Cusco
Price $798
Min age 3
Rating 4.98 / 5 [3754 ratings]
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Cusco, Cusco Region, Peru
Plunging valleys dripping with waterfalls, snow-capped peaks looming overhead, Inca ruins cresting high mountain ridges surrounded by hummingbird-filled cloud forest – and the mist rising off Machu Picchu itself, warmed by the rising sun; the Inca Trail truly is one of the world’s greatest treks.
But it’s no walk in the park. The four-day route follows an ancient Inca road for 43km; rising and falling over passes and valleys and reaching a maximum elevation at the ominously-named Dead Woman’s Pass at 4200 metres. It’s breathy, muscle-aching work, but the views of lost Inca ruins and spectacular scenery make it an unforgettable experience.
The standard trek takes four days; however, some operators offer the option of five days on the trail. This allows for a more leisurely pace and time to linger and explore some of the Inca ruins along the way.
A permit is needed to trek the Inca Trail and numbers are limited to 500 people a day (including porters), so it’s important to book months in advance if possible. The trail can only be tackled using a licensed tour operator, who will make all arrangements for you, including transport from Cusco to the start of the trail.
Food and drink are provided, but check with your operator what items you should pack. Porters can be hired to carry your backpack, though you can opt to carry your own if you prefer.
Don’t underestimate the challenges of walking 43km at altitude. It’s a challenging hike, but doable with reasonable fitness. Parts of the trail are very steep, but no climbing is involved. It’s a good idea to try shorter hikes around the Sacred Valley first.
The Inca Trail is accessible to permit-holders from March to January. It closes in February for conservation projects.
The driest months are June-August, but the trail is often booked far in advance then. The May, September and October, shoulder seasons are better and it’s warmer than June to August.
During the rainy season (November to March), trekking becomes sticky and wet, with views obscured by clouds. The Inca Trail is closed for maintenance for the entire month of February.
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