tour around Machu Picchu, a support team of 15 or so guides, porters, and chefs, and visits to several Planeterra local community enterprises and projects in the Sacred Valley. The High Inca Trail covers everything the classic Inca Trail does. Once a permit is purchased for one person, the permit cannot be transferred to another individual. The name Wiay Wayna (forever young) (win-yay-way-na) is used to refer to both a hostelrestaurantcamp site and a set of Inca ruins. This will include a private minibus to Ollantaytambo and km.82 (the Inca Trail start point) and either a train or minibus back to Cusco. 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. 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. After breakfast, you will begin the ascent to Dead Womans Pass (13,828 ft (4,215 m), the highest point of the entire trek. The altitudes on the trail are much higher than what most travellers are used to. The 4-day Inca Trail begins at Km 82 which has an elevation of 8,230 ft (2,600 m). High elevation is the greatest challenge on the Inca Trail Trek. Trekking on the High Inca Trail | Exodus Travels At the beginning of the hike the morning mountain air is likely to be cool, however you will warm up as you continue your journey to Machu Picchu. The name Phuyupatamarka ("cloud-level town") (phoo-yoo-patta-marka) is applied to both the campground, and the ruins. I wouldnt be surprised if we were the last group to make it into the historic site. If you arent in tip-top shape, this day will either make you or break you. These are consistently cheap (starting from 45 / $60 / 50 per person), reliable, and only take 90 minutes. As our guide Elias told us, the key thing for everyone to make the overall experience on the Inca Trail better is a positive mental attitude. Required fields are marked. There are no opportunities to charge electronics along the trail. Guides are required to carry oxygen tanks in case of emergencies. All meals can be adapted to trekkers personal dietary restrictions and preferences. Permits to hike the Inca Trail are available March through January. 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. If your main consideration however is that you may not be able to hike for the full four days, consider joining this two-day tour. Parque Arqueologic National de Machu Picchu. 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. Thats an excellent jumping-off point for creating your Inca Trail packing list. All companies operating the Inca Trail must be registered and have a special operators license, which is renewed annually. 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. 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). To find out what clothes and footwear are best, read our Inca Trail Packing post. Highest Point on Inca Trail: Peru Day Seven - Tori Pines Travels clothes, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, toiletries). It is important to carefully review potential travel insurance policies to make sure that the Inca Trail portion will be covered. Get insured. Ready? Ive hiked all over the USA and other parts of the world but nothing has ever affected me in such a way as the Inca Trail did. [3] Day one eases you into the action. A portable power bank is also useful. Inca Trail to Machu Picchu - 5 day Trek Itinerary (non commercial site) The Inca Trail passes through four of the eight life zones described by Peruvian geographer Javier Pulgar Vida: Highest Elevation: Pack animals, including mules, horses, and llamas, are banned from the trail. While the trekking team makes the experience very comfortable, three nights camping in a tent is perhaps not for everyone. To visit Machu Picchu at any time, whether you plan to hike for the day or for several nights, will require booking a permit. Inca trail 4D/3N - Review of SAM Travel Peru, Cusco, Peru - Tripadvisor Every extra pound matters! 12 Fast Facts About the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu These unique circular structures display precise stone masonry and are thought to have served as a resting, refueling, and relay station for messengers on the Inca Trail. Although the Classic 4-day trek to Machu Picchu is most associated with the Inca Trail, there was in fact a network of Inca Trails spanning 25,000 miles (45,000 km) and six countries (Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru). Dead Womans Pass: 13,828 ft (4,215 m) Its the hardest day of the trek, with an ascent of 1,200 meters and a challenging descent to the bottom campsite. So, its clear that most of the hard work when it comes to carrying things will be done by others and the tour company provides a lot of the key camping equipment. Prior to your arrival, the trekking team will assemble your tent, so you can focus on relaxing and enjoying the mountain scenery. Hiking the Inca Trail is an experience which should inspire excitement, invoke a little bit of fear, stoke jealousy amongst your friends, and stir a sense of wander in your soul. If you need to pay for an additional porter to lighten your load and carry some of your things, you can do that for around $50-$100 USD. Heres everything you need to know before doing the Inca Trail hike. A narrow path of 98 stairs leads to this impressive ruin surrounded by cliffs on three sides and overlooking the Aobamba Valley. Nate is avid hiker throughout South America and still considers the Inca Trail hike to be one of the most memorable experiences he has ever had. After all, you dont want the upfront savings to mean inadequate equipment, poor quality food, or a less memorable experience. Inca Trail Distance: The meals are quite exquisite considering that all of the ingredients and cooking supplies are carried from the Sacred Valley. February: Inca Trail is closed for maintenance. I can hardly carry my petite wife for more than 20 seconds yet somehow our porters and guide managed for hours on end. Only government-authorized trekking companies can offer Inca Trail tours and your trekking team is trained in the case of emergency. Each morning, your bag will be weighed and collected, and it will be waiting for you at the campsite. This total includes 4-day, and 5-day routes, as well as trekking guides, porters, and chefs. Unfortunately, this is the day that things went south for a couple of members of our team. The trail undulates, but overall ascends along the Cusichaka River. However, on the Inca Trail we experienced comparative luxury as the porters were responsible for setting up the tents each afternoon before you get near camp, and for taking them down and packing up in the morning. There are also some ATMs in Aguas Calientes if you need to withdraw additional money. So much so, that permits generally sell out up to eight months in advance. This train stop is the halfway through the railway that connects Ollantaytambo with Machu Picchu. I don't think so. Outstanding Inca Trail 2023 - Review of SAM Travel Peru - Tripadvisor At 4,215m, it's the highest point of the Inca Trail and is nearly 1,800m higher than Machu Picchu! The Inca Trail elevation varies significantly and people often struggle with altitude sickness, especially if they have not spent much time in Cusco before trekking the trail. Cuscos high altitude makes it a convenient place to acclimatize. Inca Trail to Machu Picchu - Wikipedia Bring a comfortable daypack with snug straps to wear while you hike. It is possible to book a longer organised Peru tour which includes the Inca Trail within it, or to simply include it on your own independent Peru + South American adventure. Each campsite has toilet facilities available, but these are often rudimentary squat toilets and with campsites being so remote and over-subscribed, cleanliness understandably isnt the highest. Hiking poles to aid you in ascending and descending the mountain trail. After crossing the pass the trail drops steeply into the Pakaymayu drainage. The highest point is Dead Woman's Pass at 4200 m. At its highest, the trail reaches 4200 m above sea level, so you should spend at least 2 days in Cusco acclimatizing before you start the trek. On the first day, you will also pass the lowest elevation on the Inca Trail known as the Llactapata/Patallacta Ruins at an elevation of 2,250m (7,382 ft). We do not represent World Nomads. If the tour operator charges much less, they are probably not paying their porters fair wages. It consists of three overlapping trails: Mollepata, Classic, and One Day. Your email address will not be published. You can easily spend hours on end walking up and around the magnificent ruins. Pack of tissues, toilet paper, and wet wipes. Remember that batteries deplete faster at higher elevations. Make sure to pack your original passport. During the rainy season, there is the possibility of landslides. 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. It's emotional and so much fun. 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. Each however, come with their own pros and cons. 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. In the afternoon, you will arrive at the Wiay Wayna ruins, which are situated at the hikes highest elevation (8,694 ft/2,650 m). Cons | Hiking and camping in the rain for four days is never fun, so you are increasing the chances of that. If youre already in Peru or elsewhere in South America, then taking a flight from Lima - Cusco is the quickest and most sensible option. No, you can only hike the Inca Trail with a tour guide licensed for the Inca Trail. If you have specific dietary requirements, make sure you enquire with your tour provider to make sure you can be catered for adequately. Personally, we had some really difficult moments on Day One and Two on the climbs, but the rest of the hike was at the right level of satisfyingly challenging. You can either bring your own sleeping bag or rent one for an additional fee. It is recommended to arrive in Cusco at least 2 days before the start of your trek so that you can acclimatize. 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. If you are injury-prone or have had issues in the past think twice before committing to the full hike. Yes, the Inca Trail is safe. 10 Things You Need To Know Before Hiking The Machu Picchu Inca trail In addition to all the equipment, pots and pans, food, and trash that they had to carry, they also now had a grown adult on their backs. Your trekking guides will meet you at your Cusco hotel and transfer with you to the Sacred Valley. Altitude pills can be the difference between a great trip and a terrible one. One of the girls on our team got a busted knee on the descent after Dead Womans Pass not good. Our guide kept on calling us all professional hikers and the fastest group hed had that year as we arrived at camp each night a few hours ahead of expected 5-7 hours in his schedule. In this article, you can find everything you need to know about altitudes on the Inca Trail. The 4-day Inca Trail is ideal for travelers looking for a physically challenging adventure. We had always thought that hiking poles were only for old people and Austrians. Keep in mind, regardless of how much or how little you pay for your tour, the vast majority of that money does not go to the guys that do the heavy lifting. A Complete Guide to Exploring Cuscos Ruins (Without a Tour), What You Need to Know To Visit Machu Picchu in 2021, 11 Things to Know Before You Visit Rainbow Mountain, Everything You Need to Know About Cuscos Boleto Turistico, A Complete Guide to Visiting Ollantaytambo, Tagged: minimum age for the inca trail, maximum age for the Inca trail, How Much to Tip on the Inca Trail, Inca trail last minute, Inca trail hike, Inca trail, is the Inca trail expensive, what is the Inca trail, Booking the Inca Trail, Inca trail permit, Inca trail permits 2019, do you need a guide for the Inca trail, What is the best time of year to hike the Inca Trail?, Inca trail dry season, Inca trail wet season, Inca trail high season, best Inca trail tours, How Much Does The Inca Trail Cost, Inca trail fitness, where does the Inca trail start, kilometre 82, Inca trail insurance, Inca Trail Map + Route, How Difficult is the Inca Trail Hike, hiking poles inca trail, Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail, Tipping on the Inca Trail, safety on Inca trail, altitude sickness Inca trail, classic inca trail, inca trail trek, inca trail tour, Inca trail permits, inca trail itinerary, Inca trail trek, inca trail trekking, inca trail hike difficulty, inca trail cost, inca trail to machu picchu, How long does it take to hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?, What is the best time of year to hike the Inca Trail, How much does it cost to hike the Inca Trail, Can you do the Inca Trail without a guide, Do you need a permit to hike the Inca Trail, peru hiking, Inca trail difficulty, machu picchu, machu picchu peru page, most popular. The trail is closed in February for annual maintenance, conservation, and clean-up. Personally, I could have spent the whole day there just in awe of the ruins. At the very least, you will find it difficult to breathe as the air becomes thinner higher up. Distance: 32 miles (51 km) Highest elevation: Salkantay Pass, 15,090 feet (4,600 m) Difficulty: moderate-challenging. Hiking poles must have rubber tips on the ends. This morning, you will take a train from Ollantaytambo to Km 104, where you will disembark and begin the 2-day Inca Trail. The Classic Inca Trail is just a small portion of the 45000km network of Inca . Take some time to relish in your accomplishment before accompanying your guide to the Machu Picchu bus stop for your transfer down the mountain to Aguas Calientes. 2023 Best 10 Trails and Hikes in Jakarta | AllTrails Once in Cusco, all your transport to the Trail and the return trip to Cusco from Machu Picchu will be arranged by your tour company and included in the overall tour price. She did walksparingly, but for the most part, was carried for a good portion of the time. This steep ascent reaches 4,215m (13,829ft) above sea level. 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. Q: What is the cost of hiking the Inca Trail? [9], The trail then descends approximately 1000metres including an irregular staircase of approximately 1500 steps, some of which were carved into solid granite. Highest point (Warmiwanusca Pass /Dead Womans Pass). This may not sound like a lot, but it really is when you think about the fact that everyone follows the same narrow trails to Machu Picchu. You can read more about altitude sickness in the Health + Safety section towards the bottom of this post. Although the hike is only one day long, this doesnt mean it is easy. Don't forget to book Inca Trail permits for your visit well in advance of your trip. When to book: 36 months in advance. Ive hiked some of the best national parks in the U.S.and this Inca Trail hike is still my favorite in terms of scenery and complete awesomeness. 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. Cusco is exceptionally easy to reach from various parts of Peru, but there are no direct flights to Cusco from the US, Canada or Europe. The Classic Inca Trail is easily the most famous trek in South America. It probably would have been glorious to see. If youll be taking an Inca Trail tour in rainy season, a little more spontaneity is possible, unless you have very specific dates in mind where it makes sense to get your booking in sooner rather than later. After passing Pakaymayu the trail begins steeply ascending the other side of the valley. Later on, you will stop at Sayaqmarca. Salkantay is a great Inca Trail alternative when permits are sold out or you'd simply like to avoid crowds. Cons | Dry season also coincides with high tourism season in Peru (June - August), so the Inca Trail will be at full capacity each day. 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. Chachabamba: 6,725 ft (2,050 m) Hiking the Inca Trail is a feat of endurance that is just as much about the mind as the body. A long flight of fountains or ritual baths utilizing as many as 19 springs runs between the two groups of buildings.
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