Great question! The Inca Trail is considered a moderate hike; however, there are a lot of staircases to climb, and the altitude can also affect the body. We recommend renting a wooden walking stick as it helps with your balance and reduces stress on the knees. If you have mobility issues, please let your CEO know during booking
Make sure you pack your comfortable hiking boots, because it is estimated you’ll be walking six to nine hours for each of the first three days and about two hours on the last day.
To trek the Inca Trail with ITEP Travel you must be over the age of 12, with a moderate level of fitness, and hold a passport that is valid for up to six months.
The trek begins at 2,800m (9,186 ft). The highest point you’ll reach on the trek is approximately 4,200m (13,780ft). You’ll also sleep at 3,600m (11,811 ft) for at least one night.
It can get chilly due to the altitude. During the Andean winter (May – September) the temperature can drop below zero at night. It can be cool during the summer months too, so we suggest bringing thermal underwear and a warm sleeping bag.
It can get chilly due to the altitude. During the Andean winter (May – September) the temperature can drop below zero at night. It can be cool during the summer months too, so we suggest bringing thermal underwear and a warm sleeping bag.
Hiking the Inca Trail is popular all year round, however May to September is considered the high season. This means that permits can be sold out months in advance. However, if permits are not available, there are other options to walk along the Andean Mountains, which still takes you to Machu Picchu.
To reserve a spot on the Inca Trail, we recommend you book your tour at least six months in advance during high season (May to October) and three months in advanced during low season (November to April).
Yes. We require a copy of your passport. Please note that any attempts to modify your personal information will result in the loss of the permit. A refund will not be possible so make sure you double-check your information.
As well, there’s a limited number of permits in effort to preserve the trail.
Reaching Machu Picchu depends on the campsite assigned to your group on the third night. However, many groups will reach the Sun Gate at around 6:00am. You’ll have plenty of time to soak in the ruins thanks to a two-hour guided tour and some free time to explore afterwards.
After you’ve taken in all the beauty of Machu Picchu, your group will travel by bus to Aguas Calientes and then catch a train back to Ollantaytambo, where you meet, you’ll take a bus back to Cuzco.
Yes! Let us know that you don’t want to hike the Inca Trail when you book. We’ll arrange for you to spend two nights in Cuzco and then take the train to the town of Aguas Calientes. You will rejoin your group at Machu Picchu.
We use three-man tents to accommodate two same-sex travelers. There are a few places on the trail where permanent (but very rustic) toilet facilities exist, and when they’re not available, your crew will set up portable toilet tents.
Yes! We’ll provide you with a large stuff sac where you can place 5kg of your personal items (including your tent and sleeping bag). Our skilled porters will carry these bags while you hike the Inca Trail. Your other personal items will be stored safely at our hotel in Cuzco. All you need to carry is a daypack containing the things you’ll need during the day like water, camera, sunscreen.
Great question! Sleeping bags are not provided, so we recommend bringing a compact three-season sleeping bag.
You can also rent a sleeping bag in Cuzco; just let us know when you book. We provide our travelers with foam mats, but please feel free to bring your own-self inflating mat if you’d like.
Our cooks prepare excellent high-quality meals that are perfect for a day of trekking. The menu usually includes: pasta, rice, chicken, fresh fruit and vegetables, oatmeal, and eggs. If you’re a vegetarian, no problem! We’re able to cater to your needs. If you have any dietary restrictions or allergies, please let your CEO know.
Bottled water can be purchased on day one and on the evening of day three of the trek. However, we discourage trekkers from purchasing bottles as it increases the amount of waste. Instead, we strongly recommend bringing a refillable water bottle, as boiled water will be provided with every meal.
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