Recommendations Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Tips for the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu: FAQs

For the more adventurous travelers, the trek to the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu is the most exciting point of your trip. There are different hiking options to reach this historic sanctuary, but the Inca Trail is the most sought-after experience through the Peruvian Andes and the high jungle.

The Inca Trail was a network of trails that connected the Tahuantinsuyo Empire during Inca times, along which the Incas built administrative, military, and religious centers to rest. It extended 30,000 km and crossed Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Chile, Bolivia, and Argentina.

Currently, the best-preserved part of this old road is the path to Machu Picchu, which starts at km 82 of the Inca Trail. It takes 4 days to complete this adventure, a challenging hike.

As we mentioned earlier, the Incas built structures to ensure access to these places, and most of them remained hidden until their rediscovery in 1911. Fortunately, while the Incas escaped from the Spanish conquerors, they threw off the persecution to protect their town and holy places.

Today, the Inca Trail continues to be one of the most demanded activities in the Cusco region. So, if you are up for this adventure, we have listed some recommendations and answered some frequently asked questions to organize your trip.

What to pack for the hike on the Inca Trail?

The excitement of finally booking the Inca Trail trek is unmatched, but planning your packing list isn’t that entertaining. However, this hike will be much easier if you know what to bring and leave behind.

All companies include porter services, but you must still carry a small backpack to keep the essentials for the day’s route. Smart packing is not over-packing but knowing what you need for this hike.

Based on our experience as travelers and as a travel agency, we have put together the best luggage list so that you can start making your own according to your preferences. Remember that the porter carries your extra bag, where you will keep your clothes and other supplies; they will take the bags to each camp and collect them the following day.

That said, we are going to start with our essential luggage list for the Inca Trail with the most important things that you should take with you at all costs:

– The Passport: If you considered taking a copy, tell us you would not go through the first checkpoint. You must show your passport and the Inca Trail Permit to enter the Inca Trail. In addition, you will need it to enter Machu Picchu.

Continuing with our essentials, this is the list of clothes to take for the walk:

• Rainponcho/Waterproof jacket with hood. Whether you travel during the rainy or dry season, remember that you will be immersed in the cloud forest, and the weather here can be pretty drastic. Therefore, taking a waterproof jacket with you would be the most suitable option for this hike.
• Trekking shirts. They are better than standard cotton T-shirts that collect moisture and dirt. Consider bringing at least 3 of them.
• A pair of light pants or hiking tights
• Lightweight shorts for the walk.
• Light fleece jacket.
• Hats for cold mornings and nights and sun hats in the afternoon
• Thermal layers for the nights. Remember that temperatures are lower during the dry winter in the Andes.
• Mountain socks.
• Waterproof mountain boots. A pair of light sneakers to rest your feet once in the camp.

Most companies include everything in their camping gear packages. However, sleeping bags are not usually included in the package price, but you can rent them in a store in Cusco or from the same company you travel with. You may also want to get a headlamp for nighttime walks.

Trekking poles can be helpful for this adventure; they help balance your weight and will indeed prevent knee pain after the hike. We highly recommend bringing lightweight trekking poles; if they are retractable, they will be easier to store.

Are there showers and toilets on the route?

Yes, there are toilets and showers in each camp. However, the bathrooms are a bit rudimentary and precarious. The local showers are freezing, although some campsites offer hot water for an extra cost.

How to prepare for the Inca Trail?

The Inca Trail is not a challenging hike but feels like one with its steep ascents and descents. However, the primary key to successfully preparing for this hike is acclimatizing your body before taking it.

Even if you are an experienced hiker, we advise you to spend 2-3 days in Cusco to get used to the altitude. In addition, this ancient path will take you through places higher than 4,200 meters above sea level.

Exercising before coming to Peru would be best if you want to be physically healthy. Remember that there will be many walkers in your group with different levels of physical condition, so do not see it as a competition, and take your time to enjoy it.

How to prevent altitude sickness?

Due to this place’s high altitude, some travelers may experience dizziness, tiredness, headaches, and shortness of breath. These are the symptoms of so-called Soroche or altitude sickness.

This condition affects most travelers above 2,500 meters of altitude, regardless of whether they have lived in higher areas or at sea level. However, we are not here to scare you but to clarify and make things easier for you:

Drink a lot of water. Staying hydrated is the key to avoiding getting sick.
Avoid alcohol and tobacco at all costs. Alcohol is a dehydrator, and smoking can cause or worsen shortness of breath.

Take it easy the first few days. If traveling to high-altitude locations, do not engage in physically demanding activities for the first two days.

Drink coca tea or chew coca leaves. This medicinal plant is known for its healing properties and for helping with acclimatization.

Some medications help alleviate the symptoms of altitude sickness; Diamox or Soroche Pills can be found in almost any pharmacy in Peru. However, it is highly recommended that you consult a doctor before taking any of them.

How long does it take to complete the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?

Completing this historic path to the citadel takes up to four days. You will pass the most remote Inca settlements, which offer a glimpse of what life was like in Inca times.

How challenging is the Inca Trail?

As mentioned above, a high level of fitness or experience as a hiker is not required to complete it. However, acclimatizing a few days before starting this trip is recommended to avoid inconvenience.

Can you make the Inca Trail on your own?

Unfortunately, you cannot hike the Inca Trail independently. You can only acquire the Inca Trail permits through a certified tourist company. The smallest group allowed is two passengers, the guides, and porters.

How far in advance do you have to book the Inca Trail?

The Peruvian government has limited entry to 500 people daily to reduce human impact on the trail, including hikers, porters, cooks, and guides. Therefore, if you dare to take this adventure, we recommend booking the excursion at least six months in advance.

It is worth mentioning that the Inca Trail permit is not transferable and is closed for maintenance during the rainy month of the year (February).

What is the best time to travel the Inca Trail?

The climate in this region is characteristic of the Peruvian Andean region, with a dry winter and a rainy summer. However, due to their geographical position, small rains are expected even during the dry season.

Rainy Season: It starts in December and ends around April. However, heavy downpours are expected between January and March. Temperatures range from 15°C to 5°C.

– Dry Season: It is considered the coldest season of the year, although it is much warmer during the day. However, temperatures are significantly more freezing in the early morning and at night.

We want to mention that the cloud forest has a different climatic condition, and even though you are traveling during the dry season, you may experience occasional rains. Check out this guide and learn all about the weather in Peru.

What is the difference between the short Inca Trail and the classic one?

The Short Inca Trail lasts only two days and one night. It begins at kilometer 104 of the Ollantaytambo railway road and passes through the archaeological sites of Chachabamba and Wiñay Wayna. The road continues to the Intipunku (Puerta del Sol) to have an exceptional view of the Inca Citadel and then descends to Aguas Calientes to rest. The visit to Machu Picchu will take place the next day.

On the other hand, the Classic Inca Trail lasts four days and three nights and passes through different archaeological sites and the most impressive natural settings. Remember that this hike is somewhat challenging; it passes through points over 4,000 meters high.

The Inca Trail is on almost every traveler’s wish list because it is South America’s most impressive hiking trail and has great historical value. Dare to discover the secrets of the Inca civilization with this famous walk. Don’t forget to check out our Peru travel packages while you’re here.