Where is the Inca Trail in Peru
The Inca Trail is located in Peru, Cusco. A very popular hike among travellers, surrounded by Inca architecture and impressive mountains, along the route you will see cloud forests, mountains and high jungle, plus if you are very lucky you may see animals such as: spectacled bears, cock-of-the-rock, etc. And it is an impressive way to reach the historic sanctuary of Machupicchu.
Ideal season to do the Inca Trail
The best season to do the Inca Trail is between May and December, because in Cusco in these seasons the days are sunny reaching temperatures of 22°c and the nights are cold reaching 0°c, better known as the dry season, however, the Inca Trail is very popular all year round, so we recommend that all travelers who plan to do the Inca Trail should book in advance.
Recommendations: As it is such a popular and in-demand route, consider that you should book a maximum of 1 month in advance.
Where can I get permits for the Inca Trail?
The Inca Trail currently cannot be done independently, you necessarily have to do it through an agency that has the official permits and there is a limit of 500 people per day, both team of workers and travelers, so it is necessary to get the permits well in advance.
Considerations: If you are planning to do the Inca Trail, you can check availability on our home page or contact us directly, the AltitudeXperience team will be very happy to help you plan your trip.
How long is Inca Trail
The traditional Inca trail has a distance in kilometers is 40 km (26 miles), which is done in 4 days of hiking, where you will be dazzled by mountains and Inca ruins.
Inca Trail highlights per day:
Day 1: Cusco – Piskacucho Km 82 – Llactapata – Ayapata
Inca trail Hiking Distance: 13 Km
First Day Elevation: 2700/8923 ft
Weather: Cold
Inca Trail Difficulty: Moderate
First Campsite Elevation: 329o mts/1979 ft
Inca Site Visit: Llacatapata and Wayllabamba comunity
Day 2: Dead Woman Pass – Runcuraccay Pass – Chaquicoocha
Inca trail Hiking Distance: 17 km
Elevation: 3295 mts/ 10979 ft
Weather: Cold
Inca Trail Difficulty: Challenging
Campsite Elevation: 3700 mts/ 12139 ft
Inca Site Visit: Runcuraccay, Chaquicoocha
Day 3: Caquiccocha – Wiñaywayna
Inca trail Hiking Distance: 11 km
Elevation: 3700 mts/ 12139 ft
Weather: Cold
Inca Trail Difficulty: Challenging
Campsite Elevation: 2750 mts/9022 ft
Inca Site Visit: Phuyupatamarca, Wiñay Wayna
Day 4: Machu Picchu – The lost city of the Inkas
Inca trail Hiking Distance: 6 km
Elevation: 2685 mts/8905 ft
Weather: warm
Inca Trail Difficulty: Moderate
How many days in cusco before inca trail
To enjoy the Inca Trail in its splendor and enjoy the good views of this beautiful trail, it is required to be a day before to acclimatize and prepare some things you will need for the trail such as:: sun block, insect repellent, rain ponchos, walking sticks (if necessary) and medicine for altitude sickness, to make your Inca Trail experience incredible and memorable.
Inca Trail Covid- 19
Due to covid – 19 the government has established security protocols to avoid contagion in the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu such as:
1.Temperature taking
2.Hand washing before entering the Inca Trail.
3.For more information click on this link; Inca Trail Covid 19
How to train for the inca trail
1. It is advisable to prepare yourself physically for 2 to 3 months to do the Inca Trail.
2.Take mini trails in the forest and mountains to get used to walking on uneven terrain.
3.Try to get used to carrying a backpack, as you will be carrying it during the Inca Trail.
4.Wear hiking shoes that are comfortable and safe for you.
5.Do at least 6 hours of hiking whenever you can over uneven terrain.