The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the most popular hiking trails in the world. It is also one of the most difficult, with an average elevation gain of 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) and a maximum elevation of 4,215 meters (13,828 feet). The trail is not for the faint of heart, but the rewards are great. If you are thinking of doing the Inca Trail, it is important that you are prepared for the altitude, difficulty, and climate of the Inca Trail. We offer Inca Trail tours in its Spanish version and Inca Trail in its English version, that is why we have the knowledge and want to share it with our visitors.
The altitude of the Inca Trail
The altitude of the Inca Trail can be a challenge for some people. The highest point on the trail is 4,215 meters (13,828 feet), almost twice the height of Cusco, the largest city in the region. The air is much thinner at this altitude and some people may experience shortness of breath, fatigue, headaches or even nausea.
Taking some time and acclimatising before starting the Inca Trail is essential if you are not used to high altitudes. There are a few ways to do this, such as spending a few days in Cusco (3400 metres/11,200 feet) to get used to the altitude before starting the trek. You can also take it easy on the first or second day of the trek and go slowly to help your body adapt. If you start to feel any symptoms of altitude sickness, it is vital to descend immediately and seek medical attention most people experience mild symptoms that disappear over time, but altitude sickness can cause complications in rare cases.
Campsites on the Inca Trail and their altitude:
- Km 82, start of the Inca Trail at 2718 m/8924 ft
- Wayllambamba, the first campsite located at 3000 m / 9842 ft
- Ayapata preferred campsite on day 1, located at 3300 m/ 10826 ft
- Lluluchapampa, the first rest stop on day 2, located at 3800 m/10829 ft
- Pacaymayo Alto, Second campsite located at 3600 m/11811 ft
- Chaquicocha, Preferred campsite on day 2, located at 3600 m/ 11811 ft
- Phuyupatamarca, the 3rd campsite, located at 3650 m/11975 ft
- Wiaywayna, the preferred campsite on day 3, located at 2600 m/8530 ft
- Puente Ruinas, the last one Camp on 5-day tours, located at 2000 m/6561 ft
Mountains on the Inca Trail:
- Dead Woman's Pass, the highest point on the Inca Trail at 4215 m/13828 ft.
- Runkurakay Pass, the second highest mountain on the Inca Trail at 4000 m/13123 ft
- Veronica Mountain is the highest mountain in the Vilcanota Mountain Range, at 5,893 m/19,334 ft.
- Salkantay Mountain is the highest mountain in the Vilcabamba Mountain Range at 6,271 m/20,574 ft.
- Pumasillo Mountain, visible from Machu Picchu, at 5,991 m/19,656 ft.
- Machu Picchu Mountain, the highest mountain in the area at Machu Picchu, at 3082 m/10111 ft.
- Huayna Picchu Mountain, the most beautiful mountain, at 2693 m/8835 ft.
Archaeological sites on the Inca Trail
- Salapunku, located at 2720 mt/8923 ft
- Kanabamba, located at 2625 m/8615 ft
- Wilkarakay, located at 2,650 m/8,694 ft
- Patallacta, located at 2614 m/8576 ft
- Wayllabamba, located at 3000 m / 9842 ft
- Runkuracay, located at 3950 m/12959 ft
- Sayacmarca, located at 3600 m/ 11811 ft
- Concharmarca, located at 3550 m/ 11646 ft
- Phuyupatamarca, located at 3650 m/11975 ft
- Intipata, located at 2840 m/9317 ft
- Wiaywayna, located at 2600 m/8530 feet
- Sungate, located at 2700 m/ 8858 feet
- Machu Picchu, located at 2430 m/7972 feet
What to do before the Inca Trail?
Get fit: The Inca Trail is no joke. It's 26 miles long and includes over 4,000 steps. You'll be hiking for at least 4 days, so make sure you're in good physical condition.
Buy the right gear: You'll need comfortable hiking shoes, a raincoat, a backpack, and other essentials. Don't wait until the last minute to buy these thingsyou need to make sure you have time to get used to them before the hike.
Reserve your spot: The Inca Trail is one of the most popular hikes in the world, so spots fill up fast. If you want to hike the trail, you need to reserve your spot well in advance.
Get your permits: You need a permit to hike the Inca Trail, and it can be difficult to get one. Make sure you start the permitting process early so you're not disappointed.
Learn some basic Spanish: You'll encounter many people on the Inca Trail who only speak Spanish. Learning some basic phrases will help you communicate with them and make your trip more enjoyable.
What to do during the Inca Trail?
Follow the tour guide's instructions at all times.
Pack light, but bring all the essentials, such as sunscreen, hats, water, snacks, etc.
Take it easy. Make sure to take your time and enjoy the scenery.
Drink plenty of water during the day
Use the bathrooms before you start hiking
Don't go off the trail
At Machu Picchu, relax and enjoy your time at one of the most iconic archaeological sites in the world.
What to do after the Inca Trail Hike?
After the Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu, it is essential to take some time to rest and recover. Here are some tips on what to do after the hike:
Take a day or two to rest and relax, this will help your body recover from the strenuous hike.
Drink plenty of fluids, especially water, to stay hydrated and help your body recover.
Eat healthy foods to help your body recover from the hike.
Stretch and do some light exercises to help your muscles recover from the hike.
If you have discomfort or pain, seek medical attention if necessary.
After 1 or 2 days, you can explore other places such as Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley Tour.
If you would like to live the best travel experience you can check out our Inca Trail tour, there you will find more detailed information about everything related to the classic Inca Trail
