Here you will find useful information on the Inka trail trek. If you have further questions after reading, just let us know and we will get back to you within 24 hours.

What is the duration of the Trek?
The Inca Trail connects Cuzco city to the Citadel of Machu Picchu. There are 2 options:
4-day Trek. which begins a few miles outside the city or,
2-day Trek. which begins at an intermediate spot. This option is generally for less athletic persons or for those who have not much time to spend in Cuzco. Notice that the Inca Trail can be made in one way only, from Cuzco to Machu Picchu. The return is generally by train but it is possible to go back to Cuzco by bus.

Who is able to do this Trek?
The trail is 45km (26 miles) long. On the second day you climb nearly 1200m (about 4000 ft), however, walks are made in a low rhythm, so you can stop to take a break for a moment. Although this trek is rated as moderate,.don't forget that it goes up to 4200 m of altitude. That's why we do not recommend it to people with respiratory, circulatory or cardiac problems. In any case, only your doctor will tell you if you are able or not to do the Trek. In general, we recommend to be in good shape, without being athletic.

What about Altitude sickness?
Generally, if you spend a few days in Cusco, or better, in the Sacred Valley, acclimatizing to the altitude you shouldn't have to suffer too much. We recommend to drink a lot of water during walks and eat light. In case you feel sick, alert your guide inmediately.

What is the best period to make the Trek?
Peru has a wide variety of weathers that is why it is very difficult to define one best period to visit many places. For the Inca Trail, the hottest season is from November to March but it is also the rainy season. We recommend to have a cold but sunny trek than a warm but rainy one. This is why we recommend doing it from May to October.

Is the Inca Trail open all year round?
It is open 7 days per week, every day of the month, including holidays; but it is closed in February because the INC prefers this month to do maintenance. It is the less visited month because of the rain.

What should I bring?

• Personal toilet items.
• Personal medications kit (plasters, bands, cotton, alcohol, aspirins, pills for stomachache, medicine to avoid altitude sickness).
• Camera and films Asa 200 and 400.
• Bottes, tennis ou chaussures de marche sans talons.
• A hat or cap.
• Long-sleeved shirts.
• A bottle of water and some purifying pills.
• Knife.
• Dried fruit, candies and chocolates.
• Wollen gloves, scarves and socks.
• Rain wear for rainy season.
• Lanterns, batteries and bulbs.
• Long pants or slacks.
• Insect Repellent.
• Sun Screen Lotion.
• Sweaters and a jacket.
• A backpack (50-70 liters).
• Towel and toilet paper.
• Underware.
• T-shirts
• Warm clothing (sweaters, anoraks).

What to do with my luggage during the Trek?
Most of the places where you might stay (hotel, hostal) offer to guard your luggage for free during the Trek. But we can also gladly do it; just bring your luggage to our Agency the day before the Trek.

Are there toilets on the trail ?
Toilets have improved a lot in the last couple of years and all of the larger campsites have toilet blocks with flush toilets and running water. On the whole they are kept pretty clean. If you do need to go to the toilet between campsites then defecate well away from the trail and water supplies; dig a hole, or cover your faeces with a rock, and take the paper with you in a bag to deposit in one of the several bins along the way. There are hot shower facilities are Wiñay Wayna on day 3, although they are usually pretty unclean.