Even during the dry season there is the chance of rain, so make sure to bring a rain jacket or poncho. After breakfast, we continue our hike up the highest point in the Inca Trail, reaching the mountain pass of Abra Warmihuausca (Dead Woman's Pass - 4200m/13776ft) after about 2 hours. For the most part, there is no cell phone signal along the Inca Trail. You will start the day with a steep ascent up Dead Womans Pass. Lowest Elevation: 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. . While the trekking team makes the experience very comfortable, three nights camping in a tent is perhaps not for everyone. A chef accompanies each group and prepares breakfast and three course lunches and dinners. The trail is steep and challenging in places, but the views of the . Thankfully, the Peruvians are a resourceful people and will go leaps and bounds to make a person in need is helped. The highest point is Dead Womans Pass at 13,828 ft (4,215 m) and the lowest point is Machu Picchu at 7,972 ft (2,430 m). From Pacaymayo camp, the trail ascends steeply up the valleys opposite side. We told you that these guys were absolute heroes. Each porter should be tipped around 30-40 soles (about $10-$15) for the entire group. This morning, you will take a train from Ollantaytambo to Km 104, where you will disembark and begin the 2-day Inca Trail. Concern about overuse leading to erosion has led the Peruvian government to place a limit on the number of people who may hike this trail per season, and to sharply limit the companies that can provide guides. A: The Inca Trail reaches an altitude of 2,700 meters (9300 feet) at its highest point. Instituto Nactional de Cultura. It is recommended to spend a few days getting used to the elevation before you hike the Inca Trail. Insect repellent (with Deet) for protection against mosquitoes and other blood-sucking critters once you get to Machu Picchu. The Classic 4-day Inca Trail trek begins in the Sacred Valley and navigates varied terrain. Trails can get muddy and slippery. Each campsite has toilet facilities available, but these are often rudimentary squat toilets and with campsites being so remote and over-subscribed, cleanliness understandably isnt the highest. The final day of the Inca Trail is an easy and gentle slope towards the Sun gate at an elevation of 2700m (8850ft). Below are some suggestions on how much to tip the trekking team. Secondly, for our G Adventures tour, we were each supplied with black duffel bags at the hotel. The Inca Trail has an elevation range between 2,200m (7,218ft) and 4,200m (13,780ft) above sea level. As your elevation increases, take note of how the ecosystems change. As the above has hopefully made clear, the Inca Trail is not as difficult or challenging as you may think, but every persons own hike experience will be very subjective based on your fitness, hiking experience, your groups approach, attitude, the weather conditions on the route, and a bunch of other factors. For those that would prefer more privacy, you can also pay extra for your own one-man tent. The first pass is Runquraqay at 3,950m (13,113 ft) where, on a clear day, hikers can catch a glimpse of the snow-capped Cordillera Vilcabamba. Its required to begin the Inca Trail and to visit Machu Picchu. For the same reason, metal-tipped trekking poles are not allowed on the trail. If you have the time to take a dip in the hot springs I recommend you do so before grabbing the train out. First up, heres your beginners guide to hiking. If youll be taking an Inca Trail tour in rainy season, a little more spontaneity is possible, unless you have very specific dates in mind where it makes sense to get your booking in sooner rather than later. 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. You'll still need to at least carry a daypack with your water bottle, rain jacket, etc. Alternatively, the 2-day Inca Trail is recommended for travelers who cannot or do not wish to devote four days of trekking to their trip, but would still like to experience the Inca Trail. These are consistently cheap (starting from 45 / $60 / 50 per person), reliable, and only take 90 minutes. Outstanding Inca Trail 2023 - Review of SAM Travel Peru - Tripadvisor Cusco is actually higher than most points on the Inca Trail. For high season travel (AprilOctober) and December holidays, permits can sell out up to six months before travel. So, whether youre heading there in high or low season and want to understand the camping and accommodation situation better, have no idea what to pack or how to get a permit, are worrying about whether youre fit enough, will get altitude sickness or if its too late to book a spot on a tour, then this post will provide you with all the necessary information answers from experienced fellow travellers (and, we hope, quite a bit of excitement and inspiration for the hike itself!). Whether you're getting ready to hike, bike, trail run, or explore other outdoor activities, AllTrails has 22 scenic trails in the Jakarta area. We'll give you time in Cusco to acclimatize before the trek, but altitude sickness can be a problem for some. Remember the part where youre trekking through mountains at 13,000 feet? It's emotional and so much fun. After passing Pakaymayu the trail begins steeply ascending the other side of the valley. The 4-day Inca Trail is 30 miles (49 km) in length. This may not sound like a lot, but it really is when you think about the fact that everyone follows the same narrow trails to Machu Picchu. Peru has two seasons - dry and wet - and it is possible to do the Inca Trail in either. This first day of the trail meanders up and down gradually, with an elevation increase of only 1,610 ft (400 m). He profiles some of his. A long Inca tunnel and a viewpoint overlooking two valleys: the Urubamba and Aobamba (a broken word), are passed. The Inca Trail elevation varies significantly and people often struggle with altitude sickness, especially if they have not spent much time in Cusco before trekking the trail. And during the trek, it's also vital that you ascend towards Machu Picchu as slowly as possible. This was originally done informally by organizations such as South American Explorers,[2] but is now managed officially. It is customary to tip the trekking team on the last night of the trek (Day 3). Hiking poles to aid you in ascending and descending the mountain trail. Four days of trekking through a variety of landscapes is a great way of getting to know this part of Peru. Check out the daily elevation increases and be better prepared for your trek. Adams, Mark. Wiay Wayna: 8,694 ft (2,650 m) To find out what clothes and footwear are best, read our Inca Trail Packing post. Trust me, once you see all that is included and all the work that the porters and tour guide do, you will realize it is well worth every penny paid. All meals can be adapted to trekkers personal dietary restrictions and preferences. The route was constructed by the Incas over 500 years ago. 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. Inca Trail to Machu Picchu - 5 day Trek Itinerary (non commercial site) Pack animals, including mules, horses, and llamas, are banned from the trail. Ive hiked some of the best national parks in the U.S.and this Inca Trail hike is still my favorite in terms of scenery and complete awesomeness. Savour the route, rather than trying to set a record pace (which youll never do by the way - its currently 3 hours 23 minutes by a porter. As of 2016[update], 500 permits are issued for each day. Get used to walking long distances before embarking. If the skies are clear, you will enjoy an outstanding view of the Machu Picchu ruins from above. Here, you will be introduced to the rest of the trekking team, who will accompany you on your adventure. This is the most dangerous point for altitude sickness, though . At the beginning of the hike the morning mountain air is likely to be cool, however you will warm up as you continue your journey to Machu Picchu. Demand for Inca Trail permits is high, especially during the dry season. Thats an excellent jumping-off point for creating your Inca Trail packing list. At the top, the pass is rocky, with little vegetation. You will pass several unforgettable Incan sites like two Incan tunnels that are carved right out of the mountainside. I think doing the gruelling 4-day hike on the Inca Trail really gave us a greater appreciation for the ruins once we got there. right now). The intricate detail that the Incans put into each and every stone structure is mesmerizing. Compare this with the speed of the electric rail train or KRL Jabodetabek, which is 80-100 kilometers per hourbecause it is designed according to operational needs with relatively close distances between stations . Day 3 of the hike to Machu Picchu is no slouch and for most, its the day that the nagging soreness reminds you that you are human. Its sensible to take this money in the form of smaller notes and coins. This aint no walk in the park unless you like your walk in the parks accompanied by blood-tingling cliff-drops and ruins of ancient South American empires. Tours should provide you with purified, safe-to-drink water at camp each night and morning; this in addition to drinks purchased in advance and along the way (and those endless cups of tea glugged at camp) should be sufficient to keep you well hydrated. ITMB Publishing International Travel Maps, Camino Inka. 2023 Machu Picchu Trek | A Mountain IQ Guide. Malaria and yellow fever are not a risk in this area. Next, the Sayaqmarka ("steep-place town") is reached followed by the tampu Qunchamarka. February: Inca Trail is closed for maintenance. Don't forget to book Inca Trail permits for your visit well in advance of your trip. Note that its often necessary to pay a deposit in advance to secure your Inca Trail permit, so if you go with a new, non-established, or cheaper provider, make sure you have done enough research into them before paying anything. Temperatures at night are also less chilly. [3][6][8], Hiram Bingham III discovered the site, but left most of it covered with vegetation. 7 things no-one tells you about the Inca Trail - Intrepid Travel Blog Regardless of which option you go for, all roads will lead to Cusco - the start point for the vast majority of all Inca Trail tours. Each morning and night you will also be provided a bowl of warm water with which to freshen up. A long flight of fountains or ritual baths utilizing as many as 19 springs runs between the two groups of buildings. 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. This duffel bag is allowed to hold upto 6kgs, and is going to be where the majority of the kit + equipment you bring for the Inca Trail will be stored (i.e. This is where your campsite is located. 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. We went in July and the temperatures were great with a bit of rain on day 2. After celebrating your arrival to the top and snapping some photos, descend toward the Pacaymayo campsite (11,788 ft/3,590 m). Demand for tours also increases in dry season, so you really need to book your own tour further in advance (a rule of thumb is six to seven months, but we have met people who booked a year in advance to assure themselves of a place). Trekkers reach the Dead Woman's Pass peak at 13,828 feet, which is . Instead, youre treated to an entry at the Sun Gate just after sunrise (expect about 6-7 a.m.) and then a wonderful descent down to an uncrowded Machu Picchu with special views of it all the way (trust us, its much better than queueing in the pitch black Aguas from 4 a.m. in the morning to get on the first bus up to then queue at the ticket gate). Again, thank you! When to book: a minimum of 6 months in advance. Cons | Dry season also coincides with high tourism season in Peru (June - August), so the Inca Trail will be at full capacity each day. Preparing for the Inca Trail isnt just a case of throwing some unworn hiking boots in your backpack and hoping for the best, but rather doing the necessary to ensure you have a successful and unforgettable adventure in the Peruvian mountains for all the right reasons! When to book: 36 months in advance. Inca Trail Distance: When to book: 3 months in advance. With a degree in Nature Conservation and experience working with wildlife including the Big 5, Alison works as a guide for a 5-star reserve. Once the day has come to an end, youll take a bus down to Aguas Calientes where you will take a train back to Ollantaytambo before arriving back in Cusco by bus or car. Theres even a marathon!). To protect this historic trail, only 500 people are permitted to hike on it each day. These ruins are at an altitude of 3750m (12,300ft). The highest point on the Inca Trail is Dead Womans Pass. Explorers will glimpse archaeological sites and a remarkable diversity of Andean landscapes, all building up to the final grand entrance to Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate. Were both vegetarian and were catered for incredibly well - with each meal giving us a vegetarian version of the same dish the others were eating (another thing we did not expect at all). This system is still in effect; any person wishing to hike the Inca Trail must obtain a permit beforehand. On the first day, you will also pass the lowest elevation on the Inca Trail known as the Llactapata/Patallacta Ruins at an elevation of 2,250m (7,382 ft). 6.8 miles (11 km). This steep ascent reaches 4,215m (13,829ft) above sea level. This means you can expect to reach some significant heights. 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. A reusable water bottle or hydration pack works well for this. 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. Hiking the Inca Trail is a feat of endurance that is just as much about the mind as the body. From what I have seen, the price is around $500-$700 USD per person. We have these excellent lightweight sleeping bags, but its also possible to rent them - just note that the ones available for rental are bulky and weigh around 2 kgs. 30 miles (49 km), Highest Elevation: Day 2 is the biggest elevation gain on your hike. Even so, you should ascend slowly and drink lots of water. Bring your original passport, used to book your trek. The Inca Trail is one of the most famous hikes in the world. We paid at the lower end as my wife is Colombian and we found a tour operator that catered more to the Spanish speaking South American clientele. We would never travel without taking out insurance (if youre not convinced, read this post), and having the necessary insurance arrangements in place in advance is a requirement for every Inca Trail tour; you are responsible for buying and purchasing this. We had to book the tour about 6 months in advance to reserve a spot. Consult your Travel Advisor if you require a guide who speaks a different language. It is recommended to arrive in Cusco at least 2 days before the start of your trek so that you can acclimatize. The altitudes on the trail are much higher than what most travellers are used to. At the small village Wayllapampa ("grassy plain", Wayllabamba) the trail intersects with the "Mollepata Trail" at 3,000 metres (9,800ft).[3]. After our own hike, we wanted to share our hard-earned insights, advice, and tips to help you plan and prepare for your own successful Trail experience - all neatly whittled down into this comprehensive guide. Amongst various tour companies advice online, the tipping recommendations average out at 100 - 150 soles per hiker to the group of porters and cooks (who will take care of splitting it amongst themselves). Km 82, starting point of the Inca Trail. Nate is avid hiker throughout South America and still considers the Inca Trail hike to be one of the most memorable experiences he has ever had. Reaching the crest of this ridge reveals the grandeur of the ruins of Machu Picchu, which lie below. Alternatively, this highly rated four-day Inca Trail tour has loads of excellent reviews, allows free cancellation), and is even cheaper than the above tour meaning its a good option for those on a tighter budget. Your guide will take you on a 2.5-hour tour of the citadel, where you will learn about its fascinating history. Ley No 28296, "Inca Trail permits to be released four months early", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Inca_Trail_to_Machu_Picchu&oldid=1125666243, Jenkins, David "A Network Analysis of Inka Roads, Administrative Centers and Storage Facilities. Ready? A small spur of the trail leads directly to Wiay Wayna, while the main route continues to Intipata. Along the way, you will visit Runkurakay, a circular complex that scholars believe Inca messengers used as a refueling and resting station. Poles must have rubber tips. In short, hiking poles are not essential for the Inca Trail; it is 100% possible to do it without them. The trail is closed in February for annual maintenance, conservation, and clean-up. You can easily spend hours on end walking up and around the magnificent ruins. Inca Trail Distance: If the tour operator charges much less, they are probably not paying their porters fair wages. No matter the season, make sure to bring a rain jacket or poncho as there is always the chance of showers in the Andes. Marci Vaughn Kolt. Some campsites have on-site restrooms and showers, however, these are not well maintained. This is the second highest pass on the Inca Trail known as the Runquraqay Pass. And for transparencys sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. The trail continues to ascend, passing a small lake named Quchapata (Cochapata)[6] in an area that is recognized as deer habitat. Difficulty | Moderate to a little difficult as there are several steep sections. The highest point on the Inca Trail is Dead Woman's Pass. If hiring a porter, still carry a daypack with you. Indonesia to Build High-Speed Train, Speed Up to 220-230 Km/h After all, you dont want the upfront savings to mean inadequate equipment, poor quality food, or a less memorable experience. In this article, you can find everything you need to know about altitudes on the Inca Trail. 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. pp.233,268271,300. Difficulty | Moderate, with a steep tiring section towards the end. Instead, around a table in a make-shift tent dining room, we were treated to three-course lunches and dinners and a decent breakfast. It probably would have been glorious to see. Make sure to let loved ones know that you will be without service for four days. Pack animals are not allowed. Once a permit is purchased for one person, the permit cannot be transferred to another individual. The highest point on the Inca Trail is Dead Woman's Pass. For this reason, all Adventure Life trips involving this hike require spending at . Physically prepare by training at home in the months leading up to your trip. The trail only descends from this point until arriving at Machu Picchu at 2,430 metres. See below for our packing recommendations. Starting at 2,600 metres, the trail ascends to 3,300 metres on the first day. Alright, lets get to the details. Lastly, make sure you have the policy number, insurance provider, and emergency contact number on your person whilst hiking. If youre confused about buying travel insurance, read this post and this post. In all my experiences traveling and adventuring, the hike to Machu Picchu along the Inca Trail still stands as my most spectacular. SAM Travel Peru: Outstanding Inca Trail 2023 - See 3,262 traveler reviews, 2,463 candid photos, and great deals for Cusco, Peru, at Tripadvisor. Today you will trek to the Wiay Wayna campsite (8,700 ft/2,650 m). The campsite at Llulluch'apampa (Llulluchapampa) is located on this stretch of trail at 3,800 metres (12,500ft).

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