Walking the Inca Trail is not an easy feat. The walk involves significant safety risks, where it will amount to more than 13,000 feet in four days. However, it could be said to be the most famous trail in all of South America and one of the best backpacking trips in the world. It is a 42-kilometer trail that connects several Inca archaeological sites such as Sayacmarca, Runcuracay, Wiñaywayn, Phuyuptamarca and the magnificent Machu Picchu. Below you will find everything you need to make your hike to the Inca Trail easy, fun, exciting and enjoyable.
Walking the Inca Trail is such an iconic journey, the places on the tours tend to fill up fast. Therefore, you must plan and book in advance with a registered trekking company. The Inca Trail is limited to 500 people per day with only 200 permits assigned to hikers and 300 for guides and porters. Sometimes, permits are exhausted up to 6 months in advance, especially during the high season months of June, July and August. During the rainy month of February, the Inca Trail is closed for repairs.
When it comes to packing, be sure to be careful with the items included in your list. Ask what your trekking company will offer to avoid unnecessary weight loading. You may only have to carry a small package of essential items such as water, a waterproof jacket and snacks. The porters will carry their remaining items that are limited to only 6 kilograms along with their own camping equipment. Some of the things you need are clothes, toiletries, camera, charger and any necessary medication.
Arrive there one or two days before the walk to take the time to acclimate to the altitude. You need to adapt to altitude variations to avoid altitude sickness, which can make your walk quite unpleasant. Once you start walking, move at your own pace. This is not a race, and therefore there is no need to run through it. Just walk at a speed that you feel comfortable with. Use trekking poles: these will help you remove the weight of your legs, making each step easier for you. The poles also offer you something to lean on during a break.
Choose a hiking company with professional, attentive and fun guides. The company with which he goes determines deeply whether walking the Inca Trail is fun or not. Choose to go with Andean Peru Treks to make sure you have an adventure hike that is safe and experiences an incredible physical and mental challenge.
The Inca Trail is one you will never forget, and we are here to help you ensure it is a pleasant trip. Get in touch today for a walk that will surely take you back to history and give you the opportunity to learn about the oldest city in America
