INCA TRAIL PERU

The Inca Trail hike, or Qhapac Ñan, is an ancient network of roads that stretches for more than 18,641 miles throughout South America. These trails linked the main cities of the Tahuantinsuyo. However, nowadays the term “Inca Trail” refers specifically to the most recognized stretch that connects with the citadel of Machu Picchu, with a length of 44 km/27 miles.

The Inca Trail is made up of a series of amazing stone constructions, bridges and tunnels that adapt to the rugged terrain of the Andes.

The difficulty of the Inca Trail Peru varies according to the day of activity, with the second day being more challenging. During the entire trek you will cross diverse terrain, such as cobblestone paths, steep stairs, mountain passes, and areas with high altitudes. The highest point of the hike is the Warmiwañusca pass, also known as Dead Woman’s Pass, at an altitude of 4,215 m/13,828 ft.

The altitude and steep terrain can make the hike difficult, especially for those who are not accustomed to these conditions. In addition to the physical challenges, it is necessary to deal with the weather conditions.

Solo se puede conseguir disponibilidad para el Camino Inca mediante una agencia de viajes autorizada y con experiencia en la organización de este tipo de excursiones. Estas agencias se encargan de gestionar los permisos necesarios, brindar guías capacitados, coordinar el transporte, el alojamiento y otros servicios relacionados con la caminata.

To hike the Inca Trail Peru, it is recommended to be in good physical condition and in good health. Trekking involves walking long distances, crossing rugged terrain and facing significant altitude changes.

It is important to have cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength and flexibility to complete the trek safely and satisfactorily.

In addition, it is essential to consult with a physician before embarking on the trek to ensure that there are no medical conditions that could jeopardize your health during the trip.

In general, private tours and group tours are very similar, but the difference is that on private tours, you will only be traveling with those people you are traveling with, regardless of whether they are family members or friends, whereas on group tours, you will encounter people from all over the world.

We prefer that all outstanding payments be made in CASH upon arrival in Cusco. We accept both US dollars and Peruvian soles.

However, we recognize that carrying large amounts of cash can be a concern when traveling long distances. Therefore, we also accept most major credit cards, including Visa and MasterCard, in our office. Please note that these companies charge additional fees for transactions, for which we charge a 5% commission. Payments may also be made through PayPal and we will be happy to assist you throughout the process.

Because of the saturation of the Inca Trail hike, measures have been taken to protect these sacred trails. These measures include limiting the number of daily visitors to the Inca Trail. Only authorized Inca Trail travel agencies, such as Waman Adventures, are able to obtain permits from the corresponding authorities to enter the Inca Trail Peru.

• Travel Agencies

In order to operate on the Inca Trail, travel agencies must meet certain requirements and obtain the appropriate permits.

It is required that they obtain a license from Peru’s Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism (MINCETUR), as well as a special permit to operate the Inca Trail from Cusco’s Directorate of Culture (DCC).

• Travelers

In order to participate in the Inca Trail tour, tourists must have contracted the services through an agency. They are required to carry the original passport used when making the reservation throughout the entire tour. Copies and other forms of identification will not be accepted.

A passport is a fundamental requirement for entering the Inca Trail. If you do not have one already, you should obtain it as soon as possible. If your passport expires before your Inca Trail trek, you will need to renew it before your trip. To accomplish this, you must gather the necessary documents, including your expired passport, complete the application form, take updated passport photos, and pay the corresponding fees.

It is important to schedule an appointment with the embassy or consulate of your country, bring the required documents and submit them during the appointment. Start this process well in advance to ensure that your passport is up-to-date before you embark on your journey to the Inca Trail.

Waman can store your luggage for free during the Inca Trail. If you have luggage that is not necessary for your trek, you can also store it at your hotel in Cusco. Most hotels offer this service free of charge.

We have included the famous Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu in many of our multi-day tour packages, these include pick-ups and transfers from the airport.

In this context, we must clarify that, upon arrival at the Cusco airport, you will be told where to wait for our transfer or staff to take you to your hotel. You should leave the disembarkation area and find our team holding a sign with your name and ready to transfer you.

If there are any last minute changes to your arrival flight details, please LET US KNOW the new arrival details as soon as possible through our email or phone numbers.

For those with knee problems or discomfort in their legs, we recommend rubber-tipped trekking poles. The Inca Trail will continually challenge you with steep climbs, narrow paths, stone steps made by the Incas, and long descents.

Trekking poles will assist you in maintaining your balance and will reduce the impact of your own weight on your knees.

Waman Adventures rents trekking poles for $ 15.00 USD.

Actually, there are no age limits to do the Inca Trail. However, at Inkayni Peru Tours as an authorized and responsible travel agency, we will only accept reservations for children under 7 years old if the parents assume full responsibility for them during the trek.

• All children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
• As a safety precaution, all passengers 60 years and older must hire an additional porter (12 kg).
• We also suggest that they acknowledge all medical recommendations, even if this means canceling their travel plans. We recommend that all clients 60 years of age or older arrive in Cusco at least 3 days prior to their departure date so that they can acclimatize and be fit for their trek.
• Passengers over the age of 55 are advised to consult their physician before booking and before traveling in order to ensure that they are in good health to participate in a multi-day trek at high altitude.

Porters are the most important people on the Inca Trail Peru, as only they are allowed to carry belongings and tools to the campsites.

These brave workers are the last to leave and the first to arrive at the campsites, carrying heavy loads along the steep and difficult trails, allowing visitors to enjoy the trek without the extra burden.

The porters are also local experts who provide route knowledge, share stories and provide logistical support. Their presence not only eases the physical burden on hikers, but also contributes to the local economy by generating employment and opportunities for communities near the Inca Trail.

No pack animals such as mules or horses are allowed on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in order to preserve the integrity of the Inca trails. However, llamas and alpacas are animals native to the region and can be seen during the trek and in Machu Picchu.

The responsibility of transporting all the cooking and camping equipment falls on the porters, who are in charge of distributing this equipment.

If you are vegetarian or vegan, you should inform the agency so that they can offer you food options suited to your needs. This way, you will be able to enjoy a personalized and satisfying gastronomic experience during your trip.

The Inca Trail menu offers a full breakfast that may consist of coffee, a coca leaf drink, hot chocolate and a variety of teas. Also served are scrambled eggs, omelets, fruit salad, quinoa porridge, fresh orange juice, papaya, French toast, cereal, milk, oatmeal.

Lunches are varied and include dishes that may contain beef, chicken, fish, pasta salads, quinoa soups, chifa/chaufa, vegetables, stuffed potato, ceviche, meat skewers and other dishes accompanied by appetizers and desserts.

Dinners offer a wide selection that may include vegetable salads, Andean pizza, stuffed chicken, pasta, pork chop, sautéed vegetables, soups and delicious desserts.

At the end of the day, during happy hour you can enjoy hot beverages such as chocolate, milk, coffee, a variety of teas, cookies, popcorn, and fried and stuffed wantan.

Yes, there is no additional charge for these needs. During the booking process, please inform us of any dietary needs or requirements you may have, including any food allergies you may have.

We provide clean water at every meal. You’re responsible for bringing water only for your first morning of the hike since we won’t have time to filter water until your first lunch. Water is filtered, boiled, and then cooled daily at every meal so that hikers can refill their water bottles and hydration packs for each leg of the hike.

Please note that this is a hiking tour; therefore, taking a shower isn’t feasible every day of the trek. However, showers are available at the third campsite (Wiñay Huayna), which has hot water. We recommend bringing wet wipes for the other days to feel fresher during the journey.

Certainly, you’ll have access to bathrooms along the Inca Trail, including installed bathrooms along the route and also portable ones.

Bathrooms have been added along the Inca Trail, featuring ‘squat’ toilets at the main campsites. The situation isn’t always perfect.

All bathrooms have cold running water. We recommend bringing hand sanitizer to use after visiting public restrooms. Hot water and soap will be provided before each meal.

It’s essential to know that at Waman Adventures, we offer eco-friendly portable toilets to ensure a sustainable and optimal experience during the Inca Trail journey. Our toilets are comfortable, clean, and environmentally friendly.

If you wish to secure a spot on the Inca Trail, it’s advisable to make reservations well in advance to ensure your preferred date.

For months like June, July, and August, we recommend booking the previous year starting from October. Every year, in the first weeks of October, the Inca Trail booking system will open for the next year, and some dates will sell out within minutes.

During peak season, we recommend booking at least 6 to 8 months in advance; for the low season, at least 3 months in advance.

Absolutely! With Inkayni Peru Tours, you have the option to book the classic Inca Trail privately at an additional cost. The price varies based on the size of the private group. If you choose a private tour, you’ll enjoy exclusive services that include your own chef, porters, personal guide, bathroom tent, and dining tent.

However, it’s important to note that even if you opt for a private trek, there might be other groups camping and trekking on the same trail, so you won’t be entirely alone during this experience.

Unfortunately, the answer is no. Once the permits or entry tickets are purchased, the government doesn’t allow changes, so we can’t modify the departure date after your purchase. Tickets are neither transferable nor refundable.

It’s important to ensure you’re booking the correct dates! Double-check the date on your booking form since we acquire permits as soon as we receive your form and deposit. Spaces are often limited, and we must secure them immediately.

Permits are paid in full upon completing the reservation and deposit, meaning that if dates are changed, it will be necessary to purchase entirely new permits. All permits and tickets issued by the Peruvian government are non-refundable and non-transferable.

No, Inca Trail permits cannot be transferred or refunded. Once a permit is issued, it’s not possible to transfer it to another person.

Inkayni Peru Tours operates with a group size ranging from two to a maximum of eight people. Our aim is to provide all our trekkers with the best possible trekking experience. Opting for small groups allows for closer connections with fellow travelers and ensures an exceptional trekking experience.

To reserve classic Inca Trail permits, it’s necessary to do so through a travel agency authorized by the Ministry of Culture of Peru.

Only authorized local tour operators registered like Inkayni Peru Tours can reserve Inca Trail permits in Cusco. You cannot obtain the permits on your own and must travel with a tour guide, chef, and porters.

It’s important to note that Inca Trail permits sell out quickly, especially during peak season, so it’s recommended to make reservations well in advance.

By booking permits through an authorized agency, you ensure compliance with legal requirements and obtain the necessary authorization to access the Inca Trail legally and safely.

The weather on the Inca Trail and in the Andes, in general, depends on the season. From April to October, the dry season prevails. From November to March, the rainy season occurs, with February being the wettest month. The months of June to August mark the peak of winter in Peru, with June being the coldest month at night. However, due to climate change, the weather has become more variable in recent years.

It’s advisable to prepare for both sun and rain, regardless of when you come. Temperatures remain consistent throughout the year, with mornings and evenings always being cold.

The climate along the Inca Trail changes according to the season you travel in. During the dry season, the days are typically quite hot and dry, while nights in the Wayllabamba and Pacaymayo campsites are chilly. From the third day onwards, the heat intensifies as you descend into the high jungle where Machu Picchu is located.

It’s highly likely that you may experience altitude sickness upon arriving in Cusco if you’re not accustomed to altitudes above 3000 meters above sea level. Therefore, most people experience symptoms like headaches, shortness of breath, nausea, among others.

Although it’s not something to overly worry about, you should pay close attention to the symptoms to prevent discomfort during the Inca Trail.

Here are some tips to counteract altitude sickness:

• Drink considerable amounts of water.
• Avoid consuming alcoholic beverages before or after your arrival; wait until you acclimate at least.
• Refrain from eating red meat in the first few days.
• Consume fruits or light soups.
• Coca tea is beneficial but avoid drinking it at night as it causes insomnia and not excessively during the day as it accelerates heart rate.

Classic Inca Trail:

• Day 1: 5 hours
• Day 2: 6 hours
• Day 3: 8 hours
• Day 4: 2 hours”

Yes, you can! The possibility of undertaking the Inca Trail with a disability depends on various factors, such as your level of disability, physical condition, and available support. Our team will be happy to evaluate your case individually and provide you with the necessary information to carry out your adventure on the Inca Trail.

It’s important to note that the Inca Trail covers a distance of approximately 44 kilometers (27 miles) and presents mountainous and steep terrain. Therefore, it’s essential to undergo an individual assessment of your physical abilities, consult a doctor, and seek the opinion of specialized tourism experts to make informed decisions and ensure your safety during the journey.

The briefing is crucial as it’s where you’ll meet your guide. Throughout this meeting, the guide will explain essential details about the trek on the Inca Trail.

To facilitate your hike, we’ll provide you with a duffle bag where you can pack your personal belongings and what’s necessary for the 4 days you’ll spend on the Inca Trail.

During this meeting, you can pay the remaining balance of the tour.