The Inca Trail Hiking: Packing List & Cost

Take an unforgettable Inca Trail trekking with our comprehensive guide to packing list, best time, route selection, and costs. Delve into the Peru tour, where you see ancient ruins and stunning scenery. Let us soak in the rich culture and natural beauty of the Andes!

Reasons to Hike the Inca Trail

Immerse in Its Culture and Significance

The history and importance of the Inca Trail will immerse you in its culture. This trail is a famous hiking route in Peru that leads to Machu Picchu, which is known as the "Lost City of the Incas", listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1983 and named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007. You can explore important and famous sites, like the Inca ruins of Ollantaytambo, Wiñay Wayna, and the Sun Gate, to experience a worthy trip.

Enjoy Incredible Natural Scenery

The various ecosystem provides the opportunity to enjoy the breathtaking natural scenery. Set foot on this trail you can gradually extend from the Andes Mountains to the Amazon high rainforest, and the fusion between these different types of terrain provides spectacular scenery. It will be an unparalleled experience.

Recommended Tour Itinerary

Peru Adventure Tours with Inca Trail Hiking 10 DAYS Explore This Tour

The Best Time to Hike the Inca Trail

The best time to hike the Inca Trail is during Peru's dry season (May-September). In these months, you'll immerse yourself in lively festivities such as Qoyllur Rit'i, Feast of Corpus Christi, and Inti Raymi, to enjoy the rich cultural atmosphere. Picture traversing the ancient Inca ruins of Ollantaytambo, embracing amidst verdant mountains, taking a moment to meditate and find peace. Here, the diverse ecosystem - various orchids and wildlife along the route - breathes life into the ancient relics. On clear days, the snow-capped peaks in the distance are looking at you. Eventually, you reach the Sun Gate of Machu Picchu, embracing the world's vastness.

It's worth noting that this trail is closed in February. However, if you are planning your hiking in the rainy season (November-March), bringing rain gear is important, and moist land and air will give a special experience.

Besides, this trail requires a permit to enter and is in high demand. The permit (approx. $ 90) is linked to your passport and can be ordered from the official website. To ensure your spot and availability, it's recommended to book a permit a few months in advance of your planned visit. If you are still confused about these sorts of things, feel free to contact Odynovo, our travel expert will be happy to help.

Trekking Inca Trail

How to Choose the Best Route of Inca Trail

There are three routes that vary due to their length for detail, offering the opportunity to choose based on your preferences. Generally speaking, the landscapes of Machu Picchu and the main sites like Ollantaytambo and Intipunku still appear before your eyes.

The Easiest Route: 2-Days Inca Trail Tour

If you're interested in exploring historical culture and trying an easy hike, choose a fascinating 2-day expedition, approximately 12 km with 5 hours a day of walking. Starting from Cusco, witness the stunning sunrise over the Sacred Valley before exploring the ancient ruins of Ollantaytambo. Boarding the train at KM 104 Station, anticipation builds for the trek ahead.

This trail unfolds with visits to archaeological wonders like Chachabamba and the terraces of Winay Winay Wayna. Various orchids and wildlife make the ruins lively. Reach Intipunku, the highest point in this route at 2750 meters, for a breathtaking view, then journey on to the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. Return with a train ride to Ollantaytambo.

Or you can take a train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, then hike to Machu Picchu, pass through Intipunku, Winay Wayna, and Chachabamba, return to KM 104 Station and train to Ollantaytambo.

Aguas Calientes

Recommend for Family: 2-Days Lares + 2-Days Inca Trail

It's recommended for people with kids to explore Lares and hike the Inca Trail because you'll generally visit more attractions and deepen your understanding of their culture in a limited time.

Your hiking tour will begin from Cusco. Enjoy the Lares hot spring, visit communities and local events in Huacawasi, and hike to the Ipsaycocha Pass (4,600 meters) from where the chain of snowy peaks will be appreciated. Then continue your journey from Patacancha to Pumamarka, hike to the ancient ruins of Ollantaytambo, and train to KM 104 Station, where you'll start your Inca trail trekking. Pass through Chachabamba Ruins, the archaeological center of Winay Wayna, arrive by Intipunku, and visit the Machu Picchu Sanctuary. And you'll return by train.

Train Between Cusco and Machu Picchu

Best for Hiking Lovers: 4-Days Inca Trail Tour

The recommended route for hiking lovers is the classic Inca Trail of 4 days, approximately 44 km with 7 hours a day of walking. Starting from Cusco, explore the ancient Ollantartambo before admiring the terraces, canals, and squares of the Llactapata Ruins. Then pass through the highest point Warmihuanuscca, the archaeological site Sayamarca, platforms and aqueducts of the city above the clouds Phuyupatamarca, the ancient Intipunku, and Machu Picchu Sanctuary. Eventually, you'll return by train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, and go back to Cusco.

If you're interested in their culture, try to experience overnight and food with the locals, learn customs, and their culture and depart the following day to Inca Trail Km 82, which is free, but it must be booked in advance.

Or you can take a train from Cusco to Aguas Calientes and go back along this route.

Peru Local People

Accommodation & Rest

There are no hotels on this trail, and your available accommodation is tents and sleeping bags in the wild. To ensure your comfort, it's recommended to bring them by yourself. Since each campsite has squat toilets, get your own toilet paper and hand sanitizer to at least keep you clean. Some campsites have basic shower facilities, and a simple scrub with a wet paper towel may give a comfortable experience. In addition, there is no internet on this trail, but you will have plenty of time to chat and soak up the quiet of the night.

Crowd & Cost

As one of the most famous hiking trails in the world, the Inca trail is very popular and crowded most of the time, especially during high season. In high season, the Inca trail restricts a maximum of 500 people to enter each day, including 200 trekkers, 300 porter, guides, and cooks. Though with a limit of permits, the trail is still busy. To ensure your experience, it's recommended to book your trip to Peru 6 months in advance.

The prices of your Inca Trail hiking may vary at different times of the year. A 4-day/3-night classic Inca trail tour costs approximately 1000USD to 1800USD depending on your demand of accommodation and transportation. It can cost more for a luxury journey.

More Tips for Hiking Inca Trail

Accompanied by Guide and Porter

The official established that it's necessary to be accompanied by a guide and a porter. The guide can not only provide cultural and historical background interpretation but also ensure your safety and comply with local management regulations.

The porter is mainly responsible for transporting equipment, food, and other necessities, usually carries luggage weighing a maximum of 20kgs, and can also provide basic services such as setting up tents and preparing meals, to create a more comfortable camping environment for you.

Additional Costs With Cash

Your prepaid tour covers most costs, but it's wise to carry some small notes and coins because there are some expenses you will need to pay with cash, such as snacks and drinks from stall owners, toilet entrance fees (usually 0.5 USD at Machu Picchu), tips for porters and guides. When you have completed your trek, you may want to tip them for their diligence. The recommended approximate tip per trekker is 32 USD for the porter and cook (who will be responsible for splitting the tip), 9 USD for the tour leader, and 5 USD for the assistant guide.

Packing List for Inca Trail Trekking

Packing light and smart for hiking is important. Here's a detailed packing list:

Important Items

Remember to make sure that your valid identification documents, passport, and trekking permits are in your backpack, which makes your trip smooth.

Two Backpacks

Prepare a large backpack with a tent, sleeping bag and thermal underwear to keep you warm at night. The porter will carry them along the trail. And bring a small backpack with you to carry your passport, ID card, flashlight, gloves, scarves, and other items.

Dress in Layer

Bring clothes you can layer easily. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer, add a warm middle layer, and top it off with a waterproof outer layer. It's convenient to adjust as the temperature shifts during the day.

Comfortable Accessories

Sturdy hiking boots and trekking poles will keep you steady on rough paths.

Rain and Sun Protection

To protect yourself from the strong sun, pack a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Be ready for rain with a lightweight raincoat and a cover for your backpack.

Personal Care

Bringing some personal care items such as insect repellent, basic toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, biodegradable soap, etc.), hand sanitizer or wipes will keep you basically clean.

High Altitude Essentials

Prepare for the high altitude by bringing medication, and keeping hydrated and energized with water and snacks.

Plan Your Inca Trail Trekking With Odynovo

Start your Inca Trail trekking with Odynovo! With our expertise and passion for travel, we'll ensure an unforgettable Peru tour by Machu Picchu's stunning landscapes and ancient sites. Write to [email protected] to contact us now!