The Complete Guide to Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu: A Step-by-Step Guide. This book is not just another overpriced hiking guide; it’s a straightforward, honest and factually correct guide that will tell you what you need to know before hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. It covers everything you need to know about hiking this epic trail, including what gear to take with you, how much it will cost and how to prepare yourself for the challenging experience.
Discover Peru’s ancient Inca history on our Inca Trail to Machu Picchu trek.
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is Peru’s most famous hiking trail and one of the world’s most spectacular treks. This classic four-day backpacking trip takes you on a journey through ancient Inca ruins, lush cloud forests and high mountain passes while providing you with some of the best views in the world.
The Inca Trail is one of our most popular tours, but it’s also one of the most difficult. It can be strenuous, so you’ll want to get in shape before taking this walk. If you’re planning on doing it soon after arriving in Peru, take advantage of our free local fitness classes!
We offer a variety of guided groups (from large groups with professional guides to smaller groups led by local guides). Our large groups suit anyone looking to do something “safe” with minimal effort. Our small groups are ideal for those who want more time off the beaten path or are interested in learning about Peruvian culture or history that isn’t covered as part of our standard itineraries or other options.
Few tips to share with you about the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu
The Inca Trail is one of the most famous hikes in the world. It winds through the Andes and leads to Machu Picchu, an ancient Incan city.
The Inca Trail is a long walk—about four days. You’ll walk about 10 miles daily, but it’s not as difficult as you think. The trail is relatively level with no steep climbs or descents, with only a few exceptions.
Here are some tips to help make your hike more manageable and more enjoyable:
Get fit before you go on the Inca Trail. If you’re planning to do this hike, start training now! The Inca Trail is about 26 miles long, so be prepared for a challenging trek. You should be able to walk at least 3 miles without stopping before you go on this hike. The first day of hiking is over 7 hours long and goes up to 4,200 meters (13,700 feet).
Eat well before your trip starts. Pack snacks and water so you can eat along the way instead of taking breaks while hiking through steep terrain. Also, be sure to drink plenty of water throughout your hike.
The Inca Trail and Machu Picchu are two of Peru’s most popular tourist attractions.
The Inca Trail and Machu Picchu are two of Peru’s most popular tourist attractions. They are also two of the most challenging hiking trails in the world. The Inca Trail is often compared to the Grand Canyon’s beauty and grandeur. Hiking it has become a bucket list item for many people who have travelled to Peru.
The Inca Trail is located in the Andes Mountains in southern Peru, so it can get freezing and windy sometimes — even snowing in some parts of the year. Because of this, you must be prepared for any weather when hiking this path, which is why we’ve created this guide!
There are several options for getting to Machu Picchu from Cusco. Still, we recommend taking an organized tour with an experienced guide since you’ll be going through rough terrain and need someone who knows how to navigate safely through these mountains.
What is the length of time it takes to hike to Machu Picchu?
The Inca Trail is a hike, not a race. And it would be best if you took your time on this incredible journey. The average person takes four to five days to complete the Inca Trail.
If you’re in good physical shape and have experience hiking with a pack, you should complete the trail in four days or less. But it might take five or even five days if you’re new to hiking or just not used to carrying a heavy bag on your back.
You mustn’t try to rush through the trek — it’s effortless to get sick or injured if you push yourself too hard on this hike.
Best time to Visit Machu Picchu/ Inca Trail
The best time to visit the Inca Trail is during the dry season, from May through September. During this time, you’ll experience clear skies and warm days. Unfortunately, the rainy season runs from October through April, and while it’s still possible to hike during this time, rain can make the trail more difficult and slippery.
It’s also important to consider your fitness level before taking on the Inca Trail. It’s a long day hike with an elevation gain of about 4,200 feet (1,300 meters). You’ll spend most of the day on your feet, hiking through mountainous terrain and crossing rivers by the footbridge.
If you’re not used to hiking or are travelling with children or older family members who aren’t as physically fit as you are, consider starting with a shorter section of the Inca Trail before deciding whether you want to continue to Machu Picchu.
Passports and Visas to Visit Peru
Visitors to Peru must have a valid passport. Passports must be valid for at least six months after entry into Peru. U.S. citizens can enter Peru using their U.S.-issued passports or U.S. passport cards, which are helpful for travel only to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean (and not other countries).
Peru requires all visitors from certain countries to obtain a visa before arriving in Peru. You can find the list of required documents on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
Conclusion:
We’d highly recommend the Inca Trail for those looking for the best possible hiking experience. This trail takes you through some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world, and you’ll be genuinely amazed by what you see. The views are almost incomparable, and there are multiple opportunities to explore along the way. While it will be an exhausting experience—exhaustion is another word for occasions like this—it will easily be worth your time and money. So if you’re planning a trip to Machu Picchu, we highly recommend booking your tickets for the Inca Trail well ahead of time so you can begin your journey! For more information about hiking to or visiting the iconic Machu Picchu citadel, please do not hesitate to contact us if you want to learn more about our Machu Picchu hiking adventure.
