TripAdvisorTREKKING TO MACHU PICCHU – IT’S NOT DIFFICULT AS YOU THINK!
Experience the adventure of trekking along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu: Uncover mysterious ruins, learn the history and explore stunning landscapes. Trek with Trekking Inca Trail today!
The Inca Trail is a renowned and iconic 4-day, 3-night hike that takes adventurous travelers from km.82, just outside the town of Ollantaytambo, all the way to the majestic Machu Picchu. This exclusive trail, also known as the classic Inca Trail, covers a distance of approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles). While it may seem shorter than expected, it’s important to note that a significant portion of the hike consists of steep and narrow Andean mountain paths at high altitude.
Created by the Incan Empire, which spanned across Peru, parts of Ecuador, Bolivia, Argentina, Chile, and Colombia, the Inca Trail is part of a vast network of trails that connected the empire’s important settlements and cultural centers. It offers a unique and immersive experience, allowing hikers to witness the historical and natural wonders along the way, culminating in the breathtaking view from the Sun Gate, also known as Inti Punku.
It’s worth mentioning that some tours may offer shorter itineraries, but keep in mind that these options only cover a small section of the full Inca Trail experience. Embarking on the complete 4-day journey allows you to fully appreciate the beauty and significance of this ancient trail.
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is often perceived as a challenging endeavor, requiring superhuman athleticism and stamina. However, this notion is entirely false. In reality, trekking to Machu Picchu offers a captivating experience of exploring mysterious Inca ruins, delving into the rich history, and savoring the diverse landscapes along the hiking routes. With the Inca Trail, you have the flexibility to choose your own itinerary, set your walking pace, and even extend your journey to reduce any pressure for completion.
[sitemap]Just like in your daily routine, having a physically fit body and a balanced mind can greatly enhance your trekking experience to Machu Picchu, but that’s about it. If you’re new to walking, a little preparation in the form of simple walking, running, or cardio exercises before your trip will suffice, as trekking primarily involves walking, climbing, and descending along the routes. Unless you’re seeking a top expedition or tackling high-grade high passes like the Ausangate Trek or Vilcabamba, if you can walk, you can trek!
The beginning point of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – PisqhakuchuIf you have still second thoughts, there are many professional trekking companies in Peru that organize your trip without any difficulties. You just trek along, enjoy and everything else will be taken care of. Even you can hire a porter and trekking assistant to carry your personal belonging and keep moving ahead, exploring nature, taking photographs, enjoying with friends and interacting with local peoples. But if you really want to walk the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, you’ll need to hire authorized Trekking Company like “SUNRISE PERU TREK” We are the only ones who can purchase the permits for the Inca Trail since the government has limited the number of visitor.
“SUNRISE PERU TREK” is one of the experience trekking agency in Peru competent with a local team of experts in the tourism industry. We offer: SHORT INCA TRAIL; INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU 4 DAYS; INCA TRAIL HIKE PRIVATE SERVICE 4 DAYS, COMFORT INCA TRAIL; INCA TRAIL EXPLORE & HUAYNAPICCHU; CLASSIC INCA TRAIL & SACRED VALLEY TOUR 5 DAYS; INCA TRAIL TREKKING & SALKANTAY TREK 7 DAYS; for easy trekking experience to Machu Picchu including alternative trek and train trips to Machu Picchu. Ask a question or customize your trip as per your preferences and we would be happy to guide you throughout your journey and take a part in your trekking to facilitate all your requirements in safe and secure manner.
The Inca Trail Altitud
The Inca Trail is an iconic trek in Peru that reaches its highest point at Dead Woman’s Pass, which stands at an impressive altitude of 4215 meters above sea level.
Hikers on the Inca Trail not only experience high altitudes during the day but also sleep at elevated levels, employing the strategy of “climb high, sleep low” to minimize the risk of altitude sickness.
Being adequately prepared for the Inca Trail is crucial to ensure a successful and enjoyable hike. Remember: it’s better to be prepared than to risk not being able to complete the trail.
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Essentials for the Inca Trail
The Inca Trail is a popular trekking route in Peru that offers a unique and adventurous experience. Here are some things you should know:
1. Choose a Reliable Travel Company: It’s essential to select a reputable travel company for your Inca Trail adventure. One such company is SUNRISE PERU TREK Travel & Tours, which we highly recommend based on our hiking experience with them.
2. Pre-Trek Briefing: SUNRISE PERU TREK Travel & Tours organizes a briefing a day before the trek starts. This briefing ensures that all hikers have arrived in Cusco safely and are feeling well. It’s also an opportunity to meet your fellow travelers and guides who will explain the itinerary in detail.
3. Packing: During the briefing, you will receive duffel bags from SUNRISE PERU TREK Travel & Tours. These bags are meant for packing your personal items, which will be carried by porters throughout the trek.
4. Office Visit: If you are unable to attend the briefing, you can visit the SUNRISE PERU TREK Travel & Tours office before the trek during their opening hours.
5. Transportation: You don’t necessarily have to stay in Cusco the day before departure. The bus can pick you up from either Urubamba or Ollantaytambo, allowing you to plan your time more efficiently.
6. Passport Requirement: It is crucial to carry your passport with you during the Inca Trail trek. Do not leave it at your hotel. Ensure that it remains dry and safe throughout the journey.
Can you hike the Inca Trail without a guide?
The Inca Trail is an iconic trek that captivates the hearts of adventurers worldwide. Many have wondered if it is possible to embark on this remarkable journey without a guide. Regrettably, the answer is no.
Since 2001, the Peruvian government has implemented stringent regulations and rules to preserve the integrity of the trail. Trekking the original Inca Trail leading to Machu Picchu independently is simply impossible. However, allow us to elucidate why this decision has proven wise.
During the late 20th and early 21st centuries, the Inca Trail experienced a surge in popularity, becoming renowned as one of the most breathtaking treks on the planet. Unfortunately, this newfound fame had its consequences.
Issues like injuries, altitude sickness among uninformed hikers, overcrowded narrow paths, and accumulating litter were becoming an everyday reality. Recognizing the necessity to preserve this cultural and natural treasure, the Peruvian government intervened.
Today, only 500 permits are granted daily for the Inca Trail. However, this does not mean encountering 499 other hikers along the path. In addition to hikers, all staff members, including guides, porters, and chefs, must hold a permit. Out of the 500 available spots, only 220 are allocated to actual hikers, while the remainder is designated for staff members.
You may wonder why such a substantial number of porters is required. Unlike other alternative treks in the region, tour operators are not permitted to use horses to transport equipment. The Inca Trail presents unique logistical challenges that necessitate additional manpower.
Drawing from our experience, we firmly believe that these regulations have had a positive impact on this extraordinary corner of the world. Undoubtedly, undertaking the Inca Trail is accompanied by higher costs. Nevertheless, it is the most effective means of controlling and preserving this cherished destination.
Embark on this awe-inspiring journey and witness the wonders of the Inca Trail—immersed in history, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, and captivated by the enchantment that only this trek can offer.
How fit do you need to be for The Inca Trail hike?
To embark on the remarkable Inca Trail, it’s important to consider your physical fitness level. Although it may not be the most physically demanding hike in South America, the trail’s ascents and conditions present a worthy challenge. Don’t fret if you’re not an experienced hiker or in ideal physical shape. Instead, perceive this trail as an opportunity to set goals, find motivation, and make positive changes in your fitness journey. Use it as an incentive to walk more, shed some pounds, and embrace a healthier lifestyle before your trip to Peru. For a dose of inspiration, check out this amazing woman’s story.
