There are several ways to access the mythical Machu Picchu and, for my part, I have always imagined myself going there by the Inca trail in order to reach the famous ruins at sunrise. By browsing the various trekking agencies in Cusco, I note with pleasure that a short version of the hike exists and that it is possible to do the whole thing in 2 days rather than 4. Given the circumstances, it is in plenty of what I need and so I set off for 2 days of hiking on the Inca Trail.
For those who have little time, I advise
you to book the short version of the Inca Trail. This hike starts at kilometer
104 and is 10 km long. Attention, short version does not mean easier because
this trek requires a good physical condition. The first day includes a 4-hour
climb to the top of Wiñay Wayna. You will spend the n, soight in accommodation in
Aguas Calientes. The second day is entirely devoted to visiting Machu Picchu.
Your local English-speaking guide will bring you valuable information about the
famous Inca citadel.
Itinerary: 2 days hiking the Inca Trail
Day 1 Cusco – Ollantaytambo – km 104
Transport from Cusco to Ollantaytambo and
departure at km 104
If you're doing the same hike as me, be
prepared to be early for both days. The van to take me to the train station
picked me up at 3:45 a.m. to start this journey and we drove in the dark to get
to Ollantaytambo. The train to get to Agua Caliente (or Machu Pichu town) is
taken there and you will find several other travelers there.
The train ride is absolutely beautiful and
even though I struggled to keep my eyes open given the time, I found the
landscapes spectacular and impressive.
For the Inca Trail hike, my group and I got
off the train at km 104 and not at the final stop in Agua Caliente. We passed a
few checkpoints to enter the national park and we were on our way!
The ruins of Chachabamba
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| Ruins Chachabamba |
What I loved about this hike is that it's dotted with not only beautiful viewpoints, but also some fascinating Inca sites. The first one we reach after only 5 minutes of walking is Chachabamba.
The ruins of Wiñay Wayna
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| Ruins Wiñay Wayna |
At the end of the morning, we arrive at the surprising terraces and ruins of Wiñay Wayna. I found this place spectacular and I simply loved it. You have to climb several steps to reach the top of the site and it is quite demanding, but so easy on the eyes.
The gate of the sun
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| Inti Punku |
The next 2 hours are quite good and
although it includes some climbs, most of it is not steep. Our next stop is the
Sun Gate, from where we can see the famous Machu Picchu for the first time! A
beautiful moment for me who has dreamed of seeing it for so long. I always have
a special feeling when I find myself in front of such structures. It really
impresses me to see with my own eyes something that I have seen in photos since
my childhood, such as the Eiffel Tower, the Taj Mahal and, this time, Machu
Picchu.
One night in Agua Caliente
Funny place, this little town! We feel that
everything was built for tourists who come to visit the site of Machu Picchu.
There is no particular atmosphere and I would say that the city is quite devoid
of charms. I wouldn't have stayed there more than one night to be honest.
Day 2 Visit to the site of Machu Picchu
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| Machu Picchu and Inca Trail |
For the rest well, yes, it is as beautiful
as in the photos despite it being absolutely and completely packed with
tourists, even when it opens at 6am.
I took an organized tour to complete the
whole thing. There are many in town and you just have to choose the one that
suits you. For my part, I took Inca Trail Machu and I was happy since they were
professional and they advocate zero waste during the hike, which is important
to me.
Tips for a pleasant hike on the Inca Trail:
Shoes: Although the trail is not extremely
difficult, I saw several people walking with unsuitable shoes and slipping on
the wet rocks. Make sure you wear what you need to be comfortable.
Toilets: The toilets are few and it is
better to carry your toilet paper, because there is none.
Altitude: The site of Machu Picchu is at
2430 m, it's not that high, but you could still feel the effects of the
altitude if you haven't had time to acclimatize in Cusco before your departure
.
Be patient: You have to do several queues
on the second day. The first to take the bus to get to the entrance of the
site, the second to enter the site, another for the return by train, yet
another to buy your bus ticket, if necessary, etc.
Which agency to choose for the Inca
Trail?
This is the big question I am often asked.
Not only is the Inca Trail the most popular trek in Peru, but it is mandatory
to do it through an agency. So inevitably, a lot of local and international
agencies offer it and it is very difficult to make a choice.
Pay close attention to agencies that
advertise very low prices. Given the market prices (buses, taxes, etc.), if you
are offered a price lower than the average, it is because the agency is
underpaying its porters, forcing them to carry more weight or using bad
quality. Be a responsible traveler and don't encourage them!
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| Inca Trail KM82 |
What level of comfort can I expect?
You will sleep in tents (usually 2 people in a 4-person tent) within camps provided on occasion. You will be given a small mattress for the floor, but you can also bring your own if you wish. Comfort remains basic, but that's part of the adventure.
As you can imagine, it's Peru, so the
quality of the services for the 4-day Inca Trail trek is quite variable. This
is why I recommend that you go through Inca Trail Machu agency, recognized for
its seriousness. To find out more and book your Inca Trail trek now, click on
the button below:
Is the Inca Trail difficult?
You should know that there are about 5 to 7
hours of walking per day. In itself, you don't need to be a great athlete, but
endurance is a must. The many steps, the hours that follow each other, the
slope, the humidity and the altitude make the ascent a little more complicated.
Training is a plus, while getting used to
wearing walking shoes and a backpack with a little weight in it. But don't be
worried, even the more “quiet” walkers arrive at the camps before dark and the
guide always walks with the last person.
Do I have to carry my luggage myself
during the trek?
Porters are responsible for carrying tents,
food and cooking equipment. For your part, you will have to carry your personal
effects, as well as the sleeping pad (which is provided by the agency), unless
you hire an extra porter (maximum 6-7kg). You can then carry only what you will
need during the day (camera, water, sunscreen, etc.).
Depending on your trekking experience, your
physical condition and your budget, it can be an interesting option to better
enjoy the path. It is very important to mention it at the time of booking since
the quotas on the Inca Trail are very limited.
Large luggage (ex: suitcases) will stay in
Cusco or the Sacred Valley. The vast majority of hotels keep luggage without
problem during the excursion to Machu Picchu, but otherwise, your agency can
take care of it.
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| Inca Trail to Machu Picchu |
Are there toilets on the trek?
Significant progress has been made in
recent years in terms of health. Several toilets with running water have been
placed along the Inca Trail, including the main camps. Bins are available to
dispose of your waste. Bring a roll of toilet paper and hand sanitizer.
What if an incident happens to me in the
middle of the trek?
It is of course your responsibility to communicate in advance any problem related to your health to the agency before booking the Inca Trail (allergy, heart problem, etc.).
It is very rare that a person has to be
evacuated. The guides always have a first aid kit, including oxygen, and are
trained to react quickly. If it is really necessary, the team will take care of
bringing you back to Cusco.
How many people are in a group?
Depending on the agency, the season and
especially the price you paid, a group can vary from 4 to 16 people. It can
never exceed 16 people because it is the legal limit.
Some agencies offer trek service with
private guide (2-3 people) and small group (4 to 8 people), but the vast
majority of agencies offer a group service, with an average of 12 to 16 people.
Can I do the Inca Trail with my
children?
Legally, there is no minimum age required,
but agencies generally ask for a minimum of 10 years old.
Some impose the limit at 12 years, or even
16 years.
It will be important to discuss with the
agency whether your children will be able to complete it.
How much does the Inca Trail cost?
Each agency has its own pricing policy. The
average is $500-700 per person for the 4 days. Afterwards, it all depends on
the services included, the number of people in the group, and their salary
policy towards guides and porters.
It's up to you to compare and make your
choice, but be responsible travellers: if the prices are much lower than $450,
it's bound to be that the guides and porters are underpaid because the majority
of services have a fixed price that doesn't can be negotiated by agencies (ex:
train, entrance to Machu Picchu).
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| Inca Trail Tours |
What is included in the price of the
Inca Trail?
4-day Inca Trail trek: transfers and
transport, entrance and guided visit to Machu Picchu and its guided tour, a
2-person tent with sleeping pads, cook, official guide, assistants, porters,
first aid kit and oxygen. Meals: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners. The price
does not include the sleeping bag.
2-day Inca Trail trek: entrance and guided
visit to Machu Picchu, official guide, transfers and transport, first aid kit
and oxygen. Box lunch for dinner (noon) on the 1st day + snack. The price does
not always include the hotel in Aguas Calientes
What is the best season to do it?
As it is a subtropical area, the climate is
often changeable and difficult to predict in advance.
In general, it is best to go during the dry
season: from May to September. But these are also the coldest months because it
is winter (we must not forget that the seasons are reversed in the southern
hemisphere!).
December to April is the rainy season, with heaviest rains in January and February. This does not mean that it rains constantly and every day, but conditions may be less pleasant for walking, taking photos and of course, sleeping while camping.
The Inca Trail is open year round, except
in February when it is closed for safety reasons due to heavy rains. Machu
Picchu remains open all year round, even in February.
The busiest months are June, July and
August.
In summary I would say that it is better to
go there between the two seasons, that is to say between April and June or
between September and November to enjoy the best temperature.
What are the alternative treks to the
Inca Trail?
It is true that the Inca Trail is the best
known and most frequented of the treks to get to Machu Picchu, but there are
other less touristic and equally magnificent alternatives:
The Salkantay trek
It is the best known of the treks to Machu
Picchu, just after the Inca Trail, but it is still much less crowded!
It is a 5 day and 4 night trek through the
Vilcanota mountain range, passing through Inca archaeological sites. It allows
you to discover an impressive biodiversity between the humid forest and the
high mountains (waterfalls, orchids, etc.)!
You can book the Salkantay trek by clicking
here:
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