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

This ancient route was built by the Incas to connect the different regions of their empire, which stretched from present-day Ecuador to Chile and Argentina. Within this network, the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu was used as a ceremonial route. Today, we can appreciate ancient landscapes and millenary ruins, as well as an abundance of species and remains of the Inca civilization scattered along the route.

Would you like to live this experience? At CuscoPeru.com, we offer Inca Trail tours tailored to your needs. [2-day Inca Trail] [4-day Inca Trail]

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How Many Days Does the Inca Trail Last?

• Classic Inca Trail (4 days / 3 nights): this is the most famous route to Machu Picchu. Over 43 km, you will visit archaeological sites such as Patallacta, Runkuracay, Sayacmarca, and Wiñayhuayna, then cross two mountain passes over 4,000 m.a.s.l. (13,123 ft.) before arriving at the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate.
• Inca Trail (2 days / 1 night): this trip is designed for small groups, guaranteeing a more personalized and exclusive experience. You will enjoy the culture and history of the Inca civilization. Unlike traditional routes, this one allows you to explore the ancestral paths of the Incas and, of course, Machu Picchu.

How Much Does the Inca Trail Cost? 

• Classic Inca Trail (4 days / 3 nights): cost per person from approximately US$ 850.00.
• Inca Trail (2 days / 1 night): cost per person from approximately US$ 570.00.

What Is the Best Time of Year to Book the Inca Trail?

The dry season runs from April to October. During these months, doing the Inca Trail is the best option, since the weather is good and allows you to appreciate the majestic valleys and mountains along the route without clouds or fog getting in the way.

During the months of December, January, February, and March, rainfall is constant in this part of Peru, while dense fog hides everything under its gray mantle. 

In June, the festivities of the city of Cusco are celebrated, which attracts many domestic and international visitors, so booking entry during that month is usually quite difficult.

How Far in Advance Should I Book the Inca Trail Tour?

If you want to do the Inca Trail in any other month of the year, you should normally do so at least six months in advance.

But if you want to hike the Inca Trail during the months of highest demand, you should reserve an entry ticket at least 8 months in advance because, due to its great popularity, entry permits for this incredible hike usually sell out very quickly. 

The Ministry of Culture of Peru is in charge of administering ticket sales for the Inca Trail, while the conservation of the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu also involves SERNANP (National Service of Natural Protected Areas by the State).
According to the tourist-use capacity handled in the official documentation, the Inca Trail considers 500 entries per day, distributed as follows:

• 300 entry tickets are reserved for agency staff, that is, porters, cooks, assistants, carriers, and the rest of the personnel.
• 200 entry tickets are available for sale to the general public.

Is the Inca Trail Open All Year Round?

It is important to know that the Inca Trail remains closed every February due to maintenance work in various sectors of the route. The maintenance work aims to prevent the massive influx of visitors from having a significant impact on the integrity of this section.

What Is the Difficulty Level of the Inca Trail?

According to the international classification of the difficulty level of a hike, we have the following:

• Grade 1: This is the hike with the lowest level of difficulty. Usually, in this type of trekking route, you can reach the highest point of the route by following a trail with a gentle slope. A fall does not usually result in serious personal injury.
• Grade 2: In this type of hike, the traveler must occasionally leave the route and make occasional use of their hands to continue. However, the time spent walking is greater than the time spent climbing or using the hands. The level of attention required is definitely greater than in grade 1.
• Grade 3: At this grade of hiking, the traveler must use their hands more frequently, but despite this, they complete most of the route walking. Usually, this difficulty grade has various route alternatives. A fall on this type of hike can result in serious injuries.
• Grade 4: This is the first grade of what is usually considered climbing. The route is completed uphill, making frequent use of the hands. Some sections at this climbing grade are done with safety ropes. A fall can be fatal.
• Grade 5: This grade is considered pure climbing; it requires professional training, experience, and the use of safety ropes along most of the route.

Travelers and experienced hikers consider that the Inca Trail has a difficulty level of 3. Because the Inca Trail route passes through various types of climates and different altitudes, many travelers suggest that anyone can do this hike with proper preparation.

What Should I Bring on the Inca Trail?

The maximum weight a traveler is allowed to carry during the hike on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is 5 kg. Taking this weight restriction into account, you should consider bringing the following for this Inca route: 

• Bring your original and valid ID card or passport; otherwise, you will not be allowed to enter.
• Sleeping bag.
• A medium-sized backpack of approximately 30 to 40 cm.
• Personal hygiene items, including toilet paper and wet wipes, since you should keep in mind that there are no restrooms along the route.
• Underwear, especially microfiber socks or some material specifically designed for this type of use.
• Trekking shoes; we recommend that they not be new, because during the hike they may cause chafing on the ankle.
• Insect repellent.
• SPF 40+ sunscreen.
• Sunglasses.
• Water bottle for refilling and water purification tablets.
• Flashlight with spare batteries.
• Cash in Peruvian soles, since there are no ATMs or places to pay by credit card along the route.
• Wide-brimmed hat that protects the entire face as well as the neck and ears.

Can I Do the Inca Trail on My Own?

Starting in the year 2000, the Peruvian government established that entry for travelers to the Inca Trail route must be done through a tourism agency, therefore, a traveler cannot do this route on their own.

Is the Inca Trail Dangerous?

We must be honest about it, since there is a risk of slipping down the mountainside. The entire Inca Trail is properly signposted, and the guides and tour operators are the first responsible for the care of the traveler during the journey; however, this does not guarantee that travelers will always follow the instructions, and in some cases, accidents have occurred due to the visitor’s imprudence. 

It is important to consider that the traveler’s physical condition must be appropriate, as well as having previously completed two or three days of acclimatization in Cusco. A traveler who is not used to walking or making physical efforts may find the Inca Trail route very difficult or even impossible.