When it comes to having an extraordinary adventure, the Inca Trail is one of the must-visit stops. This destination located in Cusco, Peru, is an archaeological site full of history and countless activities to do.
Throughout the year, thousands of tourists arrive at this place with the aim of doing the Machu Picchu circuits, as this spectacular citadel is found at the end of the route.
If you are thinking of taking this endless adventure trip, we recommend reading these tips for doing the Inca Trail and making the most of each stop and activity. Let's take a look!
Important Facts About the Inca Trail
Before telling you the best tips for the Inca Trail, it is important to understand what this place is about and its tourist and historical relevance. The first thing to consider is that this trail is one of the most demanded by tourists these days, and it is also a World Heritage Site.
This trail is considered one of the most challenging in the world due to its location in the Andes Mountains. The highest point of this route is the Warmiwañusca Pass at an altitude of 4,215 m, above sea level, making it a truly complex journey, especially for those not accustomed to the altitude.
The full route has a length of 43 kilometers composed of various ancient paths leading to the Machu Picchu citadel. The entire journey takes an estimated 4 days and 3 nights, during which tourists can marvel at the stunning landscapes.
It is worth mentioning that the Inca Trail was introduced to the world in 1915 when it was discovered through archaeological excavations. Since then, there have been thousands of visits every year. Now that you know these key facts, let's move on to some tips for hiking the Inca Trail.
20 Tips for Your Inca Trail Adventure
As we mentioned earlier, hiking the Inca Trail is an extraordinary experience. However, for everything to go well, it is important to consider some key recommendations. In this section, we give you 20 tips for going on the Inca Trail and enjoying it to the fullest.
1. Beware of Altitude Sickness
This is a tip for hiking the Inca Trail that you cannot overlook. As we mentioned before, this trail has a significant altitude, so you may suffer from what is commonly known as “soroche” or altitude sickness. This is quite normal—don't be alarmed!
Your body needs to adjust to the altitude, and a good piece of advice to make the process easier is to allow your body to adapt. For this, some tips are:
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Spend a couple of days in Cusco before starting the trek.
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Explore the city at a leisurely pace and don't go on the Inca Trail from day one.
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Try some local natural remedies to combat altitude sickness, such as coca leaf tea.
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You can consult your doctor about using Diamox, a highly effective medication to combat the symptoms of altitude sickness.
2. Before the trek, prepare yourself physically
One of the main tips for doing the Inca Trail without issues is ensuring your body is in good condition for it. Depending on the tour you choose, you may hike up to 43 kilometers, so we advise you to do some preliminary breathing and endurance exercises.
On the other hand, and no less important, eat well and as healthily as possible. Hydration is another key factor to successfully reach the end of the trek. Additionally, make sure to maintain a positive mindset during each stage of the trail.
3. Avoid alcohol and tobacco
Among the best tips for the Inca Trail, you should not forget the importance of restricting the consumption of alcoholic beverages and tobacco during the trek.
You need a lot of energy to complete the route, and drinking alcohol or smoking will not help you stay physically ready to reach the end.
4. Don’t carry too many things
If it’s your first time on the Inca Trail, it’s common to want to bring many things, but the ideal is to only bring what’s necessary.
Carrying too much weight will only hinder your ability to complete the trek. We recommend leaving the heaviest items at the hotel where you’re staying. Some essentials you should bring for your stay are:
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Lightweight clothing suitable for various climates.
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Sunglasses and gloves.
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Rain gear.
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Portable charger.
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Your identification documents, such as your passport.
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Medications for stomach discomfort and headaches.
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Lightweight backpack.
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A water bottle of at least 2 liters.
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Flashlight.
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Trekking poles.
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Snacks.
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Cash.
5. Choose good footwear
It may not seem very relevant for hiking the Inca Trail, but the shoes you wear can be your allies or enemies. We suggest wearing sturdy hiking boots. An additional tip is to try wearing them before the trip to prevent blisters.
6. Prevent blisters
Believe it or not, blisters on the feet are common among travelers. The good news is that there are several things you can do to avoid them and make the trek much more manageable.
First, we advise you to wear high-quality socks, preferably made of cotton. In addition to this, applying petroleum jelly and talcum powder to your feet is a functional technique to prevent annoying blisters during the hike. Finally, specialized blister bandages are a great solution.
7. Don’t forget sunscreen
During the day, the Inca Trail is very sunny, so it’s not advisable to travel without sunscreen on hand.
It’s ideal to carry this product in your backpack during all stages, as you should reapply it regularly. A key point is to ensure the sunscreen has an SPF of 30 or higher for better skin protection.
The temperature in this place depends on the season you travel, with the sunniest period being from May to September. Generally, the temperature drops at night.
8. Bring appropriate snacks
When we talk about snacks, you might think of just candies, but that’s not the case. Among the key tips for the Inca Trail is bringing dried fruits, nuts, energy bars, and fresh fruits.
Additionally, there are other snacks you can consider, such as dark chocolate, which will help you acclimate and maintain energy. Similarly, coca candies are convenient for altitude sickness.
Remember that along the trail, you’ll find locals offering snacks and sweets. Keep in mind that their prices may be slightly higher than in the city, and they only accept cash.
9. Rest well
Rest times are key to completing the entire Inca Trail route without issues. Keep in mind the physical exhaustion you’ll experience during the day and the importance of getting as many hours of sleep as possible between stops to continue advancing successfully to your final destination.
10. Buy souvenirs
The local culture along the Inca Trail and in Peru, in general, offers you countless options for souvenirs to take back. We recommend trying to buy small items to avoid overloading your luggage during the trek. Souvenirs are also a way to support the region’s artisans.
11. Find a good travel agency
There’s no way to do the trek without an expert guide, so one of the key tips for hiking the Inca Trail is to hire a travel agency or tour company. Since this route is one of the most popular in the world, there are safety measures to follow.
To ensure the trip is a success, always rely on a trusted and properly authorized company. At Gurú Explorers, we have what you need to achieve your best experience. We have different options for you to choose the one that best suits you:
12. Do the trek in the right season and with prior reservation
Don’t plan too late to visit the Inca Trail. Instead, the most sensible thing is to book in advance. Remember that this route is highly in demand, so it’s essential to secure your trip and accommodation.
Our recommendation is to make a reservation at least 4 or 5 months in advance. As for the best time to travel to the Inca Trail, the ideal months are April and May, as well as September and October; during the shoulder season. During this time, the number of tourists is lower, and the weather is much more pleasant.
13. With or without children?
This is one of the most common questions people have when going to the Inca Trail. Hiking these trails requires significant physical endurance, and the distances are long. In this sense, if you have young children who are not used to it, completing all the stages may be much more difficult.
As an alternative for children, we recommend opting for shorter routes that require less physical endurance. For example, visiting Machu Picchu by train can be ideal for the enjoyment of younger kids.
14. Take care of the environment around you
Nature deserves our gratitude and care. We would be nothing without the environment that makes possible all the majestic landscapes we see on the various tours. Our fundamental advice during your visit to the Inca Trail is to respect the environment.
Do not leave waste in the areas you visit, and avoid discarding substances that could harm water sources and other natural areas.
15. Bring trash bags
One of the most convenient ways to avoid leaving trash on the Inca Trail is to bring small trash bags with you.
Whether you eat a snack or take medication, make sure all waste goes into the bags to avoid contaminating the natural surroundings.
16. Respect those who share the trail with you
Something to keep in mind is that you won’t be hiking the Inca Trail alone. These routes are done in groups, so you’ll meet many people.
The most important thing is to understand that not everyone moves at the same pace, so be respectful.
17. Learn a bit about the local culture
One of the best tips for hiking the Inca Trail is to absorb as much knowledge as possible about the local culture.
Keep in mind that you’re visiting a place with many years of history, so don’t miss the chance to immerse yourself in the guides’ narratives and take away key insights about the place.
18. Enjoy absolutely everything!
Visiting the Inca Trail in Peru is a must on your travel bucket list. We know it’s a physically demanding trail, but we recommend that you enjoy every stage, as it’s something you won’t experience anywhere else in the world.
Discover nature, appreciate the local flora and fauna, learn about the history and local culture, and, of course, bring your camera with extra batteries to capture the best photos of every moment.
19. Listen to good music
Not every moment of the trail will be filled with instructions from the guides, and you’ll have some alone time for introspection. If you want to make the most of this, one of the best tips during the Inca Trail is to listen to your favorite playlist.
Music and the natural environment, far from the city, will give you a memorable moment that will stay with you forever. From now on, every time you hear a particular song, you’ll be able to travel back in time to this journey.
20. Ask for opinions from other visitors
Experiencing it firsthand is the most important way to get references about the trail, so it’s important to hear the perspectives of other travelers. Perhaps these people can help you with some tips for hiking the Inca Trail and make the adventure even more exciting.
Conclusion
These 20 tips for visiting the Inca Trail will help you take your experience to the next level. Put each of these recommendations into practice and make this trip something unique for you.
Do you need a reliable agency for your visit? Then trust Gurú Explorers! We offer the best tours!