How Difficult is the Inca Trail Trek ?

Traveling to Peru can be one of life’s great adventures. So much to see and do you will not know where to start. One of the most popular destinations of the South American nation is the imperial city of Cusco. Located 3500 meters above sea level, the city is shrouded in history, culture and a wonderful mix of Inca and Spanish architecture. After you have experienced what Cusco has to offer you will want to travel further afield. The Sacred Valley is a must see for the natural beauty you will experience.

But the thing that everyone wants to see and everybody aims for is Machu Picchu. No visit to Peru is complete without the ancient Inca Citadel. How to visit is the next thing that you will ask. There are 2 popular ways to get to Machu Picchu. The first and most popular is by train. There are 2 companies that offer this service, both with different services, from budget to luxury, both with many different departure times every day of the year. This is popular with day trippers and people staying overnight in Aguas Calientes.

The other popular way to visit Machu Picchu is by hiking. So, before you dismiss this option, many choose to do so, from young to old and have the experience of a lifetime. There are many different hikes that end at the Inca city, taking many different routes but the most famous is the Inca Trail.

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, follows in the footstep of the Inca from hundreds of years ago. There are 2 options that you can choose. The Classic 4 day Inca Trail, 4 days hiking through the wonderful Peruvian Andes, camping every night and learning about the Ancient Incas, ending in Machu Picchu. The other option is the Short 2 day Inca Trail, trekking one third of the Classic Inca Trail. On the short Inca Trail, you will stay the night in the town below, Aguas Calientes, experiencing Machu Picchu on day 2.

How difficult is the 4-day classic Inca Trail Hike?

So how difficult is the Inca Trail, you may want to know. The 4 day is a mental and physical challenge. The first day being a gentle stroll for more or less 5 hours.

The second day is where the challenge will start, there are 2 very steep high passes. The first one is at 4500 meters and will take you 2 to 3 hours to complete. The guide will be with you to help you to complete the passes. After the last pass the hike will be all down to the campsite. Total hiking on this day will be around 9 hours.

On day 3, the challenge will be the thousands of stone stairs that you will need to go down. Most take trekking poles to aid, these are a great help with the steps. All throughout the scenery and the views will help and make the hike worthwhile. Today will be hard on your knees. Total trekking on this day will be around 8 hours.

On day 4, an extremely early start for the trek to the Sun Gate. This trek is an hour and not that difficult, the only problem is that you will be walking in the dark for the most part. Before you arrive to the Sun Gate, there are a set of stairs, that will challenge even the best of us. Carved directly into the bedrock, it is best to climb on your hands and knees. Once at the Sun Gate, have your first view of Machu Picchu. Later hike down to Machu Picchu which will take an hour. Tour Machu Picchu for 2 hours, the end of a fabulous, informative 4-day tour.

How difficult is the 2-day Inca Trail Hike to Machu Picchu?

Not quite as difficult as the 4 day Inca Trail is the 2 short Inca Trail.

The 2-day short Inca Trail, is great for those who do not have the time or feel they couldn’t complete the Classic 4-day Inca Trail. Day 1 is a hike of around 5 to 6 hours. Most of which is uphill. Enjoy the landscape and arrive at a waterfall, a great place to take photos. Further along arrive at the Inca ruin of Winay Wayna where you will have lunch and a tour of this impressive site. Walk another hour to the Sun Gate, not before conquering the Gringo Killer steps. View Machu Picchu from here and also later at the Guard house viewpoint. Tonight, sleep in the town of Aguas Calientes.

On day 2, awake early to see the sunrise over Machu Picchu. On the guided tour learn about the Inca history of Machu Picchu. Hear the stories and legends about the Inca people. Take as many pictures as possible, before returning to Aguas Calientes and taking the train back to Cusco.

The Inca Trail Altitude

The Inca Trail can be difficult, but with some physical fitness it can be done easily. Another consideration is the altitude. Before attempting any hike in altitude, you should consider spending a few days acclimatizing in either Cusco or the Sacred Valley. Take plenty of rest, drink plenty of water and eat light meals, all will help with the altitude.

• 2-Day Inca Trail: The maximum altitude reached on this route is approximately 2,720 meters (8,924 feet) at the archaeological site of Sun Gate (Inti Punku), before descending towards Machu Picchu.
• 4-Day Inca Trail: The maximum altitude on this route is at the Warmiwañusca Pass, which stands at 4,215 meters (13,828 feet) above sea level. This is the highest point of the trek, located on the second day of the hike.

These altitudes can be challenging, especially the Warmiwañusca Pass on the 4-day Inca Trail, so it’s important to be well-prepared and acclimatized before starting the trek.

Inca Trail elevation map by day

Booking Inca Trail

The Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu being one of the most popular things to do, books out months in advance. In the dry season this means 6 months at least. When you decide when you want to go book your tour. You will need to book with a licensed Inca Trail Operator. Look on travel sites like Trip Advisor and read the reviews. SAM Travel Peru has years of experience and are licensed to operate the Inca Trail.

Hiking Boots

Something that will make or break your trekking experience is your choice of hiking boots. Don’t come with new boots that you haven’t used before. If you need new boots make sure you use them and break them in before the hike. Old tried and tested boots are the way to go.

Circuits

New government regulations to Machu Picchu have changed how you will visit the ancient site. On any Inca Trail hike, you will visit Circuit 3, which includes the lower part of Machu Picchu. On entering Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate, you will get great views of the whole Inca City. If you want to visit more of the Inca city you will need to buy an extra entrance ticket. There are other hikes that you can do around Machu Picchu and these also will require an extra ticket.

Extra Hikes – Huayna Picchu Mountain, Machu Picchu Mountain

There are other hikes that you can do around Machu Picchu and these also will require an extra ticket. Very popular is Huayna Picchu, this hike is around 3 hours round trip, a difficult hike and only for the extremely fit. The views are excellent. The other hike which is gaining popularity is Machu Picchu Mountain. This hike also has great views but is much easier, something for the whole family.

Granted, the Inca Trail is a challenging hike, but the rewards are many. The views and landscapes are like nothing you will ever experience. Finish at the Inca city of Machu Picchu, a bucket list destination for many, cross this one off your list.