How To Prepare To Backpack The Inca Trail?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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  1. Original passport.
  2. Sleeping bag.
  3. Backpack to carry your things.
  4. Trekking poles.
  5. Bathing suit (if you would like to enjoy the hot springs in Aguas Calientes)
  6. Good sneakers or light hiking boots, and one pair of flip-flops or light sandals.
  7. Camera and extra batteries.

What size backpack do I need for Inca Trail?

Size: The ideal size backpack for the Inca Trail is a

30-36L lightweight pack

. These can easily carry a maximum load of 10kg. If you are trekking self-supported (no personal porter) then you might want to go up one level to a 40-50L pack.

How do you poop on the Inca Trail?

  1. Hole-In-The-Ground Squat Toilets.
  2. Tented Potty.
  3. Mother Nature’s Finest.

How difficult is hiking the Inca Trail?

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).

What is the best time of year 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.

Do you need to train for Inca Trail?

Trekking for six to eight hours a day at a high altitude for four days is not an easy trek, so

training is highly recommended

. Hiking the Inca trail should be enjoyable, not sufferable, which is why getting fit is key.

Where do you sleep on the 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 much water should I bring on the Inca Trail?

Essential gear & equipment for hiking to Machu Picchu


1.5 or 2L water reservoir

– our guides were good about telling us how much water we needed to bring for the first day of the trip, and our cooks boiled water for us to carry after that. Sleeping bag.

Can you bring a backpack into Machu Picchu?


No large backpacks are allowed on Machu Picchu

: Only small, personal day bags. The official limit is a maximum 20 liter bag, and anything larger will be required to remain outside.

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.

Where do you go to the bathroom in Machu Picchu?

Restrooms are

provided outside the main entry

, and for only 2 soles per person, you can use them as frequently as you need to. But if you exit the park to have a go during your tour, you will not be allowed to re-enter with general admission tickets.

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.

Which is harder Inca Trail or Kilimanjaro?

Mount Kilimanjaro The Inca Trail Difficulty Hard Moderate Elevation 5,985m 4,200m

How long does it take to hike 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.

How much does it cost to walk the Inca Trail?

The 4 day/3 night Inca Trail trek typically costs anywhere from

$500 to $1,000

. If you’re on a tight budget and don’t want a luxury trek with all the trimmings, consider $500 to $600 as a good price to aim for.

Do you have to pay to use the bathroom in 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.

When can you do the Inca Trail?

Peru is a year-round destination for travellers, but the dry/winter season –

between May and September

– is generally the most popular time for trekking. This is when the nights are cooler and there are often wildflowers in bloom along the trail.

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 long does it take to climb Machu?

How long does it take to hike to Machu Picchu? There are a number of trekking routes along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. However, the Classic Inca Trail route is a 3 to 5 day hike, and on average, it takes

4 days and 3 nights

to reach 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).

What is the best month to go to Machu Picchu?

The best time to visit Machu Picchu is during the dry season. The days are sunny and radiant.

May, June and July

are the best months to tour the Inca City. In those days, the Inca City has a beautiful landscape.

Do I need a permit for Machu Picchu?


All visitors and professional crew needs a permit

. Tickets do sell out fast (Peak season sells out within days) We recommend booking as soon as there’s availability for your preferred dates.

What do I need to know about 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.

What size backpack is allowed in Machu Picchu?

Due to Machu Picchu regulations,

you can not take backpacks larger than 25 liters

. With all these restrictions and limited allowance, it’s important to know the most important thing to take to Machu Picchu.

Can you fall off Machu Picchu?

The tourist, identified by the BBC and Peruvian media as 51-year-old Oliver Park, died Wednesday after slipping from a ledge and falling approximately 130 feet.

He was posing for a mid-leap photo when he fell off Machu Picchu mountain

, which overlooks the ancient Incan citadel of the same name.

What should I pack for Machu Picchu in April?

  • 1 Daypack. You’ll need a daypack to carry your daily essentials. …
  • 1 Waterproof Jacket. …
  • 2 Pants. …
  • 4 Tank Tops or Tees. …
  • 1 Fleece or Hoodie. …
  • 4 Pairs of Socks. …
  • 5 Pairs of Underwear. …
  • 1 Sports Bra.
Kim Nguyen
Author
Kim Nguyen
Kim Nguyen is a fitness expert and personal trainer with over 15 years of experience in the industry. She is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and has trained a variety of clients, from professional athletes to everyday fitness enthusiasts. Kim is passionate about helping people achieve their fitness goals and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle.