It’s no surprise that every keen adventure traveller wants to take on the Inca Trail and witness the mighty Machu Picchu in all its glory. The Inca were a highly organised civilisation and created many paths throughout the Andes in a network they called Qhapaq Ñan. The most famous of all the paths is known simply as Camino Inca or The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, the royal route to the remnants of the breathtaking mountaintop city of Machu Picchu. The Inca Trail is a classic example of why the journey is often just as fantastic as the final destination itself. Along the pathways you will witness various other Incan archeological sites as well as lush Andean scenery, often sharing the walkways with llamas and other wildlife.
A permit is required before you commence the Inca Trail trek. The trail is also closed during February for conservation and cleaning. In order to preserve the Inca Trail Trek and its surrounds, the Peruvian authorities cap the number of Inca Trail trekking permits to 500 per day. This number includes trekkers, guides, porters and other support staff. Permits often sell out several months in advance and you must book well ahead to secure your place, particularly if you want to trek in the high season between May and September.
An experienced guide with extensive local historical and archaeological knowledge will always lead your trek. Along the way, you will pass many Inca ruins, and your guide will conduct short tours wherever possible. A team of porters will carry all the equipment, leaving you with just a small daypack. Tours often include local cooks who will prepare three meals daily (while camping) and provide hot drinks and snacks.
You usually get camping gear and cooking equipment, but we recommend you refer to the exact tour details of your chosen operator for specific tour details. Porters carry equipment ahead, arriving to set up camp before trekkers arrive. This gives them plenty of time to set up camp and prepare dinner. When you enter camp, you can collect your duffle bag and access your clothes/toiletries. The porters usually also provide a small bowl of warm water, soap and a small flannel/towel for every person to wash their hands when reaching camp and each morning. Campfires are not permitted, so there is not a lot to do after dinner, and most people retire to bed early. Please note that campsites are subject to change depending on availability. At the Inca Trail trek briefing, you will be advised of the exact campsites where you will stay.
Your porters, guides and cooks have fantastic strength, stamina and skill. Together, make your trek a thoroughly enjoyable and hassle-free experience. They will set up camp daily, prepare meals and carry extra luggage. Most people would almost certainly be unable to complete the trek without them. It is, therefore, commonly accepted that porters, guides and cooks are all tipped well. Some tour operators include tips in the cost to ensure that all porters and other Inca Trail staff are tipped relatively and equally. We advise that you check with your tour operator.
If your tour operator specifies that they do not provide sleeping bags, you will need a warm sleeping bag for the Inca Trail trek. Where possible, we recommend that you bring your sleeping bag. Some may be available for hire locally (for approximately US$15), but please check with your operator first. If you are planning to hire a bag, bringing a silk sleeping bag liner for added warmth and comfort is a good idea.
A four-season* (or -10) bag is recommended for the winter months. At other times, you will probably be fine in a 3-season (or -4/-5) bag, although this depends on how much you feel the cold and is given as a guideline only. Roll mats are provided on the Inca Trail; however, for greater comfort and warmth, Thermarest-style mattresses can also be hired in Cusco for US$15.
*Please note: If you are travelling in winter and you do not wish to invest in a 4 season bag, you may want to consider purchasing a 3 season bag plus a sleeping bag liner and bringing additional clothing
Good quality, comfortable footwear is essential. Whatever you wear on your feet the most important thing is comfort. It is vital to ensure your boots are well worn in and lightweight. Ankle support and waterproofing is recommended but if you already have something comfortable with good grip on rocks then don’t go rushing out to buy new boots – you are better off with your well worn in pair! Make sure you back a pair of flip-flops/thongs in your duffel bag too. There’s nothing like feeling letting your feet ‘air’ after a long day of trekking in hiking boots.
During the Inca Trail trek your main luggage will be stored in Cuzco and you will receive a small duffle bag at your Inca Trail briefing (which will be held the evening before you start the trek) to pack clothes for 3-4 days. Your team of porters will carry these bags together with the food and equipment for the trail. Please note that you will not have access to these items until the end of each day as the porters will always be ahead of the group and you should therefore bring a day pack in which you can carry personal belongings such as your camera, water and sunscreen etc. By Peruvian law the duffle bag carried by the porters must not weigh more than 5kg (10lbs) which is to include your sleeping bag – this limit is set to protect the health of porters. All bags will be weighed before being accepted. If you require more than 5kg, it will then be your responsibility to carry the extra amount together with your day pack. For more details on packing for the Inca Trail please see our handy packing list blog.
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