I’ve never been one to do things the easy way, so hiking the Inca Trail to see one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu, is right up my alley.
There are two ways you can get there. You can either ride a train for a couple of hours or you can backpack miles over the duration of a few days through the Andes. We obviously chose the latter, and it was the best decision we could’ve made for ourselves! I mean, what better way to travel to Machu Picchu than on the actual trail the Incans took themselves?!
Now, to be completely transparent, it was far from easy, and I wouldn’t recommend it to everyone. It was, without a doubt, four of the most physically strenuous days of my life. I don’t say this to discourage you but to emphasize how tough it really is!
However, nothing made me feel like I earned it more than those moments. As cliché as it sounds, it really is all about the journey and not the destination. The most memorable experiences of this trip were those spent on the trail with our group and guides.
If you’re looking for an unforgettable way to visit Machu Picchu for the first time, this is it! (If you are physically capable.)
If you’re reading this, then you may be considering hiking the Inca Trail (which I hope you do).
In this post, I’ll break down my experience on the Classic 4-day Inca Trail Trail to Machu Picchu, answer common questions, and share tips to make the most out of your adventure!
What The 4-Day Inca Trail Hike is Really Like
Day 1 On The Inca Trail: KM 82
We started the first day off with a 5 a.m. wake-up call in Cusco to meet up with our guides and hiking group for the week.
Here, everyone sorted out their bags, and if you choose to hire a porter for an extra fee, this is when you’ll hand off the items they will carry for you through the duration of the hike. We opted out of having a porter and decided to carry all of our belongings ourselves.
But the majority of people chose to have one, and I think we were the only ones who didn’t. So no need to feel bad or embarrassed if you need the extra support! This was just our preference.
Once everything was packed, we hopped on the bus and headed into the Sacred Valley.
After what felt like forever on the bus (obviously overly-excited and impatient) and one breakfast stop. We finally reached KM 82, the start of the Inca Trail. Once all permits and passports were checked at the control booth, we were off to start our adventure!
Following along the Urubamba River, we passed by local farmers and their livestock. We even witnessed a child walking home from school with his mother on the Inca Trail. Where that school is located beats me. But after a few hours of walking, we soon saw fewer locals and started to feel isolated from civilization.
Eventually, we reached our first campsite, Huayllabamba. By the time we arrived, all of our porters had passed us up on the trail and had the entire campsite set up with dinner started. These guys were literally supermen!
Everyone claimed a tent and got cleaned up for dinner. Note, this is the only campsite along the trail that offers showers for a small fee. But as gross as it may sound the majority of people don’t shower for the entire 4 days, is included.
PRO TIP: to cope without showering make sure to pack lots of biodegradable baby wipes. We used these at the end of each day to wipe ourselves down with. Trust me, it will make your life on the trail much more enjoyable!
Day 2 On The Inca Trail: Dead Woman’s Pass
While preparing for our trip, I did a bunch of research to understand how demanding the trek would be. Every single source I found noted the second day is the worst. Even our guides warned us that this is the day where most people struggle.
They weren’t wrong.
The second day on the Inca trail is not only the hardest but also the longest day. With a total distance of 11 miles – the first 8 miles are all uphill to the highest point of the entire trek, Dead Woman’s Pass.
At an altitude of about 4000 KM (~13,000 Ft.), it lives up to its name. As much as you may train for the hike, not much can be done to prepare you for the elevation.
Everyone recommends that you arrive in Cusco a few days before the trek to acclimate yourself, but this will only help so much. My biggest advice is to go slow, listen to your body and take breaks as needed to avoid elevation sickness.
I’m not going to sugar-coat it. Walking up 5 steps at a time, in the higher altitude, felt like D.E.A.T.H.
The further and longer we went, the harder it got. Looking up made it no better as it seemed like there were endless steps and not much progress had been made to the top.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity of stairs. We made it to the top of Dead Woman’s Pass.
Standing up there you can see endless views on both sides of the peak. It was a great spot to rest and cheer others on from our group as they finish the most difficult section of the entire trek.
After soaking in the feelings of accomplishment and relief at the top. We headed downhill to our second and my absolute favorite campsite of the trek.
Day 3 On The Inca Trail: All About The Views
The third day blew me away.
We started it by unzipping our tent to a view above the clouds. After a quick breakfast, we began the hike while watching the sunrise over snow-capped mountains. A surreal moment to appreciate the beauty of Pachamama. Which means “Mother Earth” in the indigenous language of Quechua.
At the beginning of the trip, I asked our guide (who has hiked the trail over 200 times) what his favorite part of the trek was? He answered the third day and explained it was the most scenic part, with multiple Inca sites to see along the way.
After a rough day prior, this is exactly what I needed to hear. We started the day heading back uphill (yes, again) to our second-highest summit.
With every single muscle in our bodies already extremely sore from the previous day, this summit wasn’t any easier to climb. However, the panoramic view at the top seemed to help everyone forget how much pain we were actually in.
Our final stop of the day was the Incan site, Intipata. It was by far one of the most incredible places I have ever witnessed. It is perched on a hillside overlooking the last camp and Urubamba River. We reached it just as the sun was setting over the mountains.
To be honest, I actually enjoyed this spot more than Machu Picchu itself.
There were no crowds of people and we basically had the entire site to ourselves, except for the company of a few llamas.
It was serene, overlooking a steep ravine and felt like a world away from civilization – just as I imagined Inca sites to be.
Day 4 On the Inca Trail: Sunrise at Machu Picchu
The fourth and final day of our trek was a mad dash to the Sun Gate. We woke up at 3:30 am for a quick breakfast and to head out in hopes of catching the sunrise over the Machu Picchu valley.
This particular morning I woke up not feeling like myself. The three days prior of strenous backpacking had finally caught up to me. Luckily, the Sun Gate was a short, two-hour hike away and we reached it just in time for sunrise.
Standing at the Sun Gate, watching the sky turn from dark to light over Machu Picchu, filled me so many emotions. I literally had to cry for a few seconds. Every single ache and pain I was feeling in my body was so worth it in that moment.
After witnessing the sunrise over the ruins, we were able to drop off all our bags and explore the magnificent world wonder.
How Do You Get Permits For The Inca Trail?
Getting permits for the Inca trail can be extremely difficult if you don’t plan in advance. You’ll need to book reservations through an authorized tour operator. You cannot hike to Machu Picchu without a guide.
Note that this trek does require permits and that you travel with a guided group. There are a ton of different companies, multiple trails, and lengths on those trails you can choose from.
We ultimately decided to do the Classic 4-day / 3-night Inca Trail trek with SAS Travel based off of their great reputation. I can’t recommend them enough!
They are typically released in October of the preceding year for the upcoming season. For example, if you want to visit in 2025, they will be available sometime in October 2024.
Peak season is during the summer months, which typically sells out 6 months before. So if you’d like to visit in June as we did, it is best to purchase no later than December.
A general rule to follow when booking your trek is to book 6-8 months in advance to ensure availability.
When Is The Best Time To Hike The Inca Trail?
Peru has two seasons, dry and rainy. The dry season is generally from May to October. However, the weather on the Inca trail can vary so much, you may still get a rainy day like we did. Unsurprisingly, this season tends to be more crowded on the trail.
While planning your trek I would also recommend avoiding arrival to Machu Picchu on a Sunday. On this day, locals are given free admission to the park, which results in larger crowds.
What To Pack For the Macchu Picchu Hike?
If you tend to bring 5 extra “just in case” outfits when you travel like me. Packing for a multi-day trek, through a number of different micro-climates can feel like the biggest challenge ever. Remember to pack as light as you can, because you will feel every single pound on the trail!
Machu Picchu Trek Packing List:
- 30-45L backpack – if you plan to carry everything on your own, this size should work well. If you hire a porter, you could probably use a day pack.
- 2 pairs of workout leggings – at first, I was planning to bring a pair for each day, but I read it’s best to rotate leggings to lighten your pack.
- 1 pair of water-resistant pants in case of rainy weather
- A waterproof shell/jacket
- Day clothes – Layers are key as the temperature changes throughout the day (tanks/long sleeves/etc.)
- Nighttime clothes – sweats/sweatshirt for sleeping. It gets very cold in the tents at night.
- Baseball cap and beanie
- Headlamp – it is pitch black at night while on the trail. When walking around or going to the restroom, you’ll want your hands free of a regular flashlight.
- Hiking boots – this is optional and more on personal preference. Many people do it in running shoes, but I prefer the extra support that hiking boots provide. If you do plan on purchasing some for the hike, make sure you break them in before your trip!
- Small first aid kit – in case of blisters or other injuries.
- Hiking socks – good, durable socks make such a difference. Bring a clean pair for each day.
- Sleeping bag – you can rent these but I would recommend buying a small one to carry.
- Inflatable pillow and sleeping mat – you can find these for cheap on Amazon
- Sleeping mask and earplugs
- SUNSCREEN
- Snacks – you will be fed multiple times a day on the trail but I recommend bringing some extra power bars.
- Reusable water bottle
- TOILET PAPER AND WET WIPES – This is one thing you don’t want to forget. Basically all of the bathrooms will have nothing and the wet wipes are great to freshen yourself up with at the end of each day. Even better if you bring biodegradable ones!
- Cash – to tip your porters and guides at the end of the trek.
- Passport – this is required when going through the control booth at the start of the trail. You can also et a Machu Picchu stamp when you arrive to the park on the final day!
This post was updated in January 2024.