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Everything You Need To Know About the Inca Trail

Everything You Need To Know About the Inca Trail

The Inca Trail is a hiking trail in Peru that continues for 4 days and 3 nights and leads travellers all the way to Machu Picchu exclusively through the Sun Gate. The trail is only 26 miles long but comprises of steep, narrow Andean mountain paths at high altitude.

The hike offers a spectacular sight at the end when you reach the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu at sunrise.

Most part of the trail is the original Inca constructed trail which is considered a true testament to Incan engineering. It passes through several Andean landscapes like lush cloud forest and alpine tundra.

Everything You Need To Know About the Inca Trail

Popularity of the Trail

The real reason behind the popularity of this trail is the experience that trekkers gain when passing through the Sun Gate for that first magical sighting of Machu Picchu which only Inca Trail hikers can access at sunrise.

Permits for the Inca Trail

The Inca Trail is limited to 500 people per day throughout the year. Therefore, it is necessary for everyone to obtain permits in advance for the hike. You can secure this permit from an approved tour provider.

Best Time to Hike the Inca Trail

The best time for the trail is between May to September when the weather is relatively dry. The months between June and August are busy and should be avoided. The trail is closed in the month of February for maintenance.

It is also recommended that you should plan your trip to coincide with the full moon as the region experiences best weather during the full moon and offers surreal experience to visitors.

Everything You Need To Know About the Inca Trail

How difficult is the Inca Hike?

The hike begins at 8,530 feet elevation and climbs to about 14,000 feet reaching the highest point known as the Dead Woman’s pass. People suffer problems of altitude sickness at such height.

The trail includes hiking days as long as 10 hours. Therefore, you need to train yourself and your body before going to the hike.

Training to Hike the Inca Trail

You should practice hiking before starting the final hike and then you can increase your intensity by carrying backpacks and add longer hikes to your weekly schedule. Training your body to handle strenuous activity will prepare you for the best hiking experience.

The classic Inca Trail trek is the best hike to experience the ancient civilization in the Andes Mountains. Adventure seekers and hikers love such challenge of a multi-day hike through sacred mountains at high altitude.

About the author

Happy Gringo Tours

About Author

Marko Andinauta

Article Written by

Marko Andinauta

My name is Marko Andinauta, (I'm Machu Picchu & Inca Trail Guide), I have hiked more than 500 times the famous INCA TRAIL in more than ten years (2007 – 2019); and I have survived the highest point of the Inka Trail “dead woman’s pass at 4215 M - 13780 Ft”; also more than 500 times. Unfortunately, my knee cartilages could not support more to keep hiking The Legendary Inca trail to Machu Picchu. Therefore; I created Happy Gringo Tours Channel to keep working in the same industry; giving information on YOUTUBE about the Inca Trail hike and inviting you to travel to Machu Picchu with us. I got enough knowledge to give you concrete information for unforgettable tours in Peru. We are Official Inca Trail, Machu Picchu tours, and alternative treks Operator.

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