1)and theres also the bush. Porters can be hired to carry up to 18 lb (8 kg) or 33 lb (15 kg). The first 30 minutes of the trek is uphill, while the remainder of the trail is largely a descent. However, each trekker is responsible for transporting their personal items (clothing, toiletries, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, etc.). Before leaving, I had heard horror stories about the difficulty of the hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. As your elevation increases, take note of how the ecosystems change. Intipata (aka Yunkapata)[8] is a recently uncovered extensive set of agricultural terraces which follow the convex shape of the terrain. Theyve been doing it since 2002 protecting, connecting, and inspiring independent travellers just like you. You are however responsible for bringing your own sleeping bag, which can be stored within your 6kg duffel bag allowance. The Trail is Peru in a microcosm; lush green cloud forest alive with birds, Andean peaks and steep mountain passes, a landscape dotted with centuries old ruins, accessible only to those that follow this most famous pathway. This means you can expect to reach some significant heights. The trail is steep and challenging in places, but the views of the . However, there are a few key things to know about how luggage and kit is transported on the hike before you even think about whether you really need that extra pair of pants. There is no camping involved, as travelers spend the night in a hotel after hiking to Machu Picchu. In the late afternoon, you will arrive at the Sun Gate. There are several checkpoints along the route that monitor this. Unless you hire a private porter, youre expected to carry both pads and sleeping bags along the trek. Lowest Elevation: They are experienced in supporting members of a group who may be struggling or slower than the rest, and ensuring that everyones experience is the best possible in the circumstances. Sounds creepy, but it really isnt. Note that the Inca Trail is closed in February for everyone in order to allow it to replenish. Your guide will show you the most important areas of the site and share with you their historical and cultural significance. This highest point of the trek at 4,215 m (3,828 ft) with stunning views at the summit. Plan to spend two to three days staying in Cusco acclimatizing before beginning the trek. Nights are warmer compared to the dry season. When to book: 36 months in advance. For this reason, its recommendable to spend a few days in Cusco before hiking at high altitudes; this unforgettable experience. He profiles some of his. There are no opportunities to charge electronics along the trail. A typical dinner included fresh hot soup, a hearty main course, and then something sweet to round it off - all washed down at the end with cups of tea. However, the altitude at its highest point is 13,776 ft or 4200m, which can sometimes cause problems for hikers. The last part of your day is a descent to Winay Wayna. Yes, the dreaded Dead Woman's Pass. November to March: rainy season. Bring local currency (Soles) in your wallet so that you can tip your trekking team. After the tour, trekkers who pre-purchased Huayna Picchu tickets will continue hiking, while the rest of the group will take the 25-minute shuttle bus to Aguas Calientes. Along the way, you will visit Runkurakay, a circular complex that scholars believe Inca messengers used as a refueling and resting station. [3] Traveling to Peru and seeing Machu Picchu was one of them. The Inca Trail hike marked our second time visiting Machu Picchu, and arriving via the Sun Gate with sweaty brows and tired feet rather than taking the morning bus from Aguas Caliente with thousands of others clearly underlined to us that it is the best way to arrive at one of the worlds most iconic attractions. Because of its popularity, the Peruvian Government instituted several controls to reduce human impact upon the trail and within the ancient city. Torre Mirador is 12.5 mi (20 km) to the north of Nazca city along the Panamerican Highway. Besides dealing with high elevation, your general fitness and previous trekking experience will also contribute to your level of enjoyment. The name Phuyupatamarka ("cloud-level town") (phoo-yoo-patta-marka) is applied to both the campground, and the ruins. Tours should provide you with purified, safe-to-drink water at camp each night and morning; this in addition to drinks purchased in advance and along the way (and those endless cups of tea glugged at camp) should be sufficient to keep you well hydrated. Rise early for the first day of your trek. The second day is the hardest, starting at 10,000 feet (3,000 m) and ascending to Dead Woman's Pass. We paid at the lower end as my wife is Colombian and we found a tour operator that catered more to the Spanish speaking South American clientele. In fact, not approaching altitude correctly is one of the biggest mistakes of travellers in South America. The intricate detail that the Incans put into each and every stone structure is mesmerizing. In this article, you can find everything you need to know about altitudes on the Inca Trail. Some campsites have on-site restrooms and showers, however, these are not well maintained. The second day ascends over Dead Woman's pass- the highest point on the Inca Trail at 4,200 metres. You do not need to be a vastly experienced hiker, but acquiring a good level of physical fitness prior to arriving in Peru will make everything easier and more enjoyable. Some travel insurance policies do not cover adventure or high-elevation activities. Although the Classic 4-day trek to Machu Picchu is most associated with the Inca Trail, there was in fact a network of Inca Trails spanning 25,000 miles (45,000 km) and six countries (Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru). [3][6][8], Hiram Bingham III discovered the site, but left most of it covered with vegetation. A long flight of fountains or ritual baths utilizing as many as 19 springs runs between the two groups of buildings. Day 2 is the biggest elevation gain on your hike. 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. Although all hikes are more about the journey than a final destination, the Inca Trail stands out as having a destination to beat all others. Salkantay is a great Inca Trail alternative when permits are sold out or you'd simply like to avoid crowds. This is the most dangerous point for altitude sickness, though . You can read more about altitude sickness in the Health + Safety section towards the bottom of this post. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance. The Classic 4-day Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu is arguably the most famous trail in all of South America. Drink water from ANYWHERE. After breakfast, we continue our hike up the highest point in the Inca Trail, reaching the mountain pass of Abra Warmihuausca (Dead Woman's Pass - 4200m/13776ft) after about 2 hours. The highest point is at Dead Woman's Pass, which is about halfway through the hike. Even during the dry season there is the chance of rain, so make sure to bring a rain jacket or poncho. Altitude sickness on the Inca Trail is rarely severe. The Classic 4-day Inca Trail trek begins in the Sacred Valley and navigates varied terrain. Located in the Andes mountain range, the trail passes through several types of Andean environments including cloud forest and alpine tundra. As our G Adventures Inca Trail tour was actually over seven days, including time in Cusco and Ollantaytambo, we also required cash to cover a few meals as well as spending money for souvenirs in the Sacred Valley. This duffel bag is allowed to hold upto 6kgs, and is going to be where the majority of the kit + equipment you bring for the Inca Trail will be stored (i.e. You can either bring your own sleeping bag or rent one for an additional fee. In the afternoon, you will arrive at the Wiay Wayna ruins, which are situated at the hikes highest elevation (8,694 ft/2,650 m). As an Amazon Associate, Machu Picchu Trek earns from qualifying purchases. Hiking poles must have rubber tips on the ends. It wasnt all fun and games. However, as mentioned earlier, a couple of our team members were really hurting by day 4 so it made hiking to the Sun Gate longer than anticipated and we certainly didnt see the sun come up. We went in July and the temperatures were great with a bit of rain on day 2. If you happen to change your passport between booking and arriving at the entry checkpoint at Km.82 (where they check your passport), then contact your tour company for advice. All permits are paired with an individual passport and are not transferable. The trail continues to ascend, passing a small lake named Quchapata (Cochapata)[6] in an area that is recognized as deer habitat. The best time to hike the Inca Trail is May throughSeptember when there is less rain and the temperatures are slightly cooler. Tipping is not mandatory, and you are entitled to put in more, less, or nothing at all. 2023, The Broke Backpacker. [3], It starts from one of two points: 88km (55 miles) or 82km (51 miles) from Cusco on the Urubamba River at approximately 2,800 metres (9,200ft) or 2,600 metres (8,500ft) elevation, respectively.[3]. Tips for porters and guides (more on this below). There are no hotels on the Inca Trail and your only available accommodation comes in the form of a tent and a sleeping bag in the middle of nature. The bad news? The food was fantastic throughout the trip. So youve decided to hike the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. The remainder of the group will return to Aguas Calientes and board the train for their returns to the Sacred Valley or Cusco. If you have the time to take a dip in the hot springs I recommend you do so before grabbing the train out. Instead, view the Inca Trail as your challenge, your motivation, and your deadline to start walking more, to lose some weight, and to make some positive changes before you fly to Peru (and if you need some inspiration, read this womans story). Temperatures at night are also less chilly. The Inca Trail is a 4 day hike at a very high altitude in the Andes Mountains. In our group of 10, three people were feeling the altitude on the first day of the tour due to lack of acclimitisation, but with more time, water, and a healthy dose of coca tea (the age-old Peruvian cure!) The trail is closed every February for cleaning. The highest point on the Inca Trail is Abra Warmihuausca or 'Dead Woman's Pass which is located at 4,200 meters. 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. You'll still need to at least carry a daypack with your water bottle, rain jacket, etc. The exact itinerary for the hike may differ between various Inca Trail tour operators, but almost all groups follow a similar itinerary and have set times to leave to avoid overcrowding. If you have specific dietary requirements, make sure you enquire with your tour provider to make sure you can be catered for adequately. After breakfast, you will begin the ascent to Dead Womans Pass (13,828 ft (4,215 m), the highest point of the entire trek. Get used to walking long distances before embarking. Headlamp (with extra batteries) or small flashlight to use at night while camping. Savour the route, rather than trying to set a record pace (which youll never do by the way - its currently 3 hours 23 minutes by a porter. The site was heavily restored in the late 1990s.[3]. After celebrating your arrival to the top and snapping some photos, descend toward the Pacaymayo campsite (11,788 ft/3,590 m). Cusco stands at 3,200 metres and is already significantly higher than Machu Picchu itself, though many sections of the Inca Trail are much higher. As you can see Cusco is one of Peru's highest cites. The Inca Trail undulates between a low point of 2,250m/8,366ft and its highest point of 4,200m/13,780ft, with many peaks and troughs along the way. Everything is set for you to walk the Inca Trail. As the trail ascends toward Warmi Wausqa, or "Dead Woman's Pass", which resembles a supine woman, it passes through differing habitats, one of which is a cloud forest containing Polylepis trees. Private porters can be hired to carry either 18 lbs (8 kg) or 33 lbs (15 kg) of your personal belongings. A chef accompanies each group and prepares breakfast and three course lunches and dinners. Inca Trail permits sell out fast for these months. It consists of three overlapping trails: Mollepata, Classic, and One Day. Only Inca Trail trekkers are awarded the privilege of arriving at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate entrance. 3: Its amazing the friendships that can come out of struggle and perseverance. If youre reading the above and thinking that neither sounds appealing now, then please dont be too despondent - the Inca Trail can be hiked year-round and weve just outlined the worst cons of each season so that you dont have any nasty surprises! This will include a private minibus to Ollantaytambo and km.82 (the Inca Trail start point) and either a train or minibus back to Cusco. At this point, the trail reaches 13,828 ft (4,215 m) in elevation.This pass is so named, as from below it is said to resemble a womans supine body. Required fields are marked. From what I have seen, the price is around $500-$700 USD per person. The Inca Trail starting point is at an elevation of 2,600m (8,500ft). As Brits, we fully appreciate that this can result in a bit of uncertainty and awkwardness for those of us who havent been raised in a tipping culture (just pay more in wages, no? With G Adventures, two chefs are included as part of the support staff, and the unanimous opinion of our group was that those two performed absolute miracles. Trails can get muddy and slippery. Youll still be able to access Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate (a really special moment), and you have the added bonus of seeing this incredible Wonder of the World at both sunset and sunrise! It was not just the distance that made the Inca routes challenging, but also the extreme altitude that may be encountered at various points. this post on the essential things to look for before buying. The hike itself, which brings you along ancient narrow paths deep into the Peruvian countryside and high into the Andean mountains, is gorgeous; perfect Incan ruins, cloud forest, and majestic valley views laid out like breadcrumbs along the way to perhaps the greatest end-point of any multi-day hike on earth, the iconic Machu Picchu. Alternatively, this highly rated four-day Inca Trail tour has loads of excellent reviews, allows free cancellation), and is even cheaper than the above tour meaning its a good option for those on a tighter budget. So, its clear that most of the hard work when it comes to carrying things will be done by others and the tour company provides a lot of the key camping equipment. All Rights Reserved, {"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}, Inca Trail Elevation The Ups And Downs To Machu Picchu. Enjoy hand-curated trail maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you. A maximum of 500 people are allowed on the trail each day, of which only 200 are trekkers, the rest being guides and porters. I really have no idea how they made such incredible meals when they were literally in the middle of the jungle. 2: The best tour companies each come with a main guide and an assistant guide - one will lead at the front of your group whilst another will stay at the back. Once you arrive, you will then have half a day to explore the ruins of Machu Picchu before heading back to Cusco by train. Rain gear for the trek and thermal layers to wear at night are recommended. Instead, around a table in a make-shift tent dining room, we were treated to three-course lunches and dinners and a decent breakfast. Were both vegetarian and were catered for incredibly well - with each meal giving us a vegetarian version of the same dish the others were eating (another thing we did not expect at all). Hiking poles will aid you in steep areas. Rooted in Inca heritage, this centuries-old path gives hikers the chance to walk in the footsteps of pre-Columbian royalty. . The highest point of the trail is Dead Women's Pass at just over 4200m. Since 2002, access to the Inca Trail has been limited to 500 people per day (roughly split between 200 tourists and 300 accompanying guides and porters), no matter the time of year. What is the High Inca Trail? This is the most dangerous point for altitude sickness, though little time is spent at this elevation and the trail descends again to 3,600 metres. She enjoys hiking, horseriding, 4x4 driving and kayaking. Whichever tour company you do the Inca Trail with, you will be expected to tip your support staff of porters and guides. Adams, Mark. pp.233,268271,300. Dress in layers and adjust as necessary during the day. Theres even a marathon!). Trekkers normally take four or five days to complete the "Classic Inca Trail" but a two-day trek from Km 104 is also possible. Q: What is the cost of hiking the Inca Trail? The campsite at Llulluch'apampa (Llulluchapampa) is located on this stretch of trail at 3,800 metres (12,500ft). Permits to hike the Inca Trail are available March through January. We were literally in the middle of the Peruvian jungle with no easy way of evacuating her. Starting at 2,600 metres, the trail ascends to 3,300 metres on the first day. If you are yet to book a tour, then we can highly recommend the 7-day G Adventures Inca Trail tour which we joined - it exceeded our expectations. Because of this rule, permits can only be obtained through a government registered tour operator. There are amazing hostels in Cuscothat offer a comfy bed so you can start the next day well-rested and read to go. Cusco is actually higher than most points on the Inca Trail. Theyre easy to use, professional and relatively affordable. Are Inca Trail permits sold out for your dates? Visitors to Machu Picchu must purchase . document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Privacy | Terms | DMCA | Affiliate Disclosure | Site Map. But before you do, there are a few important factors you need to consider, such as the best time to trek, weather conditions, and how far in advance to book. For adventurous travelers seeking a challenge, the Classic 4-day Inca Trail is an excellent choice that is sure to be a highlight of any trip. Inca Trail elevation continually changes as you hike over spectacular passes and down into lush valleys. Later on, you will stop at Sayaqmarca. The first day is a relatively easy hike and goes past the ruins of Patallaqta, which means town on a hillside in the Incan language of Quechua. Wiay Wayna: 8,694 ft (2,650 m) Your main luggage will be left in a secure hotel luggage storage room in Cusco, however we do not advise leaving any important or valuable items there - instead, its better to take them with you and keep them in your own daypack. Instead, these are your best options: Flights | Fly into Jorge Chavez International Airport in Lima, Perus capital city, and connect onto one of the frequent flights from Lima - Cusco run by several airlines. Below are some suggestions on how much to tip the trekking team. Trekkers head for the snow-capped mountains of the Vilcabamba Mountain Range. Day Three: Early rise to hike the most photogenic section of the Trail. And it ends at the incredible Machu Picchu. Cons | Dry season also coincides with high tourism season in Peru (June - August), so the Inca Trail will be at full capacity each day. The trail reaches 13,828 ft (4,215 m) on Day 2 and 12,500 feet (3,900 m) on Day 3. So whats the Inca Trail hikes difficulty like? Ask your Travel Advisor about adding a porter that can carry up to 18 lb (8 kg) or 33 lb (15 kg). After crossing the pass the trail drops steeply into the Pakaymayu drainage. The 4-day Inca Trail is 30 miles (49 km) in length. The highest point is Dead Woman's Pass at 4200 m. At its highest, the trail reaches 4200 m above sea level, so you should spend at least 2 days in Cusco acclimatizing before you start the trek. They can be purchased in Cusco or rented from your trekking company with advance notice. What we found the hardest was the sleeping at the altitude than hiking during the day. Chachabamba: 6,725 ft (2,050 m) Trust me, once you see all that is included and all the work that the porters and tour guide do, you will realize it is well worth every penny paid. Thankfully, we both fall into the latter camp and we always tell people to embrace getting a little stinky and dirty for a few days. The Inca Trail elevation ranges from about 8,000 feet (2,400 meters) to 13,800 feet (4,200 meters). Immediately after the pass, we descend into the Pacaymayo valley (3600m/11808ft), from which we then start to climb to the second pass, the Abra Runkurakay . Youll find it in this post. Obviously, medical attention and facilities along the Inca Trail are pretty much non-existent so you need to bring any of your own required medication with you and keep it on your own person or in the daypack.

Frases De Pareja Para Reflexionar, Is Lady Bunny Still Alive, Seattle Seahawks Draft Picks 2023, Articles I