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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. No matter the season, make sure to bring a rain jacket or poncho as there is always the chance of showers in the Andes. Unfortunately, this is the day that things went south for a couple of members of our team. Private porters can be hired to carry either 18 lbs (8 kg) or 33 lbs (15 kg) of your personal belongings. (2001) Turn Right at Macho Picchu. Home Blog The ULTIMATE Guide to Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Inca trail 4D/3N - Review of SAM Travel Peru, Cusco, Peru - Tripadvisor 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. Whatever equipment you bring, you may not always get the best nights sleep - and it may be quite chilly in the evening - but its all part of the experience! However, the altitude at its highest point is 13,776 ft or 4200m, which can sometimes cause problems for hikers. There are no ATMs along the way. Hiking the Inca Trail is a feat of endurance that is just as much about the mind as the body. After all, reaching Machu Picchu is the reason that many of you will be considering this hike in the first place! At the very least, you will find it difficult to breathe as the air becomes thinner higher up. Per Inca Trail and Machu Picchu regulations, hiking poles must have rubber tips. Each morning and night you will also be provided a bowl of warm water with which to freshen up. At the small village Wayllapampa ("grassy plain", Wayllabamba) the trail intersects with the "Mollepata Trail" at 3,000 metres (9,800ft).[3]. The highest point is at Dead Woman's Pass, which is about halfway through the hike. It makes sense to buy them in Cusco or Ollantaytambo, although on Days One and Two of the trail you will find women along the Trail with makeshift stalls selling drinks, biscuits, and sweets. For this reason, all Adventure Life trips involving this hike require spending at . There are three important things to note here: 1: The Inca Trail is not about finishing each day as quickly as possible; we felt that our group could have lingered a little more on sections of the hike and slowed our pace. Inca Trail Map: Trekking to Machu Picchu - Peru For Less right now). After celebrating your arrival to the top and snapping some photos, descend toward the Pacaymayo campsite (11,788 ft/3,590 m). For the same reason, metal-tipped trekking poles are not allowed on the trail. Altitude pills can be the difference between a great trip and a terrible one. Remember to pack smart and pack light for the Inca Trail - find out exactly what you need to bring and leave behind in our Inca Trail Packing List. Instead, view the Inca Trail as your challenge, your motivation, and your deadline to start walking more, to lose some weight, and to make some positive changes before you fly to Peru (and if you need some inspiration, read this womans story). Later on, you will stop at Sayaqmarca. This site had been used as a camp site. Pack a hat, strong sunblock, and glasses for protection against the sun. In this article, you can find everything you need to know about altitudes on the Inca Trail. The trekking team will wake you before sunrise to ensure that you arrive at Machu Picchus Sun Gate by mid-morning. In the late afternoon, you will arrive at Wiay Wayna. If youll be taking an Inca Trail tour in rainy season, a little more spontaneity is possible, unless you have very specific dates in mind where it makes sense to get your booking in sooner rather than later. With G Adventures, two chefs are included as part of the support staff, and the unanimous opinion of our group was that those two performed absolute miracles. This will vary from tour to tour, and also may evolve as Machu Picchu continues to change its own rules and restrictions to abate UNESCOs concerns, but on our own tour we enjoyed a full morning to explore Machu Picchu from about 7 a.m. until 11.30 a.m. (we could have stayed another hour but by that point we were desperate for a beer and lunch!). . Thats an excellent jumping-off point for creating your Inca Trail packing list. 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. The hike reaches its highest point at the Wiay Wayna ruins, which are located at 8,694 ft (2,650 m). Ask your Travel Advisor about adding a porter that can carry up to 18 lb (8 kg) or 33 lb (15 kg). Nearby mountains are usually flanked by mist and the regions diverse flora is in full bloom. Please also be aware that permits are only issued with a tourists name and passport number and, once booked, they are non-changeable and non-transferable. Both True Traveller and and World Nomads are respected insurers who offer this coverage. If youre going to invest in a high quality travel sleeping bag, then read this post on the essential things to look for before buying. One kilometre along the trail, at an elevation of 3,750 metres (12,300ft) is the Inca tampu Runkuraqay, ruins which overlook the valley. The high season is June to August, but again make sure to book at least five to seven months in advance regardless of when you decide to travel. By staying there before your walk, you will give your body time to acclimate to the altitude of the . . The outline of the mountains at one point resembles a woman lying on her back. The best time of year to hike the Inca Trail is during the dry season (MaySeptember). If you choose to purchase through these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in 2023 It probably would have been glorious to see. A short downhill walk is the final section of the trail.[11]. If you are struggling, its their job to control the situation, help you get to camp, and also to manage the overall group schedule. Day Two: Early rise to hike through cloud forest and up to Dead Womans Pass and the descent to campsite. As with other sites that were being degraded due to overuse, camping is no longer allowed. The Classic 4-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is the most sought after trek in Peru. A very thin sleeping mat was included, and carried by the porter, but it was also possible to rent a thin air-mattress for S/45 / 10 / $13 / 11 which had to be stored in the duffel bag (and weighed around 1 kg). G Adventures minimum is 12 years old) . They may also let you buy or extend a policy once youve started your trip and are already abroad which is super handy.If theres one insurance company I trust, its World Nomads. SAM Travel Peru: Outstanding Inca Trail 2023 - See 3,262 traveler reviews, 2,463 candid photos, and great deals for Cusco, Peru, at Tripadvisor. Bring extra batteries for personal electronics like cameras and cell phones. Small, permanent settlements are located adjacent to the trail, and Wayllapampa has approximately 400 inhabitants (130 families) spread along this portion of the trail. Difficulty | High, this is the hardest day of walking but after you reach DWP, its mostly downhill. Yes, the Inca Trail is safe. The trail undulates, but overall ascends along the Cusichaka River. Day Four: Very early rise (3 a.m.) to reach the entry check-point and hike 1-2 hours to the Sun Gate and Machu Picchu. Bus | If youre travelling from Arequipa, then an overnight bus to Cusco is your best option. Secondly, for our G Adventures tour, we were each supplied with black duffel bags at the hotel. Nope, and this is one of the best things about it. Salkantay is a great Inca Trail alternative when permits are sold out or you'd simply like to avoid crowds. How long is the Inca trail (day by day hiking length). High probability of sunny weather. There is no minimum or maximum age limit for hikers on the Inca Trail, but tour companies will operate according to their own guidelines and policies (i.e. Bring a daypack to carry your overnight and personal belongings, water, and provided boxed lunch. We had always thought that hiking poles were only for old people and Austrians. The 4-Day Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu is one of the magnificent hikes I have ever done. Lastly, make sure you have the policy number, insurance provider, and emergency contact number on your person whilst hiking. The Grayl Geopress is the markets leading filtered water bottle protecting your tum from all the waterborne nasties. The highest point of the trail is Dead Women's Pass at just over 4200m. [7], Another high point at elevation of 3650m is crossed, followed by a campground, and then after a short descent, a site with extensive ruins. 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. 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. 7 things no-one tells you about the Inca Trail - Intrepid Travel Blog Protip:Thats exactly how I like my walks in the park. As your elevation increases, take note of how the ecosystems change. Located in the Andes mountain range, the trail passes through several types of Andean environments including cloud forest and alpine tundra. From what I have seen, the price is around $500-$700 USD per person. A long Inca tunnel and a viewpoint overlooking two valleys: the Urubamba and Aobamba (a broken word), are passed. Day 2 is the biggest elevation gain on your hike. If you don't, altitude sickness could make your first few days pretty uncomfortable. Your guide will take you on a 2.5-hour tour of the citadel, where you will learn about its fascinating history. We have these excellent lightweight sleeping bags, but its also possible to rent them - just note that the ones available for rental are bulky and weigh around 2 kgs. Highest point of the Inca Trail. Porters are instead responsible for carrying the tents, cooking supplies, food and additional camping equipment necessary along the trail. In addition, the temperatures on Mount Kilimanjaro can be much colder than on the Inca Trail and can reach below 20 F (-7C). Inca Trail permits are usually available, except for holiday weeks, such as the end of December. The good news is that it's a lot shorter than you may expect at only 40 kms (25 miles). 98 steps lead to this site, which is positioned on a cliff that affords splendid views of the Aobamba Valley. All the same, heres some must-bring packing for the Inca Trail: Finally, remember to pack light! We were literally in the middle of the Peruvian jungle with no easy way of evacuating her. The trail passes through diverse microclimates each day. Securing a permit is only possible with an approved tour provider, who buy these daily permits in advance.