Trekking through the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is considered one of the best trekking tours in the world because of the exquisite natural beauty and archeological importance of the places that lead to Machu Picchu.We find valleys that contain the endemic fauna of the high deserts or the tropics between the stretches of the Puna and the cloud|y forest. In the whole trajectory, we will cross archaeological centers such as Pulpituyuq, Patallacta, Wayllabamba, Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, Wiñayhuayna, Inti Punku, and the new wonder of the world, Machu Picchu.
It’s necessary to have at least three days to explore it. The geography of the Inca Trail is rugged and allows to contemplate landscapes of great beauty that include imposing snow-capped mountains, lush jungles, and forests.The water abounds in the ravines which are protected from the strong wind, a characteristic of the steps of height.
The less brave or the more hurried can visit Machu Picchu starting from Cusco by train or bus. Some others, think that you can only fully appreciate it following the footsteps of the Incas who took the same path 5 centuries ago.
However, the pleasure is not limited to arriving there because, throughout the tour, the whole history of Peru and The Incas gradually re-emerges as the kilometers advance. That is the way to discover ancient citadels. Were they resting places for the Inca or points of concentration? No one knows, but in spite of it, admiration is present.
The most important thing: Book in advance
This is the most critical factor in planning the Inca Trail. The recommendation to book 4 to 5 months in advance is the absolute minimum for the low season. For the high season (May to September), it is essential to book 6 to 8 months in advance. The reason is the permit system: only 500 spots are issued per day, of which only about 200 are available for travelers, as the rest are assigned to support staff.
These permits are released by the Peruvian government in October of the previous year and sell out extremely quickly. Once they are sold out for a specific date, no agency can get a space, as the availability is the same for everyone. Therefore, securing your spot as far in advance as possible is not a suggestion, but an essential requirement to be able to do the trek on your desired dates.
Tips for your adventure on the Inca Trail
Once your reservation is confirmed, the planning focuses on preparing for the trek. Paying attention to the following points will ensure that your experience is safe and you enjoy it to the fullest.
Acclimatization before the trek
Acclimatization to the altitude is, possibly, the most important factor for success on the Inca Trail. Altitude sickness, or soroche, can affect anyone, regardless of their physical condition. To minimize its effects, it is essential to spend a minimum of two to three days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before starting the trek. During these days, it is crucial to:
- Maintain a calm pace and avoid excessive physical effort (You can do a City tour Cusco to explore the city while you acclimatize).
- Stay well hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
- Eat light meals and avoid alcohol.
- Consider drinking coca leaf tea (mate de coca), a traditional local remedy.
What to bring to the Inca Trail
Packing smart is key. Travel light, but don't forget the essentials. Your agency will take care of the camping equipment and food, but your personal belongings are your responsibility.
- Essential Documentation: Original passport and your entrance ticket.
- Backpack: A 20-30 liter daypack to carry your personal items.
- Clothing: Synthetic or merino wool t-shirts, a warm middle layer like a fleece or fiber jacket, a waterproof and windproof jacket. Also, good comfortable trekking pants and good quality trekking socks to avoid blisters.
- Footwear: Waterproof and, most importantly, previously broken-in hiking boots.
- Essential Gear: Sleeping bag suitable for low temperatures (can be rented), trekking poles with rubber tips (highly recommended), headlamp, cap or hat, sunglasses and sunscreen, insect repellent, personal toiletries, and a small first-aid kit with basic medications.
Food and water during the trek
All food during the trek is included and managed by the agency's team. The cooks prepare nutritious and high-energy meals, designed for the physical effort involved. If you have any dietary restrictions (vegetarian, vegan, allergies, etc.), it is essential that you inform your agency at the time of booking so they can make the necessary arrangements.
Safe water is also provided by the team. Every morning and every afternoon, they will provide you with boiled and purified water so you can refill your bottle or canteen. It is not recommended to drink from streams or water sources along the way. Additionally, it is a good idea to bring some energy snacks with you, such as granola bars, nuts, or chocolate to eat during the most demanding stretches.
Climate and best time to travel
The climate in the Peruvian highlands is variable and is divided into two main seasons.
- Dry Season (April to October): This is considered the best time for the trek. The days are usually sunny and the skies are clear, which offers excellent views. The nights, however, are cold, especially at the higher altitude camps. This is the high season, so the demand for permits is greater.
- Rainy Season (November to March): It is characterized by greener landscapes, but also by intermittent rain. The trails can be more slippery. The advantage is a lower number of hikers. It is crucial to remember that the Inca Trail closes completely during the entire month of February for annual maintenance.
Frequently asked questions to do an Inca Trail:
Can I buy the ticket directly from Cusco?
It is not possible to get the Inca Trail permits in Cusco, because it is necessary to reserve it with months of anticipation, so unless you’re living in Cusco, you need to book before traveling there.
Is the Inca Trail very demanding?
It is slightly demanding since there are 42 km of distance to be realized between 2400 and 4200 MAMSL with ascents and descents. However, you do not need professional training. The guide realizes many stops to offer the explanations of the Inca culture.
Is it necessary to be trained to make the trek?
It is not necessary to be extremely trained to realize it, but a good test before making the trek is to walk 10 km and evaluate how you finish the walk. The experts day that you perform the Inca Trail with 80% of your head and 20% of your body.
What kind of physical conditions I need to make the trek?
The Salkantay Trek Machu recommends endurance training. If you don't train your endurance regularly anyway, then start as early as possible before the Inca Trail. All sports are good that accelerate your heartbeat over a longer period of time - e.g. jogging, step aerobics or swimming. Of course, it would be perfect if you did your training 4 to 5 days a week. The longer in advance and the more frequently you train for the hike to Machu Picchu, the better and more efficiently your heart and lungs will work.
We recommend going for a walk regularly with distances of 5 or 10 km to evaluate how you finish the walk. In December of 2008, and 82 years old tourists finished the Inca Trail.
In addition to endurance training, strength training is particularly recommended. Of course, you primarily need leg muscles, but you shouldn’t neglect your trunk muscles either. Since the Inca Trail is often very uneven, you should be able to compensate for all impassability with your body. Strength training that trains all muscle groups in the body is best
Is it true that if it rains the trek is suspended?
The trek is not suspended by rain, it is equally made if it rains or not. If it rains you are going to get a little wet. However, you should carry a rain poncho to protect yourself from the rain. They are really cheap in Cusco.
Do I need to bring a tent to the trek?
You do not need to bring a tent because the agency is going to provide you with one. You only need to carry a sleeping bag or rent it there.
What kind of equipment I need to make the trek?
You need to bring some clothes, and very comfortable shoes (trekking shoes or ordinary shoes). The cutlery, plates, glasses, etc. are provided by the tour operator. It is very recommendable to bring walking sticks, raincoats, and insect repellent.
The Inca Trail is a legend to be lived and an unforgettable and indescribable experience. Come and share with us these days of true happiness.
Practice walking with a daypack before trekking to Machu Picchu. You will be accompanied on the Inca Trail by porters who carry the camping gear. But you have to carry your daypack yourself. So find a mountain near you (a mountain for downhill skiing should be perfect) and hike it with a fully packed daypack. Also, don't forget to break in your hiking shoes before your Peru tour. Nothing is worse than a day hike with blisters on your feet!
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The best hikes to Machu Picchu
For those looking for adventure and nature, arriving at Machu Picchu on foot is one of the most rewarding ways to experience this wonder. There are several trekking routes that cross Andean landscapes, cloud forests and ancient Inca trails. These are some of the most outstanding hikes:
Other equally fascinating tours:
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Av Tupac Amaru PP-10B, Santiago, Cusco, Peru 
info@salkantaytrekmachu.com
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