inca trail highest point

This steep ascent reaches 4,215m (13,829ft) above sea level. Starting at 2,600 metres, the trail ascends to 3,300 metres on the first day. For this reason, all Adventure Life trips involving this hike require spending at . Even before passing through the tunnel there are views down to the Willkanuta River, the first since leaving the river at Patallaqta. A portable power bank is also useful. If you have specific dietary requirements, make sure you enquire with your tour provider to make sure you can be catered for adequately. Wear quick-drying ayers. The best way to minimise the likelihood and / or impact of altitude sickness is factoring in enough time into your Peru itinerary to acclimatise to the conditions. You can see full details on whats included in G Adventures Inca Trail Tour here. Along Dusty Roads is a travel blog by British couple, Andrew & Emily. Don't overpack. Included in the price is transport to the start of the trail, a bilingual guide, entrance fees to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu, tents, all meals and a cook, porters, emergency first aid, oxygen, and return transport back to Cusco. Even during the dry season there is the chance of rain, so make sure to bring a rain jacket or poncho. Mollepata is the longest of the three routes with the highest mountain pass and intersects with the Classic route before crossing Warmiwausqa ("dead woman"). After the tour, trekkers who pre-purchased Huayna Picchu tickets will continue hiking, while the rest of the group will take the 25-minute shuttle bus to Aguas Calientes. At the top, the pass is rocky, with little vegetation. Bring a daypack to carry your overnight and personal belongings, water, and provided boxed lunch. You will spend the night at Huayllabamba, the only inhabited town on the trek. It is very important to secure your Inca Trail permits in advance. The best time to hike the Inca Trail is May throughSeptember when there is less rain and the temperatures are slightly cooler. Everything You Need To Know Before Hiking the Inca Trail, 13 Wonderful Things To Do in Drake Bay | The Wild Side of Costa Rica, this highly rated four-day Inca Trail tour, these excellent lightweight travel hiking poles in the UK, three-week overland trip in Africa with G Adventures, these excellent lightweight sleeping bags. This section of the Inca Trail hike provides a fantastic perspective of the gorgeous Peruvian countryside but is also very cold due to the high altitude. In this article, you can find everything you need to know about altitudes on the Inca Trail. This is approximately 1000m (3281ft) down more than 1200 stone steps. After crossing the pass the trail drops steeply into the Pakaymayu drainage. Even so, you should ascend slowly and drink lots of water. True Traveller and World Nomads are two respected travel insurers which we have used on South America trips who cover high altitude treks (just make double sure that youve selected the right option). Chachabamba: 6,725 ft (2,050 m) Unlike most archaeological wonders, Peru allows visitors to actually go in and around the beautiful ruins and see firsthand the inside of the structures and the once magnificent buildings. Cusco is actually higher than most points on the Inca Trail. Hiking the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Day-by-Day Itinerary for Trekking the Inca Trail (4 Days/3 Nights), Finding the Best Inca Trail Tour Operator. SAM Travel Peru: Outstanding Inca Trail 2023 - See 3,262 traveler reviews, 2,463 candid photos, and great deals for Cusco, Peru, at Tripadvisor. The trail is about 26 miles (42 kilometers) long and takes four to five days to complete. During the rainy season, there is the possibility of landslides. Permits sell out quickly, particularly those for the high season. Lets go! Day 2 is considerably more difficult due to the severe elevation gain and altitude of the Inca Trail. Pack of tissues, toilet paper, and wet wipes. When packing your bag, keep in mind that a sleeping bag and sleeping pad account for 5.5 lbs (2.5 kg) of the total weight. There is a bus which runs from Lima to Cusco, but it takes 24 hours and these days isnt worth taking as flights are so ubiquitous and affordable (trust us, we did this bus ride back in 2015!). Climb a narrow stone stairway to view the highland terraces of Patallacta, which were likely used to grow crops. SAM Travel Peru: Inca trail 4D/3N - See 3,255 traveler reviews, 2,451 candid photos, and great deals for Cusco, Peru, at Tripadvisor. The Classic 4-day Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu is arguably the most famous trail in all of South America. The Inca Trail elevation varies significantly and people often struggle with altitude sickness, especially if they have not spent much time in Cusco before trekking the trail. So, whatever you do, dont underestimate how much cash you will need - wed say at least 300 soles per person for the Trail-specific section. TIP: Tell us the destinations you have in mind. As you can see Cusco is one of Peru's highest cites. In our group of 10, three people were feeling the altitude on the first day of the tour due to lack of acclimitisation, but with more time, water, and a healthy dose of coca tea (the age-old Peruvian cure!) [3] Pack animalshorses, mules, donkeys, and llamasare allowed. To find out what clothes and footwear are best, read our Inca Trail Packing post. February: Inca Trail is closed for maintenance. The overall distance of the Quarry Trail is about 26km (the Inca Trail is 43km) and the maximum altitude is 4,450m above sea level (the Inca Trail's highest point is Dead Woman's Pass at 4,215m). We would never travel without taking out insurance (if youre not convinced, read this post), and having the necessary insurance arrangements in place in advance is a requirement for every Inca Trail tour; you are responsible for buying and purchasing this. The legendary hike culminates at the Puerta de Sol (Sun Gate) where you overlook the magnificent ruins below and the iconic Huayna Picchu mountain to the side. From the top of the Runquraqay pass, it is a short descent of 300m (980ft) to the Phuyupatamarca ruins at 3650m (11,975 ft) above sea level. As the trail ascends toward Warmi Wausqa, or "Dead Woman's Pass", which resembles a supine woman, it passes through differing habitats, one of which is a cloud forest containing Polylepis trees. Take it slow and steady on Day 2 of the hike, as you summit the highest point of the Inca Trail, known as Warmiwanusca in Quechua. Firstly, you are going to leave the bulk of your luggage securely in a luggage storage room back at the hotel in Cusco; dont leave valuables here though as thats just silly. However, as mentioned earlier, a couple of our team members were really hurting by day 4 so it made hiking to the Sun Gate longer than anticipated and we certainly didnt see the sun come up. Hiking the Inca Trail is an experience which should inspire excitement, invoke a little bit of fear, stoke jealousy amongst your friends, and stir a sense of wander in your soul. There is no minimum or maximum age limit for hikers on the Inca Trail, but tour companies will operate according to their own guidelines and policies (i.e. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance. Your main luggage will be left in a secure hotel luggage storage room in Cusco, however we do not advise leaving any important or valuable items there - instead, its better to take them with you and keep them in your own daypack. However, using them is guaranteed make the hike easier for a number of people and result in fewer aches and pains during and post-Trail. But before you do, there are a few important factors you need to consider, such as the best time to trek, weather conditions, and how far in advance to book. This means it is necessary for everyone to obtain permits in advance to do the hike. The food was fantastic throughout the trip. The 2-day Inca Trail is particularly popular with families that enjoy hiking and are looking for a taste of adventure. Take a break to catch your breath and enjoy the spectacular views of the Urubamba River below the sites green terraces. If your budget is a little higher, or youd prefer a longer organised tour in Peru, they also offer a 14-day National Geographic Iconic Peru tour which includes the Inca Trail, the Amazon, Lake Titicaca, and return flights from Lima - Cusco. 98 steps lead to this site, which is positioned on a cliff that affords splendid views of the Aobamba Valley. The best time of year to hike the Inca Trail is during the dry season (MaySeptember). Take some time to relish in your accomplishment before accompanying your guide to the Machu Picchu bus stop for your transfer down the mountain to Aguas Calientes. Your campsite is located just a few minutes from this archaeological site, famed for its steep and towering agricultural terraces that overlook the Urubamba River. Train | There is a train which runs from Cusco - Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes (the Machu Picchu town), but this is really a tourist service and not relevant for reaching Cusco. Each evening, water is collected from nearby streams, boiled, and left to cool overnight. Direccion Regional de Cultura Cuzco. A narrow path of 98 stairs leads to this impressive ruin surrounded by cliffs on three sides and overlooking the Aobamba Valley. Climb out of the Sacred Valley towards Warmiwanusca, or Dead Woman's Pass, on the second day of the classic Inca Trail 4-day. Its a somewhat strenuous 4 days so its important to consider what you are getting yourself into before leaving for the trip. It stands at 4,215 m. It's easy to get the impression that the name comes from some tragic story of someone that didn't quite make it to where they were going.. The distances involved in hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Pichu are not that great. Temperatures at night are also less chilly. There are no hotels on the Inca Trail and your only available accommodation comes in the form of a tent and a sleeping bag in the middle of nature. Obviously, medical attention and facilities along the Inca Trail are pretty much non-existent so you need to bring any of your own required medication with you and keep it on your own person or in the daypack. High probability of sunny weather. Lightweight travel towel to shower with and a small (inflatable) travel pillow for your sleeping comfort. [7], Another high point at elevation of 3650m is crossed, followed by a campground, and then after a short descent, a site with extensive ruins. At 4,215m above sea level, it's the highest point of the Inca Trail.Subscribe for more htt. It is not possible to hike the trail independently. You can purchase these in Cusco or rent them from your trekking company with advance notice. Difficulty | High, this is the hardest day of walking but after you reach DWP, its mostly downhill. Just remember that the 2 soles youll pay to enter the modern squeaky clean toilets at the Machu Picchu site will be money very very well spent. Common symptoms of altitude sickness include headaches, nausea, and fatigue. Throughout day 3 youll also see several mini Machu Picchu-like ruins spread throughout the trail. Hiking poles to help ease impact on knees on downhills. As an Amazon Associate, Machu Picchu Trek earns from qualifying purchases. If you do decide to go to Peru for the hike or just to see Machu Picchu, I recommend you brush up on some basic Spanish travel phrases. Nights are warmer compared to the dry season. Rainy season days almost always bring drizzle or rain. Theres even a marathon!). Permits for low season travel (NovemberMarch) should be secured at least three months in advance. Please also be aware that permits are only issued with a tourists name and passport number and, once booked, they are non-changeable and non-transferable. If hiring a porter, still carry a daypack with you. All Rights Reserved, {"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}, Inca Trail Elevation The Ups And Downs To Machu Picchu. The next step is to pick your dates and start the process of booking your Inca Trail permit. After our own hike, we wanted to share our hard-earned insights, advice, and tips to help you plan and prepare for your own successful Trail experience - all neatly whittled down into this comprehensive guide. The Inca Trail traverses a variety of climates: temperate highlands outside of the Sacred Valley; cold, arid puna at the highest elevations; and warm, humid, cloud forest valleys close to Machu Picchu. As with any trek, you should take proper precautions and make sure that you bring the correct gear and clothing. So, whether youre heading there in high or low season and want to understand the camping and accommodation situation better, have no idea what to pack or how to get a permit, are worrying about whether youre fit enough, will get altitude sickness or if its too late to book a spot on a tour, then this post will provide you with all the necessary information answers from experienced fellow travellers (and, we hope, quite a bit of excitement and inspiration for the hike itself!). The High Inca Trail covers everything the classic Inca Trail does. A reusable water bottle or hydration pack works well for this. In addition to all the equipment, pots and pans, food, and trash that they had to carry, they also now had a grown adult on their backs. Insect repellent (with Deet) for protection against mosquitoes and other blood-sucking critters once you get to Machu Picchu. Protip:Thats exactly how I like my walks in the park. The highest point on the Inca Trail is Dead Woman's Pass. The 4-day Inca Trail is ideal for travelers looking for a physically challenging adventure. Yes, the trekking team will provide drinking water every morning and at each meal. Our G Adventures tour required all participants to be in Cusco for the first night of the 7 day trip, and its in the city where you will receive your briefing, rent any additional equipment and meet your tour mates. The outline of the mountains at one point resembles a woman lying on her back. The Inca Trail trek is over 3,000 meters in altitude. These local porters, from fresh-faced 18 year olds to gnarled mountain men, are the unsung heroes of every Inca Trail experience and they will each carry up to 25 kgs on their backs for the group (yep, and you were worried about how hard the Trail would be for you!). clothes, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, toiletries). The highest point is at Dead Woman's Pass, which is about halfway through the hike. I wouldnt be surprised if we were the last group to make it into the historic site. When to book: 36 months in advance. Once youve booked a tour and committed to the hike, there are some key milestones to hit before you get anywhere near South America. A chef accompanies each group and prepares breakfast and three course lunches and dinners. On your first day of hiking the Inca Trail, you will typically embark from the KM82 route. The Inca Trail is one of the most famous hikes in the world. Four days of trekking through a variety of landscapes is a great way of getting to know this part of Peru. If youre already in Peru or elsewhere in South America, then taking a flight from Lima - Cusco is the quickest and most sensible option. These are also the coldest months of the year so make sure to pack accordingly. On the highest points of the Inca Trail, some hikers experience unpleasant symptoms. They can be purchased in Cusco or rented from your trekking company with advance notice. You will also benefit from training your legs to walk/hike on stairways or steep slopes. If youre reading the above and thinking that neither sounds appealing now, then please dont be too despondent - the Inca Trail can be hiked year-round and weve just outlined the worst cons of each season so that you dont have any nasty surprises! However, after asking our followers on Twitter, we were assured that 1. they are really bloody useful and 2. not just for old people and Austrians. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads usingthis link. For the Inca roads in general, see, Elorrieta Salazar, Fernando E. & Elorrieta Salazar, Edgar (2005) Cusco and the Sacred Valley of the Incas, page 123. Inca Trail, Cusco, Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu, Cusco, Inca Trail, Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu, Cusco, 2-day Inca Trail, Rainbow Mountain & Machu Picchu, Are you interested in adding a meal at one of the, We sell virtually all services available in Peru, Galapagos, Argentina, Chile, Brazil and Patagonia, Located between 7,5003,300 ft (1,0002,300 m) is the. With a degree in Nature Conservation and experience working with wildlife including the Big 5, Alison works as a guide for a 5-star reserve. Remember the part where my companion busted her knee and had to be carried by porters goddamn hiking in style! The 4-day Inca Trail begins at Km 82 which has an elevation of 8,230 ft (2,600 m). In the afternoon, you will arrive at the Wiay Wayna ruins, which are situated at the hikes highest elevation (8,694 ft/2,650 m). After the Sun gate, it is a short and scenic downhill walk to Machu Picchu. Save $$$ Save the Planet Save Your Stomach! Design of the site closely follows the natural contours, and includes five fountains and an altar, which was probably used for llama sacrifice. Thankfully, the weather gods were rooting for us, and we only had one bad rain shower and a single morning of dense mist to contend with - as our guide told us, this wont always be the case for those hiking the Inca Trail in rainy season. You will pass several unforgettable Incan sites like two Incan tunnels that are carved right out of the mountainside. In short, hiking poles are not essential for the Inca Trail; it is 100% possible to do it without them. Malaria and yellow fever are not a risk in this area. You are however responsible for bringing your own sleeping bag, which can be stored within your 6kg duffel bag allowance. Consult your Travel Advisor if you require a guide who speaks a different language. All permits are paired with an individual passport and are not transferable. Abra Warmihuausca, at 4,224 meters, is the trail's highest point (13,860 ft). This may not sound like a lot, but it really is when you think about the fact that everyone follows the same narrow trails to Machu Picchu. Postpone your tour with zero cost up to 30 days prior to arrival with open dates. A Complete Guide to Exploring Cuscos Ruins (Without a Tour), What You Need to Know To Visit Machu Picchu in 2021, 11 Things to Know Before You Visit Rainbow Mountain, Everything You Need to Know About Cuscos Boleto Turistico, A Complete Guide to Visiting Ollantaytambo, Tagged: minimum age for the inca trail, maximum age for the Inca trail, How Much to Tip on the Inca Trail, Inca trail last minute, Inca trail hike, Inca trail, is the Inca trail expensive, what is the Inca trail, Booking the Inca Trail, Inca trail permit, Inca trail permits 2019, do you need a guide for the Inca trail, What is the best time of year to hike the Inca Trail?, Inca trail dry season, Inca trail wet season, Inca trail high season, best Inca trail tours, How Much Does The Inca Trail Cost, Inca trail fitness, where does the Inca trail start, kilometre 82, Inca trail insurance, Inca Trail Map + Route, How Difficult is the Inca Trail Hike, hiking poles inca trail, Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail, Tipping on the Inca Trail, safety on Inca trail, altitude sickness Inca trail, classic inca trail, inca trail trek, inca trail tour, Inca trail permits, inca trail itinerary, Inca trail trek, inca trail trekking, inca trail hike difficulty, inca trail cost, inca trail to machu picchu, How long does it take to hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?, What is the best time of year to hike the Inca Trail, How much does it cost to hike the Inca Trail, Can you do the Inca Trail without a guide, Do you need a permit to hike the Inca Trail, peru hiking, Inca trail difficulty, machu picchu, machu picchu peru page, most popular. You do not need to be a vastly experienced hiker, but acquiring a good level of physical fitness prior to arriving in Peru will make everything easier and more enjoyable. These unique circular structures display precise stone masonry and are thought to have served as a resting, refueling, and relay station for messengers on the Inca Trail. The Inca Trail undulates between a low point of 2,250m/8,366ft and its highest point of 4,200m/13,780ft, with many peaks and troughs along the way. The Inca road system, originally called Qhapaq an in Quechua, an indigenous Peruvian language, was used for general transportation, trade, religious, and military purposes. The second day ascends over Dead Woman's pass- the highest point on the Inca Trail at 4,200 metres. It is recommended to spend a few days getting used to the elevation before you hike the Inca Trail. In terms of showers, weve found on our various multi-day group hikes that people can be split into two camps: Those who will take a cold shower rather than being a little smelly. Small, permanent settlements are located adjacent to the trail, and Wayllapampa has approximately 400 inhabitants (130 families) spread along this portion of the trail. Hiking poles must have rubber tips on the ends. Only Inca Trail hikers can access the Gate at sunrise, and it is this crescendo, at one of the new seven wonders of the world which makes this hike a feature on so many South America bucket lists. Also, the map shows camp zones, archeological sites, distances, high points, and tourist facilities. The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu can be hiked all year round, except for February when the trail is closed for maintenance. The name Wiay Wayna (forever young) (win-yay-way-na) is used to refer to both a hostelrestaurantcamp site and a set of Inca ruins. This morning, you will take a train from Ollantaytambo to Km 104, where you will disembark and begin the 2-day Inca Trail. She enjoys hiking, horseriding, 4x4 driving and kayaking. If the sky is clear, the views of Llulluchapampa Valley are phenomenal. All companies operating the Inca Trail must be registered and have a special operators license, which is renewed annually. At 4,215m, it's the highest point of the Inca Trail and is nearly 1,800m higher than Machu Picchu! As the trail nears Intipata, it affords views of the "Two Day" Inca Trail (aka "Camino Real de los Inkas" or "One Day Inca Trail"). It consists of three overlapping trails: . If you are not ready for the challenge of multi-day trekking, your mind might give up long before your body does. Inca Trail tours cost from 550 per person up to 1,500; if you see a price any cheaper than the bottom-end of this range, then be very sceptical. We managed with a group of six (not including the guide, porters, and cook). Each campsite has toilet facilities available, but these are often rudimentary squat toilets and with campsites being so remote and over-subscribed, cleanliness understandably isnt the highest. You will start the day with a steep ascent up Dead Womans Pass. We have these excellent lightweight sleeping bags, but its also possible to rent them - just note that the ones available for rental are bulky and weigh around 2 kgs. Those who will take being a lot smelly over taking a cold shower. Altitude sickness on the Inca Trail is rarely severe. Unless you hire a private porter, youre expected to carry both pads and sleeping bags along the trek. What is the best time of year to hike the Inca Trail? Instead, view the Inca Trail as your challenge, your motivation, and your deadline to start walking more, to lose some weight, and to make some positive changes before you fly to Peru (and if you need some inspiration, read this womans story). After breakfast, you will begin the ascent to Dead Womans Pass (13,828 ft (4,215 m), the highest point of the entire trek. Although the Classic 4-day trek to Machu Picchu is most associated with the Inca Trail, there was in fact a network of Inca Trails spanning 25,000 miles (45,000 km) and six countries (Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru). Booking far in advance is an absolute must. [3] The G Adventures tour we joined is now 1029 per person (price update 2023), and this included two nights hotel accommodation in Cusco, one night hotel accommodation in Ollantaytambo, private transport, all meals on the Trail, our Inca Trail permit, camping equipment, entrance and a guided tour around Machu Picchu, a support team of 15 or so guides, porters, and chefs, and visits to several Planeterra local community enterprises and projects in the Sacred Valley. The well-established route is outlined in the below image below (red line) but do note that your own specific campsites and stops may differ depending on your tour provider. If you need to pay for an additional porter to lighten your load and carry some of your things, you can do that for around $50-$100 USD. You should bring enough money with you from Cusco for tipping and lunch in Aguas Calientes. From the top of Dead Womans Pass, you will descend about 2.5km (1.6 miles) down a steep gradient into the Pacaymayo Valley. Hiking boots with a solid tread and ankle support to help prevent injuries. Day 2 is the most challenging day of the trek, as you will gain 3,988 ft (1,215 m) in elevation. The 4-day Inca Trail begins at Km 82 which has an elevation of 8,230 ft (2,600 m). While overcoming the pass is a celebration in itself . They may also let you buy or extend a policy once youve started your trip and are already abroad which is super handy.If theres one insurance company I trust, its World Nomads. The third and fourth day of the Inca Trail altitude change is a relative descent to Machu Picchu. It is customary to tip the trekking team on the last night of the trek (Day 3). Instead, you and your group will spend evening conversing over plastic cups of hot tea, playing card games, or lazing in nature together. You can either bring your own sleeping bag or rent one for an additional fee. The remainder of the group will return to Aguas Calientes and board the train for their returns to the Sacred Valley or Cusco. Highest point of the Inca Trail. And it ends at the incredible Machu Picchu. The first day is a relatively easy hike and goes past the ruins of Patallaqta, which means town on a hillside in the Incan language of Quechua. The stock image wouldn't lie now, would it? More information. The 2-day Inca Trail ends at Machu Picchu, which is located at 7,972 ft (2,430 m). Temperatures really drop at higher elevation when the sun sets. As with other sites that were being degraded due to overuse, camping is no longer allowed. Difficulty | Moderate to a little difficult as there are several steep sections. The site was heavily restored in the late 1990s.[3]. Here you will get all the inside information on the hike from someone who has spent a lot of time researching it and completed it firsthand. Trekkers normally take four or five days to complete the "Classic Inca Trail" but a two-day trek from Km 104 is also possible. Instead, youre treated to an entry at the Sun Gate just after sunrise (expect about 6-7 a.m.) and then a wonderful descent down to an uncrowded Machu Picchu with special views of it all the way (trust us, its much better than queueing in the pitch black Aguas from 4 a.m. in the morning to get on the first bus up to then queue at the ticket gate).

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