W E L C O M E TO TH E
G O O D L I F E
I N
M A C H U P I C H U
& I N C A T R A I L
P L A N N I N G
The Inca Trail requires careful preparation and planning to ensure a smooth and enriching experience. Permits for the trail are limited and sell out quickly—often months in advance—so securing yours early is essential.
Your private guide will take care of logistics, from arranging permits to organizing porters and meals, leaving you free to focus on the journey.
The trail’s high altitudes and rugged terrain can be challenging. We recommend spending a day or two in Cusco before beginning your trek to acclimatize to the thinner air and explore the city’s rich history. Do not underestimate the risk of altitude sickness. This also allows for last-minute gear adjustments or purchases.
Packing the Essentials
Footwear: good quality, worn-in footwear with ankle support is certainly recommended for these rocky and uneven trails.
Clothing Layers: The Andean climate can be unpredictable. Pack moisture-wicking base layers, a warm mid-layer, and a waterproof jacket, particularly during the wet season (November to March).
Daypack: A comfortable, medium-sized daypack with a hydration system is ideal for carrying water, snacks, and essentials.
Trekking Poles: not strictly necessary, but certainly helpful, a stick or trekking poles can reduce strain on knees during steep ascents and descents, especially for those carrying heavier packs. The author studiously skips things like this in his own travels, inevitably finding an enviable stick along the way, but you do you.
Sleeping Gear: If not provided by your trekking company, bring a lightweight sleeping bag rated for sub-zero temperatures.
Sun Protection: High-altitude sun exposure can be intense. Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat.
First Aid & Medications: A basic first-aid kit, altitude sickness medication, and any personal prescriptions should be included.
Fitness Preparation
The Inca Trail and its alternatives involve steep climbs, uneven terrain, and high altitudes. Regular cardio, strength training, and a few practice hikes with elevation gain will all help.
This said, the author, who is in reasonably good shape, has a habit of just winging these sorts of adventures, and having them turn out successfully. This is not our recommendation…
Best Times to Visit
The dry season (May to September) offers clear skies and ideal trekking conditions, but it’s also the busiest. The shoulder seasons (April and October) provide a balance of good weather and fewer crowds. The wet season (November to March) sees lush landscapes but can make trails slippery and river crossings more challenging.
M U S E U M & S I T E B O O K I N G
Inca Trail Permits: Permits are limited to 500 per day. 200 of these are for visitors, and the rest reserved for guides and support crew. These often sell out months in advance, especially for the high season (May to September). Booking early is crucial.
Guides & Porters: Hiring a licensed guide or trekking company is mandatory for the Inca Trail. For alternatives like the Choquequirao or Quarry Trails, our guides are highly recommended to navigate remote areas, manage everything, and obviously also enhance the cultural experience.
Alternative Trails to Consider:
While the Inca Trail is the most iconic route to Machu Picchu, there are other equally rewarding treks in the region that offer unique perspectives and often quieter trails. These alternatives do not require the same permits, making them excellent options for last-minute planners or those seeking paths less traveled.
Choquequirao Trail: The Lost Sister of Machu Picchu
Dubbed the “sister city” of Machu Picchu, Choquequirao is a stunning Inca site deep in the Andes, perched high above the Apurímac River. It is well-preserved, and three times larger than the Machu Pichu site. The trail to Choquequirao is challenging, involving steep ascents and descents, but the rewards are immense.
Duration: 4–5 days
Highlights: Panoramic views of the Apurímac Canyon, remote wilderness, and the opportunity to explore an Inca site in near solitude.
Ask yourself: am I a madly adventurous person seeking a rugged, off-the-beaten-path experience? If yes, you know the path forward.
The Quarry Trail: A Hidden Gem
This trail, often overlooked in favor of its more famous counterpart, takes hikers through remote villages, past ancient quarries, and over high mountain passes.
Duration: 3–4 days
Highlights: Kachiqhata quarries, spectacular mountain scenery, and the chance to see traditional Andean life up close.
Ideal For: Those looking for a shorter trek with cultural and historical elements, without the permit constraints and general fussing of the Inca Trail.
S U G G E S T E D I T I N E R A R Y P O I N T S
DAY I
Cusco to Wayllabamba
Begin your trek from the Sacred Valley, passing through the checkpoint at Km 82. The trail meanders through farmland and past the ruins of Llactapata, an ancient Inca settlement nestled against the mountains. Camp overnight at Wayllabamba, where your guide will prepare you for the next day’s ascent.
DAY II
Dead Woman’s Pass
This is the most physically demanding day of the trek, as you climb to the trail’s highest point, Dead Woman’s Pass (4,215 meters). Your guide will pace the ascent, ensuring breaks to acclimatize and take in the dramatic views.
Descend into the Pacaymayo Valley for your second campsite.
DAY III
Runkurakay & Phuyupatamarca
Pass through the Runkurakay ruins and ascend another high pass before reaching Sayacmarca, a beautiful complex overlooking the valley.
Continue through lush cloud forests to Phuyupatamarca, known as "The Place Above the Clouds," where you’ll camp for the night.
Machu Picchu via Sun Gate
Rise early to hike to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), where the first light reveals the breathtaking Machu Picchu.
Spend the morning exploring the ancient citadel with your guide, who will bring its history and mysteries to life.
Return to Cusco by train, giving you a chance to relax, recover, and reflect on the journey as you pass through the Sacred Valley.
DAY IV
DAY V PLUS
You might also want to stay longer, and here’s why we think you should:
Known locally as Vinicunca, Rainbow Mountain is a striking natural wonder, famed for its vibrant, multi-colored stripes created by layers of mineral deposits. This breathtaking site lies high in the Andes, at an altitude of over 5,000 meters, and offers visitors a chance to witness Peru’s unique geological beauty in a way that feels both surreal and spiritual.
For those seeking to extend their trekking journey or balance the ancient history of the Inca Trail with a profound natural experience, Rainbow Mountain makes for an excellent addition.
Planning Overview
The trek to Rainbow Mountain is typically a one-day excursion, but due to its high altitude, acclimatization is crucial. Consider adding it to your itinerary after completing the Inca Trail, when your body is better prepared for the challenge.
A private guide can take you through lesser-known trails, away from the crowded paths, offering a quieter, more intimate experience of this incredible landscape. Some routes also include views of the imposing Ausangate Mountain, revered by locals as a holy peak.
What to Expect
The trek itself is moderate but rewarding, with sweeping views of glacial valleys, herds of alpacas, and traditional Andean villages along the way. Upon reaching Rainbow Mountain, the kaleidoscopic colors, shifting with the sunlight, provide a truly otherworldly vista that feels like a well-earned reward.
If the classic four-day trail feels daunting or you’re short on time, consider these alternatives:
Two-Day Inca Trail: This shorter trek begins at Km 104 and includes a visit to Wiñay Wayna before reaching Machu Picchu. It’s a fantastic option for those seeking a less physically demanding experience.
Train to Machu Picchu: For a more relaxed journey, take the scenic train from Cusco or Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu. This option still allows for a full exploration of the citadel.
M E E T Y O U R G U I D E
All of our guides can offer you a spectacular experience. As each person has a slightly different look at the world, due to their own unique interests and specialties, we'd encourage you to read a few profiles.
