Guide to trekking the Inca Trail

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Inca Trail travel guide

The Inca Trail is a journey and a destination rolled into one, waymarked with natural and cultural rewards. The Andean scenery – from high, windswept tundra to humid cloud forest – is one well-earned prize for those who follow these ancient paths. Another is the hidden ruins, inaccessible by other means, which build up to the final destination of Machu Picchu. For others, the reward is the chance to spend days immersed in this lost world, of traditional Quechua villages and the sensation of being a true explorer.

What is the spell that the Inca Trail casts over its hikers - and what lures so many modern pilgrims to this ancient pathway above the clouds?

Of course, Machu Picchu is one of the most spectacular wonders of the world – but there are easier ways to get there. The trail is a high-altitude battle against slippery rocks and erratic weather – yet its mystical Andean appeal draws thousands to hike it every year, and virtually every one of them would describe it as the highlight of their South American adventure. Whatever the reason, this pilgrimage continues to captivate as it did five centuries ago, and there is, undoubtedly, a little sparkle of magic in every strenuous step. Find out more in our Inca Trail travel guide.

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Is the Inca Trail for you?

Hike the Inca trail if...

... you've always fancied yourself as a bit of an Indiana Jones. Glimpsing the ruins for the first time after a four-day hike in the ancient Incan highlands is as close as you can get to imagining how the original explorers felt. ... you prefer doing to simply seeing. There are many fantastic pyramids and temples around the world, but the Inca Trail gives you the chance to follow Inca paths and be utterly immersed in the landscape and its history for four or more days. ... you are curious about the local culture. Your porters will be from surrounding communities, and you'll be passing through plenty of villages with Inca roots - so there is plenty of opportunity to meet the locals, ask questions and discover more about life in the high Andes. ... you want to hike in Peru, and not just see Machu Picchu. The Inca Trail is as much about the journey as the destination, including the phenomenal Incan and pre-Incan ruins you'll pass along the way. If you just want the final prize, take the train.

Don't hike the Inca Trail if...

... you want to get away from other tourists. There are hundreds of hikers on the trail each day, and even if you hire a private guide, you'll still be surrounded by others. Many consider this to be part of the fun and community spirit of an Inca Trail vacation, but if this really isn't your thing, you'd be better off looking into one of the alternative trails. ... you haven't acclimatised. Spend at least two days in Cuzco before starting the Inca Trail - more if possible. You'll really appreciate it when dragging yourself up to a lung-busting 4,200m on the second day. ... you like your creature comforts. You'll be camping for three or four nights in basic conditions, and you'll have a limit on your luggage - so you must be prepared to rough it. ... you don't have the right clothing. These old stone paths traverse steep terrain, so good walking boots with ankle supports are essential. Trainers just won't suffice. And make sure your outerwear is fully waterproof - if you get wet, you'll stay wet until you get back to a hotel.

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Hiking the Inca Trail

The classic Inca Trail trek involves three to four days of hiking across varied terrain. Although you don't need to be exceptionally fit to complete it, taking up regular exercise beforehand is highly recommended, as you'll enjoy the hike much more, and be in less pain! Guides walk at the front and back of the groups, so that each person can walk at their own pace - you should never push yourself more than you are comfortable with. The altitude will slow everyone down, particularly on the second day, which is by far the most arduous.

Porters carrying your luggage walk ahead of the group in order to set up camp and prepare meals in time for your arrival; you can carry water, snacks and extra items in your own small daypack. Operators usually provide two-man tents, sleeping mats and larger communal tents for dining. Basic toilets or toilet tents are available at the campsites, and several operators offer premium tours with portable showers and more luxurious camping options. Some larger campsites may also have their own showers – but be prepared to queue!

Food is plentiful and hearty, especially considering the rustic conditions, and any dietary requirements should be catered for if you request this well in advance.

The Inca Trail day by day
a sample itinerary

Day 1: This covers the longest distance at 12.5km, but the walking is relatively easy. You'll follow the Urubamba river for 5km, then ascend gently after a lunch break.

Day 2: This is easily the toughest day. You'll cover just over 8km, as you climb steeply to Dead Woman's Pass (4,200m) in around two and a half hours. You'll break for lunch here to recharge, then continue onto camp.

Day 3: Today's 7.3km trail climbs two passes and traverses cloud forest, spectacular ruins and glorious views. Some operators include a visit to Wiñay Wayna at the end of today's hike.

Day 4: If you've camped at Wiñay Wayna, you will reach Machu Picchu at sunrise. If not, this morning you'll descend 11km down stone steps to Machu Picchu, reaching the ruins in the early afternoon, before continuing onto Aguas Calientes where you can spend a final night, or return to Cuzco.

A brief history of the Inca Trail

The romantic tale states that the 'Lost City of the Incas' was rediscovered by a young explorer and Yale history lecturer named Hiram Bingham in 1911. However, most historians now claim that not only was Machu Picchu not 'lost' - as several farmers continued to live there - but neither was this the Inca City that Bingham was seeking. That was a city named Vilcabamba, whose ruins lie some 80km away in the jungle.Read more

Even the Inca Trail itself is misleadingly named. The Incas built an incredible 40,000km network of stone paths, known as Cápac Ñan, to reach the far corners of their empire. These stretched as far north as the Ecuadorian capital of Quito, across into the Bolivian Altiplano and Argentina, and down as far as central Chile, facilitating communications and enabling them to maintain control of their land. All of these roads are Inca trails - just a short 46km stretch forms the "classic" Inca Trail. This lies off the main pathway, and its remoteness and rough terrain mean that Machu Picchu remained hidden for some four centuries; discovered by neither the plundering conquistadores nor the colonial powers. Even today, the dense forests bordering the trail have not been fully explored, and are likely to conceal yet more ruins and paths, adding to the mystery of the trail.

The Inca Trail has changed dramatically in the century since Bingham's expedition. Once, brave adventurers could arrive in Cuzco and set out on the trail when they wished, but tourism increased beyond control. Concerned by damage to the trail, the surrounding ruins and to Machu Picchu itself, the Peruvian government has gradually brought in strict regulations and quotas; 500 permits a day (of which around 300 go to porters and guides) are issued for the trail. Unguided hikes are not permitted, and all guides must be licensed. Reconstruction work has been ongoing in Machu Picchu, and some of the houses have been "rebuilt" to give a better idea of what they would have looked like. Fortunately, limited numbers on the Trail mean that alternative routes, such as Salkantay and Lares, are becoming increasingly popular, as no permits need to be obtained for these. This is sealing the region's reputation as one of the world's best hiking destinations, as well as easing pressure on the classic trail and spreading the economic benefits of tourism to the surrounding communities. Given their remoteness, the exploration of these undeveloped, uncrowded routes maintains the awe and sense of discovery inspired by these legendary paths.