I have been using World Nomads for some time now and made a few claims over the years. There are also some ATMs in Aguas Calientes if you need to withdraw additional money. Please note that some links on our blog are affiliate links. 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. Some travel insurance policies do not cover adventure or high-elevation activities. After all, its not a race and all about the incredible journey through Peru. Adams, Mark. [3] Pack animalshorses, mules, donkeys, and llamasare allowed. Altitude sickness on the Inca Trail is rarely severe. 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. Its sensible to take this money in the form of smaller notes and coins. Difficulty | High, this is the hardest day of walking but after you reach DWP, its mostly downhill. He explained that local high-speed trains will be designed to have the ability to travel at speeds of 220-230 kilometers per hour. Carry a reusable water bottle in your daypack. This means it is necessary for everyone to obtain permits in advance to do the hike. The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu can be hiked all year round, except for February when the trail is closed for maintenance. You'll still need to at least carry a daypack with your water bottle, rain jacket, etc. You may want to bring extra (or diet-specific) high energy snacks, such as some cookies, protein bars, chocolates, or nuts. 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. 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. The less you have to carry, the more enjoyable the experience. On challenging sections, you can set your own pace and take as many or as few breaks as you need. 30 miles (49 km), Highest Elevation: At this point, the trail reaches 13,828 ft (4,215 m) in elevation.This pass is so named, as from below it is said to resemble a womans supine body. 98 steps lead to this site, which is positioned on a cliff that affords splendid views of the Aobamba Valley. 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). The route was constructed by the Incas over 500 years ago. Take a break to catch your breath and enjoy the spectacular views of the Urubamba River below the sites green terraces. Distance: 32 miles (51 km) Highest elevation: Salkantay Pass, 15,090 feet (4,600 m) Difficulty: moderate-challenging. Its a damn good journey! Instead, around a table in a make-shift tent dining room, we were treated to three-course lunches and dinners and a decent breakfast. [12] Permits were previously released in January, however, in 2017 this changed to October. Settlements, tunnels, and many Incan ruins are located along the trail before ending the terminus at the Sun Gate on Machu Picchu mountain. 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. Here, you will be introduced to the rest of the trekking team, who will accompany you on your adventure. Bus | If youre travelling from Arequipa, then an overnight bus to Cusco is your best option. Its a nice build-up to the granddaddy of them all that follows on day 4. However, the altitude at its highest point is 13,776 ft or 4200m, which can sometimes cause problems for hikers. 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. The second day is the hardest, starting at 10,000 feet (3,000 m) and ascending to Dead Woman's Pass. A chef accompanies each group and prepares breakfast and three course lunches and dinners. If you have any doubts about whether you are covered for hiking the Inca Trail, speak with your insurance company. I really have no idea how they made such incredible meals when they were literally in the middle of the jungle. 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. Home Blog The ULTIMATE Guide to Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Vegetation is much less abundant but the trail is drier and easier to hike. Pack thermal undergarments, a warm hat, and gloves for evenings. The vital stats. Because of previous damage caused by hooves, pack animals are not allowed on the remainder of the trail. If youre hiking in the dry (high) season, then you should be making a reservation sooner rather than later (i.e. You can either bring your own sleeping bag or rent one for an additional fee. 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). Now, the important thing to note here is that your bog-standard, one-size-fits-all travel insurance will almost certainly not cover you getting unwell at significant altitude - youll need to buy an add-on which specially covers hiking at high altitude. It is rated by many as being in the top 5 treks in the world. Torre Mirador is 12.5 mi (20 km) to the north of Nazca city along the Panamerican Highway. You will pass several unforgettable Incan sites like two Incan tunnels that are carved right out of the mountainside. The tents are all two-person, meaning you will either be sharing with a friend/other half, or a randomly assigned member of the same sex. The ULTIMATE Guide to Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, I consent to my personal information being processed in accordance with The Broke Backpackers. Unfortunately, this is the day that things went south for a couple of members of our team. The stock image wouldn't lie now, would it? 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. Days are warm, nights are freezing. It will take you along ancient narrow paths deep into the Peruvian countryside and high into the Andean mountains, where you will see perfect Incan ruins, cloud forest, and majestic valley views, ultimately leading to perhaps the greatest end-point of any multi-day hike on earth, the iconic Machu Picchu Citadel, one of the . Personally, we wouldnt recommend anyone under the age of 14 to do the trek due to group dynamics. The highest point of the Inca Trail is Dead Woman's Pass, which reaches 4,200m above sea level Mental preparation for the Inca Trail. After crossing the pass the trail drops steeply into the Pakaymayu drainage. Rest easy once you get to the campsite because the next day is likely to be the most unforgettable experience of your hiking existence (it was for me). Cons | Hiking and camping in the rain for four days is never fun, so you are increasing the chances of that. Along Dusty Roads is a travel blog by British couple, Andrew & Emily. If the tour operator charges much less, they are probably not paying their porters fair wages. 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. This first day of the trail meanders up and down gradually, with an elevation increase of only 1,610 ft (400 m). Instituto Nactional de Cultura. The Inca Trail hike marked our second time visiting Machu Picchu, and arriving via the Sun Gate with sweaty brows and tired feet rather than taking the morning bus from Aguas Caliente with thousands of others clearly underlined to us that it is the best way to arrive at one of the worlds most iconic attractions. Everyone will tell you about the knee-busting effort needed to climb this infamous summit. 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. The Grayl Geopress is the markets leading filtered water bottle protecting your tum from all the waterborne nasties. The Inca Trail follows a route through Perus Andean mountains. 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"). After breakfast, meet your Inca Trail guide for your return bus ride up the mountain to Machu Picchu. Before starting the trek, spending some time in Cusco (11,150 ft/3,400 m) will help your body adjust. 10 The Highest Point On The Inca Trail. One of the most popular things to do in South America - and one of the worlds most famous hikes - the Inca Trail is the sort of singular adventures for which we all travel. If your budget is a little higher, or youd prefer a longer organised tour in Peru, they also offer a 14-day National Geographic Iconic Peru tour which includes the Inca Trail, the Amazon, Lake Titicaca, and return flights from Lima - Cusco. In the late afternoon, you will arrive at Wiay Wayna. 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. New York, NY:Dutton. Machu Picchu: 7,972 ft (2,430 m) Trekkers head for the snow-capped mountains of the Vilcabamba Mountain Range. We also truly hope that most of your questions about the Inca Trail hike have now been answered and you are in the best position possible for your upcoming Peruvian adventure. The final day of the Inca Trail is an easy and gentle slope towards the Sun gate at an elevation of 2700m (8850ft). Secondly, for our G Adventures tour, we were each supplied with black duffel bags at the hotel. The exact itinerary for the hike may differ between various Inca Trail tour operators, but almost all groups follow a similar itinerary and have set times to leave to avoid overcrowding. Likewise, if you would prefer not to carry your sleeping bag from home to Peru, you can rent one from your trekking company with advance notice. World Nomads mission is to support and encourage travellers to explore their boundaries. Salkantay is a great Inca Trail alternative when permits are sold out or you'd simply like to avoid crowds. 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. The lowest point on the trail at Llactapata ruins is roughly 2250m (7,382ft). Marci Vaughn Kolt. You would be greatly remiss if you do not visit Machu Picchu at some point in your life. ITMB Publishing International Travel Maps, Camino Inka. The site was heavily restored in the late 1990s.[3]. 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 before you do, there are a few important factors you need to consider, such as the best time to trek, weather conditions, and how far in advance to book. 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. Inca Trail tours cost from 550 per person up to 1,500; if you see a price any cheaper than the bottom-end of this range, then be very sceptical. Once youve booked a tour and committed to the hike, there are some key milestones to hit before you get anywhere near South America. Even so, you should ascend slowly and drink lots of water. The lowest point on the trail at Llactapata ruins is roughly 2250m (7,382ft). The good news is that it's a lot shorter than you may expect at only 40 kms (25 miles). Weve tested the Geopressrigorouslyfrom the icy heights of Pakistan to the tropical jungles of Cuba, and the results are in: it WORKS. Common symptoms of altitude sickness include headaches, nausea, and fatigue. 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. Only government-authorized trekking companies can offer Inca Trail tours and your trekking team is trained in the case of emergency. Km 82, starting point of the Inca Trail. 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). The last major campsite before Machu Picchu, these ruins include a long flight of fountains that flow from the upper to the lower terraces. 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. From May to September The days are sunny and the nights are very cold. These are consistently cheap (starting from 45 / $60 / 50 per person), reliable, and only take 90 minutes. Most of the Machu Picchu hiking tours begin in Cusco, which, at 3,400 meters, is already considerably higher than Machu Picchu. The trail only descends from this point until arriving at Machu Picchu at 2,430 metres. Overview. It consists of three overlapping trails: . The 4-day Inca Trail begins at Km 82 which has an elevation of 8,230 ft (2,600 m). Be sure to exercise in the weeks leading up to your trip. If the skies are clear, you will enjoy an outstanding view of the Machu Picchu ruins from above. Day Three: Early rise to hike the most photogenic section of the Trail. From Aguas Calientes, either take the train back to Cusco or spend one night at an Aguas Calientes hotel and explore more of Machu Picchu the next day. When the Incans were conquered by the Spanish in the 1500s, they fled the jungle and Machu Picchu went hidden for hundreds of years. You can get a 15% discount on the Water-to-Go if you use this code at the checkout (ADR15), and read this post to find out about more ways about how to use less plastic when you travel. Whichever tour company you do the Inca Trail with, you will be expected to tip your support staff of porters and guides. A maximum of 500 people are allowed on the trail each day, of which only 200 are trekkers, the rest being guides and porters. After passing Pakaymayu the trail begins steeply ascending the other side of the valley. The highest point is Dead Woman's Pass at 13,828 ft (4,215 m) and the lowest point is Machu Picchu at 7,972 ft (2,430 m). The best way to minimise the likelihood and / or impact of altitude sickness is factoring in enough time into your Peru itinerary to acclimatise to the conditions. Note that the Inca Trail is closed in February for everyone in order to allow it to replenish. The 4-day Inca Trail begins at Km 82 which has an elevation of 8,230 ft (2,600 m). The altitude starts around 9,000 feet above sea level but the highest point on the Inca Trail is Dead Woman's Pass . 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 is the most dangerous point for altitude sickness, though . She enjoys hiking, horseriding, 4x4 driving and kayaking. This trek additionally permits hikers to enter Machu Picchu through its Sun Gate. Permits to hike the Inca Trail are available March through January. We did the trek with G Adventures, a global company focused on sustainable small-group adventures (who have also been awarded Best Inca Trail Tour Operator by the Regional Direction of Foreign Trade and Tourism of Cusco in Peru) - you can check out the specific tour we did by clicking here. If you are a little older in years and need some inspiration, then Alan Goldin is the oldest recorded hiker of the Trail at the age of 84, whilst three of our local porters were 62! 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. 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. Only Inca Trail hikers can access the Gate at sunrise, and it is this crescendo, at one of the new seven wonders of the world which makes this hike a feature on so many South America bucket lists. Both True Traveller and and World Nomads are respected insurers who offer this coverage. If you arent in tip-top shape, this day will either make you or break you. All meals can be adapted to trekkers personal dietary restrictions and preferences. 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. The most visitors the park allows is 500 a day and that includes guides and porters which make up over half that number. In this article, you can find everything you need to know about altitudes on the Inca Trail. Be prepared to get soaked and tread cautiously when the trail gets slippery. This system is still in effect; any person wishing to hike the Inca Trail must obtain a permit beforehand. Reaching the crest of this ridge reveals the grandeur of the ruins of Machu Picchu, which lie below. On our last night, we even got a buffet! . 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. are 500 permits available, approximately 200 allocated to tourists and 300 to guides, porters, and cooks. Each however, come with their own pros and cons. Each trekker is also provided with snacks to take with them on the trail. Although the hike is only one day long, this doesnt mean it is easy. Pack animals are not allowed. Or maybe you would rather take a longer or shorter trek or a path less beaten? Take note that the Inca Trail is closed in February for maintenance. Hike through the cloud forest on a gentle climb to the second pass of the day, walking through original Incan constructions. The process and guideline amounts will vary from tour company to tour company, but with G Adventures our group circulated an envelope amongst us so that everyone could confidentially put in what they were happy with, and then presented that to the porters on our last evening at camp. In terms of showers, weve found on our various multi-day group hikes that people can be split into two camps: Those who will take a cold shower rather than being a little smelly. The elevation of the Inca Trail varies, with the highest point rising to 13,828 feet (4200 m) above sea level. After the Sun gate, it is a short and scenic downhill walk to Machu Picchu. The Fejos team named the site, and uncovered the remainder. At the very least, you will find it difficult to breathe as the air becomes thinner higher up. At the top, the pass is rocky, with little vegetation. Feedback we frequently receive from our travelers is how impressive the meals are on the Inca Trail. 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. (2001) Turn Right at Macho Picchu. Temperatures at night are also less chilly. The trek allows hikers to witness the diverse microclimates of the Andes, from grassy plains and dramatic peaks to lush cloud forest. The campsite at Llulluch'apampa (Llulluchapampa) is located on this stretch of trail at 3,800 metres (12,500ft). We had always thought that hiking poles were only for old people and Austrians. True Traveller and World Nomads are two respected travel insurers which we have used on South America trips who cover high altitude treks (just make double sure that youve selected the right option). In the late afternoon, you will arrive at the Sun Gate. Many of the most popular places in Peru, such as Cusco and Arequipa, are at high altitude; this means that for anyone planning a trip to Peru understanding altitude sickness (and how to avoid it) is incredibly important. Trails can get muddy and slippery. It consists of three overlapping trails: Mollepata, Classic, and One Day. 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. Every extra pound matters! The best time of year to hike the Inca Trail is during the dry season (MaySeptember). After all, you dont want the upfront savings to mean inadequate equipment, poor quality food, or a less memorable experience. Not a bad view from Warmi Wausqa in Peru with @intrepidtravel! Your body needs the time to adjust! The pass itself is located at 4,215m (13,829ft) above sea level, and is the highest point on this, the "Classic" trail. 2023 Machu Picchu Trek | A Mountain IQ Guide. Hiking boots with a solid tread and ankle support to help prevent injuries. 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. We recommend 2 nights or more if possible. At 4,215m, it's the highest point of the Inca Trail and is nearly 1,800m higher than Machu Picchu! Top Tip // As we discussed above, there are cheaper alternatives to the Inca Trail tour we took including a shorter tour by G Adventures, and this highly-rated, four-day tour on Get Your Guide. . 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 afternoon, you will arrive at the Wiay Wayna ruins, which are situated at the hikes highest elevation (8,694 ft/2,650 m). High elevation is the greatest challenge on the Inca Trail Trek. Weve outlined our own route on the Inca Trail below and, in broad terms, this is the sort of the itinerary you can expect (note that this relates solely to the days spent on the hike, not the days of travelling to/from Cusco and Ollantaytambo): Day One: Travel from Ollantaytambo to km.82 in the morning and hike to campsite. Your guide will be fluent in English and Spanish. 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. as you won't have access to what the porter carries until you reach the campsite each day. A second Inca tunnel is along this section of trail.[10]. As our G Adventures Inca Trail tour was actually over seven days, including time in Cusco and Ollantaytambo, we also required cash to cover a few meals as well as spending money for souvenirs in the Sacred Valley. 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! To have a better understanding of the varying levels of the Inca Trail elevation during pivotal sections of the route, see the chart below: Hopefully, the chart above gives you a better idea of why its important for you to train as much as possible before your trek. Bring a comfortable daypack with snug straps to wear while you hike. Each morning and night you will also be provided a bowl of warm water with which to freshen up. . Although it wasnt by any stretch the most physically challenging hike weve done in South America, its ascents and conditions provided enough of a task to make us both feel it. . ", This page was last edited on 5 December 2022, at 05:54. Despite her eagerness to carry on, she could barely hobble her way forward without needing assistance. The 4-Day Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu is one of the magnificent hikes I have ever done. These are also the coldest months of the year so make sure to pack accordingly. [1] As a result, the high season books out very quickly. Looking for all the essential information to plan and prepare for the Inca Trail hike? Hiring a personal porter to carry your belongings and sleeping bag will make your trekking experience more enjoyable. It is good to know that the citadel of Machu Picchu, the final point of this unforgettable experience, is located at a much lower elevation (2,400 m.a.s.l.). Im sure you hear this often, but to be honest, it really is nothing like being there in person and seeing it up close and personal. 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. Malaria and yellow fever are not a risk in this area. The trails in Machu Picchu have a limited number of permits per day. If you have the time to take a dip in the hot springs I recommend you do so before grabbing the train out. Rise early for the first day of your trek. A few of the porters and our guide took turns carrying our friend throughout the remaining two and a half days of the hike. On the first two days of the Trail, there are also local people who have set up toilets for trekkers (charging S/. Be prepared for steep inclines and stone steps. A long Inca tunnel and a viewpoint overlooking two valleys: the Urubamba and Aobamba (a broken word), are passed. Yep, the cost of entry is included in the tour price and its the responsibility of the tour company to take care of all that and provide you with the ticket on the day youre entering the site. If you choose to purchase through these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. For the same reason, metal-tipped trekking poles are not allowed on the trail. [7], Another high point at elevation of 3650m is crossed, followed by a campground, and then after a short descent, a site with extensive ruins. The altitudes on the trail are much higher than what most travellers are used to. 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! Mollepata is the longest of the three routes with the highest mountain pass and intersects with the Classic route before crossing Warmiwausqa ("dead woman"). 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.
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