The Inca Trail is one of the most important features in South America. Since ancient times, it has been connecting many important Inca buildings, such as the trail that goes to Machu Picchu nowadays.
There are very few trails where you can actually walk-through history like this. On this adventure, you’ll be amazed by the old Inca path and some beautiful Inca sites located along the trail. And at the end of the hike, you will receive a great reward as you reach the Sun Gate and have an incredible view of the most iconic Inca site, Machu Picchu.
What is the Inca Trail?
The Inca Trail is a small portion of a thousand kilometers of trails that the Inca built hundreds of years ago to connect many important Inca sites located in South America. The most well-preserved trail is located in Cusco, Peru, which is still being used by many adventure hikers who want to explore the incredible views that this trail offers on the way to Machu Picchu.
Where is the Inca Trail?
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is located in the Peruvian Andes, close to the rain forest area, in the region of Cusco, Peru. It starts at km 82 of the railway to Aguas Calientes and gets to the most iconic Inca site, Machu Picchu.
How long is the Inca Trail?
The Classic Inca Trail, which is going to Machu Picchu, is 42km (26 miles), and many hikers do this trek in 4 days or 5 days.
How high gets the Inca Trail?
During the four days of hiking to Machu Picchu, the Inca Trail reaches 4,215 meters (13,828 feet) at the highest point, which is called Dead Woman’s Pass.
How difficult is the Inca Trail 4 Days?
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is quite challenging, especially for those who are not used to hiking in remote areas. Considering the four-day hike, the difficulty will depend on many factors. Altitude, physical condition, age, and weather
However, we highly recommend spending a few days in Cusco to acclimatize to the altitude. Prepare physically a few weeks before you are going to Cusco. Drinking more water than usual, especially a few days before starting the hike, will help you a lot with the altitude.
Why is famous the Inca Trail?
The Inca Trail became very famous because it is the only hike that takes you directly to Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate. During its 42 km, you will explore different biodiversity and landscapes, thanks to the varied ecosystems.
History, traditions, and culture make the hike through this legendary Inca Trail unique.
What to pack for the Inca Trail?
Hiking on the Inca Trail means all the companies will provide you with all the necessary stuff, from tents, sleeping mats, food, and more logistical things. These will be carried by the incredible porters.
However, you need a list of important things that you need to consider packing for this hike.
Passport: Bring your passport with you; you definitely will need it to check on the controls along the trail.
Daypack: A daypack will be very useful on the trek since it will be with you all the time. 35–40 litters are well recommended.
Clothes: This is the most important part of packing for the Inca Trail. You need to bring the right clothes, and these need to be very light.
We recommend the following:
- 1 x Waterproof jacket (with hood) | We use these excellent ones from North Face.
- 1 x Lightweight Fleece (Berghaus for Emily, North Face for Andrew)
- 3 x Vests / t-shirts for hiking. Sports vests and t-shirts, or hi-wicking versions, are the best for hiking rather than cotton ones which grow heavy with the sweat and dirt. Also, white is a bad idea
- 2 x t-shirts to change into at camp and for the return trip to Cusco
- 1 x long-sleeved shirt or t-shirt
- 1 x warm hat / beanie for the cold nights – we also took wide-brimmed hats to protect against the sun, or cap is a good alternative addition.
- 1 x pair of lightweight hiking trousers (this pair by Brasher for Andrew) or these hiking leggings (Emily will never switch back to trousers after wearing these for all our hikes in Peru)
- 1 x pair of lightweight shorts to hike in (it gets hot on the Trail)
- 3 x good hiking socks (we’re big fans of Brasher’s hiking socks)
- 4 x pants (that’s underwear for any non-Brits reading this)
- 2 x sports-bras (ladies only)
- 1 x set of thermal layers (these are essential for the chilly evenings, and you’ll probably sleep in these, particularly in dry season when the temperatures are lower at night)
- 1 x sunglasses
Toiletries:
- 1 x toothbrush (we use these bamboo ones) + toothpaste (have recently made the switch to toothpaste tabs, better for the environment and perfect for camping without a good water supply)
- 1 x cleanser (we took micellar water) and reusable bamboo pads.
- 1 x quality suncream and this one for Emily’s face
- 1 x deodrant
- 1 x lip balm (be sure to get one with sunscreen)
- 1 x roll of toilet paper / pack of tissues
- 1 x travel hand-sanitiser
- 1 x bug-spray. We use and recommend Incognito which is non-toxic, not tested on animals and, most importantly, actually works very well.
Water bottle: every trekker needs a proper water container; we usually recommend a bottle of 2 litters which will help you to keep water for the entire day.
Basic First Aid Kit
- 1 x box of blister plasters (tip: don’t wait until blister has fully appeared to apply plaster)
- 1 x antiseptic cream
- 1 x pack of paracetamol
- 1 x pack of diarrhoea tablets (trust us, you don’t want diahorroea on the trail
1 x pack of rehydration sachet