Inca Trail to Machu Picchu hike must be on your List all ready!! A trip to “the Machu Picchu: Lost City of the Incas” is on the bucket list of most travelers. This is one of the 7 wonders present in the modern world, and undoubtedly the most incredible site to see at least once in your lifetime. However, when it comes to reaching Machu Picchu to embrace the beauty of this place. Then most of the adventurous travelers never want to hop on a train or bus to get to Machu Picchu Inca city.

Instead, a trek on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Hike 4 days through the cloud of Peru’s jungle, and the ancient path is holding more attractive.

That is why these four days and three nights trek up and down the Inca trail’s stone pathway is one of the most famous yet preferred means for adventurous travelers to arrive at this breathtaking site. Even more, it is also one of the most incredible and memorable experiences you can ever have in your life.

So, whoever of you is Desire adventure, and keeping an eye on the best possible opportunities to feed you hungering, then checking out the best Inca Trail Hiking Tours to Machu Picchu is worth considering in this regard.

A complete guide on Inca Trail hiking

However, before finding out the best Inca Trail tours, you must have a look at the detailed guide regarding hiking the Inca Trail given below is a must. It is because this comprehensive guide contains almost everything you need to know about hiking the Inca trail. Ultimately, making the most out of this amazingly adventurous tour would become easier for you.

So, here we go:

An overview of Inca Trail

The Inca Trail is an established and iconic multi-day hike that is leading travelers from km.82 all the way to the iconic Machu Picchu through Sun Gate. The good news here is that Inca Trail is shorter than what you expect at 40 kilometers only, but a major chunk of this distance is up steep and narrow at high altitudes.

The Incan Empire created trails of thousands of kilometers to link the civilization centers with important settlements. While this specific 4-day hiking route is called the classic Inca Trail connects directly with this magic Machu Picchu Inca City.

Some valuable facts to know before hiking the Inca Trail

Being one of the most beautiful yet mysterious wonders of the world, there is no surprise that hiking the Inca Trail is on the top of the bucket list of many travelers. This enigmatic fortress, perched 2,430m in the Peruvian Andes among the clouds here is the best explored and most rewarding trek. This is an ancient route used long ago by the only royalty Incas.

Even though Inca Trail hiking is going to be one of the most wonderful yet rewarding experiences throughout the journey, however, still there are some essential facts about the trail that you must know here. So, let’s have a look at these facts below to know more about the things in this regard:

Inca Trail hike isn’t for faint-hearted (Pessimist)

Remember that, hiking Inca Trail isn’t a walk in the park. As it is one of the most challenging trails located in one of the greatest ranges of mountains on the earth. It means you have to be a reasonable fit to complete hiking the Inca Trail.

On this trail, you will encounter strenuous ascents that make it a spine-tingling cliffside path and demanding terrain to deal with. Along with that, you have to camp every night. Even though more often camping sites are in stunning locations, however, these come up with very basic and limited amenities.

Fortunately, the toughness of the Inca trail will keep rewarding you throughout the trail with breathtaking views of Sacred Valley and its surrounding mountain range, in-depth look into the Incas’ fascinating lives. Lucky ones will spot local wildlife as well along the way on the trail.

The altitude on the Inca Trail may affect you

When on Inca Trail, most people believe that high altitude isn’t going to affect them. However, it isn’t true for all. Even the ones who used to spend hours in the gym will be huffed and panted on their way up the Inca Trail altitude sickness can be a real problem for you on the Inca Trail, especially if you are going to hike the trail on the same day after arriving in Cusco city.

To deal with altitude sickness and stay fine on the trail, it is highly important to give your body some rest and let it set to the altitude before you are going to take on any demanding hiking day.

There are various archaeological sites you will see on the trail

Most of the people think that Machu Picchu is the only archaeological site you come across on the trail and in fact, Inca Trail is just a means to get to that. However, in fact, it isn’t so. It is because Sacred Valley will let you find Ollantaytambo’s remarkable Incan fortress, the terraces of Phuyupatamarca, and unique Runkurakay circular ruins.

All of these lesser-known but worth-visiting archaeological sites can be included within your Inca Trail tours. Traveling with an experienced guide through these archaeological sites will let you learn more about the surrounding nature. You can also get to know about how the Incas used this spectacular landscape to thrive and survive in the best possible way.

The days on the Inca trail are longer but exciting and rewarding

This is a warning for late-risers. It is because you have to wake up early every day on this trip to pack up your camping equipment then hit the trails. Even though the daily distances of the trek seem shorter on paper, but these aren’t. Instead, these feel longer when you are going to climb up through the humid and hot forest or traversing narrow trails tentatively.

However, your entire hardship and hassles on the trail are worth it when you will have the very first glimpse of the mesmerizing Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate.

A permit is necessary to hike the Inca Trail

As the Machu Picchu is preserved remarkably, therefore, the officials of Peru want to keep it the same for as long as possible. That is why only a specific number of people are allowed to enter the Inca Trail every day.

To avoid getting caught on the way once you have traveled so long to hike the Inca Trail, it is always recommended for you to book your permit before time. It is because there have been travel restrictions on the Inca trail to reduce overcrowding and maintain the charm of this site.

Weather on the Inca Trail is pretty unpredictable

Between April and October, Peruvian Andes experience dry season, however, there is no guarantee for that. It is because at high altitudes weather is pretty unpredictable and keeps changing. Therefore, it is common to experience multiple seasons even in a single day.

It is recommended here not to be worried too much about the changing weather in Peruvian Andes because there is nothing much you can do in this regard. However, when you are packing for the Inca Trail hiking tour, it is always better to pack well for every eventuality. Pack as many lightweights but high-quality layers as possible in your backpack. Must keep mosquito repellants and waterproof in your backpack as well.

A guided tour is best to appreciate the citadel completely

One of the best things about hiking the Inca Trail and visiting Machu Picchu is that it is well-preserved. The remains here are left just like they were discovered. Even more, these haven’t been plastered with any type of information boards for tourists here.

Even though it is completely possible to visit this marvelous and mysterious wonder of the world independently. However, by this, you would’ve no idea what exactly you are looking for here. Therefore, it is always better to join any of the best Machu Picchu Hiking Tours. These guides usually come up with professional guidance assistance. The guides here will let you know more about the various buildings and their purposes here. They will also point out all the essential details that you will not be able to understand on your own.

How Long Does It Take to Hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Hike?

Even though the distance to the Machu Picchu through the Inca trail isn’t that great. You will be surprised by knowing the fact that the Inca trail hike is just 40 kilometers. Still, it takes 4 days and 3 nights to reach the iconic Machu Picchu via Inca Trail.

It is mainly because of the high altitude on the Inca trail. The peak altitude you are going to experience here is 4200m. Therefore, it can be pretty problematic even for experienced and pro hikers as well to cover this distance quickly.

That is why every tour to the Inca trail requires travelers to cover this distance within few days to hike at this high altitude. Even more, it is always better to reach Cusco at least two days before you start the Inca trail hike. It is necessary to acclimatize even before embarking on the trial itself.

Inca Trail elevation and distances

An overview of the Machu Picchu 4 Days hike itinerary is a must not only know about the Inca trail distance and elevation but also start things off better. The beginning of the trail is alongside Urubamba River and meanders through the scrub brush and trees, gain altitude slowly.

In the starting, you will break in the ease with a gentle start alongside a wider path passing through the Sacred Valley. This portion of the Inca trail is known to be as Inca Flat.

Here we have outlined the route to travel on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Hike to let you know what to expect from your hike on the trail each day. To get to know more about the details in this regard, have a look at the table given below:

So, this is what your actual hike on the Inca trail will look like.

At the end of this rewarding journey. You will be skipping, hopping, and jumping with excitement to see the first glimpse of the most iconic Machu Picchu.

Important point

If you are traveling with a guide. Then the guide would stop you at a few spots here to let you know more about the history of the Inca trail, the Incas, their struggles to thrive and survive, ancient ruins along the trail. Most of the guides on the trail usually have deeper knowledge about Incan history and the things that happened here. So, you will definitely be able to have a unique perspective about the area along the trail.

From where your Inca trail hiking will start?

There is always a possibility to trek the Inca trail all alone/ independently or book an organized Inca trail hiking tour for you. Regardless of your chosen option in this regard, you have to reach Cusco to start your journey.

Cusco is situated in the southeast of Peru and can double up the enjoyment as it is one of the most popular destinations to be at in South America because of its position and history. Cusco is a way to access the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu. Therefore, every Inca trail trip itinerary is going to include a stay of a few days at Cusco.

So, to make the most out of your stay here. It is always recommended to know about the best things to do in Cusco as well.

Additionally, it is easier to reach Cusco from different parts of Peru as there are various transportation options available here. Some of the most common means of reaching Cusco include:

· Flights:

There are reasonably cheap yet reliable flight options available connecting Lima – Cusco and offered by one of the popular airports in Lima i.e., Jorge Chavez International Airport.

So, for anyone who is already in Peru then taking the Lima-Cusco flight is the quickest yet most sensible option to reach Cusco.

· Bus:

For travelers from Arequipa, taking an overnight bus option is going to be an effective option to reach Cusco. Here you can easily find from basic to high standard buses. It is always better to take a look at available options to book yours easily as per your own choice.

· Train

There is also a train service which runs from Cusco to Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes. This is truly a tourist service and can be a less preferable option for travelers who want to reach Cusco.

If you have booked the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Hike tour with a tour provider then all the transportation services will be managed by the service provider from Cusco to all the way Inca trail. This will include a train or private minibus.

When you will arrive the Machu Picchu through the Inca trail?

In most cases, hikes are more about the journey than the final destination, but Inca trail with an exception. As the trail stands out among others for having the most beautiful and iconic destination, because reaching Machu Picchu is the major reason why people prefer to hike this trail.

While when it is about to arrive at Machu Picchu then being among the first people to the Machu Picchu is a common misconception. Simply, this isn’t true, because it’s easier to get through the gates here only if you will stay in the Aguas Calientes a night before and then take a bus or hike descent to the iconic Machu Picchu.

Otherwise, you can expect an entry through the Sun Gates after sunrise. Then you can have a descent to the uncrowded Machu Picchu while having the best views across the route.

How much time you can spend at Machu Picchu?

The time you are allowed to spend at Machu Picchu depends upon your tour provider. As tour companies here evolve and change their rules constantly to abate the concerns of UNESCO. Generally, you can spend an entire morning exploring the site. With an organized Inca trail trip, you will have a guided tour of the site as well.

Overall, you are going to have enough time to explore and admire the beauty of breathtaking Machu Picchu and capture your unforgettable moments way before the day-trip hordes will arrive on the spot.

How hard is the Inca trail?

Overall, the Inca trail hike isn’t much hard but can be challenging at some points, no doubts. However, your own hiking experience will better define the hardness of the Inca trail for you in a better way.

Even more, there are various other factors as well that will let you decide how hard is the Inca trail at the end. These factors include:

• Weather conditions on the Inca trail
• Your fitness
• Your hiking experience,
• Attitude and approach of your travel group
• Altitude, and various others.

Generally, the second day of hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Hike is the hardest among others. As it will lead you to the Dead Woman’s Pass at almost Inca Trail elevation of 13,776 ft. But at the same time, it is a widely rewarded day as well.

Some people may experience difficult moments on the first two days of hiking while the rest of the hike will be at the find levels of challenge.

Moreover, your consistency on the trail will also depend upon the fitness, age, and pace of the entire group. It is because each group usually consists of people with mixed abilities and ages.

However, when you are on the Inca trail hiking trip, make sure to keep the following things in mind:

• The trail isn’t all about finishing your distance quickly every day. You must savor the route here instead of trying to reach a record pace.
• Most of the tour companies arrange a main and an assistant guide with each group. One of them will lead you from the front while the other will stay at the group’s back. This will be helpful for all the struggling members who are finding it hard to make with the rest of the group.
• Friendships coming out of struggle and hardships are always amazing. Remember each person in the group has their own struggles, challenges, reasons for being on the Inca trail, and circumstances. So, make sure to create a positive bonding with the rest of the group and enjoy being on the trail to the fullest.

Do you need to be perfectly fit to hike Inca Trail?

As we have mentioned above that hiking the Inca trail isn’t a walk in the park.

Even though it isn’t the most challenging hike to do in South America, physically. However, its conditions and ascents can make you feel it is a challenging hike. Even it isn’t necessary to be a vastly experienced hiker to trek the Inca trail but having a good level of physical fitness can make things easier for you.

As a result, you will be enjoying and making the most out of your Inca trail hike in the best possible way.

Why Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Hike is so popular amongst adventurous travelers?

The Inca Trail is a route to the iconic Machu Picchu and is the most favored route by travelers to admire the beauty of Machu Picchu through Sun Gate due to many good reasons.

Those who follow this mountainous pathway to the Machu Picchu can experience Andean peaks. A landscape enriched with old ruins of centuries, lush green forest alive with local wildlife and birds, and steep mountain passes. Along with being a truly beautiful hike, the Inca trail is also famous for the endpoint of this 4-day adventurous journey, i.e., passing via the Sun Gate and having mesmerizing first glimpse of the beautiful Machu Picchu from distance.

Most importantly, only travelers who follow the Inca Trail pathway can access the Sun Gate at sunrise. And undoubtedly this is what makes hiking the Inca Trail on the top of the bucket list of many travelers visiting South America.

Overall, Inca Trail is the best way to reach Machu Picchu and after having stunning views from the Sun Gate, you will definitely never regret your decision.

The best time to hike Inca Trail

There are two major seasons in Peru; dry and wet. Generally, you can hike the Inca Trail in any season. However, each season comes up with its own pros and cons.

The dry season in Peru ranges between May and October. The chances of rain during these months are far less as compared to other months. You can expect to have dry mornings and afternoons while hot days in this period. During this season you can enjoy sightseeing throughout the trail to the fullest.

However, at the same time demand for Inca Trail hiking also increases in the dry season, as it is the peak tourism season in Peru. So, you should expect overcrowding on the Machu Picchu and Inca Trail during these months

While on the other hand, the wet season in Peru is from November to April. If you are hiking the Inca trail during these months, you must be ready for rainy days. However, this is also a less popular and less crowded period to visit Machu Picchu through Inca Trail. Even more, during wet season booking the best Inca trail tours will also become easier and cheaper for you.

Overall, you can hike the Inca trail throughout the year except for February. It is because the trail is closed in February for routine maintenance.  

Inca Trail Cost: How much you have to spend on Inca Trail?

How much does Inca Trail hiking cost you will depend on different factors, especially the tour company you are planning to book your tour with. The cost will depend upon the quality, equipment, and experience of the tour company.

Generally, Inca Trail hiking tours can cost you around £550 to £1000 or above. Be skeptical of anyone is offering you an Inca trail hiking tour for less than the bottom line. Remember that when you are booking your tour, you have to pay for the Inca trail permit in advance to secure your booking more effectively.

How much money should I bring to the Inca Trail hiking trip?

Even though the majority of your Inca trail hiking tour’s up-front cost is going to be covered by your booked tour. However, still, there are few things along the way you must keep cash for. These will include:

• Buying snacks and drinks from stallholders throughout the Inca trail.
• Toilet entry fee on the campsites or throughout the trail. This can cost you 1 or 2 soles every time.
• Tips for guides and porters.
• Having your meal/lunch
• If you are planning to hike the trail independently then you must consider the costs of Inca Trail permits, Machu Picchu tickets, camping at campsites throughout the trail, and meals.

Whichever tour company you are choosing to book your tour. Always remember that you are expected to tip your assisting staff, guides, and porters. Even though it might seem a bit awkward for many of the travelers especially the ones who aren’t raised in a tipping culture. However, once you are on the trail you will definitely understand that these porters, cooks, and other assisting staff require an extra bit of cash to appreciate their sterling work.

Overall, you must have at least $300 per person for just Inca trail-specific section. However, it is always highly recommended to keep most of the cash in the form of coins and smaller notes. It is because you will need these the most throughout the Inca Trail.

How to prepare for Inca Trail hiking? Or what to bring with you on Inca Trail hiking?

Once you have booked your tour to South America and got your Inca trail permits, now you have some key milestones to hit before getting anywhere near South America. Even more, preparing yourself for the Inca trail isn’t all about putting hiking shoes in your backpack and hoping to enjoy the best, instead of doing the necessary to ensure that you are going to have an unforgettable and successful on the famous Inca trail for all the great reasons.

When it is about to know what to bring with you on Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Hike tour. Then you can find long lists of the items on different sites easily in this regard. Here we will enlist the items you shouldn’t leave your home without if you want to enjoy the most on the Inca trail hiking.

So, here we go:

• Trekking poles to save your knees and get some help on downhill sections.
• A bug spray is important to keep with as you have to trek through the dense Amazon rainforest.
• A headlamp or flashlight to use throughout the Inca trail.
• Warm sleeping bag to manage sleeping with ease in the cold nights at the trail.
• Keeping high-quality earplugs is a must as well. It is because you don’t always have a choice to choose your neighbors in the tent.
• A hydration pack and a good water bottle should always be in your hand on the trail. It is because altitude sickness is real on the trek and you need to stay well-hydrated throughout the trail.
• Plastic bags, toilet papers, and sanitizer are important to keep with you because most of the toilets don’t offer these facilities along the trail.
• Make sure to invest in a high-quality but lightweight backpack that can carry all your stuff easily. Your backpack must be easier and comfortable to carry throughout the trail and can fit everything you need in it with ease.

Should I bring camping equipment on the Inca Trail?

Your tour company will provide you with porter and camps on the Inca trail. These porters are going to carry the majority of the camping equipment on the trail. However, you are responsible to bring a warm sleeping bag for yourself. Make sure to buy a sleeping bag that can fit into your lightweight duffle bag easily.

If you don’t want to carry a sleeping bag with you, you can rent an air mattress and sleeping bag from the campsites.

Do I need to keep hiking poles for the Inca trail?

Most of people think that hiking poles are essential for Austrians and older people only to trek. In fact, these are amazingly useful for everyone on the Inca trail.

Hiking poles aren’t essential to keep for the Inca trail as it is completely possible to trek the trail even without them. While, keeping and using these on the hike can make your hiking experience easier, convenient, and more enjoyable on the Inca trail. These will help you to have fewer pains and aches during and after trial.

So, as you are doing with so many other hikes, you can also keep a pair of lightweight, and high-quality travel hiking pols with you. You can also buy your required hiking poles from Cusco or can rent out them on the trail from the tour providers.

Where to keep my valuables on the Inca Trail hiking tour?

Well, this is something for which your preferred tour company can provide you a better solution. Many of the travelers which are bloggers or travel photographers as well, carrying a lot of technology is pretty common.

Even though the main luggage of travelers is usually left in a secure luggage storage room of a hotel in Cusco. However, it is never a better idea to leave your important and valuable assets there. If your stuff is lightweight then it is always better to keep that in your backpack. However, if you are unable to do so, then you must ask your tour company to provide you lockers in Cusco which you can secure with your own padlock to keep your valuables here securely.

However, when you are packing for your Inca Trail hiking tour, then it is recommended for you to pack light and smart. Prefer to keep the stuff that you need the most only with you in your daypack.

How to book the best Machu Picchu hiking tours?

It is always better to book the best Machu Picchu hiking tours if you want to make the most out of your Inca trail hiking. For this, it is important to perform your due diligence and hire the best and registered tour company to avoid any unwanted incident on the trail.

When you are looking for the best tour company out there for Inca trail tours, then consider the following factors:

• For how long the tour company is arranging Inca trail hiking tours?
• What are the amenities it will offer you on the trail?
• What you have to spend to book a tour with the tour company?
• How many people will be there in each group?
• What’s the track record of the tour company for Inca trail hiking tours?
• What do their existing customers say about the company?

Finding answers to all the above-mentioned questions will make it easier for you to make a better decision in this regard.

FAQs

1. Do I need Inca Trail to permit?

Since 2002, the officials of Peru have restricted access of a limited number of people only to the Inca Trail per day. Only 500 people can enter the trail to hike every day, no matter what time of the year it is. It means everyone has to book their permits way before going to hike.

The best way to secure your Inca trail permit is to book it in advance. Or you can get in touch with the professional and best Inca trail tours. It is because these tour providers usually buy daily permits in advance to facilitate their customers in the best possible way.

2. Is it necessary to book my Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Hike permit in advance?

Well, for independent travelers, yes.

If you are planning to hike the Inca trail in dry season then it is a must to make reservations as soon as possible. By booking in advance, you will have the liberty to make reservations for your preferred date.

However, if you are joining the best Inca Trail tours here then this will be done by your tour company on your behalf.

If you are hoping for a last-minute possibility, don’t worry, you can get that as well, but in that case, you will have limited dates and tour companies to join in options.

3. Is Inca Trail Permit transferable?

You can secure your Inca trail permit with any approved tour services provider only. Always remember that Inca Trail permits are issued with passport numbers and names of the travelers only. Therefore, once these are booked, you will be unable to change or transfer them.

If you have to change your password due to any reason between your Inca trail permit booking and being at the checkpoint of Km.82, then it is always advised to get in touch with your chosen tour company in this regard to get the best possible solution for this.

4. Is travel insurance required to trek the Inca Trail?

Arranging travel insurance before hitting the Inca trail is a requirement here. Therefore, you have to buy one, accordingly.

Also, it is always better to avoid traveling without insurance. Whenever you are traveling to the Inca trail, make sure that your off-the-shelf insurance plan is covering all the activities you are going to perform on the trail. This is essential to see what altitude it covers before buying any travel insurance.

It is always recommended to prefer buying an insurance policy from a well-known and reputable insurance company that used to cover high altitude trips. Don’t forget to read their terms and conditions before opting for your option.

5. What amenities I can have on Inca Trail?

If you are hiking the Inca trail for the very first time, then keep in mind that no hotels are there on the Inca trail. Your accommodation on the trail will be in the form of tents or camps, and sleeping bags only in the middle of nature.

Commonly, tents available on the trail are 2-person. So, you have to share yours with your friend or any random group member of the same sex. If you prefer privacy over budget, then you can simply pay extra here.

6. What’s the toilet situation on the Inca trail?

The Toilet situation is undoubtedly the worst part of the Inca Trail. Almost all the campsites are having their own toilets on the trail, but these are more often squat toilets which are difficult to use for everyone.

The campsites which are farther or so remote will have cleanliness issues in their toilets.

Ensure to keep your own sanitizer and toilet papers along because these aren’t available in various toilets on the trail.

7. Is an internet facility available on Inca Trail?

Well, no internet facility is available on the Inca trail. This is the best thing about the trail. It is because here you will get a great opportunity to spend some quality time with your friends or group mates. You can create real memories on the trail that will stay with you forever.

Ollantaytambo is your last chance to have stable mobile and internet signals on the trail. While the first opportunity to use your mobile will be in Aguas Calientes or outside the Machu Picchu.

8. Can I buy snacks on Inca Trail?

you must prefer to bring your own snacks on the trail. You can also find local women with makeshift stalls along the trail to sell sweets, biscuits, and drinks on day one or two of the hike. Overall, it clearly makes sense to buy your required snacks in Ollantaytambo or Cusco for enhanced convenience.

9. Is drinking water available on the Inca Trail?

Tours will provide you safely to drink and purified water to drink on the camp each morning and night. This along with purchasing your own drinks in advance along the trail would be sufficient to let you stay hydrated.

When you are hiking the Inca trail, reducing plastic waste is something everyone must be passionate about. So, you must keep your own reusable straw bottle with you on the trail to have plenty of purified water on the trail. It is always recommended to invest in a water bottle that has a built-in filter in it to remove harmful bacteria.

10. What’s about health and safety measures on the Inca Trail?

If you want to stay healthy and safe throughout the Inca trail, then you are recommendable to practice keep hydrating yourself, being in a decent shape, carrying out a few hikes in the home, taking the correct travel insurance. If you have made this far with our comprehensive guide for the Inca trail hike, then don’t forget to take our advice on board to encounter fewer issues on the trail than other travelers.

11. Is altitude sickness real on the Inca Trail?

Various popular sites in Peru including Cusco and Arequipa, lie at high altitudes. Therefore, it is highly important to understand altitude sickness for every traveler planning to hike the Inca Trail. Even more, not approaching high altitudes correctly in South America is one of the biggest mistakes most travelers make here.

However, the best way to manage altitude sickness impact is factoring enough time into the itinerary of Peru to adjust the conditions in the best possible way.

It is completely foolish to arrive at the Cusco at 3,339m above sea level and start a strenuous hike the very next day. It is because your body needs some time to adjust to any situation and high altitude is no exception.  

12. What about the medical assistance on the Inca trail?

Medical assistance and attendance along the Inca trail hike are pretty much non-existent. Therefore, it is always important to bring your medications along on the Inca trail. Make sure to inform your tour company about any of the pre-existing medical conditions.

13. Is there any age restriction to trek the Inca Trail?

Generally, there is no min or max-age restriction to hike the Inca Trail. However, if you are booking any of the best Machu Picchu hiking tours, then remember that each tour company has its own terms and conditions or policies.

However, it is always recommendable to avoid keeping anyone below 14 with you on this hike due to variable group dynamics. Rest is up to you and your chosen tour company.

Final thoughts

Machu Picchu is an absolute place of unearthed history, gorgeous Andes backdrops, and above-all mystic wonder.

It is one of the world-renowned archeological sites, that’s why so many travelers have been flocking to this awe-inspiring site for years. However, the best way to experience and admire the beauty of Machu Picchu is hiking the Inca Trail.

Inca Trail hiking is an experience that can bring a mix of emotions to travelers because this tour can inspire excitement along with a little bit of fear and a sense of wonder in the soul of travelers. Inca trail isn’t only one of the most popular things to enjoy in South America but also one of the most famous hikes in the world as well.

For all the travelers who wish to enjoy the Inca Trail hiking experience. Here we have brought our hard-earned and experienced advice, facts, insights, and tips to let you be well-prepared for a successful experience throughout the trial in the best possible way.