The Inca Trail route is a classical way to reach Machu Pichu. The Inca Trail route trek is surrounded by Peru’s rich history. It is one of the most enthralling hiking routes of all time. There are two types of Inca Trail routes. One is classical, and the other one is short.
It takes 4 days and 3 nights to hike the Classical Inca trail route. It takes 2 days to hike the short Inca trail route.
The Inca trail route is famous among adventure-seeking enthusiasts and is surrounded by cloud forests. The trek unravels the facts about Inca civilization.
In addition to this, there are numerous interesting facts that you should know about the Inca Trail route.
Inca Trail Route: Popular facts that you should know
There are numerous facts about the Inca trail route. Some of the most popular ones are specified below.
The starting point of the Inca Trail route
As mentioned earlier, the Inca trail route consists of either a 4-day hike (Classical) or a 2-day hike (short). Both editions of the trek have different starting points. The Inca Quarry trail route lies between the sacred valley and Ollantaytambo.
- The starting point of the Classic Inca Trail trek route is from Km.82 at Cusco. It ends directly at Machu Pichu.
- Although hiking the classic Inca trail route takes more days, it allows you to see the mesmerizing natural beauty of Peru.
Hiking the Classic Inca trail route allows you to view all the mountainous landscapes and cloud forests. It also allows you to experience the subtle change in weather. Hiking the Classic Inca trail route will allow you to see the mysterious Incan ruins like Q’oriwayrachina, Llaqtapata.
Although the shorter version of the hike saves your time, it doesn’t offer you many splendid views.
The distance of the Inca trail route
Another important fact that you must know about the Inca trail route is the distance of the trek. The Inca trail route, which runs from Cusco to Machu Pichu, is astonishingly long. It is about 26 miles. Hence, it is almost 43 km and is one of the longest trek routes in the world.
Hiking through this immensely long route takes 4 full days and 3 nights. So, if you are considering hiking the adventurous and enthralling trail, get ready for your legs to be sore.
The weather of the Inca trail route
One of the crucial facts that you must know about the Inca trail route is its weather. As Peru a warm and tropical country, the weather is not considerably harsh in summer during the day. But the nights here are cold and can cause significant problems, particularly when camping.
The other thing that you should know about the trek is its wet seasons, which are from December to March. During these months, the track gets slippery and can cause significant problems while hiking. Therefore, to avoid this, you must pack trekking poles with you before you go hiking the Inca trail route.
The second day of the trek is the most challenging
Out of all the Inca trail trekking days, the most challenging day is the second day. On your second day, you will reach the highest point of the trek, known as Dead Woman’s Pass.
- The pass is at about 4200 meters above sea level, which is not ideal for people having acrophobia. The elevation gain is immense here, and due to this, the air is thinner.
- Although the whole of the trek has thin air, this is the location where you will face breathing problems.
- Due to such high altitude, you can also experience altitude sickness on the second day of your trek.
- To avoid this, make sure you arrive in Cusco two days before your hike.
- It will allow your body to get familiar with the thin air and high-altitude. As a result, you will experience fewer symptoms of altitude sickness.
Apart from this, the whole of the trek will require you to ascend 14000 feet above the ground. It can cause significant problems if you are not entirely careful.
Inca trail route is not opened throughout the year
Another crucial fact that hiking enthusiasts should know is that the trek is not accessible 365 days. As mentioned earlier, the Inca trail route has wet seasons from December to March. The Inca trail route is closed in February.
It is because most of the rainfall occurs in February. And allowing you to hike the Inca trail route during this month can be hazardous.
It isn’t overly crowded
The Inca trail route allows only 500 people per day. Out of which 300 of them are guides and professionals. It means that only 200 people a day are allowed to hike the Inca trail route.
However, gaining excess trekking permits is not easy as it seems. It requires you to book in advance for you to have a trekking day of your choice. Moreover, as the number of permits is only 500 a day, booking in advance is crucial.
In addition to this, the Inca Trail permits are sold in October. Therefore, you should be aware of the date
You will trek a lot
As the Inca Trail route is one of the longest routes in the world, you will trek 6-8 hours per day. During the first day of your trek, the land will be flat, and you will not experience any problems.
But on your second day, as you will ascend to the Dead Woman’s Pass the terrain will be tough. So, if you are considering hiking the Inca Trail route, make sure to pack all the essential items.
Sun Gate is the last spot
The last spot of the Inca trail route is the Sun Gate, an archaeological site. You have to hike here early to reach Machu Pichu and see the sunrise above the jaw-dropping landscape.
The above-specified are some of the most crucial facts that you must know about the Inca Trail route.
