Inca Trail essentials

Jul 15, 2011 12:00:30 AM

Kathleen Munnelly
Lonely Planet Author

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It’s the most famous hike in South America – perhaps the world – and a must-do, life-changing experience. Hiking the Inca Trail through the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu is both arduous and awe-inspiring. Four days of cold, pain and exhaustion dissipate as the mist lifts to reveal the emerald peaks and terraced ruins of the mystical ancient city.

Itching to go? Here are a few tips:

The best time to visit is May through September. Sure, it’s the busy season (especially June to August), but it’s also the dry season. And trust us, you don’t want to visit during rainy season! Note that the Inca Trail is closed February.

Make your Inca Trail reservations several months in advance – up to a year if you’re going during peak season. You can only visit with a licensed agency, and spots book up quickly.

Choose your trekking agency carefully. Shop around and ask lots of questions: what you’ll have to carry, how many people to a tent, how many porters for the group, if there are arrangements for special diets. It’s worth paying more for a reputable agency that treats its porters well and respects the environment. We’ve recommended a tour we like at the end of this article.

No matter what time of year, the trail gets cold at night. Bring a warm sleeping bag and layer your clothes.

Other must-brings: sturdy shoes, a flashlight (with fresh batteries), water-purification tablets, high-calorie snacks and a basic first-aid kit.

Take a stash of small Peruvian currency for buying bottled water and snacks along the way, as well as for tipping the guide, cook and porters.

If you can’t get an Inca Trail reservation, don’t despair. There’s always Kuélap as an excellent alternative or you check out the Valley Inca Trail or the Salkantay Trek. Stop by South American Explorers for an information packet.

Altitude sickness is serious and can ruin your trip. The biggest mistake you can make is to fly directly to Cuzco (3326m/10,910ft) and expect to hike the next day. Give yourself a few days to adjust to the altitude first.

Make it happen

Ready to hit the road? We can recommend the high-quality Inca Trail Tour, from Gap Adventures. It hits all the highlights, including Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.

The Inca Trail is a hot topic on Lonely Planet’s Thorn Tree forum – so head there for other travellers’ advice on packing, on-the-ground tips and where to go after.

Lonely Planet’s Peru travel guide will help get you on the trail of adventure.

This article was independently produced by Lonely Planet and is proudly sponsored by STA Travel.

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Comments

24 August 2011 7:26AM Belluomo70 Report this comment
In response to not being able to hike the Inca Trail, you don't have to abandon hiking to Machu Picchu altogether. You can do the alternative trail which they call the Salkantay trek. I did it and it was extremely rewarding because it was stunning and there were far fewer people on the trail. It was also a lot cheaper. There is only one mountain pass to climb as opposed to the 3 or 4 on the Inca Trail so it's also an easier trek. Check it out.
The author is right about Kuelap, not as an alternative but as something amazing in its own right. There are a fraction of visitors to this incredible site in northern Peru and in some ways it surpasses M.P. in my opinion. Kuelap was one of the top highlights in my trip to Peru and I would recommend it strongly. It is the gateway to the jungle as well. Good luck!
24 August 2011 11:22PM mcmahorf1 Report this comment
Agree with Kuelap. Saw 14 visitors the entire day and it is truly spectacular while still in the relatively beginning stages of exploration. Many sites around Chachapoyas to include Gocta Waterfalls which is also, an absolute must see. Also, if Inca trail not available you can walk into any travel agency around the Plaza De Armas square in Cuzco and book a 4 or 5 day trek combining Mt biking, rafting and trekking through spectacular Andean countryside for a fraction of the cost, leave the next morning and still wind up at MP. Also, a stay at convent hostel near Cathedral / museum Santo Domingo on corner of Ahuacpinta and Inticahuarina is very cost effective and pleasant. Enjoy Roger and Sofi
25 August 2011 1:07AM spainse Report this comment
Is it not possible at all to hike the Inca Trail without a guide/tour?
5 September 2011 1:27PM kettensage Report this comment
Belluomo70, What tour groups did you use for the Kuelap/Salkantay trails?