There is also the Indio Feliz , a Franco-Peruvian fusion place full of character that is also vegetarian-friendly. These two options offer two very different but equally enjoyable culinary experiences in Aguas Calientes! For adventure lovers, Inca Trail tours are just the beginning. If you are looking to do more hiking once you reach Machu Picchu, there are two popular short but stunningly beautiful hike options: Huayna Picchu and Cerro Machu Picchu Machu Picchu Mountain.
Both require permits and early morning wake-ups to ascend, so make sure you work with your tour operator in securing those before your arrival in Peru. Huayna Picchu is the more popular trek, but if permits are all sold out, Machu Picchu Mountain is also a great option. We go into further detail on each hike below. Known as Wayna Picchu or Huayna Picchu, this is the mountain that surrounds the Urubamba River and rises prominently over the Machu Picchu citadel and provides the backdrop against which the rest of the mysterious city is set.
The Incas built an original trail up the side of Huayna Picchu, and built temples and terraces at its peak — which is about 8, feet above sea level. Every morning before sunrise, it is said that a high priest would walk to Machu Picchu with a small group to signal the coming of the new day. The Temple of the Moon, one of the three major temples in the Machu Picchu area, is nestled on the mountainside and is situated lower in elevation than Machu Picchu.
Adjacent to the Temple of the Moon is the Great Cavern, another sacred temple with fine masonry. This incredible excursion takes approximately 4 hours round trip, starting at the Machu Picchu citadel, hiking through the Inca Trail hidden under the forest, and arriving at the top of this striking mountain.
Along the trail, you will find yourself surrounded by a wide variety of flowers and wildlife, including orchids, begonias, ferns, and beautiful hummingbirds, while enjoying the outstanding view of the Machu Picchu citadel, the Urubamba River that runs below, and all the sacred mountains that surround Machu Picchu.
This area is very interesting because it is located in the high-cloud forest, where the highland joins the rainforest, thus creating many micro-ecosystems within the area.
Machu Picchu Mountain has a special meaning for the Incas. Below this mountain, two rivers from the two most sacred Inca mountains join together into one confluence. From the south runs the Urubamba River that originates in the Ausangate area, and from the west comes the Aobamba River that originates from Salkantay Mountain. For this reason, Machu Picchu Mountain becomes a monument of worship to the sacred waters. At the top, hikers will be welcomed by the Tawantinsuyo flag and a little shelter, providing respite from the sun and the wind.
Reaching the top of this mountain requires a moderate ability to climb, as there are parts where it is very steep, but not considered to be dangerous. The hiking trail is well maintained; it is a paved road with many steps, though it does zigzag in places. Experiencing this trek for yourself offers an insight into why the Incas selected this mountain as the place to build the Machu Picchu citadel.
It can get fairly crowded, as 2, people per day are permitted to visit the citadel. However, there are several sites that you can not access, as the Peruvian government has restricted them for conservation purposes. Walking amongst the ancient walls, doorways, paths, and stairs imparts a unique feel to this archeological site — one that transports you many centuries back in time. Your guide may have a particular order in which you will visit these sites.
Watching the sunrise from Intipunku is one of the most spectacular views you will experience on your trip, and it serves as the first point during your approach on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu from which you will be able to view the whole sanctuary.
A polished and carved monolith, this stone is situated in one of the three windows of the temple in Machu Picchu. Many who have visited the Intihuatana have reported experiencing a strange aura or energy when in the presence of the stone. Cloaked in thick atmospheric mist and cloud during the rainy season, this site is a must-see when you visit Machu Picchu due to its breathtaking views over the rest of the mountains.
This beautiful area contains terraces, baths, and fountains with circulating fresh water. Sacred Plaza: arguably the most famous landmark in Machu Picchu. The Sacred Plaza also clearly illustrates the skillful and magnificent engineering and architectural feats undertaken by the Inca.
The building is also the most beautiful man-made site in Machu Picchu. With vast amounts of stone used to create the three magnificent walls, the Inca also engraved the internal space and entrance stones with intricate carvings. Principal Temple: this is the main temple to see in Machu Picchu, located at the highest point and position in the city. Centered in the Sacred Plaza, the location of this temple holds great historical significance to the Inca, as the plaza square also includes two of the great temples in the city.
The temple itself has a magnificent structural design, in keeping with the architectural styles of the time. Ceremonial Baths: often located at the front of a temple site, there are several clear areas reserved for the ceremonial baths located throughout the city. Using the mountainous terrain to channel fresh water over walls and into the bathing areas, these baths were and continue to be an area of socializing and community.
Royal Tomb and the Temple of Three Windows: the Royal Tomb and the three windows located within are a symbolic reference to the Inca emperors who ruled the city. Though there are many competing theories and research papers that have tried to shed light on the reasoning behind the three windows located in the tomb, many scholars cannot agree as to the reason for their significance.
On a darker note, at the lowest point of the plaza resides the Prison Group, a series of passages and cells burrowing under the stone and upwards into different areas of the city. With the long corridors and tiny stone rooms, the feel is that of claustrophobia and cramped discomfort — hence the ominous name.
Temple of the Condor: this is one of the most beautiful examples of the stunning stonework that the Incas are famous for. The name of the Temple of the Condor is inspired by the natural formation of the rock it is situated on, which is reminiscent of a condor in flight.
Temple of the Sun: located behind a gated urbanized section of Machu Picchu, this temple is a truly impressive feat of Inca design and structural engineering. Chosen for its high altitude, the temple is situated here to show its heavenly attributes — the higher the structure, the closer its connection with the Sun.
This location was also considered important when carrying out astrological experiments and religious proceedings. With its circle of sacred stones and dramatic design, this temple is a stunning example of how man-made Inca structures were perfectly complimented by their breathtaking natural backdrops.
Are you already eager to book a world-class journey to Machu Picchu to see some of these sites for yourself? If you have committed to embarking on this adventure the planning process most likely started six or more months in advance.
There are two critical areas of preparation that one needs to take into consideration if they wish to successfully complete this trek: these are Gear and Fitness. Hikers will need to add the proper gear and equipment to their Inca Trail packing list to complete the journey to Machu Picchu.
This includes appropriate footwear, lower body clothing, upper body clothing, face and head protection, and outerwear to protect yourself from the elements. You will also review your packed loads. It is common practice for each hiker to have a specially sized duffle bag, which porters will carry throughout each day on the trail.
Your guide s will weigh the duffle bag at your hotel in Cusco to ensure it is under the maximum weight limits, which are typically around 17 pounds.
The rest of your gear will go in your daypack. You want to keep your daypack below 15 pounds if you can, and you should only carry the core essentials. If you have extra clothing beyond what is needed for your trek in your daypack and duffle bags, most hotels will typically let you leave it locked up there for when you finish the hike and return to the hotel. Some people love trekking poles, and some people do not use them at all.
There are countless sections along the route that feature stairs that can be arduous for the knees. Trekking poles provide an enormous amount of support in these and other challenging sections, and using them can sometimes make your hike much easier and therefore much more enjoyable. For purposes of brevity, we do not enumerate a complete packing list in this guide.
Hiking the Inca Trail is moderately difficult, and it is important that hikers take adequate physical preparation. Some sections of the trek are more difficult than others, and involve steep ascents, high altitude, and long days on the trail. Though some may find the distance covered on the trek each day to be challenging, proper physical preparation will allow travelers to enjoy the trek to the fullest.
When trekking along the Classic Inca Trail route, elevation is something to keep in mind. It is important to note that this hike is not easy, and certainly not a trek you can take on without adequate physical preparation. You will be hiking up to 14, feet in elevation, and on one of the hiking days you could be on the trail for up to 12 hours. How fit do you need to be to trek the Inca Trail? Altitude discussed later in this guide and its effects can cause challenges for even the fittest traveler, so we strongly recommend you complete a detailed three- to five-month training plan before you arrive in Peru.
This training plan should include but is not limited to day hikes of at least 8 to 10 miles, cardio training, familiarization with multi-day treks and camping, and uphill training on stairs or hills.
If you have the opportunity to train at higher altitudes we highly recommend this preparation as well, though this may not be an option depending on where you live. Participants can usually expect to hike between 4 and 8 miles per day, with occasional steep inclines and altitudes of up to 15, feet above sea level.
The Trail is well-marked and defined, but the ground underneath can be uneven. While walking you will encounter stone, gravel, and dirt, with not too much grass. Cusco, Machu Picchu, and its surrounding cities vary in how far they are situated above sea level.
To start, Cusco sits at 11, feet in elevation. If you are doing the standard 4 Day Classic Trek, the maximum elevation that you will most likely reach is 13, feet. Machu Picchu is located at 7, ft in elevation, so most people who have been hiking the Inca Trail for several days do not feel the altitude when they get there as long as they have had plenty of rest and stayed hydrated during their journey. Some trekkers do find it helpful to take medication for dealing with the altitude and potential headaches.
We encourage you to speak to your doctor beforehand to see if this may be the course of action which you may want to take. Peruvian food is one of our favorite cuisines in the world. You can get extraordinary meals in Lima and Cusco, but what surprises many trekkers on Inca Trail tours is the quality of the food provided by your guides.
Most Peruvian guides are incredibly talented chefs and utilize organic ingredients, resulting in fantastic and hearty meals. Evening meals are typically eaten in a group dining tent, which has a cover to protect you from the elements. In addition to most meals, many tour operators will also provide snacks each day to take with you on the trail.
You will likely get coca leaves to chew on, which can help lessen the effects of altitude sickness. There are multiple water sources along the Inca Trail, such as streams or rivers. Most tour companies utilize either a pump filtration system, boil water, or combine both methods in order to purify water during the trek. Typically, you will be provided with potable water three times per day: at breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
It is essential that you fill up your water containers each time you have the opportunity because the hike can be strenuous, and temperatures can get hot during the day. In my experience, I have seen many other trekkers on the Trail run out of water prematurely because they underestimate how much water they will require.
We recommend that you have a minimum of 2 liters of water for both the morning and afternoon treks. Depending on your personal preferences, you can either use 32 fluid ounce 1 liter Nalgene bottles or reservoir-type water systems such as Camelbak. It is also wise to have salt tablets or electrolytes to add to your water. Additionally, if you are the type of person who likes to be extra prepared, the below items are popular options as a personal backup:.
Most tour operators and guide companies that you employ on an Inca Trail trek will provide tents. Typically, three-person tents are utilized for either one or two people. We recommend that you check with the company beforehand, as being comfortable every night on the trail can make a big difference in your overall trip experience.
Depending on your service level, the porters may also set up and take down your tents each day. It is a very nice touch when companies provide this, and it allows you to focus on the trekking experience and getting to know the other travelers. In addition to tents, many tour providers will include a ground cushion for sleeping such as a Thermarest pad.
The pad will provide you with extra cushion under your sleeping bag and a softer barrier between you and the ground. We recommend you bring an extra sleeping pad, as two can provide more optimal cushion than just one. The Inca Trail is similar to other mountainous areas at higher altitudes around the globe. During the day, temperatures can exceed 80 degrees Fahrenheit; however at night, they can drop below 30 degrees Fahrenheit. You need to be prepared for the full temperature range and bring layers of clothing to help manage the changes.
On an Inca Trail trek, you will be out on the trail between 7 and 12 hours per day. Most of the trail is very exposed to the sun, and it can get warm during the day. We recommend that you prepare yourself for the sun exposure. As a start, you must wear sunscreen each day and pack a bottle of it in your daypack to reapply periodically throughout the day. We also recommend a hat — preferably one that covers the neck, which can be very susceptible to burns.
Also, many of our trekkers wear buffs to protect their faces and necks. You do not want sunburns to ruin your trek, and heat exposure can affect your stamina and health. In our contemporary world of seemingly permanent connectivity, it is important to note that the Classic Inca Trail Route is carved through a very remote location and there will not be opportunities to charge your phone or devices during the trek. Lace boots extra tight on day three — down stairs and trail all day took out my big toenail, lesson learned.
Try to get a private tour starting very early. We were there for 10am and had to wait quite awhile to get in. When we got in, there was so many people which made it hard to see past them … ;-. Assuming you are on a guided hike, you can ask the guide to help you on the steeper and more narrow paths. On the 4 day hike, there is nothing that an experienced bushwalker should worry about, and there is no need to be on your hands and knees there is no low grade climbing , but it depends on your tolerance level.
This is an alpine walk and you should be prepared for such. Most guided hikes will provide a difficulty grade. I was never concerned — the trails are plenty wide enough.
The campsites and lunch stops along the trail all had some form of toilet usually squat. They were not luxurious but not terrible and are clearly cleaned regularly. I would recommend wearing closed shoes. Note, however, that different tour operators stop in different locations so you probably want to verify the facility situation with whichever company uo. Note, however, that different tour operators stop in different locations so you probably want to verify the facility situation with whichever company you book with.
Pack extra pants!! Seriously I am not a good squat pee person. I managed to get pee on my pants more than once in the squat bathrooms and had to wear pee pants I had 2 pairs for the 4 day hike. I used my GoGirl many many many times in South America google it and to be honest after the first rest stop, I took Immodium the rest if the way up so as to not go 2.
I went the full 4 days without having the urge to poop. Remember, digestion is slowed at that altitude. I have heard it is a good idea to take liquid iron prior to if not during your trip—helps to prevent altitude sickness by enabling your red blood cells to carry more oxygen.
Kind of. Extra iron helps you make more new red blood cells. Jen, nice post — and the photos even better! Could you comment on how feasible it is to support oneself with a travel friendly lifestyle? Let me know if you have any other questions!
Definitely a must do in my lifetime. Thank you for the article in the suggestions. I look forward to this trip hopefully within the next couple years. Wish you luck in Hanoi. I got sick on day 1 of the hike. I could keep water down, but no food. With a zero calorie intake, I lost 10 lbs in 3 days. Your guides should have given you boiled, purified water.
You must drink water. Please report the tour company you used so people are warned. The only advice you have is about climbing, nothing at all to do with Machu Picchu. You should be this prepared for any long journey into the wilderness.
Freakin amateurs…. D rock. You should not see Peru. You are far too experienced to gain anything from a trip like this. Stay home. Stay strong. I did the trail when I was 70 yrs, Greatest experience of my life, Shared it with my son and grandaughter and my daughter-in-law. Great article. I just got back from Machu Picchu myself.
I wish I knew or read your article before hand. A lot of good information. Never leave home unprepared… Especially if your destination is on the top of a mountain….
Most people doing this hike are on a tourist tour. Fun article! Went to MP last year in March. And your travel tips are great. It was amazing! But I was happy I did it, got some great shots of the figures! When did you go? Hi Jen, Literally just flew back from Lima this morning. Just hiked the Salkantay Trek.
Unbelievable experience!! More like a blizzard! Loved your post and so true. Take extra days or layers of clothing, socks too. Yes you can! It seemed like a one way your when I went. You hike up, train back. The Inca Trail is a 1-way km hike. You typically take a bus down the hill to Aguas Calientes and either spend the night there or take the train to Cusco.
Aguascalientes Calientes best place to stay since you will be arriving earlier to MP avoiding the crowd coming from far.. Walking sticks! Was never one to use walking sticks until I learned the benefits on the trail!! My guide kindly gave new his. Clothes will never dry so if you sweat profusely or it rains… and it will… make sure you have 4 changes of clothes. Thanks for the info, trip planned in late September and I will take all the advice I can get! Cant wait!! Hike distance? Elevation gain?
Nice article. Jim, People older than you were on the trail when I was. And bring at least one walking stick to protect your knees and hips on the the downhill bits. Elevation varies — Cuzco is higher than MP, but there are some pretty high passes in between. And if you decide the hike is too much work, you can always take a train up! Happy Travels! You can do it! I think the elevation increase that day was 1. Lots of uneven stairs. Take a walking stick and take your time and it should be fine.
I saw young children when I went. The second day is brutal m ascent in 4 hr, with rests but if you regularly hike up and down hills without a problem, you should be fine regardless of age. Never too old.. Best bit of advice I can give having done it is to take walking poles.
The most important thing to know is that your porters can only carry a very small weight for you — take travel size toothpaste, soap etc and pack leggings rather than walking trousers. The train from Cusco to Aguas Calientes takes roughly 3. You can get it in Ollantaytambo as well, where other famous ruins are located. This will reduce the traveling time to roughly 2 hours.
So Machu Picchu really should not be done on a day trip from Cusco. Theoretically speaking it is possible to see parts of MP on a day trip, though I feel rushing through it is the worst you can do.
If you got any questions, feel free to ask them in the comments below. The hike down or up itself is pretty unremarkable, though. I can only recommend doing it if your really want to save those 12 USD. We are staying in Ollantaytambo for the night then travelling by train to MP the next morning. We reserved entrance tickets to the citadel and Wayna 10amam hoping to return to Cuzco that afternoon to get a flight back to Lima that same night. Can you tell me how many hours in total will be required to see the ruins at the citadel and climb Wayna?
I appreciate reading your information. We have been assigned a private tour guide. My only question is. How many steps will be climbing?? Approx time it takes?? If you take the bus, there are no steps to climb. Well, there are quite some steps within the ruins, but there really is nothing to be worried about.
I have seen something similar in some other thread. Great information! We are going to Machu Picchu with the family this year. We hope it is as good as this experience.
Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. That's okay for me. Sign in. Forgot your password? Get help. Data Privacy Statement. Password recovery. Annees de pelerinage. Home Travel guides How long does it take to hike Machu Picchu? Detailed information on the time it takes to hike the famous Inca ruins of Machu Picchu in Peru. How long does it take to tour the ruins of Machu Picchu? How long does it take to hike to the Sun Gate?
How long does it take to see the Inca Bridge? How long does it take to hike Huayna Picchu?
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