Inca Trail

The Inca trail is one of the most popular treks in Peru and South America.

It starts from Chillca and follows a route to Machu Picchu, The Lost City of the Incas.

Understand

Walking the Inca trail can be very rewarding and is possible for all ages as long as you are fit. Over the course of the Trail, you gain and lose 1000 meters several times, all of it over 3000 meters where oxygen is noticeably thinner. Acclimation to the altitude is a must, and good physical condition advised. The journey winds through the valleys and hills of the surrounding area, taking you the through the scenic landscape, from high alpine to cloud forests.

Many agencies operating from Cuzco offer organised hikes along the trail, providing most of the equipment (tents etc)and people to carry it. Also, don't forget that the trail ends at Machu Picchu. If you hiked the Trail, descend from the Sun Gate (Intipunko) at dawn and see Machu Picchu before the busloads of tourists show up around 10am.

The trail is scattered with ancient monuments and Incan sites and is definitely worth the effort.

  • Book with a tour operator well in advance of when you wish to walk the trail. The Peruvian government has instituted a quota system on how many travelers can be on the trail on any given day and the passes now sell out months in advance during the high season.

History

When to go

  • High season : June to August (book well in advance)
  • Weather is driest between May and October

The track is closed in Febrary to clean up the garbage left behind.

Preparing for your trip

  • At its highest, the trail reaches 4200m above sea level, so you should spend at least 2 days in Cuzco acclimatising before you start the trek. If you don't, altitude sickness could make your first few days pretty uncomfortable.
  • Book your spot a few months in advance. The number of trek permits issued is limited to 500 per day (including tour guides and porters). In the high season you'll need to book 3 months in advance.

On the trail

What to take

  • First aid kit...

Porters

Costs

Tours Agents

  • Amazonas Explorer - Amazonas gave great service, friendly and intellegent guides, and great food on the trek. They seem to be able to cater to any size of group and any speed.