10 tips for making the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

There are two ways to get to Machu Picchu: sweating or sweating; no more options exist. You can leave it as a reward or as a trip.

The Inca Trail (or Inka Trail) has more than five centuries of history. It is a traditional way that the Incas used to communicate throughout their empire. The Classic Inca trail is extensive and not fully preserved, but today, it is possible to travel 42 km on this legendary road before reaching the citadel of Machu Picchu.

If you want to know the complete chronicle of the trip, the Inca Trail

1.- Reserve the Inca Trail with time.

Access to the Inca Trail is limited, and once covered, the government’s quotas are impossible to access in any way. Therefore, planning the trip within a specific time (especially in high season) is fundamental to reserving the places with enough notice. If you are one of those who likes to get to the country and look for options, I’ll weigh you, but in this case, you can stay without the possibility of entering the Inca Trail.

2.- Do not leave the climb to Wayna Picchu at the last moment.

Access to Wayna Picchu is even more restricted than the Inca Trail. So, if you intend to go up, I recommend not leaving it for the last moment, as you will leave it with honey on your lips. Getting to Machu Picchu, wanting to climb Wayna Picchu, and not being able not to have been foresighted is a big task.

3.- Make a good backpack for the Inca Trail.

This advice seems obvious, but it is always the step where most fail. You will have four days of walking, which are long and demanding, and each gram counts. Do not take anything more than what is strictly necessary. The walking shoes and sandals will be enough footwear to relax the feet—clothes for four days and a raincoat in the rainy season. Use the chest and the waist; it will relieve the weight of the shoulders by dividing it evenly throughout the spine.

4. Pay attention to footwear.

It is not advisable to wear shoes without brand new ones since you will get some gift ampoules. You do not need mountain boots; a semi-skid or trekking shoe is enough.

5.- Aclimatate to The Inca Trail.

Every organism is a world reacting differently; you may not even notice it. 6. Protect yourself from the rain along the route.

We rode the road in constant rain, but the humidity was overwhelming, especially at night. The humidity reached the insulation, the sleeping bag, or the spare clothes you happened to lose. The moisture can limit your desire to enjoy the Inca Trail. Bring the clothes in plastic bags inside the backpack and carry spare ponchos; thank them, and do not hesitate.

7. Dosify your efforts on the Inca Trail

The road long does not try to be the first. Traveling in groups is easy to come up with, and try to be the first. Usually, the entire group arrives at the end of the stages with hours of difference; nothing happens. Each one must carry their pace and be aware that there will be more the next day.

8.- Carry a trekking pole.

The stick is an excellent ally for walks. You can take it or buy it there directly, as you prefer. Walking poles are standard for people who frequent the mountains.

9.- Mix with other people

The short Inca Trail and the classic Inca Trail are made with more or less numerous people so that you can share experiences with people from other countries, the people of the organization, and porters. You can think about trekking more individuallyistically, but it is a mistake. Besides being practically impossible, even for meals and dinners, you create a small family, which makes this experience more wonderful.

10.- Enjoy the Trek.

As final advice and, not least, enjoy. Enjoy the group, the landscape, and the moment. Do not plan the Inca Trail as a process before you want the Machu Picchu tour; the essence is in the path itself. Machu Picchu is one more stone, the last but only one more.