Should Kids Hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?
Inca Trail Hike Peru With children under 7 and why I shouldn’t bring kids under 7? The answer is that the Inca Trail Hike 4D/3N is the only trail that leads you directly to Machu Picchu through the sun gate. Machu Picchu hikes involve other treks such as Salkantay Trek, Lares Trek, Inca Quarry Trek that all connect to Aguas Calientes. You are required to rest in Aguas Calientes town for one night prior to visiting Machu Picchu.
Welcome to your Peru Travel Guide! Are you dreaming of a life-changing adventure that sweeps you off your feet and takes your breath away (literally)? Then Machu Picchu Hike is for you. This centuries-old trek up the high Andean peaks will transport you back to a time before the white man (conquistadors) touched this mystery Inca Civilization Country.
The Inca Trail Hiking Tour in Peru winds up through the Andean Mountains toward the ancient Incan citadel of Machu Picchu. It has long been at the top for The bucket-lists for hiking trips in Peru.
It’s easy to see why. The breathtakingly beautiful Andean mountains provide the perfect dramatic backdrop for an equally exciting step back in time. The ruins at Machu Picchu magically transport the onlooker back to a pre-European America, to a civilization far more advanced beyond what our textbooks would have us believe.
Taking the four-day trek up the centuries-old paved Inca Trail to reach this sacred place makes the journey that much more special.
What Is Inca Trail To Machu Picchu?
The Machu Picchu Trek generally refers to any of several walkable routes to reach the world-renowned landmark. These hikes include:
- The Salcantay Trek To Machu Picchu,
- The Lares trek Route
- The (reasonably new) two-days Inca Trail
- Vilcabamba Traverse Route
- The Lodge Trek
- The Chaski Trek – or Cachicata – Trail
The most famous and historically significant of these is Machu Picchu Travel in Peru. This trail the original stone-laid path that the Incas followed more than 500 years ago to reach the cosmopolitan destination of Machu Picchu Inca remains (no ruins Please).
The Inca Trail 4D/3N in Peru is also the only path that leads through the Sun Gate to Machu Picchu. From here, you can see the panoramic view of Machu Picchu on the other side of Machu Picchu Mountain.
Chronology of this Inca City
Machu Picchu, an ancient metropolis dating back to the 15th century, was built high up in the Andean Mountains by the Incas Probably Pachacutic now as The alexander the great of South America. At that time, their peoples were spread out all across South America, including territories that are considered to be part of six different present-day countries: Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, Argentina, Chile, and Colombia.
Just one short century later, the citadel had been abandoned due to the coming of the Europeans, to avoid their thirst for conquest.
The ancient city of Machu Picchu was made famous by the (re)discovery of its ruins by American academic, explorer, politician and Profesor from the Yale University Hiram Bingham III, in 1911. Though not an archeologist by training, he was fascinated by Native American History and especially by the Incas.
Inca Trail Tours schedule different days all around the year, but the most common is for four days and three nights. This 40-km (25-mile) trek will drive you up and down steep, narrow mountain trails that are not for the faint of heart. However, don’t fret! We’re going to tell you how to prepare for your trek so you can make some memories that will last a lifetime.
How Do I Get and prepare for Machu Picchu trek?
Most Machu Picchu Hikes will have a starting point in Cusco, which is good because it is now one of Peru’s top tourist destinations!
At about 3,399 meters of altitude, the city of Cusco is an excellent place to hang out while you become acclimated before your hike. While there are no direct international flights to Cusco, you can fly into the capital, Lima, and take a connecting flight from there.
Once you are in Cusco, there is plenty to do! Just like any big city, bars and restaurants are serving local cuisine and even some international chains. What draws tourists here, though, is the city’s unique history. We suggest taking a historical city tour while you’re there.
When Should I Go to Machu Picchu And when is the best time to Hike The Inca Trail?
The gates to this ancient citadel are open to visitors almost year-round, except in February when they close it so that the ecosystem can rejuvenate.
With that said, this area of Peru has two distinct seasons, the wet season (November through April) and the dry season (May through October), and there are upsides and downsides to both.
Wet Season (November – April)
- Fewer tourists and cheaper prices mean you can enjoy the scenery a little more peacefully and with less damage to your pocketbook.
- Fewer tourists also mean more flexibility for booking. If you don’t have your dates set in stone a year in advance, you may find open tour spots available a few months later than peak season.
- Temperatures are more moderate at night, making for a more comfortable transition from nighttime to daytime temperatures.
- On the downside, there’s a higher chance that heavy rains could make for an unpleasant trail experience. Wet, slippery trails can lead to a more challenging hike and rainy nights, making camping more uncomfortable.
Dry Season in Peru (May – October)
- Less rain means hotter, dryer weather in the morning and afternoon. More predictable weather makes it easier to pack and all but assures an awesome experience!
- As you might expect, this is the peak season for tourism. Expect to see the trail (and other local destinations) at maximum capacity.
- Due to the high volume of tourists, you must book your tour at least six or seven months in advance.
- There is typically a more significant difference in temperature from day to night during the dry season, with nights being especially nippy.
This site has become the most popular tourist destination in Peru. It is also one of the top tourist destinations worldwide. Visitation has now been capacity to 500 people per day to reduce the environmental impact of tourism on the ecosystem. That averages out to roughly 200 tourists and 300 guides and other trail assistants.
Permits to visit Machu Picchu can only be obtained through approved tour companies because of limited space. We cannot stress enough the importance of making your reservation early! We suggest booking with Tour Leaders Peru Adventure. They provide excellent service at prices that won’t empty your bank account.
https://tourleadersperu.com/peru-travel-packing-list/
What Should I Bring to Visit The to Machu Picchu Trip?
Though most of your luggage will stay behind in a luggage room at the hotel, you are provided a duffle bag with a total weight of 6kg that will be carried up the trail by a porter.
So, what does one take on a four-day hiking trip that will fit into a 6kg duffle bag? Here is a list of the essentials that would be good to bring with you:
For the 6kg duffle:
- Two short-sleeved t-shirts
- Two short-sleeved t-shirts
- One long-sleeved shirt
- Lightweight hiking pants or leggings (in case of colder weather)
- Athletic shorts for hiking (in case of warmer weather)
- Rain jacket
- Fleece jacket
- Inca Trail Hiking Shoes Learn More Here
- Three or four pairs of socks for hiking
- One pair of fuzzy socks for cold nights
- Thermal pants and top (you can sleep in these on chilly nights)
- Don’t forget your underwear!
For the day pack:
- Water bottle
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Camera
- Phone
- Extra batteries/ portable charger
- Passport (You will not be able to enter the trail without it)
Other Helpful Tips Before to Hike The Inca Trail Travel To Machu Picchu 4D/3N
Avoid altitude sickness Hiking Machu Picchu Trail
Altitude sickness occurs when your body is not accustomed to the lower levels of oxygen found in the air at higher altitudes. It can cause nausea, dizziness, and headaches if you attempt physical activity before your body has had time to get used to the new environment.
We suggest arriving 3 to 5 days before the start of your hike. Allow your body to adjust to the high altitude before you start the rigorous walk since it is a significant step to avoid altitude sickness.
Also, drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated helps boost circulation and allows your body to move oxygen to your brain and vital organs more quickly.
If this isn’t enough, the locals suggest chewing on coca leaves, which have properties that help calm nausea. Dried ginger or ginger candy is also a good option for the same reason.
If nothing else helps and you’re especially worried about altitude sickness, your doctor can prescribe some medicine to take with you just in case.
The Inca trail to Machu Picchu distance (40km) 25 miles
According to most of the companies as general information, You need to hike 40 Kilometres. The distances involved in hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Pichu are not that great. The entire 4-day/ 3 nights trail hike is only 25 miles (40 km). However, the altitude, which at it’s highest point is 13776 ft or 4200m, can cause problems even for the strongest hikers.
Don’t bring children under 7 for Inca trail hike
Although every tour company has its age guidelines, we do not recommend bringing small children along for this experience. Hiking and camping are fairly rigorous physically, and other group dynamics are generally better suited for adults.
Everything depends how prepared you are including your kids. As we mention before, each company has policy and you should read carefully what is all about hiking with children’s along the Inca Trail, some companies will give you the waiver for travel agencies on your meeting point departure briefing or can be before
Embrace the BO
About halfway up the trail, there will be showers available at one of the campsites. The water is ICE COLD. If you can bear a couple more days dealing with your body odor, avoiding these showers is an unexpectedly wise decision, especially if the weather is cold.
Prepare yourself physically for the Inca Trail Hike
Though the Inca Trail has been made very accessible by tour companies who do much of the hard work for you (i.e., porters who carry your stuff up the mountain), the more physically fit you are, the more you will enjoy the experience, and not be bogged down by aching muscles. You don’t need to be a professional athlete, but maintaining good eating habits and a regular fitness routine before arriving in Cusco will improve the whole trip!
Enjoy the Ride!
If you’ve followed this guide to hiking the Inca Trail, you will be more than prepared! Once you have packed your luggage packed and reserved your tour, sit back, and enjoy the adventure!
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