For many adventurous topblogpicks, hiking the Inca Trail is their ideal adventure. This enthralling trek across the Peruvian Andes follows historic stone routes that descend through cloud forests and ascend high into the mountains.
The beautiful Machu Picchu, one of the seven new wonders of the world, is where the Inca Trail trek comes to a finish. In South America, if not the entire world, it is the most famous multi-day hike.
We have compiled our meticulous notes on how to guarantee a successful hike into this helpful Inca Trail hiking guide after finishing the 4-day, 3-night trek. We wish we had understood a few things before our hike, such as how physically fit you must be, how much rain gear you should pack, and that instant coffee is the only option available.
The Inca Trail: What is it?
Starting at km 82, the Inca Trail is a 4-day, 3-night trek. Forty minutes outside the village of Ollantaytambo is where the hike begins. This is the sole path that goes through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), and the hike concludes at Machu Picchu.
The hike is 43 kilometers (26 miles) long overall. You may be thinking that the hike is not too long. The height and narrow, sloping Incan stone steps that are difficult to ascend and difficult on the knees when descending make the hike difficult, even though the distance is not very long.
Are You a Good Fit for the Inca Trail Trek?
You should go on the Inca Trail if:
You get excited at the thought of following in the Incas’ footsteps.
You enjoy trekking and are comfortable walking in any kind of weather.
You like a challenge.
You have four days at your disposal.
You do not mind camping in substandard surroundings.
To what extent is the Inca Trail challenging?
The Inca Trail walk is moderately challenging for experienced hikers or people who are normally in good physical condition. With an uphill trek to Dead Woman’s Pass, the trail’s highest point at 4,200m, the second day of the trip is often regarded as the most difficult. This is followed by a knee-challenging steep descent on Incan stone steps.
Although it takes a lot of effort, the Inca Trail is not as extremely difficult as one may imagine. The trail was not as difficult as we had anticipated. Although we did not experience altitude sickness, Luke had a rough first day after consuming some “chica,” a fermented maize beverage from the area (maybe avoid that). We were alright as we proceeded cautiously across Dead Woman’s Pass. The downhill was more difficult for us because of the slick steps caused by the torrential rain.
Parts of the trail were hard on the knees, and honestly it’s worth having hiking poles to make this stretches easier. The second half of day two and majority of day three are downhill on smooth and chunk stone steps.