What NOT to Do on the Inca Trail: 16 Hard-Earned lessons from hiking to Machu Picchu for 30 years.

By Miguel Angel Gongora Meza, Evolution Treks Peru’s Co-Founder

Introduction: The Mountains Talk — If You Listen

I’m Miguel Ángel Góngora Meza, and for more than three decades, I’ve walked these trails as a guide, porter ally, and occasionally the unofficial therapist of hikers who realize on Day 2 that the Andes don’t care about their gym membership. I’ve seen first‑time trekkers who arrive nervous and leave with tears of joy at the Sun Gate, and I’ve seen others who had to turn back early, not because they were weak, but because one small mistake became a big problem at altitude.

The difference between those two stories is not luck. It’s preparation, respect, and the willingness to listen to your body, to your guides, and to the trail itself. So consider this your friendly, slightly cheeky warning label from someone who has seen the mountains in all their moods.

Mistake #1: Underestimating the Physical Demands

The Inca Trail and other Andean treks are stunning — until your lungs suddenly feel too small, your knees start negotiating for a lawyer, and your legs ask, “Remind me why we thought this was a good idea?”

My Story: “Gym Guy” Who Forgot Stairs Exist

One sunny morning in Cusco, Daniel walked into my briefing room like the star of a fitness commercial. Tall, muscular, new boots, brand‑new hydration pack, and a confidence level somewhere above sea level and common sense.

He told me, “I’m strong. I run. This Inca Trail hike will be a breeze.”

The mountains heard him. The mountains smiled.

On Day 2, we met the ascent to Warmiwañusqa — Dead Woman’s Pass — also known as “The Reality Check.” The Incas didn’t believe in gentle switchbacks. They believed in direct, vertical statements.

By mid‑morning, the smile had evaporated. Sweat ran down his forehead, his breathing became sharp and short, and the stone steps felt less like a trail and more like a medieval punishment device.

At one point, Daniel sat down on a rock, staring at the endless staircase above us.

“I feel like I’m climbing a ladder to the sky,” he panted.

“Welcome to Inca engineering,” I told him. “They always go directly to the point — even when the point is up.”

He did reach the top. His summit photo is beautiful: mist, mountains, a victory pose. But later, over soup in the dining tent, he confessed that he barely remembered the view up there. “I was so destroyed,” he said. “My brain was just ‘breathe, don’t die, don’t vomit.’ I wish I had trained differently.”

What I Tell My Guests Now

• Start at least 3 months in advance — and train for stairs, not just flats. The Classic Inca trail is stone steps, not a smooth park loop.
• Do weighted pack walks, so your shoulders, hips, and lower back know what 6–8 hours of carrying a daypack really feels like.
• Strengthen your legs, hips, and core: squats, lunges, step‑ups, and downhill training. The descents are often more challenging on your knees than the climbs.
• Do at least one full‑day hike with the boots and poles you’ll use on the trail, so blisters and hot spots show up at home, not at 3,800 meters.

When your legs are ready, your lungs can enjoy the views and your mind can listen to the mountains — instead of just screaming, “Why?!”

Mistake #2: Treating the Mountains Like a Jump‑Start Instead of a Slow Hello

Some people believe that if they just “tough it out,” the altitude of the Inca Trail trek will politely adjust to them. The Andes do not work like that. Altitude doesn’t care about enthusiasm, age, or how busy your itinerary looks on paper.

My Story: The Jet‑Lagger Who Thought “Sleep Is Overrated”

Sophie, a young journalist, arrived in Cusco late one evening. She was glowing with excitement and caffeine. “I want to see everything!” she told me. “I only have a few days!” So, instead of resting, she walked all over town, ate a heavy meal, texted friends until late, and posted “Just arrived in Cusco! 3,400 m, baby!” on social media.

At 4:00 a.m., when our bus lights flashed in the hotel courtyard, she walked out with red eyes, a dull headache, and the stubborn smile of someone trying to prove they’re fine.

Two hours into the hike, and still far from the Dead Woman’s pass, the smile was gone. She was breathless on easy hills, asking for coca tea, and by midday she had turned quiet and gray. On Day 2, sitting on a rock, she looked at me and said, very softly, “I wish I had just rested. I thought I could push through.”

Altitude doesn’t care how excited you are. It only cares how prepared you are.

My Advice Today

• Day 1 in Cusco: rest. Seriously. Hydrate, eat lightly (quinoa soup, vegetables, simple carbohydrates), and go to bed early, even if the city is calling you.
• Days 2–3: take gentle acclimatization walks — through the city, Saqsaywaman, and nearby hill paths. Enough to move your body, not enough to exhaust it.
• Spend a night or two at an intermediate altitude, like the Sacred Valley, between arrival and your Inca trail trek. This step‑down from Cusco’s elevation is a gift for your body.

The mountain is not impressed by how many things you cram into your first 24 hours. It rewards humility and patience.

Mistake #3: Sleeping in Cusco Instead of the Sacred Valley the Night Before the Classic Inca Trail Trek

On paper, Cusco sounds like the logical base — more hotels, more restaurants, more everything. But the night before your trek, “more everything” is exactly what you don’t need.

My Story: The Tale of Two Sisters — Weathered vs. Refreshed

On one 5‑day trek, I had two sisters: Ana and María. They loved each other, but they made very different choices.

Ana stayed in Cusco the night before. Her alarm went off at 3:30 a.m. She stumbled into the van at 3:45, hair in full rebellion, jacket half‑zipped, backpack straps twisted like a puzzle. Her water bottle banged against the seat with every turn. She looked like a zombie that had been woken up before her shift.

María slept in a small lodge in the Sacred Valley, near Urubamba. She woke up at 6:00 a.m. to see the first pink light on the mountains, had a calm breakfast, and joined our bus at a very civilized hour. She stepped in with a mug of tea, clear eyes, and a slow smile that said, “I’m ready.”

By midday, Ana was walking in silence, fighting yawns, every uphill step heavy. María was chatting, pointing out orchids, and taking the kind of photos you actually look back on later.

That night at camp, Ana told me in a small voice, “This hurts so much. I’m so tired.” María looked up at the stars and said, “This is everything I imagined.”

Why the Sacred Valley Makes All the Difference

• The drive to the trailhead is about 45 minutes from many Sacred Valley towns, not 2.5 hours from Cusco. That means more sleep and less time being shaken awake on a dark bus.
• You wake up at a human hour, not at “why is this even called morning?”
• The Sacred Valley sits slightly lower (around 2,800–2,900 m), giving your body a kinder, more gradual relationship with altitude.

Pro Tip

Turn your acclimatization into a Sacred Valley immersion:

• Visit Chinchero to see traditional textiles and natural dyes.
• Walk among the salt pans of Maras, gleaming like a hillside of mirrors.
• Explore the circular terraces of Moray, like an agricultural amphitheater carved into the Earth.
• Wander the ruins and market of Pisaq.
• Sleep in Ollantaytambo, a living Inca town, and wake up practically next to the trailhead.

You’ll start the Inca Trail rested, acclimatized, and already walking in the story of the Andes.

Mistake #4: Booking Late or Ignoring Permit and Passport Rules

The Classic Inca Trail is not a casual “show up and see” hike. It’s a tightly regulated world heritage route. Inca Trail Permits are limited, personalized, and unforgiving.

My Story: The “Almost‑Forgot” Passport Guy from France

About a month before one of my Inca Trail departures, a friendly Parisian named Julien proudly held up his passport during our online briefing. I glanced at it, and for a second, my soul left my body. The expiration date was less than 6 months from his arrival in Peru. Peruvian immigration rules are clear: your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your entry date. Julien’s did not.

What followed was pure Mexico-Soap Opera‑level drama, played out from afar. Julien was already en route to Peru, traveling via Mexico. The chances of getting a brand‑new passport in time were close to zero. The next morning, he tore up his travel plans, rerouted himself to Mexico City, and rushed to the French Embassy to beg for a new passport. By some miracle (and probably a very kind official), he got one just a couple of days before his flight to Peru. He made the trek. He was lucky.

Others I’ve met weren’t. They arrived at the airport, were denied boarding or entry, and watched their dream trek — and all their investment — vanish because of a small date on a document they barely looked at.

My Advice

• Book your Inca Trail permits 5–6 months ahead for the dry season or popular dates. Leaving it late is like playing roulette with your dream.
• Check your passport, because your whole trip depends on it — and it does. Make sure the expiration date is more than 6 months beyond your arrival in Peru, and that the number matches what’s on your permit. If you renew or change your passport, tell your operator immediately — not “later,” not “when I arrive.”
• Get travel insurance that covers permit‑related changes, evacuations, and unexpected closures. Read the conditions carefully; some policies treat trekking and high‑altitude adventures as add‑ons rather than standard coverage.

The Inca trail is ancient, but the permit system is digital. Both demand respect.

 

Mistake #5: Choosing a Tour Operator Based Only on the Price Tag

Cheap offers sparkle online. But the Andes are not a place to gamble on the hidden cost of “bargains” — especially when those costs fall on porters, not you.

My Story: The Price‑Hunters vs. The Respectful Crew

One season, our group shared a campsite with another company that proudly advertised “the lowest prices in Cusco.” From our dining tent, I watched their porters arrive.

They carried monstrous bundles — 35 to 40 kilos — balanced on their backs, bound by cords and hope. Some wore old sneakers; others wore sandals. Their shelter was a thin blue tarp stretched against the wind. When a gust came through, it flapped so violently I thought it would take flight. Their faces were tired in a way that went beyond a hard day’s work.

Our trekking crew arrived later, moving quickly but in balance. They carried limited loads in framed packs, wore proper boots, fleece layers, and had sturdy sleeping tents set up for them. After dinner, I watched them share jokes, tea, and stories in their own space, with warmth and dignity.

By Day 3, the cheap group had one evacuation. Several hikers & porters were transporting an injured porter who had fallen due to the excessive weight he was carrying. Hikers were seriously upset and embarrassed, spewing a chorus of complaints about “bad vibes” and “unsafe working conditions.” My group was walking at a steady pace, joking, and occasionally singing to the mountains.

What to Ask Before Booking

• What is the maximum weight each porter carries on the Classic Inca Trail? (The answer should be between 20 to 25 kg, not more… and should include fair working conditions for them.)
• Do porters receive proper boots, clothing, backpacks, and warm sleeping gear — or just “whatever they bring from home”?
• Where do porters sleep? Under tarps, or in dedicated tents with mats and sleeping bags?
• Are women porters part of the team, and are they treated and paid fairly?
• Are guides certified in high‑altitude first aid, and do they carry proper emergency equipment?

Your experience and their working conditions are inseparable. You can’t have a wonderful trek built on someone else’s suffering, is what the BBC Travel suggests.

Mistake 6: Forgetting Bug Spray — Especially in Transitional Zones

Many trekkers assume that “high altitude” means “no insects.” The bugs in the Andes did not get that memo. Warm, humid pockets along the trail can host very enthusiastic biting teams.

My Story: The Sleepless Night at Pacaymayu

At Pacaymayu and Chaquicocha camp sites, the air cools fast at dusk. One afternoon in September, as mist slid into the valley, I heard restless zipping and unzipping from a nearby tent, then frantic scratching.

A German trekker who had confidently announced, “Mosquitoes never bite me,” learned—very quickly—that Andean bugs do not care about European genetics. She had wandered around camp in shorts and practically half-naked, her tent wide open, blissfully unaware that she was hosting an all-you-can-eat buffet.

Within minutes, a squadron of tiny, relentless mosquitoes — the infamous pumawakachis, “the ones that make the puma cry” — launched a full-scale coordinated attack. By the time she hurried over to me for help, one of her ankles looked like it had attempted to start a committed, long-term relationship with a beehive.

Her lesson? In the Andes, modesty and repellent are your best friends.

 

She barely slept. The next day, her energy dropped, her patience dropped, and her enjoyment of the trail dropped with them.

My Advice

• Bring insect repellent and keep it accessible, not buried at the bottom of your duffel.
• Reapply at dusk, around campsites, and in forested or humid sections.
• If you have extra, offer some to porters or hikers who forgot theirs. In the Andes, small acts of kindness travel far.

Altitude will test you enough. Don’t give the bugs an easy victory.

Mistake #7: Killing Your Phone Battery — or Wasting Its Potential

Your phone can be a distraction machine or a powerful tool for connection with the landscape. The choice is not in the device — it’s in how you prepare and how you use it.

My Story: Lucas the Peak‑Namer

At one high pass, I showed my group an app that identifies mountains. Lucas, a quiet hiker from Uruguay, lit up. Up to that point, the peaks around us were just “that sharp one” or “the big white one” in his photos.

He pointed his phone at the horizon, and suddenly the screen filled with names: Veronica, Salkantay, Pumasillo. The shapes became characters.

“That one,” he said, “has been watching us since Day 1. Now I know her name.”

Later, he told me that after the trek, when he showed his photos to family, he wasn’t just saying, “This is a mountain,” but, “This is Veronica. This is where we camped in her shadow.”

My Advice

• Before your trip, download offline tools: a maps app, a peak identifier, and a plant or star guide. Do it with Wi‑Fi at home, not with an unreliable signal in the Andes.
• Pack a good power bank (10,000–20,000 mAh) and keep your phone in a warm pocket or inside your sleeping bag at night — cold drains batteries fast.
• Use your phone to deepen your curiosity, not to escape from the place you have come so far to visit.

Let technology help you learn the names of things, not forget where you are.

Mistake #8: Eating Risky Food Right Before the Classic Inca Trail Trek

The Andes have their own “border control”: your stomach. The most common reason hikers abandon the trail is not altitude — it’s food poisoning or stomach distress from one careless meal.

My Story: The Street‑Churros That Brought Tears

On the eve of one trek, an English hiker, full of energy and jokes, told me proudly, “I found the best churros in Cusco. So good!”

The next morning at breakfast, his smile had wilted. He was pale, sweating, and holding his stomach like it contained a small, angry volcano.

He tried to start the trail with us. By midday, he couldn’t continue. While the group watched hummingbirds dance around flowers, he was kneeling by the trail’s edge, in a completely different kind of relationship with nature.

He ended up in a hotel in Aguas Calientes, sipping electrolytes and listening to trains instead of birds.

My Advice

For at least 72 hours before your trek:

• Avoid raw salads, street burgers, unfiltered water, ice, mayonnaise, and anything that looks like it’s been sitting out in the sun, thinking about life.
• Choose reputable restaurants and eat simple, well‑cooked meals.
• Drink only boiled, filtered, or bottled water. Wash your hands or use sanitizer often.

A cheap snack can become the most expensive bite of your life if it costs you your entire trek.

Mistake #9: Bringing Bluetooth Speakers — Expecting the Mountains to Be Your Club

The Andes are not silent — they sing with wind, water, birds, and distant voices from other camps. But they are not designed to be your personal soundtrack blasting across a valley.

My Story: The Reggaeton at the Inca Ruins of Phuyupatamara

On a steep staircase near Phuyupatamarca, when everyone was in that quiet rhythm of breath‑step‑breath, a young hiker decided the moment needed reggaeton at full volume.

I watched the group’s faces tighten. One woman, who had told me she had saved for ten years to walk this trail, stopped. She sat down on a stone and began to cry — not from pain or altitude, but from frustration.

“I came here for silence,” she said later. “For once, I wanted to hear what the world sounds like without engines and speakers. And then… reggaeton.”

We asked him gently to turn it off. He apologized, and to his credit, he understood. But the spell of that section was broken.

My Advice

• Leave the Bluetooth speaker at home. Truly.
• If you want music, use headphones at low volume — and only when it’s safe and away from others who may be seeking silence.
• Remember that for many people, the sound of the Andes is the sound they traveled across oceans to hear.

The mountain already has a playlist. Try listening to it.

Mistake #10: Assuming the 4‑Day Trek Is Automatically the Best Option

More days do not mean “harder” — often, it means “deeper.” The 4‑day Inca Trail is popular, but the 5‑day version is like reading the whole book instead of skimming the summary.

My Story: Marco the Photographer Who Found Patience

Marco, a photographer from Italy, joined a 5‑day trek almost by accident. On Day 4, we arrived at Wiñay Wayna in soft afternoon light. The terraces curved down the mountainside like green waves. Water flowed through ancient channels, humming its own language.

On a typical 4‑day itinerary, this stop is rushed or completely missed— a few photos, a quick explanation, then march on. But we had time. We sat. Some people lie down on the grass. Others wandered quietly between the terraces.

Marco put his camera down for a while. Then, when the light turned golden and the mist thinned, he picked it up again.

“If I were on the 4‑day trek,” he said, “I’d be checking my watch, not listening to the water.”

His photos from that afternoon are some of the most beautiful I’ve seen a guest take — not because of the gear, but because he had time.

My Advice

Consider a 5‑day itinerary if you:

• Want quieter camps and fewer people around you at night.
• Love photography and need time for light, composition, and patience.
• Enjoy reflection, journaling, or simply sitting in ruins, feeling the place.
• Prefer to arrive at Machu Picchu with curiosity, not just relief that it’s over.

Same trail. Different relationship.

Mistake #11: Overlooking Campsite Ethics — Not Asking Where Your Crew Sleeps

You can tell a lot about a company by how its guests talk about the bathrooms and how its porters sleep at night. If those two realities are worlds apart, something is wrong.

My Story: The Hypocritical Complaint

One evening, a guest from another group marched out of the shared bathroom area with a face full of outrage.

“These toilets are disgusting!” she announced to the night, as if the stars would issue a refund.

Ten meters away, her porters were setting up to sleep under a sagging tarp with holes, thin mats, and blankets that had seen too many seasons. No one in her group asked how they were doing. They just complained about the facilities.

I remember thinking, “The real problem here is not the toilet. It’s our priorities.”

My Advice

• Ask your operator where porters sleep and what gear they are given.
• Appreciate that you are in the mountains — facilities will be basic — but basic should never mean undignified for the crew.
• If you want “luxury,” define it as fairness, safety, and warm tents for everyone, not just a nicer chair for you.

Elegance on the trail starts with empathy.

 

Mistake #12: Not Understanding How Emergencies Actually Work on The Classic Inca trail

In the Andes, when something goes wrong, your first response is not an office, a satellital phone call made to nowhere, an email, or a website. It’s the guide, the porter team, and the rangers standing right there with you.

My Story: The Dehydrated Hiker at Phuyupatamarca

One misty morning at the inca ruins of Phuyupatamarca — the “Town Above the Clouds” — a trekker approached me quietly, almost sheepishly.
He said, “I feel a bit off… dizzy… but it’s fine, I can push.”

He had barely drunk water the day before and was relying on sheer willpower to outrun altitude, dehydration, and fatigue. A dangerous combination.

We didn’t let him push.

We stopped the group, checked his pulse and oxygen saturation, asked about his symptoms, and quickly understood what was happening: a classic blend of dehydration, exertion, and altitude stress — the type that can turn serious if ignored.

While we evaluated him, our porters moved with the calm efficiency of people who have saved dozens of hikers before: coca tea brewed in minutes, warm layers wrapped around him, and an emergency plan laid out with no panic, no drama — just teamwork.

We decided to descend roughly 600 vertical meters to a lower campsite where oxygen levels were higher and the terrain safer. He rested. We monitored him closely. Within hours, color returned to his face.
By the next morning, he woke up laughing — a little embarrassed, but strong.
He finished the trek with the group.

What saved him was not a helicopter, a miracle, or a dramatic rescue scene.
It was something much simpler and more powerful:

He spoke up early — and he trusted the team.

Whenever something more serious happens on the trail, the outcome almost always depends on the coordinated effort of guides, porters, and park rangers. Their experience, speed, and communication skills determine how quickly a person reaches safety.

And make no mistake: if someone needs evacuation, it is often the porters who carry that person — in a stretcher, along steep stone trails — for hours until reaching the nearest extraction point.
This is why empathy and solidarity toward the porter team is not optional; it is essential.

My Advice

• Drink 3–4 liters of water per day on the trail, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Hydration is oxygen’s best friend.
• Tell your guide immediately if you feel dizzy, disoriented, exhausted, short of breath, or get a persistent headache — even if the trek hasn’t yet started.
• Trust the plan when guides adjust the route or pace to protect your health. That is not weakness; that is wisdom.
• Always remain supportive and respectful of your guide and porter team. They are the backbone of every safe and successful evacuation.

On the trail, “I’m fine” should never be used as a shield against reality.

Mistake #13: Panicking If the Classic Trail Is Full

Permits sell out, especially in high season. Many hikers think, “If I can’t do the classic Inca Trail, my dream is dead.” Not true. The Andes have many ways of speaking to you.

My Advice

If classic permits are gone, consider:

• Salkantay Trek Combination — wilder, higher, less crowded,  closer to glaciers, and dramatic passes.
• Lares Trek — quieter, more cultural, with Andean villages and hot springs.
• Short Inca Trail — one big, beautiful day that still brings you to the Sun Gate.

The road to Machu Picchu is not just one line on a map. The question is not “Did I hike THE trail?” but “Did I listen to the mountains where I walked?”

Mistake #14: Trusting Only AI or Random Online Itineraries

These days, people arrive with perfect PDFs and screenshots created by tools that have never gasped for air at 4,000 meters or checked a weather forecast in Quechua. Information is helpful — but without local reality, it can become fiction.

My Story: The “Secret Canyon of Humantay” That Didn’t Exist

Not long ago, a couple from Germany showed me their “ultimate Andean adventure” itinerary generated by a popular AI tool. It described a “Sacred Canyon of Humantay,” a hidden route past Humantay Lake, with mystical turquoise pools and an overnight camp no human guide in Peru had ever heard of.

They were so excited. “We want this,” they said.

I pulled out actual maps and local route knowledge. There was Humantay Lake. There was the standard trail. There was no secret canyon, no permitted campsite, no turquoise pool paradise. Just the usual suspects, the Salkantay mountain and the Humantay lake. 

We spent a few minutes re‑planning their route into something real, safe, and legal. They still hiked and loved the Andes, but a part of them was quietly mourning a place that never existed.

My Advice

• Use AI, blogs, and forums as inspiration, not as your only source of truth.
• Cross‑check important details — campsites, distances, altitudes, regulations — with real guides, local operators, and official park information.
• If something sounds too magical, too secret, and too easy to be true, ask someone who actually lives and works in these mountains.

Respect the mountains more than the algorithm.

Mistake #15: Ignoring the Cultural Significance of the Trail

If you treat the Inca Trail like a checklist of “ruins to see,” you’ll come home with pretty photos and a feeling that something important stayed just out of reach. This path is not just a route — it’s a ritual.

My Story: Emma and the Living Stones

At Sayacmarca, many groups do the same dance: take selfies, ask “How many more hours?”, and hurry on. The ruin becomes just another stop between snacks.

Emma, from New Zealand, moved differently. She walked into the ruin slowly, as if entering a chapel. She ran her fingertips over the stone — not carelessly, but with curiosity. The wall was cool, slightly damp, covered in tiny moss and lichen that smelled faintly of earth.

She closed her eyes and stood there, listening.

The wind brushed through the narrow corridors. Invisible birds called from the forest below. Far away, someone laughed. Closer, water trickled in forgotten channels.

After a long moment, she whispered, “It feels like it’s breathing.”

For her, Sayacmarca stopped being “that ruin on Day 3” and became a living place, pulsing with memory.

What I Encourage

• Learn a few Quechua words before you arrive:
  • Allillanchu — hello/how are you
  • Sulpayki — thank you
  • Munay — love, beauty, deep appreciation
• Ask questions that open doors: “Why did the Incas build here?” “What ceremonies might have happened in this exact spot?”
• When we pause in a ruin, don’t rush. Sit on a stone, listen to the wind, feel the temperature of the rock under your hand. Let the place speak first, then take your photo.

You are not just walking on stones. You are walking inside a story that is still alive.

Final Words: The Trail Doesn’t Bargain — But It Blesses Those Who Prepare, Respect, and Listen

If you avoid these mistakes, the Inca Trail — or any Andean trek — will become much more than a line you walked on a map. It will be cold nights under a river of stars, the sound of your boots on ancient stones, the smell of wet earth after a sudden shower, the laughter in the dining tent when someone tells a story that leaves everyone wiping their eyes.

You will stand at the Sun Gate or on a high pass, look back at the path behind you, and realize that somewhere between the first step and this view, you changed a little. The mountains do that. Quietly. Firmly. Without negotiation.

Travel light in gear, but heavy in respect. Prepare your body, honor your crew, listen to the land. Do that, and the Andes will not just let you pass — they will welcome you.

 

FAQ About The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Hike

 

1. What is the Classic Inca Trail & how long does it take to hike?
   The Classic Inca Trail is a 4-day, 3-night adventure that takes you along an ancient network of stone paths built by the Incas, finishing up at Machu Picchu via the iconic Sun Gate. Along the way you’ll cover about 40-43km (25-27 miles), navigating high Andean passes, cloud forest & some seriously cool archaeological sites. Each day’s hike can take anywhere between 6-9 hours to complete, depending on how far you get & your own pace. You’ll be camping at specially designated campsites each night & then arrive at Machu Picchu at sunrise or early morning on the last day.

 

2. How far in advance do I need to book my Inca Trail permit and why are they usually all gone so quickly?
   Booking an Inca Trail permit is a bit of a challenge. The Peruvian government only allows 500 permits per day, and that includes hikers, guides, porters and cooks. So, realistically, that only leaves around 180-200 spots per day for hikers, especially during peak season. If you’re planning to go in May-September or around Easter & Christmas, you should probably book your spot at least 5-7 months in advance – & even then, you might be pushing your luck. Shoulder months are better, but still book 3-4 months ahead to be safe. Once you’ve got your name & passport details down on the permit, it’s non-transferable & non-refundable, so you can’t swap or change it later.

 

3. What is the difference between the Classic 4-day Inca Trail and the Short 2-day Inca Trail?
   The big difference between the two is how hands-on you want your Inca Trail experience to be. The Classic 4-day trek is a full-on camping & hiking affair with some seriously challenging high passes & lots of cool archaeological sites before you reach Machu Picchu. The 2-day Short Inca Trail option is a lot more laid back – you train to a certain point, spend the night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes, and then take a guided tour of Machu Picchu on the second day. It’s a great option if you don’t have a lot of time on your hands or if you just want to get to Machu Picchu without taking on the full 4-day trek.

 

4. When is the best time of year to hike the Inca Trail and when is it closed?
   The best time to hike the Inca Trail is probably May to September when the weather is usually dry & stable. April & October are good shoulder months if you don’t mind a bit of a chance of rain. The Inca Trail is closed in February every year for some maintenance & conservation work, and no permits are issued then. If you do decide to go in the rainy season (Nov-March), be prepared for muddy trails & a lot more rain than you might be used to.

 

5. What level of fitness do I need for the Inca Trail and how do I get in shape?
   You don’t need to be a marathon runner or anything, but you will need to have a pretty good level of fitness to tackle the Inca Trail. This is because the terrain is pretty demanding, especially at high altitude. You’ll need to be able to hike for long periods with some pretty steep ascents & descents, and you’ll need to be okay with walking on uneven stone steps at a pretty high altitude. To get prepared, you should start training about 2-3 months ahead of your trip with:
   Cardio (hiking, running, cycling) 3-4 times a week.
   Practice hikes of 4-6 hours with 600-800m (1,500-2,000ft) of elevation gain, and a daypack weighing about 5-7kg (10-15lb).
   Some strength training to build up your legs (squats, lunges, step-ups) and core stability.
   If you can do a few full-day hikes at home with some hills & stairs, you’re probably good to go.

 

6. How does altitude affect hikers on the Inca Trail and how many days should I acclimatize?
   Altitude sickness (or ‘soroche’) is a real concern when hiking the Inca Trail, especially if you’re not used to it. It can cause headaches, nausea & some pretty severe fatigue, and in extreme cases, it can be a bit life-threatening. It’s not a nice feeling, so it’s a good idea to acclimatize for at least a couple of days before you start the trek by hanging out in Cusco at 3,300m – from there you can take a trip to 4,300m for the day (or stay overnight). Altitude is the one challenge that can really get you on the Inca Trail. The trek takes you up to over 2,600 m (8,500 ft) at its lowest point and a stomach-churning 4,200 m (13,800 ft) at the highest point. At this kind of height, the air is thinner and everything from breathing to sleeping becomes a struggle even for the fittest of trekkers. Some people may start to feel a bit rundown – a headache, shortness of breath and dodgy sleep – all common symptoms of mild altitude sickness. The good news is that by spending at least 2-3 nights in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before setting off you can give your body a chance to get used to the altitude. Just take it easy, stay hydrated, avoid pints at the pub and chow down on some light meals. If you’ve had problems with altitude before or have a medical condition of any kind, make sure to talk to your doctor about taking some meds beforehand.

 

7. What is actually included in an Inca Trail tour?
   To be frank, a well-organised Inca Trail package usually has a lot of the essentials covered:
   An Inca Trail permit for the date and route of your choice.
   A ticket to get into Machu Picchu – usually that’s just the regular circuit.
   A pro bilingual guide to help you on your way.
   Porters to carry camping gear and possibly some of your own stuff too.
   All meals – that’s right, breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks, all taken care of by a chef on the trail.
   Camping gear like tents, a dining tent, kitchen tent, tables and chairs.
   First aid kit – although some operators may also take oxygen, a satellite phone and other essentials.
   Train ticket to get back to Cusco (or Ollantaytambo) and any transfers that might be needed.
   Bus ticket from Aguas Calientes up to Machu Picchu if that’s in your itinerary.
   Always check the fine print to see what your operator is actually covering and what you’ll need to budget for separately.

 

8. What’s usually not included in the Inca Trail price?
   You may need to fork out extra for things like:
   A sleeping bag, trekking poles or an air mattress, all of which can normally be rented.
   An extra porter to carry some of your gear beyond the standard weight limit.
   Meals before and after the trek in Cusco or the Sacred Valley.
   Some drinks like bottled water or soft drinks, or a pint at the local bar.
   Travel insurance which is a must do.
   Tips for your guides, porters and cooks, which are always appreciated.
   Any personal expenses you might have along the way like snacks, souvenirs or a hot shower.
   Make sure you read the operator’s inclusions and exclusions list so you can budget sensibly.

 

9. How do Inca Trail permits work and what do I need to give to my operator?
   The Peruvian Ministry of Culture is in charge of Inca Trail permits. Only licensed tour operators can buy these, and they need to use your exact passport details. To get a permit, your operator will need:
   Your full name exactly as it’s on your passport.
   Your passport number, your nationality, date of birth and gender.
   The date and route you want to take (Classic or Short Inca Trail).
   Once the permit is issued, no changes can be made and permits are non-refundable and non-transferable, so you’ll need to plan ahead and get your operator to secure a permit for you.

 

10. What’s the daily itinerary like on a 4-day Inca Trail?
    Here’s what a typical 4-day Inca Trail looks like:
    Day 1:
    Distance: about 10-12 km (6-7.5 miles).
    Terrain: some ups and downs but generally pretty gentle.
    Main sites: Llactapata or some other small archaeological site.
    Camp: Wayllabamba or some other campsite.
    Day 2:
    Distance: about 8-9 km (5-6 miles).
    Terrain: it’s the toughest day – steep and demanding.
    Main event: Dead Woman’s Pass (that’s 4,200 m / 13,800 ft high).
    Camp: Pacaymayo or equivalent.
    Day 3:
    Distance: about 12-15 km (7.5-9 miles).
    Terrain: a bit of everything – ups and downs, long stone staircases and cloud forest.
    Main sites: Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, Wiñay Wayna (depending on route).
    Camp: Wiñay Wayna or Phuyupatamarca.
    Day 4:
    Distance: about 5-7 km (3-4.5 miles) to the Sun Gate then a bit more wandering around Machu Picchu.
    Main Highlight: getting to Inti Punku (Sun Gate) and making your way down into Machu Picchu – and of course getting a guided tour of this incredible place.
    The structure of the day might vary a bit depending on the operator and the government-run campsite you’re at, but the core experience is always similar.”

 

11. What are the rules and regulations around porters on the Inca Trail, and how do responsible operators treat their staff?
    Porters are the unsung heroes of the Inca Trail – without them, this trek just wouldn’t happen. By law in Peru, there are basic rules and regulations to protect their welfare. These include limits on how much weight a porter can carry (20 kg max, including their own gear) and ensuring they’ve got the right footwear, clothes, and basic gear. But it’s the good operators who go above and beyond – they:
    Stick to the weight limits like a rule book and weigh their porters at control points to make sure.
    Give their porters really good gear: high-quality backpacks, decent shoes, and warm clothes.
    Make sure porters get the same quality grub as the guests.
    Pay them a fair wage – and on time.
    Offer decent contracts, and even some kind of insurance or benefits.
    Provide a respectful and fair working environment.
    By choosing a company that takes care of its porters, you’re helping to ensure that the Inca Trail remains a sustainable and fair destination for visitors.

 

12. What kind of grub is on offer on the Inca Trail, and can you make special arrangements for dietary needs?
    On the Inca Trail, the food is usually pretty good and freshly cooked by a trekking chef. You can expect a menu that includes:\\
    Breakfast: a hearty mix of oatmeal, pancakes, eggs, fruit, bread, and local treats.\\
    Lunch and dinner: all the usual suspects: soups, good old-fashioned rice or quinoa dishes, pasta, chicken or beef, and loads of veggies.\\
    Snacks: fresh fruit, tasty biscuits, energy bars, and hot drinks to keep you going during the day.
    Most decent operators can cater for veggie, vegan, gluten-free and other dietary requirements – but you do need to let them know well in advance so they can plan and prepare accordingly.

 

13. What gear do I really need to bring for the Inca Trail?
    Packing right makes all the difference to your comfort on the trail. Don’t forget to bring:\\
    A good pair of sturdy hiking boots that are broken in and have some grip to them.\\
    A smallish daypack (about 20-30 litres) to carry water, layers, camera and all the essentials.\\
    A layered approach to your clothing: base layers, a fleece or softshell, a lightweight insulated jacket and a waterproof jacket and pants to boot.\\
    Quick-drying trekking gear: good pants and shirts, plus some thermal layers for chilly nights.\\
    Your sun protection gear: hat, gloves, sunhat, sunglasses and loads of high SPF sunscreen.\\
    A refillable water bottle or hydration system, and a good headlamp with spare batteries.\\
    Any personal medications, blister treatment and the like, plus some basic toiletries.
    Trekking poles and a good rain cover for your backpack are well worth bringing, especially in the wet season.

 

14. What are the state of the toilets showers and camp facilities on the Inca Trail?
    The facilities on the Inca Trail are basic – but getting better all the time. Government-run campsites have toilets that can be a bit rough around the edges (squatty or Western-style) and showers are usually pretty limited – no hot showers in most cases. Many unethical tour operators bring their own private toilet tents to make things a bit more comfortable for their clients at the expense of their porters’ dignity and respect. There isa  massive contradiction between responsible tourism and the use of portable toilets. Camps usually have a dining tent where you can eat and hang out, and sleeping tents are usually shared with another person unless you book a single room, which costs extra.

 

15. Is the Inca Trail safe, and what safety measures are in place?
    For most people who choose an ethical tour operator, the Inca Trail is safe enough – but it’s still a high-altitude mountain trek. Responsible tour operators will usually have:
    Guides who are trained in wilderness first aid and altitude sickness.
    Regular safety briefings to make sure everyone knows what’s going on.
    A first aid kit, and sometimes even oxygen and an emergency comms device.
    Good evacuation procedures in place, using a stretcher, horses, or coordination with park rangers if needed.
    You can up your chances of a safe and successful trek by following your guide’s instructions, being careful on the trail, staying hydrated, and being honest about how you feel.

 

16. Can kids or older adults do the Inca Trail, and are there any age restrictions?
    There’s no maximum age limit – heaps of people in their 50s, 60s, and beyond have done the Inca Trail and come out the other side. Some operators recommend a minimum age of around 12 due to the trail’s tough conditions and basic camping facilities. But ultimately, whether a kid or older adult should do the Inca Trail depends on:
    Their prior hiking experience and fitness level.
    How they react to camping and basic facilities.
    If they’ve got any medical conditions that might be a problem at altitude or during the trek.
    Families should have a good chat about the trek with their kids and consult a doc if they’re unsure.

 

17. What happens if I need to cancel or change my Inca Trail booking after I’ve already paid for my permit?
    Once you’ve bought your permit in your name, the Government has a rigid system that won’t permit changes to the date, name or grant refunds no matter what. That means your tour operator will have prepaid for your permit & will essentially be out of pocket if you cancel at short notice. As a result, most tour operators treat the permit portion of your payment as non-refundable. And if you do want to change the date, expect to have to pay for a whole new permit, subject to availability – it’s not like booking a train ticket.
    So it’s super important to:
    Carefully read over your operator’s cancellation & change policies before you book with them.\\
    Consider buying travel insurance that will cover trip cancellations for good reasons like illness or emergency.

 

18. How does the Inca Trail compare to other treks like Salkantay or Lares?
    The Inca Trail is a one off because it uses the only original Inca stone paths and brings you right to the Sun Gate at Machu Picchu – an absolute iconic moment. You’ll get a unique blend of Inca ruins, history & breathtaking scenery that no other route can match – but that also comes with some downsides. It’s heavily regulated, gets pretty crowded & you need a permit to get on the trail. On the other hand, alternative routes like Salkantay, Lares or others are a lot more relaxed when it comes to permits.
    Often offer way more remote trails & higher mountains with fewer people around.
    Allow for more interaction with local communities & may have more flexibility with dates.
    Usually get to Machu Picchu by train & bus, rather than hiking through the Sun Gate.
    People who are super into history & want to hike to Machu Picchu will usually stick with the Inca trail, whereas those who want a wilder experience or a bit more flexibility will opt for an alternative route.

 

19. What is the experience like when arriving at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate, and which circuit gets included?
    The last morning on a 4-day Inca Trail trek, you wake up before the crack of dawn and get hiking in semi-darkness to reach Inti Punku – the Sun Gate – just in time to see Machu Picchu start to reveal itself below. That moment is a real highlight for many hikers, as you get a glimpse of the citadel after all that work on ancient stone paths before the day trippers show up. After a few snaps and a quick break, you keep going down to Machu Picchu itself for a guided tour. There have been some changes to the rules in recent years, so your entrance to Machu Picchu usually gets tied to a specific circuit (Circuit 1, 2, or 3) & your tour operator will let you know which one they’ve booked for you – & whether you can add on extra circuits or Huayna Picchu/Machu Picchu Mountain permits at an extra cost.

20. Why should I choose a tour operator that’s got its values in check for the Inca Trail?
Who you choose to book with has a real impact – not just on the income of the porters & guides, but on the local communities & the very long-term future of the trail itself. A good tour operator will:
Make sure porters are only carrying the right weight for their safety & provide proper gear, food & shelter.
Pay a fair wage & promote equality – e.g., they might actively try to hire more women as porters and guides.
Keep group sizes down to avoid hurting the environment or messing up local culture.\\
Adhere to proper leave-no-trace principles & park regulations.\\
Have loads of great reviews from past customers to back up their commitment to all this.
By choosing a company that looks after its people & the place, you’re not only doing the right thing, you’re also getting a far more authentic, responsible experience on one of the world’s most famous treks.