Top 20 Facts about Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4 days

The Inca trail to Machu Picchu is one of the iconic hikes and adventures that all of us want to try out. It’s not only filled with its fair share of challenges, but it also has extraordinary vistas. You get to hike past hundreds of years of history, archaeological treasures and beautiful mountains. Yes, this is a very interesting and exciting adventure, yet also a bit dangerous. That’s why you want to learn more facts and things about the Inca trail to Machu Picchu, which can take roughly 4 days to complete.

Is the 4-day Inca Trail worth it?

The Inca Trail is certainly worth it, you can find a 2-day or 4-day hiking plan depending on what you like. Regardless, the classic Inca Trail is known for taking you through the beauty of Peru in all of its glory. You get to travel 26 miles over 4 days, and you can do up to 10 hours per hike. It’s still incredibly enjoyable and certainly something different to any other hike that you will find out there.

What is special about the Inca Trail?

There are many different things that make it very popular and special. The trail itself is made out of many miles of old Incan roads. It was mostly used for the Incan Royalty. On top of that, this is the best ways to reach Machu Picchu, which is known as one of the New Wonders of the World. There are many other ruins you can see on this path, and there’s also a tourist limit of 200 a day. Aside from that, you get to see local wildlife, protected plants, and you will go through thick cloud forests. It’s an incredible and different experience unlike anything else.

Can you hike the Inca Trail on your own?

No, you are not allowed to hike the Inca Trail without a guide. This was established in 2001 and since then any person on the walking trail needs to have a tour guide and come there in an organized group. You can’t just go there and hike alone, it’s against the rules and unlawful.

Do you need a permit to hike the Inca Trail?

Hiking on the Inca Trail requires a permit. It’s the rule since 2002. That’s when the Ministry of Culture from Peru decided to have a limit on how many people can actually hike on the fabled trail. So yes, whether you like it or not, you do need a permit and your passport when you visit Machu Picchu for example. It’s a way to protect one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. With that in mind, just for the trail alone you will also need a permit too.

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

It’s a very good idea to book your Inca Trail experience 8 months in advance. Of course, this will vary based on the time of the year and other factors. But if you can book your trip many months in advance, it’s a great idea to do so. Some people book their trip 1-2 months in advance, but doing it many more months beforehand will just assure you that you got your plan booked and everything is good to go.

How do I book an Inca Trail permit?

You can’t get the Inca Trail permit on your own, you must contact a tour operator. They are the ones that can help you get the Inca Trail permit properly. You either work closely with the tour operator or work with a travel agency. That being said, the travel agency can’t get permits and they work with tour operators. But if you don’t want to find tour operators yourself or it’s hard to do, a travel agency can do that for you.

Keep in mind that there’s a limit of 500 Inca Trail permits per day, and out of that you also have the support staff. There are only 200 permits available for tourists every day. Which is helpful because not only there are smaller groups, but you don’t have to worry about the trail being very crowded. That would make this location inherently dangerous.

How hard is it to hike the Inca Trail?

The Inca Trail is known for having a moderate to high difficulty. This is not an easy hiking trail, it does involve the use of adequate equipment and you should have some hiking experience. if you embark on the classic Inca Trail route, then you will have to hike around 26 miles over 4 days. You will get at the elevation of 4215 meters. There’s a limit to how much you can hike per day too, around 10 hours at most.

How long does it take to walk the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?

As we mentioned earlier, the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu takes around 4 days to complete if you walk it. Sometimes it can take 3 days, other times 5 days, with things like weather conditions being a major factor.

Who rediscovered the Inca trail?

The Inca Trail was rediscovered by Hiram Bingham. He was doing clearing work after finding Machu Picchu. What we see now as the Inca Trail was actually a route to the Machu Picchu that was used by the Emperor and Inca people.

How do you prepare for the Inca Trail?

A good idea is to pack lightly and only take the necessary items. You also want to prepare with simpler hikes and enhance your fitness beforehand. Doing yoga and meditating can also help. When it comes to gear, you want to have a waterproof jacket, gloves, walking trousers, lycra active tops, hand sanitizer, sun cream, a water bottle, flashlight, sunglasses and any other personal items that you deem necessary. Your passport and some cash are also a must-have here.

Can children hike the Inca Trail?

Yes, kids are allowed to hike the Inca Trail, but only accompanied by their family.

Why is it called Dead Woman’s Pass?

The reason is that as you go along the Inca Trail, you will find a naturally occurring feature. When you actively see the valley below, the crests are creating the form of a woman’s supine body. It’s very distinctive and a natural element that many want to see.

What is the best month to hike the Inca Trail?

Ideally, you want to visit the trail either during May or October. Permits sell out not as fast during these months, and the climate is warmer and drier too. If you can’t find permits during these 2 months, other options are the summer, mainly June – August.

How cold can it get on the Inca Trail?

The temperatures can vary quite a bit depending on the month. It can be 20 degrees Celsius during the day and around 12 degrees Celsius at night, but that’s during the summer. During some of the other months, it’s possible to have temperatures below 0 degrees Celsius. That’s why having the right equipment is crucial, if you want to prevent yourself from freezing.

What do you wear to the Inca Trail?

The recommended things are shirts, either with short or long sleeves. A light jacket is also recommended. Some gear for cold times during the evening is also preferred. That would include scarves, gloves and hats. So yes, a mixture of clothes that are comfortable and suitable for 20 degree weather and also some clothes for colder weather is very much preferred for the Inca trail.

What should I pack for 4 day Inca Trail?

You can wear regular Spring clothes for the trail, but it’s a good idea to pack some clothes for cold weather as well. Getting a thicker jacket can also come in handy.

Where do you sleep on the Inca Trail?

When you go on the Inca Trail the tour guides already have tents that were set up for you by porters. Every trekker also receives a hot beverage and hot water every morning too. So you will have a place to sleep if you book your trip, you don’t have to worry about that.

Can you shower on the Inca Trail?

Generally there are shower facilities at the beginning of the Inca trail. You might find some locales where you can shower, but generally showering is not an option on the trail.

How much does it cost to hike the Inca Trail?

Prices will vary, but in general, it will be around $600 per person to hike the Inca Trail. In this price we include porters, a guide, 3 meals every day, hiking permits, Machu Picchu entrance, tents, transportation, etc. However, you can find cheaper options, as well as more expensive options. It all comes down to what suits your needs.

Book from $580

Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Why is the Inca Trail famous?

There are lots of reasons why you want to check the Inca Trail out. First, it’s a very long hike and you also get to see some extraordinary places. You also get to visit one of the most impressive and well-maintained lost cities. On top of that, this is a test of endurance, and it’s also a trail that was used by kinds centuries ago.

As you can see, going on the Inca Trail and visiting the Machu Picchu is an incredible adventure and one of those things you will never forget. It’s a great idea to give it a shot for yourself, and you will be very impressed with the experience!