Inca Trail – what to expect and helpful tips

Hiking the 4 days classic Inca trail trek to Machu Picchu was a bucket list for me, however going into it 10 years ago, I did not know what to expect. This guide/tips will help answer some of your questions about this South American Andean adventure!

You will fly in to Cusco and likely be staying in Cusco, prior to your Inca Trail adventure. International flights do not fly in to Cusco so you will need to fly in to Lima, then from Lima to Cusco.

If you are planning to hike the Inca trail, the first thing you will need to do is register. Only 500 people are permitted on the trail each day. This equates to about 200 trekkers and 300 guides and porters. You can not enter the Inca Trail without a guide. The Peruvian government requires that trekkers must be accompanied by a professionally trained guide, assuring they will have proper camping equipment, first aid (including oxygen), food, and radio communication. There are many companies to choose from. Unfortunately, I can’t remember the name of my company as it was in 2009. I believe I paid in the $400-$500 range. However, prices go up with added luxuries. This included meals on the trail, use of tent, entrance fees, and the train ticket back from Machu Picchu following the trek.

Prepare for the possibility of altitude sickness. This is not a sign of weakness. You will reach an altitude of almost 14,000 ft. I did not experience altitude sickness nor did anyone in our group that I can remember, but it can happen. It is recommended to arrive in Cusco 2-3 days before the trek to acclimate to high altitudes. If you start showing symptoms, such as shortness of breath (that doesn’t lessen when not overexerting), dizziness, overly fatigue and loss of appetite, let your guide know.

The Inca trail is a moderate to difficult trail in which you will be hiking 10-12 hours per day, mostly uphill. Prepare yourself beforehand by increasing your cardiovascular fitness. At the time that I did this, I was a runner (running 3-6 miles four or more times per week). I also prepared by doing some stair climbing and elliptical training at the gym. Adding cardio will definitely help!

Stay properly fueled and hydrated. You will be exerting so much energy, you will need to consume all the calories you can get. I was super impressed with the meals that they prepared for us and how delicious it was! Even after burning that many calories, I did not go hungry.

Wear proper clothing and shoes. Footwear is essential, and I recommend getting a good waterproof boot. Though you could wear tennis shoes, I think it crucial to wear something waterproof. I purchased Keen boots (link below), and they were fantastic. During day 3 of the hike, it rained ALL DAY. My feet stayed nice and dry. Also, keep in mind that the weather can change drastically in a day, given the different elevations, so plan accordingly. DO bring a poncho – you’ll likely need it! I didn’t bring one, but luckily someone in our group had an extra. Rent or purchase a walking stick. It will save your knees, especially on day 3 when you’ll be trekking down hundreds of stone stairs. I bought one close to the trailhead, and it makes a good souvenir.

Hire a porter to carry your pack. The company that you hike with will carry and set up tents, equipment, food, cooking supplies, etc. You have the option of carrying your own pack or hiring a porter to do this. I was one of the few in our group that carried my own and regretted it. Do carry a day pack of what you will need throughout the day (water, camera, sunscreen, poncho, jacket, etc..). Tip the porters well! They work very hard, and this is a second job for a lot of them. Many are full-time farmers as well.

Some of My Inca Trail Favorites

What to expect day-by-day

Day 1

Our bus picked each of us up early morning at our hotels/hostels (or nearby) in Cusco. We met our guides and group that we would spend the next four days with and were then off to the Inca Trail. I was nervous and had no idea what to expect. We stopped for breakfast in Ollantaytambo, picked up last-minute necessities, and coca leaves (to help ward off altitude sickness) before heading to the trail entry checkpoint. After getting our permits and passports stamped, we crossed the bridge over the Urubamba River and we were officially on the Inca Trail! This was a full day of hiking but nothing in comparison to the difficulty the next two days had in store. This was just a warm-up!

Day 2

Day two is the killer and definitely the most challenging! You will gain the most altitude and climb countless stone steps and steep hills. The scenery is breathtaking and changes from hills dotted with livestock to jungle-like terrain. As you ascend to the highest point on the trail – Dead Woman’s Pass (Warmiwanuska) at 13,828 ft I suddenly felt cold and was layering up.

I was so relieved after reaching Dead Woman’s Pass because I knew the hardest part was behind me. A few more hours downhill to camp. The views were incredible!

Day 3

After an early wake-up, coffee and breakfast, we set out on another difficult yet beautiful day of lush vegetation, Inca ruins, cloud forest, and many more stone steps (mostly downhill). Unfortunately, it rained almost the entire third day, so for much of it, I couldn’t see beyond a few feet. This was a long day – dusk ’til dawn.

After a very long day, you are rewarded with a campsite that has a functioning bathroom and showers you could pay to use. After three days without a shower, this was amazing. There was even a rec hall where you could purchase beer. This was a much needed and well deserved beer!

Day 4

On the last day, we woke up at 3:00am to get on the trail early to make it to Machu Picchu at sunrise. This last part of our Inca Trail journey lasted about 2 hours. You’ll enter into Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku). The views of these grand ruins are breathtaking!

We had a few hours to explore these magnificent ruins before taking the bus down to Aguas Calientes for lunch and time to explore the town and thermal baths/hot springs. We hopped the train and made our way back to Cusco (via train and bus).

Additional tips and information…

Pack light but pack smart. Some essentials to bring: poncho, a headlamp to get around camp at night, bandaids, hand sanitizer, toilet paper, sunscreen, baby wipes, and cash. Cash is needed to tip your guides and porters the last night of the trip and to purchase water/drinks on some parts of the trail. A lightweight or inflatable pillow could come in handy too. I just rolled up clothing as a pillow but a pillow would’ve been much nicer. Be prepared for the temperature to change enough in a day to go from wearing a tank top to long sleeves and a jacket. Nights can be cool as well.

Most hotels and hostels in Cusco are equipped to store some of your belongings while on your trek. I brought a trash bag to leave my belongings in at the hostel. Obviously, don’t leave valuables.

Weather by season

June-August (Winter) is the dry season. You will experience mostly sunny skies and little to no rain and less fog. This is the best time to go weather-wise but can have more crowds at Machu Picchu.

September-November (Spring) is also a good time to visit with mostly pleasant temperatures. I went in November and experienced rain on the 3rd day, but it didn’t rain any other day. Nights were cool but it got warm during the day.

December-January (Summer) has the most rainfall. Weather can be more unpredictable with downpours out of nowhere and heavy fog. The trail is closed in February each year for repairs.

March-May (Fall) is also a great time on the trail and everything is in bloom as the rainy season comes to an end. It is typically less crowded.

This post is based on my experience before the Covid-19 pandemic. Please travel when it is safe to do so.

I hope you found this blog helpful. Please reach out with any questions or comments!

Cheers, Angela