About Inca Trail - Cusco - Perú
In 2018 I was invited to trek Inca Trail by one of my best friend in Cusco, his name is Rafael Flores, who lives since many years in Cusco. He owns a travel agency and organize all kind of tours.
For many years I always wanted to do the Inca Trail, but I heard that It was always over booked and expensive. This time I could not deny the chance to walk on this ancient trail. I also wanted to compare the difficulty with Colca Canyon, since I always have questions of my guests who comes to my hostel, Pachamama Cabanaconde - Colca Canyon to acclimatize and do a trek.
On this blog I would provide information about the itinerary and my experience walking in Inca Trail. I also added photos I made during the trek and I hope to inspire you to trek Inca Trail. I have also wrote a section about the frequently questions hikers have before booking the tour. You can contact to me or my friend Rafael to book in advance this amazing trek which I consider one of the best treks in Cusco and it is a MUST
for you when you visit Cusco.
Inca Trail
Only 500 people per day can participate for this tour and that includes porters, guides, chefs and tourists. During the high season it would already be full and it is recommended to book in advance. The trek starts at km 82 in Ollantaytambo and ends in Machupicchu Ruins. The walking distance is approx. 40km. Inca Trail is only organized by travel agencies and they are controlled by the Peruvian government to minimize the human impact on the area. There are also archaeological sites that it can only be visited by doing the trek. You will also reach an altitude of 4 215 m (Dead woman's pass). The landscape is unique and you will be delighted by the nature with beautiful flowers on the trail and the most impressive is the ancient trail that were built by the Incas to get to Machupicchu, the trail is in very good condition and well maintained.
Here you can find the most frequently questions and answers about Inca Trail here.
Classic Itinerary 4 days 3 nights
Inca Trail - Day 1
Cusco - Ollantaytambo - Llaqtapata - Wayllabamba
| Difficulty:Easy |
| Distance Trek: Approx. 16kms - 5hrs |
| Max Altitude: Wayllabamba 2 964m |
The tour started at 05:00 am and I was picked up at my hostel. We head with a private minivan towards km 82 in Ollantaytambo. For breakfast We had an stop at Ollantaytambo village and we also did a short visit to the narrow streets of the village. Our humble guide was named Dario and he took us to a street where we had a nice panoramic view of the archaeological site of Ollantaytambo.
We continued a few more kms and arrived to Piscacucho where we must get ready, use the toilets and be controlled with our documents at the checkpoint to start Inca Trail.
About the Porters
For each tourist goes 2 porters. In our tour we were 4 and porters were 8 people. They all were locals from the village of Pisac and its surroundings. They only work during the high season and the rest of the year they are working in farming. Porters are very strong short people. Their heavy backpacks is impressive they will carry for 4 days all the equipment we will be using during the trek: food, camping equipment, tents, gas, etc. Porters play the most important role for the tour and make easier our experience in the journey. All hikers only carry a small daypack (35 to 40l), therefore you will have to problems to enjoy the hike.
The beginning of the trek is at Piscacucho. After crossing the bridge we started to walk towards to Wayllabamba. We would do our first stop at a viewpoint to see the first ruins of day 1, the Llaqtapata archaeological site. We continue to Kusichaca where lunch was awaiting for us, prepared by the porters. After a short siesta we continue along the valley of Kusichaca and started climbing slowly to our first base camp. When we arrived at Wayllabamba our tents were already set by our porters. We had dinner and had a conversation with our guide who was telling stories of the Incas. The night was a magic moment, full of stars and I stayed a bit longer to do some shots.
Day 1 was an easy trek and I would say is not difficult. It is fine for the beginning to get used for the following days. We found on the way a few stores to buy snacks or sodas. We saw locals on the trail with mules. Altitude was not a problem. We also were lucky to sea unique specie of andean bear and the flora is interesting with cactus and wild flowers.
Inca Trail Day 2
Wayllabamba - Warmiwañuskay - Pacaymayo
| Difficulty: Moderate |
| Distance Trek: Approx. 14 kms - 7 hrs |
| Max Altitude: Warmiwañuskay 4 215m |
We got up at 5:00 am, most of the days during the inca trail trek you will get up early, and we had a delicious breakfast. We were told that this day would be the toughest one. The trail will go gradually up hill to reach the death woman's pass at 4 215 m. and descend to Paqaymayo base camp.
The most outstanding of second day I would say is the ecological variety we walked through. It was nicely recorded in my memory those huge andean trees called QUEÑOAS (polylepis species) and all types of wildflowers, wild ferns, bromelias and also hummingbirds and other birds species.
Our first stop was at Llulluchapampa, this is the last place to buy snacks or cokes, so make sure you have enough snacks for the rest of the days. The view from here was nice and the higher we climb the better view. We continue to the highest point and this part is hard for everyone. My advise for this part of the trek is to walk slowly, have zips of water when you feel your lips are getting dry and do short breaks of 5 minutes. Most people were struggling to climbing, but they all made good. Even porters were having breaks, but they were carrying 20 kilos on their backs. This part of the trail is already stairs and they were in very good conditions. When we finally go to the top at Warmiwañuska our Chef offered us a hot coca tea and a sandwich as prize!. I definitely enjoyed it. The panoramic view of the mountains were beautiful.
The trail this time continues downhill towards our base-camp Pacaymayo Valley. This part was not so bad. We finally arrived to Pacaymayo and our porters, as usual, were already there and prepared lunch for us. At night again the stars were brighting and illuminating us. We had to go early to bed since we were tired and must rest for the next day.
Day 2 is is the most difficult, but not extreme it is just relative difficult and it is very important to use trekking poles. To be honest I have not brought my trekking poles, since I had always with me my big heavy camera and a tripod, but I have seen many hikers that were very happy to have them.
Inca Trail Day 3
Pacaymayo - Runkurakay - Sayamarka - Wiñaywayna
| Difficulty: Moderate |
| Distance Trek: Approx. 17.5 kms - 7 hrs |
| Max Altitude: 3 950 m |
That night was the coldest, but thanks to Danzak, my friend's travel agency, who provided us with a good sleeping bag it was all fine. We depart again early and with new energy after the good breakfast. Most of the trail since day 2 till Machupicchu is in good condition and lot of stairs, sometimes I found it nice since I was imagining how the Incas built it and how clever they did to hide it from the Spaniards. A few moment was endless and tiring.
We stopped a Runkurukay, an archeological site with a circular shape, many windows and a main door. Our guide Dario told us that it was served as a ceremony center and as a surveillance fortress.
We continue gradually uphill to the pass of Runkurakay which it took 2 hrs, this part is not compared to the 2nd day. At the top we had a beautiful view of the mountain range of Vilcabamba. Then we kept on towards to Sayaqmarca (3 591 m). I got distracted by the views and it is important to focus on the trail. We had to left our daypacks besides the trail because we climb to reach Sayaqmarca. The view from this archaeological ruins is very strategic and well adapted to the terrain. I was impressed by the wall that have a 10 degrees inclination.
After visiting the ruins we continue 20 minutes more to Sayaqmarca basecamp for lunch, once again lunch was spectacular and elegant. We had some time for using the toilets and do a nap. We left the basecamp and walked gradually uphill. This part of the trail was beautiful, offering a constantly panoramic view of the range of mountain of vilcabamba. The weather was warm, humid and the vegetation was different compared to 1st and 2nd day. There is a part of the trail where in sight it would seemed the end of the trail, but the trail penetrates a big rock and goes trough for approx. 20 meters.
We reached Puyupatamarca and did a short break. This time we had a view of the Valley of Urubamba and also the back of Machupicchu mountain, the Huayna Pichu and the village of aguas Calientes. The ruins of Puyupatamarca are impressive and it was a worship and purification Inca building. We continue downhill for a few more kilometers to reach our last basecamp of Wiñaywayna (forever young). Porters always fast walkers and they would run in very steep stairs. We finally arrive to our basecamp and we went to explore the Ruinas of Wiñaywayna which are only 5 minutes walk. This is an impressive construction, beautiful smoothly curved terraces and and perfect stairs. The ruins faces the valley of Urubamba and consider also a sacred building to be purified before reach Machupicchu.
This night was not possible to observe the stars and the climate is a typical amazon rainforest. We were told that this was the last day we would be with the porters and we had to say good bye. We had a great time with them and they were very friendly people and always smiling. We went early to bed since we will be starting the trek at 4 am.
Inca Trail Day 4
Wiñaywayna - Sun Gate - Machupicchu - Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo - Cusco
| Difficulty: Easy |
| Distance Trek: Approx. 3 hrs |
| Max Altitude: 2 400 m |
We depart at 4:30 am. We said one more last goodbye to the Porters who were already prepared to return to Ollantaytambo. At the last control point there were already a bunch of hikers waiting for the door to be open and it was finally open at 05:30 am. All groups were walking fast to reach the sun gate and I felt like a race. We finally arrived to the Sun Gate. Tourist were standing there and just looking in direction of Machupicchu, which we could not see it yet, we all waited for the magic moment where the fog will disappear and Machupicchu will be exposed to our eyes. It took a while to happen that, meanwhile I was getting ready my camera for a time-lapse. When the moment came we could finally see Machupicchu at a considerable distance and it was a spectacular show.
The Sun gate is not the end yet of the trek we had to walk some 30 minutes more to be in the citadel of Machupicchu. Dario, our guide, took the group to some important sites in Machupicchu and I stayed for more pictures. It was my 5th time in this Inca City and I must say that this time it was a real experience to walk 4 days to reach Machupicchu. I have definitely had the best experience to do the Inca Trail and I would reccommend to everyone to do it. Nevertheless You must book in advance since it is the most famous trek in Peru and only 200 tourist can be part of this experience. I have add some info of my friend Rafael who can help you to arrange this tour, thanks to his invitation I was doing the Inca Trail.
After visiting Machupicchu we head towards the village of Aguas Calientes and we would have lunch and take the train to Ollatanytambo where we continued with a private car to Cusco. We finish the tour at 18:00 pm.
FAQ - INCA TRAIL
Why is expensive Inca Trail?
Inca Trail is expensive comparing to other treks in Cusco, but it is understandable the price since it is a protected area by the Peruvian government. The travel agency Danzak offers the best camping equipment and also they must pay the entrance fee of the porters, chef and the guide. Porters are also well paid and their insurance too. The guide gets well paid as well. For a trek of 4 days in my opinion the price is fair since you will have almost everything included, meals, camping gear, guide, transport, train service, Machupicchu entrances fee, etc. I would not miss the unique experience to reach Machupicchu and I recommend you to book in advance.
How many people are in the group in Inca Trail?
The minimum for the Inca Trail tour is 2 people and a maximum of 20 people. For every 2 people there will 2 porters and from 1 to 9 people a guide.
Should I book in advance Inca Trail?
It is recommend you to book Inca Trail in advance, 3 to 4 months before, since it the most requested trek in Peru and it is only for 500 people a day which only 180 to 200 are tourist. I have trekked and I thought that the It would be not nice to walk with these plenty of people, but I have not see them all this quantity in the trails I guess they all have different times and hard to see them all together. We can help you to arrange a tour, please contact us to book Inca Trail.
How difficult is Inca Trail?
I would consider Inca Trail as a MODERATE trek . In my opinion the trekking to Inca Trail have different levels of difficulty, for example day 1 and day 4 were the most tranquil walks of the tour. Day 2 and Day 3 were strenuous with lot of stairs to climb and altitude has an important role to play. You must be already adapted to altitude, otherwise do not trek or you will have a terrible experience. My advise would be to acclimatize and if it happens for you to visit and trek Colca Canyon it will be easier.
When is the best time to trek Inca Trail?
You can trek all year long, except for February because it is closed. Raining season is from December to March and I heard from Rafael, my friend, that from April to October are the best time to trek the Inca Trail. I went on the second week of December and I would expect some rain, but only on the last day rain.
How is the weather Inca Trail
Raining Season: It rains from December to March.
Dry season: It sunny all day. At night temperature drops.
Will altitude be a problem to trek Inca Trail?
This is one of the main issues hikers may deal with. You can be in your best condition, but if you are not used to the altitude you will have problems. If you spend already a few days in Cusco or somewhere from an altitude of 3 000 meters and you did not struggle altitude sickness then you are ready to reach 4 000 which is Warmiwañuska Pass (4 215 m). I recommend you when you trek Inca Trail on day 2 it is important to walk slowly and have short breaks and you must use trekking poles.
Where do we sleep during Inca Trail?
In the tour you will sleep in Tents. Danzaq provide good quality camping gear. You do not have to worry about if you will be able to have good sleep or not. I think that most of time after you trek you will be tired enough to have some good sleep. I had good nights during the trek, they have good mattress, sleeping bag and also pillow.
List of the things you need for Inca Trail
The list depends of your needs and the way you need and are used to take with you when you trek. I have added a basic list that I think you may need for the trek in Inca Trail. It is important also to have a meeting with your travel agency to know what they include for the trek. Danzak took all the camping equipment such as tent, sleeping bag, pillow, all cooking equipment.
- Day pack 35l to 50l
- Good Hiking Boots. Make sure your boot already are well fit to yours.
- Light Quick dry towel
- 2 or 3 t-shirts, bring the ones for trekking.
- I only brought 1 trekking pants, the one it converts to short.
- A light cottom pajama bottoms for the night.
- 1 Good Heavy Polar sueter
- A Light rain jacket, Just in case it rains.
- Socks
- Underwears
- Toilet paper, tooth brush, toothpaste, small soap, sachets of shampoo.
- A hat
- Sun Block
- Lipstick
- Insect repelent. I actually brought rosemary essential oil and it helped me as well for altitude
- Bring Cash. You will need in case you need to buy an extra snack and also to tip the crew.
- Sun glasses
- Ear Plugs. I snored and my partner in the tent as well
- Flash Light and an extra batteries. You Must have one.
- Camera or Cellphone and do not forget your extra batteries. You can charge your battery for an extra (approx. 0.50 usd) in most of the cam;ping places
- Basic First Aid. The travel agency will bring, but I would advise to bring your own, specially band aids, paracetamol, ibuprofen, bandage.
- Trekking Poles, you can rent them in Cusco. You will be glad to have them, they minimize the pain in your knees and also for climbing is an extra push.
- Camel bag. I find very important and comfortable for me. having a bottle can be strenuous to grab from your day pack every time you need a zip.
- Bring Snacks. I brought cereal bars made of quinoa + amaranth and you can find some good cereals in Cusco, also nuts, chocolates, do not bring too much, also Danzak travel agency provide you with some.
What happen if I get sick in the Inca Trail?
Danzaq Tour operator mentioned that if someone gets sick during the Inca Trail and it can not or does not want to continue, the guide will decide what it is best to do and he will arrange an assistant to return to Ollantaytambo or Cusco and in worse case a mule can be hired if needed. Most of the time things goes fine. You can have some issues with altitude and the guide is trained to help you. You can also join the group on the last day and be in Machupicchu. To avoid any troubles during the hike you must know your condition.
What is the food served in Inca Trail?
The food served during the Inca Trail was the best I had. Danzak offered us many options and also vegetarian food. The chef prepared everyday something different and I enjoyed the soups and all the main dishes, you would have on every meal at least 5 types of different food such as sopus, rice, vegatable meat, salads, and hot drinks as much as you want. The Chef also surprised us with desserts. Food is well and carefully prepared so hikers can continue with good energy and not get sick.
How about the water in Inca Trail?
Water is not a problem at all. Everyday you can refill water thanks to the porters that boils water a day before. You have to coordinate with the guide. On day 1 and Day 2 you can buy mineral water on the basecamp, only on 3rd day I have not found shop and of course in Machupicchu won't be a problem.
Are porters well paid for Inca Trail?
Porters are well paid by the travel agency Danzaq. There is a porter association and they have good laws that protect their physical integrity. I was happy to see that they were well treated and also in every checkpoint they were controlled how much weight they were carrying. Porters that were hired from Danzaq were very happy and asked them if they were happy to work with Danzaq and their answer was very positive.
Is Colca Canyon trek difficult or Inca Trail?
No. The classic trek of Colca Canyon is not more difficult than Inca Trail. I am sure that most hikers who visit Cabanaconde Colca Canyon and do the trek helps them for a good training before the Inca trail. I would encourage you to do the Colca Canyon and why not stay at my Homestay Pachamama in Cabanaconde Colca where it is the start trekking point.
Do I have to tip the porters and guide?
Tips are optional in Peru, but it is well appreciate by the person who receive because they know they made worth their work. In my opinion it is something important to tip when you are happy of a service and I have seen that all porters do their best to make the tour and give you an unforgettable experience for your life. The work they have is really hard, imagine carrying 20 kilos on your back for almost 4 days. When I mean they get well paid it means that have a fair salary for Peru, but it does not mean they will be rich and get fancy things for their home. I would say that a fair tips for a porter is from $8 usd to $20 usd per day. Do not forget also the guide. The tipping is at the end of the tour on day 4 where you say goodbye to all of them.
Which Company is recommend to book Inca Trail?
There are many companies out there and I assumed they all offer the same service. I did the Inca Trail thanks to my friend Rafael who owns Danzaq Travel Agency in Cusco, since I know him from many years and I know he cares about the porters and also the quality of the service for his clients I would recommend him. Here are his details or you can also contact me to give you price for his tours.
Rafael Flores and this is his website: https://www.danzakperu.com
Telephone: + 51 992 712 919 or + 51 956546223
Emails Address: reservas@danzakperu.com
