Hiking the Inca Trail

Anyone who visits Southern Peru is sure to visit the wonder that is Machu Picchu. Many of these visitors take the easy route accessing a starting point by train that drops them off relatively close to the ruins themselves. For those who want to really experience Machu Picchu and the history of this mysterious culture, there is the Inca Trail.

The Inca Trail is the original route of the great cities previous residents. This 4 day, 26 mile hike takes you through the tin air of the Andes and past a number of artifacts constructed from the lost inhabitants.

Along the Inca Trail you will climb up and down ancient steps, stone baths, aqueducts, tiers, and tunnels. All of which the Inca people dug out through solid stone. Combine this with the numerous views of the areas towering crests and lush landscape and you’ll wonder why anyone takes the train over this trail.

Permits

Don’t plan on doing this trip solo. The Peruvian government caps the trail at 500 people a day, which works out at roughly 200 trekkers once guides and porters are counted. Each hiker must be with a licensed guide and group, permits are tied to your passport and sold only through licensed operators, and the popular dates go months ahead. The trail also closes every February for maintenance.

Season

The most popular months are during the dry season from June through September. Try to beat the crowds by visiting in May. This way you still get pretty decent hiking conditions without the hoard of crowds.

Gear
No out of the ordinary gear is needed. Talk to your guide service to see if they recommend anything special for the time of year you will be visiting.