Being in Cusco is simply a unique experience. Cusco is so magical. Everywhere you go you will find beautiful places to see, friendly people, tasty food, rainbow colors and smiling faces
The Incas considered Cusco to be the “navel of the world”, capital of the Empire and the center from which lines of spiritual power, or “ceques” radiated to all key points of their cosmological universe.
Magic city, with a life of its own, full of charm in every corner. Churches, nearby monuments, colors, aromas and flavors. Cusco is that and much more including its bars and restaurants and an intense night life
With its experiential Sacred Valley that includes towns and experiences as specific as Pisac, Chinchero, Maras, Moray, Ollantaytambo and so on. These villages are the way to the most enigmatic and full of emotional citadel, the seventh wonder of the modern world, Machu Picchu.
One of the most impressive adventures not to be missed is the hike along the famous Inca Trail
How hard is the Inca Trail?
The Inca Trail is not as difficult or challenging as you may think, but every person’s own hike experience will be very subjective based on your fitness, hiking experience, your group’s approach, attitude, the weather conditions on the route, and a bunch of other factors. Day Two of the hike, which leads you from your campsite all the way up to the Dead Woman’s Pass at 4,200 meters (13,776 ft) is widely regarded as the most difficult day of hiking – once you’re passed that, you’ll be laughing
Machu Picchu hike for beginners
For beginners, the Short Inca Trail is your best bet. It’s less strenuous and covers a shorter distance but doesn’t compromise on the breathtaking views and the experience of the beauty of Machu Picchu
The hike is approximately 25 miles and is considered moderate to challenging. It’s recommended to be physically prepared for the adventure and to get used to the high-altitude climate
The best tour companies, like ours, besides the rest of the camp staff, we count with a main guide and an assistant guide – one will lead at the front of your group whilst another will stay at the back. They are experienced in supporting members of a group who may be struggling or slower than the rest, and ensuring that everyone’s experience is the best possible in the circumstances. If you are struggling, it’s their job to control the situation, help you get to camp, and also to manage the overall group schedule
** Hiking poles are really bloody useful and not just for old people
In short, hiking poles are not essential for the Inca Trail; it is 100% possible to do it without them. However, using them is guaranteed make the hike easier for a number of people and result in fewer aches and pains during and post-Trail
Inca Trail altitude
The beginning of the Inca Trail is at 2718 m/8924 ft. Then it goes up a few at a time. The highest peak is at 4,215 meters (13,828 feet), its highest point can prove quite challenging – almost twice Cusco’s elevation! At such height, air density drops dramatically and some may experience shortness of breath, fatigue headaches or nausea from being at such altitude.
Then, gradually, one descends
Best time to hike the Inca Trail
The best time to visit Machu Picchu and hike the Inca Trail is from late March to May and from September to mid-December. These months fall before and after the rainy season, providing excellent weather conditions and fewer crowds. However, the dry season from June to August is also great but may be crowded
It is important to know that in the month of February, the Inca Trail is not allowed due to the amount of rain that falls in Cusco
Am I too old to hike the Inca Trail?
The Peruvian government has not established any rule regarding age limits for hiking any of the Inca Trails that require permits. Our suggestion is that it can be done from 8 years old (with experience in walking) to 70 years old in good health.
Is the Inca Trail worth it?
Absolutely yes, without a doubt
In Peru and specially in Cusco you will find such many adventures tours that you will be able to live a huge variety of new experiences
Among the tours that are a MUST, we have to choose the Inca Trail and you will never, ever be disappointed, quite the opposite, you will have the experience of your life
The Classic Inca Trail Machu Picchu is definitely worth it, it is considered one of the greatest adventure experiences in all the world. There are very few trails where you pass 500-year-old archeological treasures while also hiking among some of the most beautiful mountains on earth.
Is a 4-day Inca Trail worth it? Yes, the Classic Inca Trail is the most popular hike in Peru and in the entire world and this Inca Path is considered the most beautiful trail in Peru, it is part of the Qhapaq Ñam Inca route.