The government monitors the trail closely; there are several control points along the trail. For the past 5 years, I have had the goal of visiting each of the 7 Wonders of the world. The Inca Trail elevation ranges from about 8,000 feet (2,400 meters) to 13,800 feet (4,200 meters). This trek additionally permits hikers to enter Machu Picchu through its Sun Gate. Because of its popularity, the Peruvian Government instituted several controls to reduce human impact upon the trail and within the ancient city. This is in part why the Inca Trail is closed in February (the height of the rainy season). [12] Permits were previously released in January, however, in 2017 this changed to October. Later on, you will stop at Sayaqmarca. 6.8 miles (11 km). Rooted in Inca heritage, this centuries-old path gives hikers the chance to walk in the footsteps of pre-Columbian royalty. Remember to pack smart and pack light for the Inca Trail - find out exactly what you need to bring and leave behind in our Inca Trail Packing List. The highest point on the Inca Trail is Dead Woman's Pass. clothes, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, toiletries). You can get a 15% discount on the Water-to-Go if you use this code at the checkout (ADR15), and read this post to find out about more ways about how to use less plastic when you travel. If you plan on renting the sleeping bag and air-mattress, then just bear in mind that this will take up over 50% of your 6kgs allowance and also takes up most of the room available inside the duffel bag. Next, the Sayaqmarka ("steep-place town") is reached followed by the tampu Qunchamarka. Most operators advise hikers to purchase permits as soon as possible after they are released. Permits are only available for purchase through the Peruvian government. Bring extra batteries for personal electronics like cameras and cell phones. If you havent planned your visit yet, then read our guide to the best things to do in Cusco. A: The cost of hiking the Inca Trail varies depending on the tour operator and the length of the trek. Unless you hire a private porter, youre expected to carry both pads and sleeping bags along the trek. Thats an excellent jumping-off point for creating your Inca Trail packing list. On the last day, you will wake up before dawn at an absurdly early hour (our wake up call was 3 A.M.) in order to reach the Sun Gate overlooking Machu Picchu just in time for sunrise. The 4-day Inca Trail begins at Km 82 which has an elevation of 8,230 ft (2,600 m). Also, the map shows camp zones, archeological sites, distances, high points, and tourist facilities. Take note that the Inca Trail is closed in February for maintenance. Lastly, our guide told us that the nighttime temperatures in dry season drop significantly, so expect cold nights in the tent. Remember that batteries deplete faster at higher elevations. For those who are in the former camp, then youll be happy to know that two of the three campsites we stayed at had basic shower facilities - just be warned that the water began its journey as snow not too much higher up the mountain, when we say cold, we mean it! Q: What is the cost of hiking the Inca Trail? For the most part, there is no cell phone signal along the Inca Trail. Rest easy once you get to the campsite because the next day is likely to be the most unforgettable experience of your hiking existence (it was for me). The worst part of hiking the Inca Trail is not the altitude, nor the steep ascents, but rather the toilet options available along the route. The High Inca Trail covers everything the classic Inca Trail does. Even before passing through the tunnel there are views down to the Willkanuta River, the first since leaving the river at Patallaqta. For your main and assistant guide, 25 - 50 soles for the former and 10 - 25 soles for the latter is advised per hiker. Day Two: Early rise to hike through cloud forest and up to Dead Womans Pass and the descent to campsite. Poles must have rubber tips. From the top of the Runquraqay pass, it is a short descent of 300m (980ft) to the Phuyupatamarca ruins at 3650m (11,975 ft) above sea level. The exact itinerary for the hike may differ between various Inca Trail tour operators, but almost all groups follow a similar itinerary and have set times to leave to avoid overcrowding. right now). World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. Hiking poles will aid you in steep areas. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance. The meals are quite exquisite considering that all of the ingredients and cooking supplies are carried from the Sacred Valley. The Classic Inca Trail is just a small portion of the 45000km network of Inca . The Inca Trail traverses a variety of climates: temperate highlands outside of the Sacred Valley; cold, arid puna at the highest elevations; and warm, humid, cloud forest valleys close to Machu Picchu. We went in July and the temperatures were great with a bit of rain on day 2. This is the second highest pass on the Inca Trail known as the Runquraqay Pass. Its a damn good journey! I wouldnt be surprised if we were the last group to make it into the historic site. Each morning, your bag will be weighed and collected, and it will be waiting for you at the campsite. The Inca Trail starting point is at an elevation of 2,600m (8,500ft). Even with daily tourism limits, there are still many, many tour groups and you will constantly be surrounded by other hikers, guides, and porters throughout the 4 days. You will pass several unforgettable Incan sites like two Incan tunnels that are carved right out of the mountainside. What is the best time of year to hike the Inca Trail? On your first day of hiking the Inca Trail, you will typically embark from the KM82 route. The trail passes through diverse microclimates each day. Some travel insurance policies do not cover adventure or high-elevation activities. Or maybe you would rather take a longer or shorter trek or a path less beaten? In the late afternoon, you will arrive at the Sun Gate. this post on the essential things to look for before buying. . Weve mentioned this earlier, but with the understanding that this is such an important purchase before you step foot in Peru, we thought it only correct to mention it again here. Porters carry all the equipment. Bring a comfortable daypack with snug straps to wear while you hike. Thankfully, the Peruvians are a resourceful people and will go leaps and bounds to make a person in need is helped. The Classic 4-day Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu is arguably the most famous trail in all of South America. As of 2016[update], 500 permits are issued for each day. Something as minor as a flight delay can have a significant financial impact, as can illness, bad weather or baggage delay. Pros | A less popular time to hike, so the number of people youre sharing the Trail with is notably reduced, as are the crowds at Machu Picchu. The Fejos team named the site, and uncovered the remainder. Ask your Travel Advisor about adding a porter that can carry up to 18 lb (8 kg) or 33 lb (15 kg). The name Phuyupatamarka ("cloud-level town") (phoo-yoo-patta-marka) is applied to both the campground, and the ruins. Theyve been doing it since 2002 protecting, connecting, and inspiring independent travellers just like you. It is important to carefully review potential travel insurance policies to make sure that the Inca Trail portion will be covered. Remember the part where my companion busted her knee and had to be carried by porters goddamn hiking in style! Cusco, in the south-east of Peru, thankfully doubles up as one of the countrys most popular destinations due to its history and position as an access point to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, so every Peru itinerary is guaranteed to include at least a few nights here. The highest point you will reach on the Salkantay Trek is 4650 meters above sea level, while the highest point on the Inca Trail lies at 4215 meters. Design of the site closely follows the natural contours, and includes five fountains and an altar, which was probably used for llama sacrifice. Everyone will tell you about the knee-busting effort needed to climb this infamous summit. The soreness really gets at you as you make your way down the mountainside. After all, you dont want the upfront savings to mean inadequate equipment, poor quality food, or a less memorable experience. The ULTIMATE Guide to Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, I consent to my personal information being processed in accordance with The Broke Backpackers. A common misconception about the Inca Trail is that it will allow you to be amongst the first people into Machu Picchu - this simply isnt true as its much easier to get through its gates just after opening if you stay in Aguas Calientes the night before and hike or take the bus up. The Inca Trail porters are the unsung heroes of every experience, and they will carry up to 25 kgs of food and supplies on their backs. If the skies are clear, you will enjoy an outstanding view of the Machu Picchu ruins from above. What we found the hardest was the sleeping at the altitude than hiking during the day. About a 25% chance of rain with a mix of weather conditions. they soon adjusted and had no issues by day one of the hike itself. Physically prepare by training at home in the months leading up to your trip. This highest point of the trek at 4,215 m (3,828 ft) with stunning views at the summit. Thankfully, we both fall into the latter camp and we always tell people to embrace getting a little stinky and dirty for a few days. The 4-Day Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu is one of the magnificent hikes I have ever done. You'll see a greater number of ancient Inca ruins, and pass near the colossal Mt . When the Incans were conquered by the Spanish in the 1500s, they fled the jungle and Machu Picchu went hidden for hundreds of years. 1)and theres also the bush. Direccion Regional de Cultura Cuzco. In addition to all the equipment, pots and pans, food, and trash that they had to carry, they also now had a grown adult on their backs. The route was constructed by the Incas over 500 years ago. It consists of a 1500-meter descent into the subtropical cloud forests and through the Amazon basin. Enjoy hand-curated trail maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you. A maximum of 500 people are allowed on the trail each day, of which only 200 are trekkers, the rest being guides and porters. Top Tip // As we discussed above, there are cheaper alternatives to the Inca Trail tour we took including a shorter tour by G Adventures, and this highly-rated, four-day tour on Get Your Guide. Given our own independent travel plans, we had actually spent the previous week in Cusco and the surrounding region - for everyone planning on the Inca Trail, wed recommend arriving into Cusco at least two days before your tour starts so that you can acclimatise to the altitude (its at 3,339 metres above sea level) and enjoy what the city has to offer without aching limbs. Also pack shower sandals to rest your feet at night. It is not possible to hike the trail independently. The Classic 4-day Inca Trail trek begins in the Sacred Valley and navigates varied terrain. The legendary hike culminates at the Puerta de Sol (Sun Gate) where you overlook the magnificent ruins below and the iconic Huayna Picchu mountain to the side. That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we dont believe are up to scratch. The Trail is Peru in a microcosm; lush green cloud forest alive with birds, Andean peaks and steep mountain passes, a landscape dotted with centuries old ruins, accessible only to those that follow this most famous pathway. Theyre easy to use, professional and relatively affordable. Plan ahead . The trekking team will wake you before sunrise to ensure that you arrive at Machu Picchus Sun Gate by mid-morning. Your last chance to use the internet or have a reliable phone signal will be in Ollantaytambo, and your first opportunity will be outside Machu Picchu or in Aguas Calientes. A significant chunk of that 40 kms is up steep, narrow Andean mountain paths at altitude. What is the best time of year to hike the Inca Trail, How much does it cost to hike the Inca Trail, Can you do the Inca Trail without a guide, Do you need a permit to hike the Inca Trail. Climb out of the Sacred Valley towards Warmiwanusca, or Dead Woman's Pass, on the second day of the classic Inca Trail 4-day. Inca Trail permits sell out fast for these months. She did walksparingly, but for the most part, was carried for a good portion of the time. There is no minimum or maximum age limit for hikers on the Inca Trail, but tour companies will operate according to their own guidelines and policies (i.e. If you choose to purchase through these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This is one area where the tour companies could provide a better solution, although we appreciate our situation as travel photographers and bloggers who carry a lot of technology is a little unique. If you are struggling, its their job to control the situation, help you get to camp, and also to manage the overall group schedule. You should bring enough money with you from Cusco for tipping and lunch in Aguas Calientes. This steep ascent reaches 4,215m (13,829ft) above sea level. It is possible to book a longer organised Peru tour which includes the Inca Trail within it, or to simply include it on your own independent Peru + South American adventure. During the trek, days are planned so that you have plenty of time to get from one point to the next. What can I say? If youre hiking in the dry (high) season, then you should be making a reservation sooner rather than later (i.e. Traveling to Peru and seeing Machu Picchu was one of them. Let your guide know if you are struggling and especially if your symptoms get worse. The highest point is Dead Woman's Pass at 4200 m. At its highest, the trail reaches 4200 m above sea level, so you should spend at least 2 days in Cusco acclimatizing before you start the trek. ITMB Publishing International Travel Maps, Camino Inka. A very thin sleeping mat was included, and carried by the porter, but it was also possible to rent a thin air-mattress for S/45 / 10 / $13 / 11 which had to be stored in the duffel bag (and weighed around 1 kg). Cusco stands at 3,200 metres and is already significantly higher than Machu Picchu itself, though many sections of the Inca Trail are much higher. Looking for the best hiking trails in Jakarta? The good news is that it's a lot shorter than you may expect at only 40 kms (25 miles). Rainy season days almost always bring drizzle or rain. 10 The Highest Point On The Inca Trail. The Inca Trails length is 26 miles (42 kilometers) of pure Peruvian power that connects several Incan archaeological sites: Runcuracay, Sayacmarca, Phuyuptamarca, Wiaywayna, and of course none other than the magnificent Machu Picchu ruins! Once in Cusco, all your transport to the Trail and the return trip to Cusco from Machu Picchu will be arranged by your tour company and included in the overall tour price. Bring your original passport, used to book your trek. The name Wiay Wayna (forever young) (win-yay-way-na) is used to refer to both a hostelrestaurantcamp site and a set of Inca ruins. If this is the case, you have plenty of options for hiking in the Andes: Camping equipment, daily meals, and boiled drinking water are provided by your trekking team. All companies operating the Inca Trail must be registered and have a special operators license, which is renewed annually. Despite her eagerness to carry on, she could barely hobble her way forward without needing assistance. Both of these trail segments meet above the Inca ruins of Patallaqta[4][5] (sometimes called Llaqtapata), a site used for religious and ceremonial functions, crop production, and housing for soldiers from the nearby hilltop site of Willkaraqay, an ancient pre-Inca site first inhabited around 500 BC. If you have specific dietary requirements, make sure you enquire with your tour provider to make sure you can be catered for adequately. At the very least, you will find it difficult to breathe as the air becomes thinner higher up. Its worth noting that not all standard off-the-shelf travel insurance policies will cover you for activities at altitude (including the Inca Trail), so you need to ensure that this is covered when buying your single or multi-trip policy. Inca Trail permits are usually available, except for holiday weeks, such as the end of December. Adams, Mark. Instead, these are your best options: Flights | Fly into Jorge Chavez International Airport in Lima, Perus capital city, and connect onto one of the frequent flights from Lima - Cusco run by several airlines. New York, NY:Dutton. If there are any updates or questions, feel free to let us know in the comments below! You can either bring your own sleeping bag or rent one for an additional fee. On the highest points of the Inca Trail, some hikers experience unpleasant symptoms. Its a somewhat strenuous 4 days so its important to consider what you are getting yourself into before leaving for the trip. There is a chance of rain even in the dry season, so its better to be prepared. In the late afternoon, you will arrive at Wiay Wayna. Don't overpack. Theyre easily my picj for the best Inca Trail tour. This will include a private minibus to Ollantaytambo and km.82 (the Inca Trail start point) and either a train or minibus back to Cusco. The second day ascends over Dead Woman's pass- the highest point on the Inca Trail at 4,200 metres. Yes, sadly the answer to the question Can you hike the Inca Trail without a guide?is a big fat depressingno. I don't think so. It was cool enough in the evening to get a good nights sleep without freezing. However, as truly beautiful as the hike may be, the real reason for its popularity lies at the very end of this four day adventure; passing through the Sun Gate for that first magical sighting of Machu Picchu in the distance.
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