Trekking through the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is considered one of the best trekking tours in the world because of the exquisite natural beauty and archeological importance of the places that lead to Machu Picchu. We find valleys that contain the endemic fauna of the high deserts or the tropics between the stretches of the Puna and the cloud|y forest. In the whole trajectory, we will cross archaeological centers such as Pulpituyuq, Patallacta, Wayllabamba, Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, Wiñayhuayna, Inti Punku, and the new wonder of the world, Machu Picchu.
It’s necessary to have at least three days to explore it. The geography of the Inca Trail is rugged and allows to contemplate landscapes of great beauty that include imposing snow-capped mountains, lush jungles, and forests. The water abounds in the ravines which are protected from the strong wind, a characteristic of the steps of height.
The less brave or the more hurried can visit Machu Picchu starting from Cusco by train or bus. Some others, like us, think that you can only fully appreciate it following the footsteps of the Incas who took the same path 5 centuries ago. However, the pleasure is not limited to arriving there because, throughout the tour, the whole history of Peru and The Incas gradually re-emerges as the kilometers advance. That is the way to discover ancient citadels. Were they resting places for the Inca or points of concentration? No one knows, but in spite of it, admiration is present.
It is not possible to get the Inca Trail permits in Cusco, because it is necessary to reserve it with months of anticipation, so unless you’re living in Cusco, you need to book before traveling there.
It is slightly demanding since there are 42 km of distance to be realized between 2400 and 4200 MAMSL with ascents and descents. However, you do not need professional training. The guide realizes many stops to offer the explanations of the Inca culture.
It is not necessary to be extremely trained to realize it, but a good test before making the trek is to walk 10 km and evaluate how you finish the walk. The experts day that you perform the Inca Trail with 80% of your head and 20% of your body.
The Salkantay Trek Machu recommends endurance training. If you don't train your endurance regularly anyway, then start as early as possible before the Inca Trail. All sports are good that accelerate your heartbeat over a longer period of time - e.g. jogging, step aerobics or swimming. Of course, it would be perfect if you did your training 4 to 5 days a week. The longer in advance and the more frequently you train for the hike to Machu Picchu, the better and more efficiently your heart and lungs will work.
We recommend going for a walk regularly with distances of 5 or 10 km to evaluate how you finish the walk. In December of 2008, and 82 years old tourists finished the Inca Trail.
In addition to endurance training, strength training is particularly recommended. Of course, you primarily need leg muscles, but you shouldn’t neglect your trunk muscles either. Since the Inca Trail is often very uneven, you should be able to compensate for all impassability with your body. Strength training that trains all muscle groups in the body is best
The trek is not suspended by rain, it is equally made if it rains or not. If it rains you are going to get a little wet. However, you should carry a rain poncho to protect yourself from the rain. They are really cheap in Cusco.
You do not need to bring a tent because the agency is going to provide you with one. You only need to carry a sleeping bag or rent it there.
You need to bring some clothes, and very comfortable shoes (trekking shoes or ordinary shoes). The cutlery, plates, glasses, etc. are provided by the tour operator. It is very recommendable to bring walking sticks, raincoats, and insect repellent.
The Inca Trail is a legend to be lived and an unforgettable and indescribable experience. Come and share with us these days of true happiness.
Practice walking with a daypack before trekking to Machu Picchu. You will be accompanied on the Inca Trail by porters who carry the camping gear. But you have to carry your daypack yourself. So find a mountain near you (a mountain for downhill skiing should be perfect) and hike it with a fully packed daypack. Also, don't forget to break in your hiking shoes before your Peru tour. Nothing is worse than a day hike with blisters on your feet!
