Is hiking the world famous Inca Trail one of your dreams- on your bucket list? If you are considering planning this trip, there are a few important things to be aware of.
Here are 5 points that will help you better plan and be prepared!
Plan Your Trek Months Ahead of Time!
Many people don’t realize that the Inca Trail books up months ahead of time. There are limited entry spaces available for each day, and it is a strictly-regulated trail. The Peruvian government controls who is on the trail at all times, and you can only enter with a registered guide. There are less than 200 registered travel companies that have authority to book the Inca Trail every year. Inka Sites Adventures have been proud to be one of these authorized companies for the past 8 years.
Sometimes travelers arrive to Cusco city and want to book the Inca Trail that same week. This is not possible. Travelers who have done so have likely been led falsely by unlegitimate travel agencies that actually take them on alternate trails to Machu Picchu: trails that are equally beautiful and challenging (such as Lares or Huchuy Qosqo), but are not the Inca Trail, and do not feature the original Inca archaeological sites that make the Inca Trail the famous trail that it is. Don’t be disappointed, and don’t be fooled- book ahead!
*You yourself can check the government website to see when spaces are available for the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu:
(Click on Consultas, from there you can choose Inka Trail from the drop-down list, then choose your month to see the availability).
You Need Your Original Passport
Internationals will need their original Passport to not only book the Inca Trail (and Machu Picchu and some other treks and tours), but also to pass through the control point to enter the trail. If you are awaiting a new passport number, at the time of booking you can book with an old passport number, a driver’s license number or national identification number. When you come to Peru, you will need to show the original identification used for booking as well as your current passport. Photocopies are not accepted: only the originals must be provided at check-point.
(South American travelers can use their DNI cards if they have entered Peru with the same piece of ID.)
Many people worry about fraud or identity theft. In Peru, this is the manner in which the government has set out to control booking and entry, being that the Passport is world-recognized, and they and each travel agency take measures to protect your information and identity.
Students can get a Discount
With a Valid Student Card, students can receive a discount of US$20 in all the treks to MachuPicchu.
Children are also applicable for different discounts.
Weight Restrictions & Porters
A Porter for your Personal Belongings:We include a personal porter who is responsible for carrying your duffel bag. There is no additional fee for this. You will not have access to your duffel bag until your evening campsite. The duffel should not exceed 7kg which will include 4kg of clothes, 3 kg for your sleeping bag and sleeping mat.
Altitude Adjustment
Cusco city is located at 3,400 meters (11,200 ft) above sea level. The 4 day Inca Trail starts at 3,000 meters in altitude and the highest point is 4,200 meters above sea level. Travelers are highly advised to take at least two days upon arrival to Cusco to let the body acclimatize naturally. Not all people will experience altitude sickness (in fact, most won’t), but effects can range from very mild to quite severe. Make sure to read up on altitude sickness and be prepared with anti-altitude medication if desired