HOW DIFFICULT IS HIKE THE INCA TRAIL?

DIFFICULTY, ALTITUDE AND WEATHER ON THE INCA TRAIL

The Inca Trail is considered one of the 10 best treks in the world, with a variety of microclimates, where you will experience changes as you ascend to the highest point of the Inca Trail. However, we recommend training before taking the route.

IS IT DIFFICULT TO HIKE THE INCA TRAIL?

The inca trail difficulty stars with the distance, the altitude and a lot stairs that you can find.  It´s 43 km/ 26 miles, and highest altitude 4215 m.a.s.l /13.814. On the Classic inca trail  4Days and 3 Nights  or  5 Days – 4 Nights. Every inca trail tour operator is completely different  and handles different itineraries.

WHAT KIND OF WEATHER IS DURING THE INCA TRAIL?

The weather during the Inca Trail route varies according to the season. Likewise, the climate in the Cusco region has two well-defined seasons:

• Rainy season:

This season includes, from the end of the month of November to April. During these months the rain is quite frequent; and the accesses become somewhat inaccessible. In addition, during this time in the month of February, the Inca Trail route is closed; due to the annual maintenance that is carried out in favor of the access roads.

• Dry season:

This season covers the months of April to mid-November. During these months the climate is dry, the rainfall is very little; and the access roads are in good condition. Carrying out the Inca Trail route during this period is highly recommended.

WHAT IS MOST DIFFICULT DAY ON THE INCA TRAIL?

The hardest of the Inca Trail, definitely, is the second day, at the warmiwañusca pass or Dead woman´s pass at 4215 m.a.s.l /13.814 feet. This day you will have to walk 1215 m.a.s.l /3986 feet from the first camp in Huayllabamba at 3000 m.a.s.l /9842 feet.

HOW MANY TYPES OF INCA TRAIL ARE THERE?

There are various types of Inca trail in the historic sanctuary of Machu Picchu and all require permits and an authorized travel agency to be able to do them.

• INCA TRAIL 1 DAY OR  FULL DAY 11 km/ 6.8 miles
• INCA TRAIL 2 DAYS 11 km/ 6.8 miles
• INCA TRAIL 4 DAYS 43 km/ 26 miles
• INCA TRAIL 5 DAYS 43 km/ 26 miles

HOW TO PREPARE FOR THE INCA TRAIL?

The most difficult aspect of the Inca Trail is the height for many hikers. If you have never walked at that height before you will feel a lack of oxygen, which is why we recommend doing basic exercises so that you can complete the Inca Trail without any problem.

The biggest challenge of the inca trail is a lot os stairs that  you can find before and after, but the idea enjoy all the way to Macchu picchu, mostly of the companys offer a extra porter that transport your pesonal stuff.

INCA TRAIL DIFFICULTY, ALTITUDE AND DISTANCE

Day 1:

Distance: 14 km/ 8.7 Miles

Altitude: startinng point 2840 m.a.s.l / Huayllabamba Camp 3000 m.a.s.l

Day 2:

Distance: 7 km/ 4.3 Miles

Altitude: Huayllabammba camp 3oo0 m.a.s.l /Dead Woman ´s pass 4215 m.a.s.l /Pacaymayu Camp 3600 m.a.s.l

Day 3:

Distance: 16 km/ 9.9Miles

Altitude: Pacaymayu camp 3600 m.a.s.l /Runkurakay Pass 3950 m.a.s.l /Wiñaywayna Camp 2666 m.a.s.l

Day 4:

Distance: 6 km/ 3.7Miles

Altitude: Wiñaywayna Camp 2666 m.a.s.l / Sun gate 2720 m.a.s.l / Machu picchu 2400 m.a.s.l / Aguas Calientes 2050 m.a.s.l

RECOMMENDATIONS BEFORE TO HIKE THE INCA TRAIL

• Book the Inca Trail with an authorized agency, 6 to 5 months in advance.
• Have a very good attitude and physical condition.
• Arrive to Cusco 2 to 3 days in advance so you can have good acclimatization.