Hiking the Inca Trail is an experience of a lifetime and preparing is part of the adventure. It is recommended three days of pre-hikes to help you acclimatize to the altitude and terrain of the trail, and the following information will help you get ready before your departure and can be useful at the moment to start this unique adventure. While the path is well-beaten and thousands of people complete the route every year, hiking the Inca Trail is no mean feat and if you want to make it all the way without too much hassle, you’re going to want to spend a bit of time preparing before you go. Not only will you need a certain level of physical fitness but you will also need the emotional stamina required to get you through roughly 8 miles (12.5 km) of walking every day at a high altitude. So let’s take a look at everything you need to do before you embark on your Inca Trail adventure.

Training Recommendations

Incorporate some form of cardio exercise, 45 to 60 minutes, 3 to 5 times a week for at least 8 to 12 weeks prior to your trip. We suggest running, walking, or biking or a Stairmaster. Prepare for the extreme ups and downs of the hike by training across a variety of terrains such as hills or using a treadmill incline. Practice yoga or some form of core strengthening exercise.

Suggested Packing List

The basic notion of packing and preparing for the Inca Trail is keeping in mind that you will face a variety of conditions during the trek and it’s very important reduce the weight to a minimum. Avoid extra tough carrying your day backpack during the trek, and for the porters, who have limited kilograms to carry including campsite gear and your extra belongings. During the Inca Trail you will deal with intense heat, strong sun and cold mountain nights, which can get below zero while camping at night. See below clothing items we suggest you to pack for the trek.

• Small day pack to carry your rain gear, sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, insect repellent
• Waterproof and regular cameras
• Water bottles or Camelback
• Hiking boots that are well worn in
• Hiking poles are provided by our operator for the entire program
• A pair of comfortable shoes, sandals or crocs to wear around the camp
• One complete change of clothing per day including pants, t-shirts, socks and underwear
• Fleece and down jacket
• Gloves and a warm hat
• Warm fleece pants for evening
• Personal toiletries, including baby wipes, and medications
• Camera gear with enough charged batteries for the entire hike
• Flashlight and batteries
• There is no need to bring energy bars or snacks; plenty of food and snacks will be provided for the entire hike.

Luggage Weight Limit

You will be limited to no more than 8 kg/17.6 lbs (minus the weight of the sleeping bag - approx. 1.6 lb) on the Inca Trail. The site coordinator in Peru will supply large duffel bags to pack your clothes and gear in for the hike. Professional porters will carry the bags during the Inca Trail hikes and the remaining luggage will be stored at the hotel in Cuzco. You will not be able to access this duffel bag until you reach the evening camp so be sure that you have all that need for the day in your day pack each morning before heading out.

Average Distace, Time and Altitude

Day 1: Chillca - Huayllabamba Total distance: 7.8 miles
Estimated walking time: 7 hours - Maximum altitude point: 9,842 feet

Day 2: Huayllabamba - Pacaymayo Total distance: 5.5 miles
Estimated walking time: 7 hours - Maximum altitude point: 13,779 feet

Day 3: Pacaymayo - Phuyupatamarka Total distance: 5 miles
Estimated walking time: 7 hours - Maximum altitude point: 12,795 feet

Day 4: Phuyupatamarka - Machu Picchu Total distance: 7 miles
Estimated walking time: 5 hours - Maximum altitude point: 11,811 feet

Dealing with elevation

Altitude at the Inca Trail ranges from 7,790 feet to 13,780 feet. Upon arrival at altitudes above 3,000 meters or 10,000 feet, shortness of breath and a pounding heart are normal responses to the lack of oxygen in the air. However, for some visitors, these symptoms can deteriorate into a condition known as Soroche or acute mountain sickness. Headache, extreme tiredness, nausea and loss of appetite are standard symptoms. Take it easy upon arrival and drink the coca tea provided. Oxygen is readily available for more severe reactions and is also available on the Inca Trail. Staying hydrated and well rested is important to adjusting to the altitude. Avoiding heavy, fatty foods and alcohol in the days before arriving to altitude can also help and is highly recommended. It’s also advisable to avoid sleep medications, as they can slow breathing and respiration, which aid in getting the blood oxygenated during sleeping.