Below are some suggestions on how much to tip the trekking team. The trail undulates, but overall ascends along the Cusichaka River. Your trek must be organized through a licensed tour operator. Quarry Trail FAQ: The 'other' route to Machu Picchu Not a bad view from Warmi Wausqa in Peru with @intrepidtravel! The Inca Trail is one of the most famous hikes in the world. A common misconception about the Inca Trail is that it will allow you to be amongst the first people into Machu Picchu - this simply isnt true as its much easier to get through its gates just after opening if you stay in Aguas Calientes the night before and hike or take the bus up. Marci Vaughn Kolt. With a degree in Nature Conservation and experience working with wildlife including the Big 5, Alison works as a guide for a 5-star reserve. Located in the Andes mountain range, the trail passes through several types of Andean environments including cloud forest and alpine tundra. Alright, lets get to the details. This first day of the trail meanders up and down gradually, with an elevation increase of only 1,610 ft (400 m). I really have no idea how they made such incredible meals when they were literally in the middle of the jungle. Being in decent shape, acclimatising, carrying out a few practice hikes at home, keeping yourself hydrated, wearing in your hiking boots, and taking out the correct travel insurance are essential to staying safe and healthy on this hike; if youve made it this far down in our Inca Trail Guide and taken our advice on board, then you should have very few issues once you hit the Trail. Permits are only available for purchase through the Peruvian government. Make sure to bring your own toilet paper and hand-sanitiser, and just hold your nose (and maybe close your eyes too) when you need to go. Many trekkers find that hiking poles are helpful for navigating steep steps and reducing the impact on lower joints. The first pass is Runquraqay at 3,950m (13,113 ft) where, on a clear day, hikers can catch a glimpse of the snow-capped Cordillera Vilcabamba. they soon adjusted and had no issues by day one of the hike itself. The Inca Trail porters are the unsung heroes of every experience, and they will carry up to 25 kgs of food and supplies on their backs. As is Puno and Juliaca if you're planning to visit Lake Titicaca. Remember to pack smart and pack light for the Inca Trail - find out exactly what you need to bring and leave behind in our Inca Trail Packing List. As you can see Cusco is one of Peru's highest cites. Save $$$ Save the Planet Save Your Stomach! Traveling to Peru and seeing Machu Picchu was one of them. You can spend those days sightseeing in and around Cusco as there are plenty of archaeological sites like Nazca. The Inca Trail follows a route through Perus Andean mountains. Best tips before you hike the Inca trail to Machu Picchu The Inca Trail's length is 26 miles (42 kilometers) of pure Peruvian power that connects several Incan archaeological sites: Runcuracay, Sayacmarca, Phuyuptamarca, Wiaywayna, and of . For all the essential details on visiting Machu Picchu independently, read this post. ), but after your time on the Trail you will be left in no doubt that those porters deserve an extra bit of cash to recognise their sterling work and to support their own endeavours in life. The 4-Day Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu is one of the magnificent hikes I have ever done. After all, reaching Machu Picchu is the reason that many of you will be considering this hike in the first place! Hiking the Inca Trail is a feat of endurance that is just as much about the mind as the body. Note that the Inca Trail is closed in February for everyone in order to allow it to replenish. If you have the time to take a dip in the hot springs I recommend you do so before grabbing the train out. 9 Things you should know to do the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu - cusco peru However, you also need to have a small daypack to carry your snacks, camera, water, suncream, and any medication, on the Trail itself - this will be carried by you and only you throughout the trip. The 2-day Inca Trail is particularly popular with families that enjoy hiking and are looking for a taste of adventure. Altitude on the Inca Trail. The G Adventures tour we joined is now 1029 per person (price update 2023), and this included two nights hotel accommodation in Cusco, one night hotel accommodation in Ollantaytambo, private transport, all meals on the Trail, our Inca Trail permit, camping equipment, entrance and a guided tour around Machu Picchu, a support team of 15 or so guides, porters, and chefs, and visits to several Planeterra local community enterprises and projects in the Sacred Valley. This aint no walk in the park unless you like your walk in the parks accompanied by blood-tingling cliff-drops and ruins of ancient South American empires. You can either bring your own sleeping bag or rent one for an additional fee. Both the 4-day and 2-day Inca Trail treks have distinct advantages and disadvantages. This is where your campsite is located. As with other sites that were being degraded due to overuse, camping is no longer allowed. Everything You Need To Know Before Hiking the Inca Trail, 13 Wonderful Things To Do in Drake Bay | The Wild Side of Costa Rica, this highly rated four-day Inca Trail tour, these excellent lightweight travel hiking poles in the UK, three-week overland trip in Africa with G Adventures, these excellent lightweight sleeping bags. 6.8 miles (11 km). From Aguas Calientes, either take the train back to Cusco or spend one night at an Aguas Calientes hotel and explore more of Machu Picchu the next day. The Inca Trail, How Long Is It? | Andean Trails The Inca Trail has very steep inclines. The high season is June to August, but again make sure to book at least five to seven months in advance regardless of when you decide to travel. Given our own independent travel plans, we had actually spent the previous week in Cusco and the surrounding region - for everyone planning on the Inca Trail, wed recommend arriving into Cusco at least two days before your tour starts so that you can acclimatise to the altitude (its at 3,339 metres above sea level) and enjoy what the city has to offer without aching limbs. Classic Inca Trail Altitude Map distance | The ultimate travel guide
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