Train | There is a train which runs from Cusco - Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes (the Machu Picchu town), but this is really a tourist service and not relevant for reaching Cusco. You'll see a greater number of ancient Inca ruins, and pass near the colossal Mt . She did walksparingly, but for the most part, was carried for a good portion of the time. Personally, I could have spent the whole day there just in awe of the ruins. The trail begins at Km 82 of the Inca Trail and ends at Machu Picchu's Sun Gate. She enjoys hiking, horseriding, 4x4 driving and kayaking. You would be greatly remiss if you do not visit Machu Picchu at some point in your life. 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. Let your Travel Advisor know if you'd be interested, as Inca Trail permits also need to be purchased in advance for porters. 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). If youve made it to the end of the post, then congratulations! they soon adjusted and had no issues by day one of the hike itself. If you are hiking the Inca Trail, you will most likely be spending some time in Cusco. We went in July and the temperatures were great with a bit of rain on day 2. To visit Machu Picchu at any time, whether you plan to hike for the day or for several nights, will require booking a permit. Despite only including one day of hiking, this shorter hike is referred to as the 2-day Inca Trail because the hike to Machu Picchu is on Day 1 and the Machu Picchu tour is on Day 2. Both True Traveller and and World Nomads are respected insurers who offer this coverage. Be prepared with a rain jacket or poncho and pants made of quick-drying synthetic material. It is closed in February for maintenance. Im here to give you the lowdown on the good and the bad and how to make sure your next trip to Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail is a success. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). To protect this historic trail, only 500 people are permitted to hike on it each day. You can either bring your own sleeping bag or rent one for an additional fee. Thankfully, the weather gods were rooting for us, and we only had one bad rain shower and a single morning of dense mist to contend with - as our guide told us, this wont always be the case for those hiking the Inca Trail in rainy season. 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. 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! Consult your Travel Advisor if you require a guide who speaks a different language. [3][6][8], Hiram Bingham III discovered the site, but left most of it covered with vegetation. 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. Your trekking guides will meet you at your Cusco hotel and transfer with you to the Sacred Valley. The altitude starts around 9,000 feet above sea level but the highest point on the Inca Trail is Dead Woman's Pass . A short downhill walk is the final section of the trail.[11]. You should be able to walk for at least 23 hours at a time on varied terrain. The 2-day Inca Trail is particularly popular with families that enjoy hiking and are looking for a taste of adventure. Whichever tour company you do the Inca Trail with, you will be expected to tip your support staff of porters and guides. When you get to the top, you can take pictures in the snow to display your fortitude. If youre reading this and dont fit the description of someone who does a lot of exercise or could do with losing a few lbs - then dont be too despondent. For all the essential details on visiting Machu Picchu independently, read this post. Inca Trail Information, Everything you must KNOW Before hiking Inca Trail The Grayl Geopress is the markets leading filtered water bottle protecting your tum from all the waterborne nasties. This means fuller camp sites and more traffic along the Trail (although the tours do try and stagger this out). SAM Travel Peru: Inca trail 4D/3N - See 3,255 traveler reviews, 2,451 candid photos, and great deals for Cusco, Peru, at Tripadvisor. However, its also possible to buy poles in Cusco or to rent them from your tour provider. You are expected to bring and carry your own snacks, although our tour did provide us each with a snack bag on Day One of the trail (we finished ours on the last day, others finished it by Day Two). Highest point of the Inca Trail. It's emotional and so much fun. . Being in decent shape, acclimatising, carrying out a few practice hikes at home, keeping yourself hydrated, wearing in your hiking boots, and taking out the correct travel insurance are essential to staying safe and healthy on this hike; if youve made it this far down in our Inca Trail Guide and taken our advice on board, then you should have very few issues once you hit the Trail. However, you also need to have a small daypack to carry your snacks, camera, water, suncream, and any medication, on the Trail itself - this will be carried by you and only you throughout the trip. The Classic 4-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is the most sought after trek in Peru. The outline of the mountains at one point resembles a woman lying on her back. Day Two: Early rise to hike through cloud forest and up to Dead Womans Pass and the descent to campsite. But it's nothing so dramatic. Hiking the Inca Trail is an experience which should inspire excitement, invoke a little bit of fear, stoke jealousy amongst your friends, and stir a sense of wander in your soul. Pack lightweight pants, short- and long-sleeve shirts, warm fleece jackets, underwear, and socks. Each porter should be tipped around 30-40 soles (about $10-$15) for the entire group. Bring your original passport, used to book your trek. Permits for low season travel (NovemberMarch) should be secured at least three months in advance. Dress in layers and adjust as necessary during the day. A reusable water bottle or hydration pack works well for this. First, make sure to book your tour on the Inca Trail well in advance as the tours sell out quickly and you can only go with a tour group or private certified guide. Its is certainly possible to find one but your options on tour companies and dates will be severely limited. The Inca Trail trek is over 3,000 meters in altitude. Get a quote below or read our in-depth review! This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance. There are no opportunities to charge electronics along the trail. The hike reaches its highest point at the Wiay Wayna ruins, which are located at 8,694 ft (2,650 m). A: The cost of hiking the Inca Trail varies depending on the tour operator and the length of the trek. Note that, aside from the mark-up on price, Inca Trail tours booked via agencies will often simply place you on an available tour with one of several local operators, so you have very little control on the quality of the ultimate provider and group composition. 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. Its a somewhat strenuous 4 days so its important to consider what you are getting yourself into before leaving for the trip. Only Inca Trail trekkers are awarded the privilege of arriving at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate entrance. 2023 Best 10 Trails and Hikes in Jakarta | AllTrails If it wasnt for an adventurous Yale scholar in 1913, Hiram Bingham, we might not have known of the existence of this modern-day gem. You will begin your ascent to Dead Womans Pass surrounded by lush, green scenery. If there are any updates or questions, feel free to let us know in the comments below! A long flight of fountains or ritual baths utilizing as many as 19 springs runs between the two groups of buildings. 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. The summit of Mount Kilimanjaro stands at 19,342 feet (5,895 meters), while the highest point of the Classic Inca Trail Route is 13,828 feet (4,215 meters). Everyone will tell you about the knee-busting effort needed to climb this infamous summit. Yes, the Inca Trail is safe. Day 2 is the biggest elevation gain on your hike. These can be purchased in Cusco or rented from your trekking company with advance notice. 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. 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. The highest point is Dead Woman's Pass at 13,828 ft (4,215 m) and the lowest point is Machu Picchu at 7,972 ft (2,430 m). So youve decided to hike the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. 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). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we dont believe are up to scratch. Inca Trail - Classic Hike To Machu Picchu (Complete Guide) 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. He explained that local high-speed trains will be designed to have the ability to travel at speeds of 220-230 kilometers per hour. The biggest surprise for us both on the Trail was just how incredible the food provided was every single day. Inca Trail Distance: Located in the Andes mountain range, the trail passes through several types of Andean environments including cloud forest and alpine tundra. Yes, the trekking team will provide drinking water every morning and at each meal. You can arrange a private tour, but this can be considerably more expensive with a smaller group. So much so, that permits generally sell out up to eight months in advance. The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (also known as Camino Inca or Camino Inka) is a hiking trail in Peru that terminates at Machu Picchu. After taking transport from nearby Cusco, you meet your team and porters. No, you can only hike the Inca Trail with a tour guide licensed for the Inca Trail. Finally, when booking your tour for the Inca Trail, make sure that the tour operator is selling you the right trek and not misleading you with a similar sounding hike. This is approximately 1000m (3281ft) down more than 1200 stone steps. Tours are slightly cheaper and easier to book with only a few weeks notice (a guy on our tour booked his place only a week before the trip began). You can easily spend hours on end walking up and around the magnificent ruins. For adventurous travelers seeking a challenge, the Classic 4-day Inca Trail is an excellent choice that is sure to be a highlight of any trip. The 4-day Inca Trail begins at Km 82 which has an elevation of 8,230 ft (2,600 m). Porters can be hired to carry up to 18 lb (8 kg) or 33 lb (15 kg). We also truly hope that most of your questions about the Inca Trail hike have now been answered and you are in the best position possible for your upcoming Peruvian adventure. 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. In the late afternoon, you will arrive at the Sun Gate. You will start the day with a steep ascent up Dead Womans Pass. Home Blog The ULTIMATE Guide to Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. This is the most dangerous point for altitude sickness, though . As our G Adventures Inca Trail tour was actually over seven days, including time in Cusco and Ollantaytambo, we also required cash to cover a few meals as well as spending money for souvenirs in the Sacred Valley. Day one eases you into the action. Heres everything you need to know before doing the Inca Trail hike. The last part of your day is a descent to Winay Wayna. There is no camping involved, as travelers spend the night in a hotel after hiking to Machu Picchu. Since 2002, access to the Inca Trail has been limited to 500 people per day (roughly split between 200 tourists and 300 accompanying guides and porters), no matter the time of year. However, as mentioned earlier, a couple of our team members were really hurting by day 4 so it made hiking to the Sun Gate longer than anticipated and we certainly didnt see the sun come up. Their shorter tour is around 710 per person, and our recommended cheaper alternative is around 600 - 650 depending upon whether it has a an offer running (which it often does). If you choose to purchase through these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Obviously, medical attention and facilities along the Inca Trail are pretty much non-existent so you need to bring any of your own required medication with you and keep it on your own person or in the daypack. Dead Womans Pass: 13,828 ft (4,215 m) Im sure you hear this often, but to be honest, it really is nothing like being there in person and seeing it up close and personal. Yep, the cost of entry is included in the tour price and its the responsibility of the tour company to take care of all that and provide you with the ticket on the day youre entering the site. Permits to hike the Inca Trail are available March through January. You do not need to be a vastly experienced hiker, but acquiring a good level of physical fitness prior to arriving in Peru will make everything easier and more enjoyable. Again, thank you! Tours to Machu Picchu normally arrange groups of eight to sixteen people, and you will hike with people from all around the world. Plan ahead . It is recommended to spend a few days getting used to the elevation before you hike the Inca Trail. The altitudes on the trail are much higher than what most travellers are used to. In terms of showers, weve found on our various multi-day group hikes that people can be split into two camps: Those who will take a cold shower rather than being a little smelly. TIP: Tell us the destinations you have in mind. New operators are added to the list each year so, as you can imagine, quality, experience, and equipment offered will vary quite a lot. Outstanding Inca Trail 2023 - Review of SAM Travel Peru - Tripadvisor Lightweight travel towel to shower with and a small (inflatable) travel pillow for your sleeping comfort. Starting at 2,600 metres, the trail ascends to 3,300 metres on the first day. Bring cash with you for tipping. The most visitors the park allows is 500 a day and that includes guides and porters which make up over half that number. 10 The Highest Point On The Inca Trail. 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. Its a damn good journey! He profiles some of his. Yes, the dreaded Dead Woman's Pass. 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. Hiking Peru's Inca Trail to Machu Picchu - Altitude, Distances Wear quick-drying ayers. This is where your campsite is located. Inca Trail Distance: Travelers who have pre-purchased Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain permits will continue on to their respective hikes after the tour. The highest point on the Inca Trail route is the so-called 'pass of the dead woman' or Warmihuauska in Quechua, located at 4,200 meters above sea level. [1] As a result, the high season books out very quickly. The 4-day Inca Trail is ideal for travelers looking for a physically challenging adventure. Share stories over dinner, and if the weather permits, partake in Andean stargazing before retiring to your tent. However, on the Inca Trail we experienced comparative luxury as the porters were responsible for setting up the tents each afternoon before you get near camp, and for taking them down and packing up in the morning. Each morning, your bag will be weighed and collected, and it will be waiting for you at the campsite. The trails in Machu Picchu have a limited number of permits per day. Tipping is not mandatory, and you are entitled to put in more, less, or nothing at all. The trail reaches 13,828 ft (4,215 m) on Day 2 and 12,500 feet (3,900 m) on Day 3. Day 1 is relatively easy as there isnt much elevation gain and your legs are fresh and you feel like you can take on anything. The Inca Trail elevation ranges from about 8,000 feet (2,400 meters) to 13,800 feet (4,200 meters). However, the altitude, which at it's highest point is 13,776 ft or 4200m, can cause problems even for the strongest hikers. For the past 5 years, I have had the goal of visiting each of the 7 Wonders of the world. You wont be able to enter the Inca Trail nor Machu Picchu without it. . Bring local currency (Soles) in your wallet so that you can tip your trekking team. 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. 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. At 4,215m above sea level, it's the highest point of the Inca Trail.Subscribe for more htt. Lowest Elevation: Salkantay is a great Inca Trail alternative when permits are sold out or you'd simply like to avoid crowds. Temperatures at night are also less chilly. Peru has two seasons - dry and wet - and it is possible to do the Inca Trail in either. This was originally done informally by organizations such as South American Explorers,[2] but is now managed officially. clothes, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, toiletries). Check out the daily elevation increases and be better prepared for your trek. Theyre easily my picj for the best Inca Trail tour. This section of the Inca Trail hike provides a fantastic perspective of the gorgeous Peruvian countryside but is also very cold due to the high altitude. The highest point on the Inca Trail is Dead Woman's Pass. You can read more about altitude sickness in the Health + Safety section towards the bottom of this post. As the trail ascends toward Warmi Wausqa, or "Dead Woman's Pass", which resembles a supine woman, it passes through differing habitats, one of which is a cloud forest containing Polylepis trees. Once used as a checkpoint for those entering and exiting the holy city, this viewpoint affords hikers unrivaled views of the citadel far below. Remember the part where my companion busted her knee and had to be carried by porters goddamn hiking in style! Whether you're getting ready to hike, bike, trail run, or explore other outdoor activities, AllTrails has 22 scenic trails in the Jakarta area. Be prepared for all types of weather conditions. This highest point of the trek at 4,215 m (3,828 ft) with stunning views at the summit. Trekkers head for the snow-capped mountains of the Vilcabamba Mountain Range. Your guide will show you the most important areas of the site and share with you their historical and cultural significance. If you are struggling, its their job to control the situation, help you get to camp, and also to manage the overall group schedule. The trail is closed in February for annual maintenance, conservation, and clean-up. The vast majority of costs will be covered in the up-front price of your tour, but there are a few costs along the way for which youll need to bring cash: Toilet entry fees (usually 1 sol, 2 soles at Machu Picchu). Save $$$ Save the Planet Save Your Stomach! A narrow path of 98 stairs leads to this impressive ruin surrounded by cliffs on three sides and overlooking the Aobamba Valley. 98 steps lead to this site, which is positioned on a cliff that affords splendid views of the Aobamba Valley. 6.8 miles (11 km). A typical dinner included fresh hot soup, a hearty main course, and then something sweet to round it off - all washed down at the end with cups of tea. Although the Classic 4-day trek to Machu Picchu is most associated with the Inca Trail, there was in fact a network of Inca Trails spanning 25,000 miles (45,000 km) and six countries (Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru). For high season travel (AprilOctober) and December holidays, permits can sell out up to six months before travel. It is recommended to arrive in Cusco at least 2 days before the start of your trek so that you can acclimatize. After breakfast, you will begin the ascent to Dead Womans Pass (13,828 ft (4,215 m), the highest point of the entire trek. If youve never camped before, than that is all about to change! Classic Inca Trail Altitude Map distance | The ultimate travel guide This day offers a great feeling of achievement when you get to Dead Womans Pass which is named after the resemblance of the mountains shadow of a womans head. Within the first hour of your day, you will reach the Runquraqay ruins. It stands at 4,215 m. It's easy to get the impression that the name comes from some tragic story of someone that didn't quite make it to where they were going.. But before you do, there are a few important factors you need to consider, such as the best time to trek, weather conditions, and how far in advance to book. 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! The High Inca Trail covers everything the classic Inca Trail does. The Inca Trail has very steep inclines. The distances involved in hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Pichu are not that great. As your elevation increases, take note of how the ecosystems change. For the same reason, metal-tipped trekking poles are not allowed on the trail. Single-use plastic bottles are a MASSIVE threat to marine life. Do note that if you see a tour with fewer days offered, then you are only going to be hiking a small section of the route. The highest point of the pass is 3,700m (12,136 ft). The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu can be hiked all year round, except for February when the trail is closed for maintenance. Start planning your Machu Picchu hiking holiday. Many of the most popular places in Peru, such as Cusco and Arequipa, are at high altitude; this means that for anyone planning a trip to Peru understanding altitude sickness (and how to avoid it) is incredibly important. It is customary on the last night of the trek to tip the trekking team (guides, porters, chef) as a thank you for their terrific service and support. Although all hikes are more about the journey than a final destination, the Inca Trail stands out as having a destination to beat all others. Many trekkers also choose to hire a porter to carry personal belongings. The highest point on the Inca Trail is Abra Warmihuausca or 'Dead Woman's Pass which is located at 4,200 meters. Also pack shower sandals to rest your feet at night. On challenging sections, you can set your own pace and take as many or as few breaks as you need. The Classic 4-day Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu is arguably the most famous trail in all of South America. The porters carry all the tents along the Trail, but you will be responsible for including your sleeping bag and mat in the 6kg duffel bag allowance. The hike is beautiful and difficult both physically and mentally. The Inca Trail hike marked our second time visiting Machu Picchu, and arriving via the Sun Gate with sweaty brows and tired feet rather than taking the morning bus from Aguas Caliente with thousands of others clearly underlined to us that it is the best way to arrive at one of the worlds most iconic attractions. Inca Trail Map: Trekking to Machu Picchu - Peru For Less As Brits, we fully appreciate that this can result in a bit of uncertainty and awkwardness for those of us who havent been raised in a tipping culture (just pay more in wages, no? Everything is set for you to walk the Inca Trail. Malaria and yellow fever are not a risk in this area. As of 2016[update], 500 permits are issued for each day. Of course, dont forget your camera, with extra battery packs and memory cards. However, the altitude at its highest point is 13,776 ft or 4200m, which can sometimes cause problems for hikers. The trail continues to ascend, passing a small lake named Quchapata (Cochapata)[6] in an area that is recognized as deer habitat. 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. And during the trek, it's also vital that you ascend towards Machu Picchu as slowly as possible. Take a break to catch your breath and enjoy the spectacular views of the Urubamba River below the sites green terraces. After the ruins, the trail continues its ascent to the top of the pass at 3975m (13,035ft). For your main and assistant guide, 25 - 50 soles for the former and 10 - 25 soles for the latter is advised per hiker. ), but after your time on the Trail you will be left in no doubt that those porters deserve an extra bit of cash to recognise their sterling work and to support their own endeavours in life. 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. Once you arrive, you will then have half a day to explore the ruins of Machu Picchu before heading back to Cusco by train. 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. Pack thermal undergarments, a warm hat, and gloves for evenings. 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. Inca Trail to Machu Picchu - 5 day Trek Itinerary (non commercial site) Rooted in Inca heritage, this centuries-old path gives hikers the chance to walk in the footsteps of pre-Columbian royalty. And it ends at the incredible Machu Picchu. Ask your Travel Advisor about adding a porter that can carry up to 18 lb (8 kg) or 33 lb (15 kg). At Wayllapampa the trail to Machu Picchu turns west and begins ascending along a tributary of the Cusichaka. Here you will get all the inside information on the hike from someone who has spent a lot of time researching it and completed it firsthand. Inca Trail permits are usually available, except for holiday weeks, such as the end of December. It promotes sustainable and responsible travel for the curious modern day explorer. The 4-day Inca Trail is 30 miles (49 km) in length. This steep ascent reaches 4,215m (13,829ft) above sea level. Ive hiked all over the USA and other parts of the world but nothing has ever affected me in such a way as the Inca Trail did. The overall distance of the Quarry Trail is about 26km (the Inca Trail is 43km) and the maximum altitude is 4,450m above sea level (the Inca Trail's highest point is Dead Woman's Pass at 4,215m). I can hardly carry my petite wife for more than 20 seconds yet somehow our porters and guide managed for hours on end. Each evening, water is collected from nearby streams, boiled, and left to cool overnight. This means that - although many of Perus best hikes, like the Colca Canyon, are possible to do independently - you can only do the Inca Trail with an approved tour company and spaces are capped. With high-altitude hikes, it's best to think of . Feedback we frequently receive from our travelers is how impressive the meals are on the Inca Trail.
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