If you enjoy hiking and traveling and you have not yet conquered the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, then this is your call to action!
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a historical trail to the famed city. There are several ways to see Machu Picchu. You can take the lazy manâs way and catch a 2 hour train to the front gates. You can take the Lares trail which is a beginner-intermediate trail (5 days in length, one day spent in Aguas Calientes and 30 minute bus to Machu Picchu) OR you can take the true traveling experience adventure way.
THE INCA TRAIL! This is a 4 day intense trek through the Andes that allows you to actually go through the Sun Gate and end up inside Machu Picchu. You actually have to leave Machu Picchu and come back in to get a stamp on your passport. Â
This is an advanced trail with more than 75% of the trail being on a steep incline. Not to mention you are hiking at an elevation of over 11,000 feet for most of the time. A lot of the tour companies are known for mistreating their porters and guides by having them carry too much weight or not properly feeding them. Do your research beforehand and find a trusted company. We personally can vouch for Peru Treks. They have a weight limit that they allow their porters to carry and provide them with food and a proper place to sleep. This was a major factor when deciding on a tour company.
Peru Treks provides you with world class meals that are prepared before you get to your destination. After a long day of hiking, youâll be happy to end up at a campsite with a warm meal. As a trekker, you are responsible for our own personal belongings, sleeping bag and mattress mad. (Around 12-15lbs total). You have the option of hiring an additional porter to carry your stuff. Water is crucial and it is advised that you not drink the local Peruvian water, let alone the Inca Trail stream water. Local Peruvians also sell water along the way.
Things to keep in mind:
- Give yourself a full 3 days in Cuzco to accustom yourself to the elevation. The elevation is no joke.
- Do the INCA TRAIL, not the LARES TRAIL. The Inca trail has more sites to see and you actually end up inside Machu Picchu rather than having to take a bus up. Also, itâs the Royal trail. The trail that the king would take.
-WATER. Drink loads of water. It is the only way to prevent and fight altitude sickness.
-Purchase altitude sickness pills from the local pharmacias in Cuzco, and start taking them the first morning of the hike.
- Bring enough local money for the four days. You will most likely want to buy water, beer, shower on the third day, hot springs in Aguas Calientes and you will need to tip your guide and porters. We recommend that you bring at least 300 soles each for the 4 days. You donât think you will need it but you do and it goes quick.
- Price per person for the trek is $490. This price includes the trail entrance fee, transportation to and from your hostel or accommodation in Cuzco, and all meals on trek. There is an additional fee to rent a sleeping bag and mattress pad.
- Book your trek at least 6 months out. It sells out and you will be stuck into doing the Lares Trail.
Remember to get your passport when heading overseas. If you need a passport within 24 hours, Fastport Passport can help you out. Theyâve been helping hikers for over ten years, so you can trust them to help you make your trip happen.












