Pre-Trip Preparations

What to Pack for the Tour Your packing should be split into two parts: your daypack and your duffel bag for the porters. Your daypack must contain essentials for the day’s hike: water, snacks, sun hat, sunscreen, rain gear, a warm fleece, camera, and your original passport. Your duffel bag will hold your sleeping bag, extra clothes for the evenings, toiletries, and other items you won’t need until you reach the campsite.

Physical Fitness and Training This is a challenging trek and you must be in good physical shape. Your training should focus on building stamina and leg strength. Activities like hiking on hills, running, using a stair-climber machine, or cycling are effective. The goal is to be comfortable with sustained physical activity for 4-6 hours at a time. The more prepared you are, the more you will enjoy the experience.

Health and Safety

Understanding and Managing Altitude Altitude sickness is a real risk. Symptoms can range from mild (headache, nausea) to severe. Acclimatization is the best prevention. Move slowly, stay hydrated, and consider talking to your doctor about medication like Acetazolamide (Diamox). If you feel unwell on the trail, inform your guide immediately. They are trained to handle altitude-related issues.

Essential Health Precautions Beyond altitude, it’s important to be careful with food and water. Drink only bottled or properly treated water. Be cautious with uncooked food or items from street vendors in the cities. It is mandatory to have travel insurance that covers medical evacuation from remote areas. Carry a personal first-aid kit with any specific medications you need.

On Location in Peru

Climate and Best Time to Travel The Andean region has two distinct seasons. The dry season runs from April to October and is generally considered the best time to trek, with more sunny days. However, nights are very cold. The wet season is from November to March, characterized by more frequent rain but milder temperatures. The Inca Trail is closed for all of February.

Local Culture and People The people of the high Andes are primarily of Quechua descent. They are known for their resilience, strong community bonds, and colorful textiles. It is important to be respectful when interacting with them. Always ask permission before taking photographs, especially of children. Learning a few words in Spanish or Quechua, like “gracias” (thank you), is appreciated.

Food and Drink to Try Peruvian food is diverse. In Cusco, try lomo saltado (stir-fried beef with onions, tomatoes, and french fries) or aji de gallina (shredded chicken in a creamy pepper sauce). The national drink is the Pisco Sour. On the trek, the food will be simpler but designed for energy, with lots of soups, pasta, rice, and potatoes.

Accommodation Details The tour uses a mix of accommodations. In cities like Cusco and Ollantaytambo, you will stay in standard tourist-class hotels that are clean and comfortable. On the Inca Trail, you will sleep in mountain tents for three nights. The camping is organized by the crew, but facilities are basic, with shared toilets and no showers.

Tour Suitability

Who Should Take This Tour This tour is recommended for people who are physically active and have a spirit of adventure. You should be comfortable with multi-day hiking and basic camping conditions. It is ideal for those with a strong interest in history, archaeology, and nature. It is not suitable for individuals with serious heart or lung conditions, mobility problems, or a fear of heights.

How difficult is the Inca Trail trek? The trek is rated as challenging. It involves four consecutive days of walking for several hours, with significant changes in elevation. The trail includes long, steep stone staircases. Good physical condition and proper acclimatization are necessary to complete it successfully.

Do I absolutely need a permit for the Inca Trail? Yes, a permit is mandatory. The Peruvian government strictly limits access to protect the site. Permits must be bought months in advance through a licensed tour company using your exact passport details. You cannot trek the classic trail without one.

What is the alternative if Inca Trail permits are sold out? If permits are gone, most operators will offer an alternative trek, such as the Salkantay Trek or the Lares Trek. These routes go through different but equally impressive Andean landscapes and also end with a visit to Machu Picchu, though they don’t arrive via the Sun Gate.

What is the food like on the trek? The food is typically very good and is prepared by a dedicated cook. Meals are designed to be high in energy, with lots of carbohydrates. Breakfast might be porridge or pancakes, lunch is often a multi-course meal, and dinner is usually soup followed by a main dish.

Are there toilets and showers on the trail? There are basic toilet blocks at the designated campsites. The condition of these toilets can be poor. There are no showers. Your trekking crew will provide a bowl of warm water each morning and evening for you to wash your hands and face.

What is the maximum group size? Tour groups on the Inca Trail are limited by regulation to a maximum of 16 travelers, not including the crew. This helps to reduce the human impact on the trail and allows for a better experience for each trekker.

Is there a minimum age for this trip? Yes, most companies set a minimum age, which is often 15 years old, due to the physical demands and risks of the trek. All travelers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Why is the Inca Trail closed in February? The government closes the Inca Trail every February for annual maintenance and cleanup. This period allows conservation teams to repair the path and lets the surrounding ecosystem recover from a year of foot traffic, ensuring its long-term preservation.

Can I rent equipment like a sleeping bag and trekking poles? Yes, rental shops are common in Cusco. You can easily rent good quality sleeping bags rated for cold temperatures and adjustable trekking poles. Renting is a practical option if you do not own this equipment or prefer not to travel with it.

How much money should I budget for tips? Tipping is a personal choice but is a standard way to thank the trekking crew. A common guideline is to budget between $50 and $70 USD per trekker. The guide will typically collect this on the last night and distribute it fairly among the porters and cook.

What is the currency in Peru? The local currency is the Peruvian Sol (PEN). While US dollars are sometimes accepted in tourist-focused businesses in Cusco, it is best to carry local currency for smaller purchases, tipping, and in more rural areas. ATMs are widely available in Cusco.

What is ‘Dead Woman’s Pass’? ‘Dead Woman’s Pass’, or Warmiwañusca in Quechua, is the highest point of the classic Inca Trail, at an altitude of 4,215 meters (13,828 feet). It is a long, strenuous climb and represents the most challenging single day of the trek.

How much of my own gear do I have to carry? You are only responsible for carrying your own daypack. This should contain everything you need for the day’s hike. A team of porters will carry the larger duffel bags with your clothes and sleeping bag, along with all the camping and cooking equipment.

What happens if I get sick on the trail? The guides are trained in first aid and will carry an emergency oxygen tank. If your condition is serious or you cannot continue, the guide will arrange for an evacuation, which usually involves a porter escorting you to the nearest exit point for transport to a clinic.

Can I use my cell phone or get Wi-Fi on the trail? You should not expect any cell service or Wi-Fi for the entire four-day duration of the trek. The route is in a remote mountainous area. It is a time to be disconnected from the digital world and fully present in your surroundings.