Tips For Inaca Tral

TIPS FOR INKA TRAIL

We recommend you book your Inca trail tour befor making your flight purchase, whether it be for 4 days and 3 nights or 2 days and 1 night before making your flight ticket purchase. If you do it the other way round you run the risk of not finding space on the Inca Trail hikes. This is because, as established by law, only 500 people per day can enter the Inca Trail and the quatas are often sold out three or more months in advance.

NOTE: Be careful if an agency offers you spaces on an Inca Trail hike when others tell you there are no spaces available. I may be a swindle.

When you hike on the Inca Trail you do not need to bring any camping equipment since we provide all necessary camping gear.

All you need to bring is appropriate clothing and footwear, as follows:

Shoes:
The most important thing is that your shoes be comfortable because you will be walking 7-8 hours per day. If you have hiking boots we recommend taking them, but they need to be comfortable and worn in. If not, use sneakers, but make sure they hold the foot well and have soles with traction so you dont slip if it rains.

Trousers/Pants:
All tourists wear long pants/trousers, even in January, when it is not very cold. Ideally you should have pants that dry quickly, and the type that can be converted into shorts are very useful. Avoid jeans.

Warm clothes:
We recommend bringing warm sweaters/fleece jackets, especially for the night. You should also bring a windbreaker/light coat as aditional protection. Avoid bringing more colthes than necessary.

Trekking Poles/Canes:
Useful but not obligatory for the Inca Trail. Can be purchased in Cusco or Ollantaytambo, or rented with us.

Poncho or rain coat:
If you plan to visit from October to June, it is a necessity. A poncho does not take up a lot of space. Plastic ponros can be purchased in Cusco for 5 soles ($ 2).

Sleeping bag:
Generally a sleeping bag is not included in the package, but can be rented in order to avoid carrying one with you. The rental price is between 10 and 20 USD. Only bring a sub – zero sleeping bag with you, as the temperatures are low at night.

Insulation mattress:
Insulation mattresses are included in the price of the on the Inca Trail hike.

Canteen/ water bottle:
Very useful item to have with you. Stream water should not be drunk directly from nature, but feel free to bring along water purification tablets. We provide boiled water every morning.

Sunscreen, trekking hats, baseball caps and sunglasses:
Any additional sun protection equipment is recommended. Andean sunlight is strong and these items will not take up a lot of space in your bag.

Mosquitoe Repellent:
In the jungle and upper jungle regions there are usually mosquitoes. Bring a small or medium sized container with you, or buy one in Cusco.

FAQ:

Does Machu Picchu close ? No. Machu Picchu does not close.

When is the Inca Trail closed ? The Inca Trail is closed for maintenance for one month every year (February), and reopens on March 1st.

Can I hike on the Inca Trail on my own ? It isn’t permitted to hike the Inca trail on your own. For your personal safety you need to hike on the trail with an authorized agency and an authorized guide.

Can I purchase an Inca Trail hike when in Cusco ? You need to purchase your ticket for an Inca Trail hike well in advance. This is because the entrance tickets sold by the INC (National Institute of Culture) to travel agencies are normally sold out three or four months in advance.

When one travel agency does not have available tickets, Can I get them in another agency ? Normally, if one agency cannot offer entrance tickets to the Inca Trail, neither can the others. This is because everyone buys the tickets from the INC.

Is it possible to hike The Inca Trail in the rainy season ? It is definitely possible to hike the Inca Trail during the rainy season. In the Andes the weather is unpredictable, so even in the dry season it may rain once in a while. But if you are an adventure lover, hiking the Inca Trail in rain can be an adventure you will never forget.

Can I get on the Inca Trail without authorization ? There are guards and checkpoints at the entrances to the trail. Even if you manage to get on the trail without a permit, if you are caught you would have a terrible time and have problems with Peruvian law.

PARK REGULATIONS

The Inca Trail is part of the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, an area of 32,592 hectares under the supervision of INRENA, the National Institute of Natural Reserves. Every visitor must follow park regulations that prohibit littering, cutting or damaging of trees, removing or damaging stones with archaeological significance, removing plants, killing animals, lighting open fires or camping in the archeological sites (camping is permitted only in campgrounds).

NOTA:

RECOMMENDATIONS:

• Wear appropriate footwear during the whole hike.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Bring rain gear (even if is the dry season).

WHAT TO PACK:

• Hiking boots, extra sneakers or shoes.
• Long pants/Trousers.
• Long sleeved shirts.
• Several T- shirts.
• Sweaters and a jacket.
• Underwear.
• Gloves, scarf, thick socks and a hat or cap.
• A towel.
• Raincoats or rain gear (you never know when it will rain, even in the dry season).
• Camera.
• Insect repellent and sunscreen (the sun is always stronger in higher altitude).
• Personal hygiene items.
• Personal First Aid Kit.
• Flashlight.
• Water purification tablets.

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