The Inca Trail, Inca Trail or Capaq Nan, is one of the most classic treks in the world. It was built by the Inca emperor Pachacuti to connect Cusco -capital of the Inca empire or Tawantinsuyo- with the sacred citadel of Machu Picchu. Hiram Bingham, archaeologist and Yale professor who discovered Machu Picchu in 1911, was also the one who discovered the Inca Trail, as well as all the archaeological sites along its extension. This route was opened for trekking in 1970, by the Peruvian archaeologist Victor Angeles.
Along the route you can find countless Inca archaeological remains, such as towers, water fountains, platforms, observatories, temples, houses and the Inca Trail itself, whose roads or paths are built with stone.
It is considered one of the best hikes or short treks in the world.
The total length of the Inca Trail is approximately 43 kilometers. This route has stretches where you must climb extensive staircases, as well as descend steep hills, so the route is not linear or straight at almost any point. You will be able to appreciate the fauna and flora and enjoy the beautiful landscapes that surround you.
The walking time during the Inca Trail depends on the distance between the points or camping sites assigned by the INC (National Institute of Culture of Peru, the organization in charge of the care of this route) and the physical condition of the traveler. Normally there is between 5 to 8 hours of walking the first three days and 2 to 3 hours of walking on the fourth day.
The porters carry the shared luggage of the trekking group, that is, they carry the tents, blankets, food, stoves, utensils and other items that will be used during the trek by all participants.
Each traveler must carry their own backpack containing personal products, water, sun block, hats, trekking sticks, rain ponchos, etc., up to a maximum of five kilos. This will be verified at the beginning of the trek (the backpacks will be weighed to verify that they do not exceed five kilos).
Most of the route is done on the road made by the Incas, which is a roadway or path of 1.5 to 15 meters wide, so there are no great dangers if you are careful; however, you should not leave the route because there are also deep abysses that are very probably deadly.
If you have heart problems or illnesses that may require immediate medical assistance, you should consult your doctor because one of the main characteristics of the route is its inaccessibility of paramedics and where there is no health center nearby, so we recommend you to evaluate your health.
The INC (National Institute of Culture of Peru), has assigned specific areas where agencies and tour operators through their official guides set up their camps for the night. The traveler only has to worry about his belongings.
The Inca Trail does not require any special skills, that is, it does not require climbing, rappelling and the like, so any traveler with good boots and good equipment can do it, however, during the first day of the tour you walk from 2,000 m.a.s.l. to 4,000 m.a.s.l. so the physical challenge is considered as moderate to intense and requires a regular to good physical condition.
At the end of the four-day trek through impressive and beautiful mountain ranges, valleys and plains, the Inca Trail ends at the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, the perfect closure to an unforgettable experience.
However, if you wish to access Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain, you will have to purchase an additional full entrance fee.
The final section of the Inca Trail ends at the archaeological site known as 'Inti Punku' or Sun Gate in Quechua, which is also part of the Machu Picchu Archaeological Park.
Fortunately no! You need to bring a bottle of water for the first day. After that, you will be able to buy bottled water for almost the entire tour. Water purification tablets can also be useful. There are several streams along the route.
The maximum number of tourists or travelers allowed per group is sixteen people, while the minimum group size allowed is four people.
All campsites are equipped with latrines. Their state of cleanliness varies greatly, but is generally good. Some campsites (the last one in Wiñaywayna in particular) are equipped with showers - cold!
The INC does not require you to have insurance in order to do the trek, however, it would be a very important option if you want to reduce risks.
Since 2001 it is not possible to do the Inca Trail without the company of an official tourist guide.
To walk the Inca Trail it is important to go with a guide and with an agency authorized for this route.
It is mandatory to do the Inca Trail in the company of a group of travelers in charge of an official tour guide, who in turn is controlled by the agency or authorized tour operator.
There are no restrictions regarding the minimum age to do the Inca Trail; if the child is used to walking, he/she can do this trekking route, however, it would be prudent to communicate and coordinate his/her entrance with the tourism agency.
It is generally recommended that hikers pace themselves, there will usually be groups that complete the trail before others, as well as groups that overtake others and then fall behind, so there is no reason to get extremely agitated.
The official tour guides are trained to handle everything from altitude sickness to fatigue to falls, bumps and sprains. They will do everything possible to ensure that you can finish your trip without any problems, but if this is the case they will be responsible for coordinating your return.
Most of the hotels and hostels in Cusco have places set up specifically for travelers to leave their luggage while on tour.
You can carry up to five kilos of luggage and a small backpack to carry your camera and other personal belongings.
Yes, you can climb to the top of Huayna Picchu Mountain at the end of the Inca Trail, but you must keep in mind that the entrance tickets to this mountain must be booked three or four months in advance.
All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) as well as the transfer of pots, ingredients and other items necessary for their preparation, are in charge of the tour operator or agency.
Yes, it is possible to request that a vegetarian option be included during the tour.
To start your trip on the Inca Trail, these are the essential elements that you should take into account:
You have to be prepared for this incredible trekking, you have to have the right clothing for the temperature variations throughout the day and night.
The Inca Trail is one of the most famous trekking routes in the world and tickets are sold out many months in advance and there are only 200 tickets available per day. It is recommended to make your reservation as far in advance as possible, normally this time should be more than six months.
In order to make a reservation for the Inca Trail it is necessary to make a deposit of 60% of the cost.
The entrance tickets to the Inca Trail are administered by the INC, so there is no possibility of returning the money once the deposit has been made.
No, in the month of February the Inca Trail is closed due to maintenance and prevention works, besides being the rainy season.
During the first two days of the trek you will cross plains and ascend to very high peaks, so you may suffer from altitude sickness. It is advisable to take pills to counteract its effects.
From April to November is the dry season, during which there is no significant rainfall. From December to March is the rainy season, accompanied by landslides, road closures and many other unforeseen events.
The best time to do the Inca Trail is from May to August. This season is dry and there is no rain and you will be able to enjoy your trip, appreciating beautiful landscapes.
You should wear clothes for both the cold and the heat, because as we have already mentioned above the first part of the route is done in cold climates and at high altitudes, while at the end of the journey we will find ourselves in the middle of hot sub-tropical jungle, full of vegetation, humidity and heat.
You should bring a sleeping bag, a tent, a raincoat, a towel, a flashlight, a hat, toilet paper, among others. Most of the logistics of the trip are in charge of the agency or tour operator.
It is recommended to wear used hiking shoes or boots, there is the inconvenience that, if the footwear chosen is new or recently purchased, this usually generates wounds or calluses on the foot after one or two days of walking.
¿WHY TRAVEL WITH ANDINO PERU TOURS?
We are a Peruvian Agency with Cusco roots, committed to providing you with unique tourism experiences. With our own transportation and a team of dedicated professionals, we aim to show you the best of Peru.
Striving to provide freedom in your travels, through specialized and quality service that ensures a worry-free experience. We take care of every aspect of your journey organization so you can fully enjoy.
We focus on creating unforgettable experiences through an expert team and carefully selected providers. We keep small groups to ensure exceptional service and that you make the most of each tour.
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