Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is part of a large and complex network of trails, that the Incas built to connect most important Inca cities and sites. The Incas constructed nearly 40,000 kilometers (24,850 miles) of cobbled stone paths that stretched the length and depth of the continent. When the Spanish invaded South America over 500 years ago, the Incas destroyed many of the trails to prevent the Spanish discovering their important dwellings.

Today the famous 4 days trek from the trail head at Pisacacucho (KM82) to Machu Picchu is known as the Inca Trail. The Inca Trail offers hikers some of the most extraordinary scenery in the Andes, and is one of the most interesting and rewarding ways to arrive to Machu Picchu. Along the route there grand and impressionable Inca ruins hidden amongst the thick jungle vegetation,which are often obscured by the constantly moving low lying clouds.

The author Paul Jones has been living in Peru since 2006 and is married to a Peruvian national. He has worked heavily in the tourism industry for many years, and is the owner of two companies Totally Peru E.I.R.L (Peru) and Totally Latin America S.A. (Panama). His extensive knowledge about Peru has helped many people realize their dreams creating many hundreds of safe and exciting tours throughout Peru. The author enjoys writing about Peru as it is vitally important to him de-mystify this incredible country, and make it accessible to as many potential travelers as possible.

Other than my wedding day which I have to (must) say is was the best day of my life, I think that hiking the Inca Trail was simply one of the best things I have ever done. Hiking in the Andes, high up on what seems like uncharted jungle trails is an exhilarating and magical experience. 

I am not a super hiker or anything like that. I am more of the type that enjoys a quite beer with friends than someone who likes to master mountain passes before breakfast. So the thought of putting on my hiking boots and heading off into the hills was a little daunting. However, anyone that is thinking of hiking the Inca Trail need not be worried. Those that are in reasonable shape will be able to master the slopes and climbs of this fantastic route, without to much haste.

The Inca trail alone holds many secrets and ancient ruins that most tourists will never experience. However, the best thing of all is that all the time you know that you are heading towards the jewel in the crown; the fantastic citadel of Machu Picchu.

Simply one of the most magical things you can do. Get your boots on and get practicing!

The Inca trail is a protected area of Peru, and you are required by law to have a trekking permit. Permits are purchased by your trekking company and are usually part of price you pay.

Permits are limited to 500 per day and this includes hikers, guides and porters. Typically there are 1.5 porters for every paying trekker, therefore the actual number of permits available for trekkers is only a few hundred. Booking early in high season is important to avoid disappointment. Planning 3 months in advance is not unusual.

The INC website is the online booking system that Inca Trail trekking companies use to book permits. You can enter the site as a guest to view availability. Be careful as this website is not updated every day, and the number of displayed permits can sometimes be inaccurate. Click here to visit the website: www.inc-cusco.gov.pe

There are 177 aurthorized companies that offer the Inca Trail, and they are published in a list on the INC webiste (you need to enter their intranet as a guest). Inclusion on this list does not in any way guarantee that the company will provide a quality service, and many of the companies listed we have never heard of.

It should be noted that operating licenses are only issued Peruvian trekking companies that meet minimum requirements. Licenses are not issued to overseas tour operators. This means that if you book your Inca Trail with a company outside of Peru then one of the companies included on the list will operate your Peru Vacation..

Being listed in one or several guide books is probably the best indication that previous travellers have been satisfied with the services provided, although recently established companies providing a good service may take a while to develop a reputation. A great looking website does not always equate to a great tour.

Peru Treks
Website: www.perutreks.com
Tel: (++51 84) 222 722
Address: Avenida Pardo 540, Cusco
Voted Best Travel Agency in Cusco 2006 by Peru's Ministry of Tourism. Highly recommended by Lonely Planet Guide to Peru (2007)

Adventours S.A.S
Website: www.sastravelperu.com
Tel: (++51 84) 249 194
Address: Calle Garcilaso 270, Cusco
Large company with 17 years experience and daily departures. Voted Best Travel Agency in Cusco 2005 & 2007 by Peru's Ministry of Tourism. Recommended in many guide books.

Llama Path
Website: www.llamapath.com
Tel: (++51 84) 240 822
Address: Calle San Juan de Dios, Cusco
Quite a new trekking company. Recommended in Lonely planet Guide to Peru (2007).

United Mice
Website: www.unitedmice.com
Tel: (++51 84) 221 139
Address: Calle Triunfo, Cusco
Experienced Inca Trail tour operator with a couple of departures per week. Recommended by many guide books

Andina Travel
Website: www.andinatravel.com
Tel: (++51 84) 251 892
Address: Plazoleta Santa Catalina 219, Cusco
Experienced Inca Trail tour operator with a couple of departures per week.

I have put together a guide on the most important things to take with you on the Inca Trail. Remember that if you are carrying your own equipment you must pack as light as possible. Ask yourself if you really need to take each item, and if the answer is no, then leave it behind.

• Original passport
• Toilet Paper (one roll)
• One bar of soap
• Tooth brush and tooth paste
• One small towel (you can hang it on your bag to dry)
• Wet wipes
• Hand sanitizer
• Any personal medications
• Insect repellent (deet based products work best)
• Warm jumper / coat
• Gloves, scarf for the evening
• Flip flops to use in the evening. (light and perfect at campsite)
• Extra good quality walking socks
• Waterproofs
• Flash light and extra batteries
• Comfortable hiking footwear
• Two walking stickts, these can be rented or purchased in Cusco
• Comfortable day bag / or good quality back-pack if you are carrying your own equipment
• Standard small water bottles (plastic), take small ones they are easier to pack and carry than one large one.
• Camera plus extra batteri