Hiking the Inca Trail, Peru
Here's everything you need to know for a trip down the Inca Trail…
There are several ways you can hike on down the Inca trail. I highly recommend using a tour company and going with a group. It's a lot to do on your own, including hiking and camping permits, maps, food, gear, safety, etc. We work with Journey Machu Picchu, and highly recommend them. They are reliable, accommodating and have fantastic guides. You can find more information about them by contacting us. Just to give you an idea, this is what comes the tour package:
- Pick up at the hotel
- Bilingual guide
- Porters for camping equipment
- All meals during the hike
- Chef
- Tents
- Official hiking permit
- Machu Picchu permit
- Machu Picchu guided tour
- Train ticket to Ollantaytambo train station
- Shuttle service back to Cusco
You start your trip in the Sacred Valley or CuscoThe company will pick you up from the hotel relatively early on the morning of your hike. From there, drive about an hour to Kilometer 82, a famous trailhead, to begin the trek.
On the trail
There are various trip lengths to choose from ranging from a few days to a week. A few years ago our team spent 4 days on the trail going through every terrain you could imagine. We would be in a misty rainforest one minute and high above the clouds with the sun beating down the next. We would stop and rest or camp in local villages or designated camping sites. There were also some incredible historical sites that cannot be accessed unless you are hiking the trail. The history of Peru and its people is eclectic and long-lived.
Each day will be a bit different depending on what you're hiking through, where your following location is, the weather, and how fast your group is. Most days include early mornings. Breakfast will be served, and you'll get packed up before starting the hike. You'll hike for several hours and, at some point, stop for lunch. Of course, there will be various opportunities to stop for site seeing, snacks, and water. After finishing up the trail to your following sleeping site, you'll have dinner and relax for the evening or head straight to bed.
Depending on the tour company, if you choose to go with one, you might have Sherpas carrying your belongings. Most likely, they will bring food, tents, bags, and other equipment, and you will be responsible for your day pack with snacks, layers, water, sunscreen, etc. Be sure to pack as light as possible. You don't need much. I've left our packing list below.
Machu Picchu
On the very last day of the trail, the day you make it to Machu Picchu. You will likely wake up around 4 am to get in line to head to pass the Machu Picchu reserve. This is where you will show your permits for Machu Picchu. From here, you will hike to the Sun Gate, where you get the first glimpse of the incredible Machu Picchu. Once you head down, you can explore all Machu Picchu offers. If you're up to for it, hike Huayna Picchu for an added bonus.
End the day with a long, late lunch or delicious dinner in Aguas Calientes before either spending the night or hopping on the train back to Cusco.
Packing list
The proper equipment is vital for any hiking or outdoor trip. Better to be overprepared than underprepared. That being said, you must be mindful about weight, whether or not you're carrying your own gear. If you are spending time in Peru before or after your hike, I recommend packing a separate bag for the trail and leaving your other belongings that won't be useful at your hotel accommodation. Most likely, the tour company will provide you with weights limits. Also keep in mind that it is better to be weather resistant and warm than stylish. The evenings may get a bit chilly, and you will definitely want layers for the night. It got down to 30 degrees in the tent one night, so we slept in our down puffer coats. However, sometimes during the day, it can be in the 80s, and you'll want to be in shorts and a t-shirt. This will vary depending on the time of year as well. I'll say it again - BRING LAYERS. And make sure to bring multiple layers in your day pack because the terrain is truly ever-changing on the trail.
• Hiking shoes
• Trekking style pants – zip off pants to shorts are ideal
• T-shirts/tank tops
• Lightweight, long sleeve
• Jacket – we brought high quality, lightweight down puffers, and they were very useful
• Rain jacket – depending on the time of year
• Hat
• Sunglasses
• Small flashlight
• Walking sticks – not necessary but useful
• Reusable water bottle !!
• Slides/slip-on shoes to wear at campsite
• Spare socks - it will get damp and muddy in some parts, I highly suggest proper hiking socks
• Easily removable clothing - during the trek, it will range from warm, cold, rainy, maybe some snow, sunny again, etc. So removing and putting clothing back on quickly is key to feeling comfortable.
• Set of thermals or sweats for overnight
• Sunscreen - it can be sunny and not warm, but since we are so high in altitude, you can still get pretty sunburnt
• Lip balm - same principle as sunscreen, the dry wind + altitude can do quite a number on your lips
• Other toiletries
• Wet wipes – suitable for cleaning your body off since you will not have access to showers
• Insect repellent
• Any medicine you may need
• Snacks!! – they will have some, but we brought trail mix, power bars, etc.
• Sleeping bags - you can bring your own or rent them with the company. Likely the rest of the camping supplies will also be provided
• Backpack - you don't need a big trekking backpack, just something where you can store items you want access to at all times (snacks, water, deodorant, toilet paper, etc.)
• Passport & insurance
• Cash for tipping the guide & sherpas
Prepping
A question we get often and I'm sure others think about before going on the trail or even considering going on the trail - do you need to prepare or train for the hike? If you are generally fit and healthy, I would say no (Always talk to your doctor though!). There are definitely some strenuous parts of the trail, and you are hiking for most of the day on various terrain. If you do not hike or exercise often, I recommend starting several months before your hike. This is primarily important because of the altitude at which you will be hiking. At some points of the trail, you are above 14000 ft, and even if you are an avid hiker, you will feel it. But as our guide kept repeating, "slow and steady wins the race."
This will be an experience you will never forget. You may not want to do it again right away, there was nothing I wanted to do besides getting a massage and sleep, but you will cherish that feeling of hard work, culture, and accomplishment for a lifetime.
