Dreaming of hiking the legendary Inca Trail to Machu Picchu? In this guide, you'll find everything you need to know: how to book a permit, when to go, how to prepare for the altitude, what to bring, and how to avoid altitude sickness. Follow in the footsteps of an ancient civilization and make your adventure comfortable and safe

Traversing the Inca Trail is a major milestone for many adventure seekers. From the historic city of Cusco to the Lost City of Machu Picchu, it spans more than 40 km of mountainous terrain. Trekkers are treated to the majesty of the Andes’ numerous peaks.

That said, trekking through the same ground the Incas of old walked on can be grueling for the unprepared. You’d want to make your preparations well in advance to ensure a hassle-free adventure. This guide will take you through the necessary steps.

Book in Advance

The trail is open almost all year round, except for February when it undergoes maintenance and upkeep. The Peruvian government issues only 500 permits per day, and they release all permits for the upcoming year in a specific month (regardless of the tour date). The limit is imposed to mitigate the risk of tourism eroding the trail, namely the stone infrastructure.

More importantly, just 200 of the 500 permits are allocated to tourists. The rest are for the support staff, such as tour guides and porters. The government prohibits treading the trail without a guide, no matter how experienced the hiker.

If you’re planning to take on the Inca Trail, now’s a good time to book with Inca Trail tours. With the government accepting applications for next year’s tours, you can take the time to browse tour packages. For the complete experience, consider the full Inca Trail that’ll take you along the entire length, including meals, transportation, and, of course, a guide.

Note that the Inca Trail's peak season is between April and August. You can still book a tour during these dry months, but expect large tourist crowds in Cusco and Machu Picchu. The off-season attracts fewer visitors, but it coincides with the rainy months. It’s also a reason the trail is closed during February, one of the wettest months in Peru.

Acclimatize Before the Hike

Don’t be in a rush to enter the trail upon arriving at Cusco. The bird's-eye view of the Andes awaits adventurers, but only if they get through the trail’s many ups and downs. At no point along the trail will you be below 2,400 meters above sea level (MASL).

Without acclimatizing or getting used to the Inca Trail's climate, a tourist risks developing altitude sickness. According to Harvard Medical School, high elevations tend to have less air pressure than at ground level, which means less oxygen. Common symptoms include dizziness, nausea, loss of appetite, and headaches that painkillers can't remedy.

Fortunately, Cusco itself is the best place to acclimate. At close to 3,400 MASL, Peru’s historical capital is higher than several points in the trail and slightly lower than a few of them. Most tour guides advise their visitors to stay in the city for at least two days before tackling the trail to give their bodies time to adapt.

In addition, health experts recommend staying well-hydrated as you go about your day in the city. The body loses water at high altitudes due to increased breathing and the lower humidity of the area. A good way to check your hydration level is by checking your urine; clear means you’re good, while dark means it’s time to drink water.

However, it pays to consult your physician before traveling to Cusco. If the symptoms of altitude sickness aren’t managed well, they can worsen and become fatal. This is a must for anyone, more so for first-time hikers.

Bring Changes of Clothes

Whether trekking during the dry or wet season, the weather on the Inca Trail can be pretty unpredictable. This high up in the mountains, one part of the trail can experience different weather from another. Falling ill is the last thing you want.

There’s no need to bring a suitcase’s worth of clothes with you. Along Dusty Roads, a travel blog whose authors have been to the Inca Trail, suggests packing the following:

- Waterproof jacket with hood

- Lightweight fleece

- Sports vests or t-shirts (up to three)

- A t-shirt for changing upon camping

- A t-shirt for returning to Cusco

- A long-sleeved shirt

- Hat and beanie

- Lightweight hiking trousers and shorts

- Hiking pants (up to three)

- Underwear (up to four pieces)

- Sports bras (for females, up to two)

- Thermal layer for sleeping

- A pair of sunglasses

You may be tempted to pack a couple more but remember that a heavy pack will hinder your hike. Porters carry their own cargo (e.g., camping equipment and food supplies) and are required by law to limit their cargo weight to 20 kg (15 kg for females). Some Inca Trail tour operators even impose a lower weight limit to ensure the porters’ safety.

Besides, you’d want the leftover room for other essentials like med kits, toiletries, and – most of all – your passport. Before entering the trail, authorities will compare the passport and permit information. Also, the passport must still be valid for at least six months after entering the country.

Ready for an Adventure?

The Inca Trail is a good example of a tourist attraction that’s as much “about the journey” as about the destination. However, getting the most out of this experience requires lots of prep work. Start your preparations as early as now if you plan to cross Machu Picchu off your travel bucket list soon.

Reminder! Feeling tired, but don't have time for a long vacation? We've already talked about how micro-vacations for 2–4 days help you quickly recharge. Read here where to go, how to plan and save money without sacrificing the quality of your vacation.

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