How Much Is It To Hike The Inca Trail?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Average budget for a foreign adult Price in dollars Total cost:

$ 202

Is hiking the Inca Trail worth it?

The Classic Inca Trail Route to Machu Picchu is

definitely worth it

, it is considered one of the greatest adventure experiences on the planet. 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.

How long does it take to hike the Inca Trail?

The One-Day Inca Trail

The standard Inca Trail trip takes

four days

, though it’s probably better to do it in five. Travelers who want to see two of the greatest hits of the famous hike but who are short on time can opt for this truncated version, which begins at KM 104 of the Machu Picchu train line.

Do you need a permit to hike the Inca Trail?

Hiking the Inca Trail

requires a GOVERNMENT-ISSUED PERMIT obtained by a licensed Inca Trail Tour Operator-like Alpaca Expeditions

. The government only releases 500 permits to start the Inca Trail each day, and EVERYONE needs a permit (even professional crew!) so dates sell quickly.

What is the best month to hike the Inca Trail?

Contrary to popular belief, the best time to visit Machu Picchu or hike the Inca Trail is before and after the rainy season, that is

late March, April, May, and September, October, and early November

, the dry season months, that is June July and August, are great too but beware of the crowds.

Is the Inca Trail open 2022?

Our Classic Inca Trail in 2022 is

available every from January 1st, 2022 to December 31st, 2022 with the exception of all February that is closed for maintenance

. Solo travelers can choose any date as well, we not charge any single supplement.

How do I get to the Inca Trail?

The One-Day Inca Trail Hike (1 day trek)

To achieve this, you will

take the train from Cusco to a location on the trail known as Kilometer 104

. From there, you will hike ~15 km (9 miles) through the Sun Gate to the Machu Picchu sanctuary.

Is hiking Machu Picchu hard?

What is the Machu Picchu trek difficulty? The difficulty of the Classic Inca Trail is considered to be a

moderate level hike

. The classic Inca Trail Route is 43 km (26 mi) long and often steep, you will hike over four days at an elevation nearing 13,828 feet (4,215 meters).

Do you have to be fit to climb Machu Picchu?

Treks to Machu Picchu vary in difficulty and length, but

all require a basic level of fitness

. In general you will be trekking anywhere between 10-15km a day, for up to six days on the longer routes (i.e. Choquequirao or Salkantay / Inca Trail Combo).

Is Machu Picchu worth visiting?

And yet, my response:

It’s absolutely worth it, provided you’re prepared to do a bit of planning

. Below, I’ve outlined how to make your visit to Machu Picchu a day trip from Cuzco. It requires a little extra forethought, but you can do it, unrushed, in a day — saving you both time and money.

Is it hard to breathe in Machu Picchu?

and Machu Picchu Mountain, 3,082 meters from the sea (10,111 ft). When ascending the Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu mountains; the tourist will feel

difficulty breathing

and greater agitation.

Can you shower on the Inca Trail?


No Showers

.

there are no warm showers, or even showers at all. Years ago Peru tried to put showers and even a restaurant at the last camp site but it was shut down due to vandalism so don’t get your hopes up. You are just going to have to look like you have survived four days of the wild trails of Machu Picchu.

How many steps are in the Inca Trail?

The Traditional 4-Day Inca Trail involves hiking

over 10,000 steps

, for a total of 45 km or 28 miles. The second day, which is considered the most difficult, you need to hike up to Dead Woman’s Pass which is at 4,215 meters (13,828 feet).

Are there toilets on the Inca Trail?

Inca Trail toilet locations


There are toilet blocks located intermittently along the Inca Trail

. The blocks are usually hidden from the trail. These toilet blocks are not frequent though and, if you can’t hold it, the only other option will be to go behind a bush. Most camp sites have some form of toilet facility.

Can you hike the Inca Trail right now?

Is Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail Open?

Yes! You can book right now

. There are actually some unexpected additional advantages if you travel this year and next (2021 & 2022) – at this moment of typing Machu Picchu allows a maximum of 1,200 visitors a day (compare this to normally as many as 3,500 visitors a day!)

How far in advance do you need to book the Inca Trail?

Normally we recommend booking Inca Trail in advance,

8 months before

. However, the availability is released months before, makes the people who want to reserve a space on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu for any time in 2022, must reserve the permits as soon as possible.

Which is better salkantay or Inca Trail?


Salkantay trek’s highest point is 4630 m (15190 ft), almost 200 meters higher than the Inca Trail’s highest point

. However, there is only one mountain above 3000 m (9842ft). The chances of having altitude problems are higher in Salkantay Trek, but you will be hiking only for two days at high altitudes.

Do you have to pay to use the bathroom at Machu Picchu?

5. There Are No Bathrooms Beyond the Main Entrance. You’ll find a small snack bar, restaurant and bathroom just outside the gate at Machu Picchu before you enter the site — which

costs one sol, or about 30 cents to use

— but that’s all folks.

What is it like to hike the Inca Trail?

The classic Inca trail runs 26 miles (42 km) long, is usually hiked over 4 days and 3 nights and is tucked away in the beautiful Andes mountains in Peru. Much of the trail is still the original Inca constructed trail, a true testament to Incan engineering.

The scenery is breathtaking and offers a lot of variety

.

How do I get a permit to hike Machu Picchu?

The only way to secure your permit for the Inca Trail is

through a government-approved tour operator

. This is not to create a monopoly on the route, but so that the authorities can vet and check all the trekking providers to ensure they’re operating in an ethical manner and treat staff fairly and equitably.

Can US citizens travel to Peru?


Direct flights to Peru from the U.S. are available

. Travelers should check https://travel.state.gov/ for country-specific travel information before traveling.

Can you book the Inca Trail in Cusco?

7. Can I book the Inca Trail once in Cusco? Due to the high demand for tickets,

it is only possible to book the Inca Trail online and in advance

. Once in Cusco it is only possible to book the short Inca Trail.

How long is the short Inca Trail?

The Short Inca Trail is a

9-mile

walk from the Urubamba River to Machu Picchu, via the beautiful ruins of Wiñay Wayna. The walk is part of the same network of trails as the four-day Inca Trail, and the final part of the two walks is the same.

Where do you sleep on Inca Trail?

During your trek briefing you can rent

sleeping bags, mats and walking poles or bring your own

. All of your essentials like your binoculars, camera and cash stay on you in your daypack and everything else (up to 6 kg maximum per person) is carried by our team.

How many miles is the 4 day Inca Trail hike?

The entire 4-day trail hike is only

25 miles

(40 km). However, the altitude, which at it’s highest point is 13,776 ft or 4200m, can cause problems even for the strongest hikers.

Is it safe to hike the Inca Trail?


The threat of crime is low along the Inca Trail

, and Peru treats the safety of travellers as a matter of priority. However, it is advised to take the normal precautions while travelling, such as not carrying a large amount of cash, and keeping your passport and money safely tucked away.

Timothy Chehowski
Author
Timothy Chehowski
Timothy Chehowski is a travel writer and photographer with over 10 years of experience exploring the world. He has visited over 50 countries and has a passion for discovering off-the-beaten-path destinations and hidden gems. Juan's writing and photography have been featured in various travel publications.