Inca Trail FAQS: Everything Adventurers Need to Know
The Inca Trail FAQs blog is the ultimate guide for travelers preparing to hike the world-famous trail to Machu Picchu. It answers all the essential questions, covering topics like permits, trail difficulty, packing tips, and the best time to visit. Whether you’re a first-time trekker or a seasoned adventurer, this resource ensures you’re fully informed before setting off on your journey.
The Inca Trail FAQs blog is not just an information source—it’s a must-read for anyone dreaming of conquering one of the world’s most iconic treks.
1.- Is the Inca Trail safe?
Yes, the Inca Trail is very safe. Only government-authorized trekking companies can offer Inca Trail tours and your trekking team is trained in the case of emergency. As with any trek, you should take proper precautions and make sure that you bring the correct gear and clothing. During the rainy season, there is the possibility of landslides. This is in part why the Inca Trail is closed in February (the height of the rainy season).
2.- What is the elevation of the Inca Trail?
The 4-day Inca Trail begins at Km 82 which has an elevation of 8,230 ft (2,600 m). The highest point is Dead Woman’s Pass at 13,828 ft (4,215 m) and the lowest point is Machu Picchu at 7,972 ft (2,430 m).
The 2-day Inca Trail begins at the Chachabamba archaeological complex which is located at 6,725 ft (2,050 m), the lowest point of the hike. The hike reaches its highest point at the Wiñay Wayna ruins, which are located at 8,694 ft (2,650 m). The 2-day Inca Trail ends at Machu Picchu, which is located at 7,972 ft (2,430 m).
3.- What is the food like on the Inca Trail?
Feedback we frequently receive from our travelers is how impressive the meals are on the Inca Trail. A chef accompanies each group and prepares breakfast and three course lunches and dinners. The meals are quite exquisite considering that all of the ingredients and cooking supplies are carried from the Sacred Valley. Each trekker is also provided with snacks to take with them on the trail. All meals can be adapted to trekkers’ personal dietary restrictions and preferences.
4.- How long is the Inca Trail?
The 4-day Inca Trail is 26 miles (42 km) in length. The trail begins at Km 82 of the Inca Trail and ends at Machu Picchu’s Sun Gate.
5.- How long will I hike per day?
This is a frequently asked question, during the hike you will see all the variety of Andean landscapes including snowcapped mountains, rivers, high mountains, beautiful plains and a very sunny sky.
It usually depends on the distances of the campsites are determined by the authorities, we cannot tell exactly how many kilometers per day you going to hike, or which of the campsite is assigned to the group, but be ready to hike at least 6 hours per day up to 8 hours. However, don’t worry! This is a chance to take amazing pictures of the surrounding landscape and make these memories last forever.
6.- When is the best time of year to hike the Inca Trail?
The best time of year to hike the Inca Trail is during the dry season (May–September). These are also the coldest months of the year so make sure to pack accordingly.
7- Is the Inca Trail always open for tourists?
The Inca Trail is open 11 months of the year (March through January). It is closed in February for maintenance.
8.- When should I purchase my Inca Trail permit?
It is very important to secure your Inca Trail permits in advance. For high season travel (April–October) and December holidays, permits can sell out up to six months before travel. Permits for low season travel (November–March) should be secured at least three months in advance.
9.- How do I book an Inca trail trek?
You can only book an Inca Trail Trek with a tour operator licensed to operate tours on the Inca Trail in Peru. The tour operator will reserve your trek dates and will secure the Inca Trail Permits necessary to hike on the Inca Trail. You first fill out a booking form that includes all details for you, and for any travelers going with you if you have a group. You will pay a $250 deposit per person.
The deposits can be paid separately, as long as we have one booking form that we can use to track payments. Once we have all deposits and details, we will then book your permits. When permits are in our hands, we will send you your invoice and confirmation that everything is 100% set. All start dates, once confirmed, are guaranteed. We try to make booking as easy as possible at Cusco Journeys.
10.- What documentation do we need?
You’ll need to present your original passport and permit/ticket at both the start of the trek and the entrance of Machu Picchu.
You must provide this information to get an Inca Trail Permit.
- Full name (exactly as it appears on the passport)
- Date of Birth
- Nationality
- Passport Number
- Date of Passport Expiry – Must be valid for the date of travel
- Any attempts at modifications result in a loss of the permit and any money paid.
11.- What is the difference between a private and group tour?
Essentially the tours are exactly the same, but the private tour will only be for your family and friends. Group tours include people from all walks of life and nationalities and all varieties of hiking abilities. Private showings also receive a free air mat rental.
12.- Can we pay the remaining balance for the trip using a credit card when we arrive in Cusco? or do we have to pay in cash?
We strongly prefer all balances to be paid in CASH, either US or Peruvian currencies are accepted. Here in Cusco everything is done with cash – all salaries are paid in cash for our guides, porters and chefs and all logistics are paid in cash. But we understand that carrying so much cash is a concern when travelling. We are now able to accept most major credit cards at our office. This includes Visa, Mastercard, American Express. Please understand that credit card companies make it very expensive for us to process these cards, so we do charge a fee of 5% per transaction.
You can also do your payments through PayPal or western union and we can assist you along the process.
13.- Is there a waiting list for sold out trekking dates?
No, there is no waiting list for permits. Permits are only available for purchase through the Peruvian government. Once a permit is purchased for one person, the permit cannot be transferred to another individual.
14.- What to Do If Inca Trail Permits Are Sold Out
If permits for the Inca Trail are already sold out for the dates you want, fortunately, there are great alternative treks to Machu Picchu you can also do. The Vilcabamba, Ancascocha, Salkantay, Lares, and Choquequirao are great alternative treks – and just like the iconic 4-day Inca Trail – they are all ancient Inca footpaths that belong to a vast network of roads that once connected the entirety of the Inca Empire whose capital was in Cusco. Talk with your travel advisor about which trek option is best for you.
15- What is the Inca Trail hike difficulty level?
Hiking to Inca Trail is challenging due to the high elevation (maximum 13,828 ft/4,215 m) and steep stone steps in some parts. It is recommended to arrive in Cusco at least 2 days before the start of your trek so that you can acclimatize. We recommend training for the physical challenge, as well as consulting with your physician prior to travel.
16.- Are there restrooms and showers at the campsites?
Some campsites have on-site restrooms and showers; however, these are not well maintained. Instead, your trekking team will bring a portable toilet that will be set up during lunch and at each campsite. As there are no restrooms mid-trek, you opt to wait until lunch or to reach the campsite or to go in nature. Each morning and night you will also be provided a bowl of warm water with which to freshen up.
17.- Is the water safe to drink?
Yes, the trekking team will provide drinking water every morning and at each meal. Each evening, water is collected from nearby streams, boiled, and left to cool overnight. A reusable water bottle or hydration pack works well for this.
18.- Should I hire a personal porter?
Our porters carry tents, cooking equipment, portable restrooms, and other communal items. However, each trekker is responsible for transporting their personal items (clothing, toiletries, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, etc.).
But to make your experience hiking in Peru more enjoyable, we recommend hiring a personal porter to help carry these items. Porters can be hired to carry up to 18 lb (8 kg) or 33 lb (15 kg). You’ll still need to at least carry a daypack with your water bottle, rain jacket, etc. as you won’t have access to what the porter carries until you reach the campsite each day. Let your Travel Advisor know if you’d be interested, as Inca Trail permits also need to be purchased in advance for porters.
19.- Will my guide speak English?
Your guide will be fluent in English and Spanish. Consult your Travel Advisor if you require a guide who speaks a different language.
20.- How many trekkers are in each group?
The maximum trekking group size generally varies between 4 to 12 trekkers plus the trekking team.
21.- Where will we sleep on the Inca Trail?
We will sleep in tents that are set up in the camps at night. Hikers receive a container of hot water (and a hot drink) every morning at their tent.
22.- What about sleeping bags?
A compact three-season sleeping bag is recommended. It’s also possible to rent a sleeping bag with us. They are clean, warm and cost approximately USD$25 (for the three nights). You may also bring a sleeping bag liner or sheet. Foam mats are provided however some travelers also bring their own self-inflating mat. Sleeping bags are not included.
23.- How will I get drinking water during the Inca Trail?
The trekking team will supply you with as much water as you’ll need to fill and refill your water bottle. Water for communal purposes like cooking will also be provided. All the water is boiled and safe for drinking. If you want, you can bring water purifier pills or a SteriPEN (UV Water Purifier). We recommend you bring a reusable water bottle or hydration pack to help cut down on plastic bottle consumption.
24.- Are there any ATMs?
There are no ATMs along the Inca Trail. You should bring enough money with you from Cusco for tipping and lunch in Aguas Calientes. There are also some ATMs in Aguas Calientes if you need to withdraw additional money.
25- Can I hike the Inca Trail without a tour group?
No, you can only hike the Inca Trail with a tour guide licensed for the Inca Trail. There are several checkpoints along the route that monitor this.
26.-Is it possible to walk from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes instead of taking the bus?
Yes, it is possible. You will find a short path to Aguas Calientes, this journey will take approximately 1 hour.
The Inca Trail is a challenging but rewarding trek leading to Machu Picchu. It requires careful planning, including booking permits months in advance. The best time to hike is during the dry season from May to September. The trail is moderately difficult, with steep climbs and high altitudes, so good fitness and acclimatization are essential.
Solo hiking is not allowed, so you must book with a licensed tour operator. Packing the right gear, including sturdy boots, layers, and water purification, is crucial. Alternative treks like Salkantay or Lares offer different experiences if the Inca Trail is unavailable.
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