Ask your Travel Advisor for more details. 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). The Inca Trail is one of the most famous hikes in the world. Keep in mind, regardless of how much or how little you pay for your tour, the vast majority of that money does not go to the guys that do the heavy lifting. 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. Alternatively, this highly rated four-day Inca Trail tour has loads of excellent reviews, allows free cancellation), and is even cheaper than the above tour meaning its a good option for those on a tighter budget. Marci Vaughn Kolt. As of 2016[update], 500 permits are issued for each day. Q: What is the cost of hiking the Inca Trail? 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. If you happen to change your passport between booking and arriving at the entry checkpoint at Km.82 (where they check your passport), then contact your tour company for advice. 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. Yes, the trekking team will provide drinking water every morning and at each meal. You will pass several unforgettable Incan sites like two Incan tunnels that are carved right out of the mountainside. Home Blog The ULTIMATE Guide to Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. What is the best time of year to hike the Inca Trail, How much does it cost to hike the Inca Trail, Can you do the Inca Trail without a guide, Do you need a permit to hike the Inca Trail. We told you that these guys were absolute heroes. Malaria and yellow fever are not a risk in this area. So whats the Inca Trail hikes difficulty like? Pros | The chance of rain, as the name would suggest, is significantly reduced and you can expect hot, dry mornings and afternoons. If this is the case, you have plenty of options for hiking in the Andes: Camping equipment, daily meals, and boiled drinking water are provided by your trekking team. The highest point of the pass is 3,700m (12,136 ft). A narrow path of 98 stairs leads to this impressive ruin surrounded by cliffs on three sides and overlooking the Aobamba Valley. If your budget is a little higher, or youd prefer a longer organised tour in Peru, they also offer a 14-day National Geographic Iconic Peru tour which includes the Inca Trail, the Amazon, Lake Titicaca, and return flights from Lima - Cusco. The Inca Trail in Peru, South America - G Adventures Altitude on the Inca Trail. 30 miles (49 km), Highest Elevation: The trail passes through diverse microclimates each day. The trail begins at Km 82 of the Inca Trail and ends at Machu Picchu's Sun Gate. Before leaving, I had heard horror stories about the difficulty of the hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. When packing your bag, keep in mind that a sleeping bag and sleeping pad account for 5.5 lbs (2.5 kg) of the total weight. Just remember that the 2 soles youll pay to enter the modern squeaky clean toilets at the Machu Picchu site will be money very very well spent. Instead, youre treated to an entry at the Sun Gate just after sunrise (expect about 6-7 a.m.) and then a wonderful descent down to an uncrowded Machu Picchu with special views of it all the way (trust us, its much better than queueing in the pitch black Aguas from 4 a.m. in the morning to get on the first bus up to then queue at the ticket gate). February: Inca Trail is closed for maintenance. The good news is that its a lot shorter than you may expect at only 40 kms (25 miles). The tents are all two-person, meaning you will either be sharing with a friend/other half, or a randomly assigned member of the same sex. This train stop is the halfway through the railway that connects Ollantaytambo with Machu Picchu. . Theyre easy to use, professional and relatively affordable. Per Inca Trail and Machu Picchu regulations, hiking poles must have rubber tips. Cuzco Region Machu Picchu Peru. World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. By staying there before your walk, you will give your body time to acclimate to the altitude of the . 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. A good rule of thumb is to give yourself and your body two easy days at altitude to acclimatise to the change, and to keep yourself well hydrated throughout. As with any trek, you should take proper precautions and make sure that you bring the correct gear and clothing. If you dont invest in one of these excellent bottles, both of which weve tried and tested, then at least bring a refillable water bottle with you. The next step is to pick your dates and start the process of booking your Inca Trail permit. 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). Chachabamba: 6,725 ft (2,050 m) Here, you will be introduced to the rest of the trekking team, who will accompany you on your adventure. At 4,215m, it's the highest point of the Inca Trail and is nearly 1,800m higher than Machu Picchu! A short downhill walk is the final section of the trail.[11]. Next, the Sayaqmarka ("steep-place town") is reached followed by the tampu Qunchamarka. Get insured. Hiking poles to help ease impact on knees on downhills. Inca Trail weather during the shoulder months is variable and it is common to experience all four seasons in one day. Drink water from ANYWHERE. Let your Travel Advisor know if you'd be interested, as Inca Trail permits also need to be purchased in advance for porters. INCA TRAIL ELEVATION - Daily Hike Gain From Easiest to Hardest All permits are paired with an individual passport and are not transferable. What we found the hardest was the sleeping at the altitude than hiking during the day. After the Sun gate, it is a short and scenic downhill walk to Machu Picchu. Nights are warmer compared to the dry season. Hike through the cloud forest on a gentle climb to the second pass of the day, walking through original Incan constructions. This aint no walk in the park unless you like your walk in the parks accompanied by blood-tingling cliff-drops and ruins of ancient South American empires. Pack light, pack smart, and pack for two very different temperatures - thats the key advice for every Inca Trail experience. 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. If the sky is clear, the views of Llulluchapampa Valley are phenomenal. Note in the sectional view of the trail map that Abra de Warmiwanusca is the highest point in the trek with an elevation of 13,795 feet (4,205 meters). Porters can be hired to carry up to 18 lb (8 kg) or 33 lb (15 kg). You will also benefit from training your legs to walk/hike on stairways or steep slopes. As an Amazon Associate, Machu Picchu Trek earns from qualifying purchases. Hiking the Inca Trail is challenging due to the high elevation (maximum 13,828 ft/4,215 m) and steep stone steps in some parts. For all the essential details on visiting Machu Picchu independently, read this post.