FREQUENT ASKED QUESTIONS
If the baby did it, what about you?
Taken at 4215 meters.
HOW LONG IS THE INCA TRAIL AND HOW MANY HOURS DO WE HIKE PER DAY?
The Inca Trail is about 42 km (26 miles) long. Camp sites along the Trail are assigned by the "Ministerio de Cultura del Peru" (Department of Culture) and for this reason it is difficult to determine the distance to be covered in a day but expect to walk 5 hours day 1, 7 hours day 2, up to 7 hours day 3 and approximately 2 hours on the last day. Hours walked will vary with distance covered and the fitness level of each hiker.
HOW DIFFICULT IS THE INCA TRAIL?
The Inca Trail is considered a moderate hike. It's not a technical hike but there are a lot of Inca staircases to walk up and down, and the altitude may affect some individuals. We recommend the rental a pair of telescopic walking stick locally from our office in Cusco as it will help with your balance and reduce the load on your knees. It is worth noting that if you are looking to bring your own walking sticks you must use some rubber tips. Additional equipment like sleeping bags and air mattresses are also available for rent from the Inca Hike office in Cuzco.
IS ALTITUDE SICKNESS COMMON? AND HOW HIGH IS THE INCA TRAIL?
It's impossible to predict who will be affected by altitude. Your ability to adapt to high altitude is determined by your genetic make up and has little to do with fitness or health. Most people will have no problems as long as they take the time to acclimatize properly. A full day spent in Cusco (3350m - 10990ft), taking it easy and drinking plenty of water, is usually enough for most people. The highest point you will reach while hiking the Inca Trail is 4215m - 13828ft. You will sleep at 3600m - 11811ft for one or two nights.
WHEN DO WE REACH MACHU PICCHU AND HOW MUCH TIME DO WE SPEND THERE?
The time at which you will reach Machu Picchu depends on the camp site assigned for your third night on the Trail. Many groups will reach the sun gate at approximately 6:30 am (the hike begins at approx. 5:30 am) and will enter the site 45 minutes later but this cannot be determined in advance. After a bit of time to catch your breath and freshen up after the hike you will receive a two hour guided tour followed by some free time to explore the area on your own before the group travels by bus to Aguas Calientes where we catch the train back to Cusco. Train schedules vary.
DO PORTERS CARRY OUR LUGGAGE WHILE ON THE INCA TRAIL?
No! You have to carry all your belongs even your own or rented sleeping bag and the mattress provide by us. Items not required while on the trail can be stored safely at your hotel in Cusco.
But if you want your luggage be carried by a porter during the trek, you need to hire one ($120 for 14 kg or $80 for 7 kg) so in Cusco you will be provided with a large duffel bag in which you can place up to 14 kg of personal items (please note they will be weighed before we leave Cusco). Items not required while on the trail can be stored safely at your hotel in Cusco. All you will be required to carry is a day pack containing items you will need during the day (water, camera, sun's cream, rain poncho, etc..).
HOW COLD DOES IT GET ON THE INCA TRAIL (WILL I NEED TO BRING HATS AND MITTENS)?
The altitude means it can get quite chilly, especially during the Andean winter (May - September) when the temperature can drop to below zero degrees (Celsius) at night. It can still be cool at other times of the year and so we recommend bringing thermal underwear and a warm sleeping bag. You can purchase warm, inexpensive and locally made hand-woven mitts and gloves in Cusco.
WHAT TYPE OF ACCOMMODATION IS USED ON THE INCA TRAIL?
Three-person tents are used to accommodate two same-sex travellers. There are a few places where permanent but very basic toilet facilities exist and when they are not available our team will set up portable toilet tents. Trekkers are provided with a bowl of hot water (and a hot drink) every morning in their tent (wake up coca tea).
IS A SLEEPING BAG AND MAT INCLUDED?
Sleeping bags are not included and so we recommend bringing a compact three-season sleeping bag. A popular alternative is to rent a sleeping bag in Cusco which can be requested through your representative or tour leader at the start of your tour or by letting us know at time of booking. They are clean, warm and cost approximately $20 (for all three nights). Some renters may choose to bring a sleeping bag liner or sheet. Foam mattresses are provided however some travellers also bring their own self-inflating mattress.
IS PURIFIED WATER AVAILABLE ON THE TRAIL?
Bottled water can be purchased on day 1 and during day 2 until 3800 m - 12467 ft just 2 hour before getting the highest place, however we discourage trekkers from purchasing bottles as it increases the amount of garbage that must be packed out. We recommend that you bring a refillable water bottle as boiled water will be provided in the morning at breakfast, at lunch and every evening after dinner.
WHAT TYPE OF FOOD WILL WE GET ON THE INCA TRAIL?
Our cooks prepare excellent high-energy meals appropriate for a trek of this nature. The menu usually includes pasta, rice, chicken, fresh fruit and vegetables and a variety of oat meal, eggs and other breakfast foods. Vegetarian alternatives are available upon request at the time of booking.
HOW MUCH SHOULD I TIP THE GUIDES AND PORTERS?
Tipping is at your discretion but always appreciated. A good rule of thumb is anywhere from $6-8 dollars per day for the porters.
ARE THE REQUIREMENTS TO HIKE THE INCA TRAIL?
To hike the Inca Trail with Inca Hike you must be over the age of 12, with moderate level of fitness, and hold a passport that is valid for up to 6 months after you return to your home country.
Bookings must be made as far in advance as possible. To be able to ensure a spot on the Inca Trail we recommend that you purchase your trip at least 3 months in advance in low season (between November and April) and at least 6 months in advance in high season (May to October).
We cannot guarantee the availability of a permit by following these guidelines however your chances are much greater.
We require the following information for the purchase of an Inca Trail Permit.
1. Full name (exactly as it appears on the passport).
2. Date of birth.
3. Nationality.
4. Passport number.
5. Date of passport expiry - must be valid for the date of travel.
Any attempts at modifications result in a loss of the permit and any money paid.
A limited amount of permits are available each day for hikers in an effort to preserve the trail. See at BOOKING.
WHEN IS THE HIGH SEASON ON THE INCA TRAIL?
Hiking the Inca Trail is popular all year, however May to September is considered the 'high' season. This means that permits can be sold out many months in advance, so it is especially imperative to plan ahead of hiking during these months.
HOW EARLY DO I NEED TO BOOK MY INCA TRAIL TOUR?
Permits to hike the Inca Trail can be sold out for many months in advance, particularly in the high season. We recommend booking as early as possible.
The Inca Trail is about 42 km (26 miles) long. Camp sites along the Trail are assigned by the "Ministerio de Cultura del Peru" (Department of Culture) and for this reason it is difficult to determine the distance to be covered in a day but expect to walk 5 hours day 1, 7 hours day 2, up to 7 hours day 3 and approximately 2 hours on the last day. Hours walked will vary with distance covered and the fitness level of each hiker.
HOW DIFFICULT IS THE INCA TRAIL?
The Inca Trail is considered a moderate hike. It's not a technical hike but there are a lot of Inca staircases to walk up and down, and the altitude may affect some individuals. We recommend the rental a pair of telescopic walking stick locally from our office in Cusco as it will help with your balance and reduce the load on your knees. It is worth noting that if you are looking to bring your own walking sticks you must use some rubber tips. Additional equipment like sleeping bags and air mattresses are also available for rent from the Inca Hike office in Cuzco.
IS ALTITUDE SICKNESS COMMON? AND HOW HIGH IS THE INCA TRAIL?
It's impossible to predict who will be affected by altitude. Your ability to adapt to high altitude is determined by your genetic make up and has little to do with fitness or health. Most people will have no problems as long as they take the time to acclimatize properly. A full day spent in Cusco (3350m - 10990ft), taking it easy and drinking plenty of water, is usually enough for most people. The highest point you will reach while hiking the Inca Trail is 4215m - 13828ft. You will sleep at 3600m - 11811ft for one or two nights.
WHEN DO WE REACH MACHU PICCHU AND HOW MUCH TIME DO WE SPEND THERE?
The time at which you will reach Machu Picchu depends on the camp site assigned for your third night on the Trail. Many groups will reach the sun gate at approximately 6:30 am (the hike begins at approx. 5:30 am) and will enter the site 45 minutes later but this cannot be determined in advance. After a bit of time to catch your breath and freshen up after the hike you will receive a two hour guided tour followed by some free time to explore the area on your own before the group travels by bus to Aguas Calientes where we catch the train back to Cusco. Train schedules vary.
DO PORTERS CARRY OUR LUGGAGE WHILE ON THE INCA TRAIL?
No! You have to carry all your belongs even your own or rented sleeping bag and the mattress provide by us. Items not required while on the trail can be stored safely at your hotel in Cusco.
But if you want your luggage be carried by a porter during the trek, you need to hire one ($120 for 14 kg or $80 for 7 kg) so in Cusco you will be provided with a large duffel bag in which you can place up to 14 kg of personal items (please note they will be weighed before we leave Cusco). Items not required while on the trail can be stored safely at your hotel in Cusco. All you will be required to carry is a day pack containing items you will need during the day (water, camera, sun's cream, rain poncho, etc..).
HOW COLD DOES IT GET ON THE INCA TRAIL (WILL I NEED TO BRING HATS AND MITTENS)?
The altitude means it can get quite chilly, especially during the Andean winter (May - September) when the temperature can drop to below zero degrees (Celsius) at night. It can still be cool at other times of the year and so we recommend bringing thermal underwear and a warm sleeping bag. You can purchase warm, inexpensive and locally made hand-woven mitts and gloves in Cusco.
WHAT TYPE OF ACCOMMODATION IS USED ON THE INCA TRAIL?
Three-person tents are used to accommodate two same-sex travellers. There are a few places where permanent but very basic toilet facilities exist and when they are not available our team will set up portable toilet tents. Trekkers are provided with a bowl of hot water (and a hot drink) every morning in their tent (wake up coca tea).
IS A SLEEPING BAG AND MAT INCLUDED?
Sleeping bags are not included and so we recommend bringing a compact three-season sleeping bag. A popular alternative is to rent a sleeping bag in Cusco which can be requested through your representative or tour leader at the start of your tour or by letting us know at time of booking. They are clean, warm and cost approximately $20 (for all three nights). Some renters may choose to bring a sleeping bag liner or sheet. Foam mattresses are provided however some travellers also bring their own self-inflating mattress.
IS PURIFIED WATER AVAILABLE ON THE TRAIL?
Bottled water can be purchased on day 1 and during day 2 until 3800 m - 12467 ft just 2 hour before getting the highest place, however we discourage trekkers from purchasing bottles as it increases the amount of garbage that must be packed out. We recommend that you bring a refillable water bottle as boiled water will be provided in the morning at breakfast, at lunch and every evening after dinner.
WHAT TYPE OF FOOD WILL WE GET ON THE INCA TRAIL?
Our cooks prepare excellent high-energy meals appropriate for a trek of this nature. The menu usually includes pasta, rice, chicken, fresh fruit and vegetables and a variety of oat meal, eggs and other breakfast foods. Vegetarian alternatives are available upon request at the time of booking.
HOW MUCH SHOULD I TIP THE GUIDES AND PORTERS?
Tipping is at your discretion but always appreciated. A good rule of thumb is anywhere from $6-8 dollars per day for the porters.
ARE THE REQUIREMENTS TO HIKE THE INCA TRAIL?
To hike the Inca Trail with Inca Hike you must be over the age of 12, with moderate level of fitness, and hold a passport that is valid for up to 6 months after you return to your home country.
Bookings must be made as far in advance as possible. To be able to ensure a spot on the Inca Trail we recommend that you purchase your trip at least 3 months in advance in low season (between November and April) and at least 6 months in advance in high season (May to October).
We cannot guarantee the availability of a permit by following these guidelines however your chances are much greater.
We require the following information for the purchase of an Inca Trail Permit.
1. Full name (exactly as it appears on the passport).
2. Date of birth.
3. Nationality.
4. Passport number.
5. Date of passport expiry - must be valid for the date of travel.
Any attempts at modifications result in a loss of the permit and any money paid.
A limited amount of permits are available each day for hikers in an effort to preserve the trail. See at BOOKING.
WHEN IS THE HIGH SEASON ON THE INCA TRAIL?
Hiking the Inca Trail is popular all year, however May to September is considered the 'high' season. This means that permits can be sold out many months in advance, so it is especially imperative to plan ahead of hiking during these months.
HOW EARLY DO I NEED TO BOOK MY INCA TRAIL TOUR?
Permits to hike the Inca Trail can be sold out for many months in advance, particularly in the high season. We recommend booking as early as possible.