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Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu: Essential Tips

 The Inca Trail leading to Machu Picchu in Peru captivates millions of adventurers annually. It stands as one of the most iconic journeys across our planet. Personally, trekking to Machu Picchu was the pinnacle of my exploration in South America.

Inca Trail

Undoubtedly, the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Tours bustles with visitors and can feel like a tourist hotspot. However, the enchantment one experiences amidst the ancient stones remains undeniable. This allure is only heightened by following the original pilgrimage path to reach the destination—the path we now know as the Inca Trail.

To aid your preparation for an unforgettable Inca Trail experience, I've compiled eight essential tips for your Machu Picchu hike.

Hiking The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Tips

1. Best time to hike Machu Picchu

In the Peruvian Andes, two primary seasons shape the weather.

  • From April to October, it's the dry season.
  • From November to March, despite being warmer, it's considered the wet season.
  • While May to September is often recommended for trekking due to fewer rainy days, my perspective differs.
April to October: The dry season attracts hoards of tourists to Machu Picchu, which can be overwhelming.

November to March: Despite the rain, this period offers a more serene experience while hiking to Machu Picchu compared to the bustling peak season.

Optimal Time: My preferred window is late March when the days become drier, and the tourist crowds haven't surged.

December and January should be avoided if you'd rather not trek in heavy rainfall.

The Inca Trail remains closed in February.

2. Book your Machu Picchu hike early

Advance booking is crucial, and I can't emphasize this enough.

While Machu Picchu welcomes thousands daily, the Inca Trail operates with strict visitor limitations.

Secure Your Ticket 6 Months Ahead

To ensure your spot, aim to book at least 6 months in advance, particularly if you plan to trek during the peak season.

Even if you're considering the wet season, booking at least 3 months ahead is advisable.

I recall an incident during my last trek where a Dutch couple was in tears because they hadn't made advance reservations.

Other Hiking Routes to Machu Picchu

In case the Inca Trail isn't an option, there are alternative routes like the Salkantay trek or the Lares Trek to reach Machu Picchu.

It's important to note that advance booking is only mandatory for the Inca Trail, in spanish (Camino Inca) or in french (Chemin Inca)

Salkantay Trek


3. Train before your trek to Machu Picchu

Hiking Machu Picchu with Tierras Vivas Travel, and their Inca Trail support crew

The classic Machu Picchu trek typically spans only 3 days. However, each day demands nearly 7 hours of trekking, which can be quite taxing. Additionally, navigating Dead Woman’s Pass at 4,215m (13,828 ft) adds to the challenge.

Despite being reasonably fit, that pass had me catching my breath, necessitating multiple breaks. You don’t need to possess superhuman strength to complete the trek, but having a decent fitness level will significantly enhance your experience.

I'd recommend embarking on several day treks in the months leading up to your journey to improve your cardiovascular endurance.

4. Acclimatize properly to the elevation

Upon arriving in Cusco, I didn’t feel much, to be honest. Taking a taxi to my hostel, I had a pleasant dinner and settled in for the night. However, the next morning was an entirely different experience.

Dealing with Altitude Sickness on the Inca Trail

I woke up with a pounding headache and spent most of the day in bed. The kind hostess at the hostel brewed me some comforting coca leaf tea, which is said to alleviate altitude sickness. While it didn’t completely cure me, it did provide some relief.

Tips for Adjusting to Altitude

Reflecting on it, if I were to return, I'd opt to take a bus down to the Sacred Valley, stay in the charming town of Ollantaytambo, and properly acclimate over a few days before embarking on the Inca Trail.

5. Get the right gear for The Inca Trail

The temperature remains relatively consistent throughout the year, hovering around 20 degrees Celsius during the day and dropping to about 4 to 5 degrees at night. If you're trekking in the dry season, it's wise to carry a lightweight, waterproof, breathable jacket. During the wet season, it's an absolute necessity.

Furthermore, it's crucial to avoid clothing made of cotton and instead opt for trekking attire crafted from high-wicking materials.

I distinctly recall feeling persistently damp in the humid environment and was incredibly relieved not to have chosen jeans or cotton shirts. It's essential to pack a good fleece, a warm jacket, and base layers to counter the cold nights and mornings.

6. Carry insect repellent

The insects along the trek can be notably large, persistent, and bothersome. The bites I got during the trek became itchy and quite painful, taking several months to fully heal.

Ensure you choose a reputable repellent brand with a high Deet content—ideally greater than 90%. Apply a fresh layer twice a day and remain attentive to any signs of insects.

Machu Picchu

7. Essential Packing List for Hiking the Inca Trail:

  • Insulating, lightweight sleeping bag
  • Quality sleeping pad (such as Thermarest)
  • Fleece or lightweight down jacket
  • Breathable, waterproof outer shell
  • Sleeping socks for added warmth
  • Merino Wool base layer for moisture control
  • Well-worn, sturdy hiking boots
Selecting the right sleeping gear is crucial for a comfortable hike. Opt for a compact and lightweight sleeping pad—whether it's an inflatable or foam mattress—to ensure it doesn't weigh you down on the trail.

Machu Picchu Tours

8. Enjoy the Machu Picchu trail

It may sound obvious, but I saw so many people huffing and puffing and generally looking down at their feet as they walked.

Remember where you are, remember to stop and take in the views, and remember to enjoy the Machu Picchu hike.

Yes, you may get tired, yes, you may get wet and uncomfortable, but you will probably only do this amazing experience once – so make the most of it.

The ancient ruins, deep rainforest and perfectly sculptured stone continue to amaze and delight visitors from all over the world.

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