What is the food like on the Inca Trail?

The food on our Machu Picchu trek can only be described as AMAZING! How the team manages to cook on a camping stove in a tent and produce fantastic meals is pretty impressive.Here’s a sample of the type of tasty treats you can expect: Breakfast Sample Menu: Coca tea and a range of herbal teas, hot chocolate, quinoa drink, fruit and yoghurt, granola, omelette, toast, jam, and juice. Lunch Sample Menu: Grilled veg, potato and sweet potato dishes, white corn, fried rice, and meat or fish. Dinner Sample Menu: Guacamole and fresh nachos, quinoa and other soups like minestrone and vegetable, grilled meat, pasta, rice dishes, Andean pan chuta (traditional baked bread), and pan-fried fish. All evening meals included a starter, soup course, and a range of main dishes. YUM!

The Beginner's Guide to the Inca Trail Hike

Q: Where do you stay on the Inca trail?

On our Inca trail trek, you'll enjoy a combination of hotels and tents throughout the trip. Your first night's accommodation will be in the 4-star Wyndham Costa del Sol hotel, conveniently located directly outside Lima Airport.On the trek along the Inca Trail itself, you’ll be camping in tents. They’ll be set up ready and waiting for you at the end of a hard day hiking, which, believe me, is an absolute delight!

Welcome to the beginner's guide to the Machu Picchu via the Inca Trail hike!

This is a classic high altitude trek that combines the acclimatisation day of another route we use, as well as taking the tough route over Dead Womens Pass at almost 4200m. You'll hike through Incan ruins, journey through ancient forests and along numerous scenic mountain valleys before you finally reach the BIG HIGHLIGHT of the trip, the famous citadel of Machu Picchu.

So, are you a beginner looking at this awesome adventure? There’s a lot to think about right?

Well don’t worry, we got you! Here’s everything you need to know about hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

The Beginner's Guide to the Inca Trail Hike. Four people stood in front of a brown sign saying Camino Inka. Inka Trail. They are in the Andes with a backdrop of mountains.

Essential things to know about the Inca Trail trek

What is the Inca Trail?

This is a legendary 5 day hike that follows ancient stone paths crafted by the Incas centuries ago. It starts at the awesome Sacred Valley outside of Cusco, and ends at the mystical Intipunku 'Sun Gate' at Machu Picchu. You can also visit Machu Picchu on our Tomacaya Route adventure.

The ancient Inca Trail route is 43 km (26 miles) and takes 5 days on our special itinerary. You’ll also have room for acclimatisation and days to explore and take in the amazing culture, making our Inca Trail to Machu Picchu trip 10 days altogether. After all, it’s not just about the hike!

At 4,198m (13,769 ft), the path to Warmiwañusca (aka Dead Woman’s Pass) is the tallest point of this high-altitude trek. This high pass is definitely something to tick off the bucket list, and you’re not even at the highlight of this hike yet!

The Inca Trail adventure certainly leaves its mark, and the memories will last a lifetime.

Is the Inca Trail hike suitable for beginners?

Absolutely! Despite its reputation as a challenging route, the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu trek is accessible to hikers of all levels, including beginners. With the right preparation and mindset, anyone can conquer this legendary trail and experience the awe-inspiring wonders of the Inca civilisation.

It’s worth noting that there are an estimated 70,866 steps to climb on this famous trail… Why not count them as you go?

For more information on preparing physically for your Inca Trail hike, take a look at our advice on fitness levels for Machu Picchu.

What will you see along the Inca Trail?

When you embark on the Inca Trail trek, you’ll experience miles of stunning scenery and ancient ruins. Lush cloud forests and towering peaks to ancient Inca temples and fortresses, and every step of the journey offers something new and exciting to discover, no matter which route you choose. If you love a bit of ancient history and culture, this is the trek for you!

Incan architecture found along the Inca Trail. A mountainside settlement with stone buildings against green, fertile land.

When is the best time to hike the Inca Trail?

The best time to hike the Inca Trail, in our opinion, is April and May, when the weather is dry, and the landscape is lush and green after the rainy season. This time of year offers bright colours and clear skies. However, anytime between June and October is also perfectly fine to book, and you'll still have an epic trip.

The Festival of the Sun (Inti Raymi) typically occurs towards the end of June, drawing in crowds to Cusco as people make their way to Machu Picchu. Another peak period for hikers is Peru's national holiday at the end of July, with many choosing to tackle the Inca Trail or visit Machu Picchu via train. The dry weather remains decent for tourists throughout August and carries on into September, making it a popular time to visit.

As November arrives, the rainy season kicks off, although trekking conditions can still be ok and the crowds are a little less compared to the summer months.

December brings wet weather and an influx of tourists due to the holiday time, resulting in busy accommodation and higher flight costs despite the less-than-ideal weather conditions. But January sees a decrease in crowds, although it remains wet, making it a quieter period to visit without the holiday rush.

What permits do I need for the Inca Trail?

You can't hike the Inca Trail without a permit or an entrance fee. But don’t worry, the EverTrek team will have this sorted for you on the trek as part of your trip cost.

But what are the Inca Trail permits for?

Ensuring conservation and upkeep of the Inca Trail
Implementing measures for environmental protection
Safeguarding the cultural heritage of the trail's ancient sites
Managing crowd levels effectively
Supporting local community development initiatives, including education and infrastructure projects
Covering administrative expenses

We recommend sending us your passport details as soon as you’ve booked your spot on the Inca Trail hike. This will mean we can get your permits sorted in plenty of time. The Machu Picchu site is a busy one, and we don’t want anyone missing out on their once-in-a-lifetime adventure - once they’re gone, they’re gone!

Top tip: Permits are easier to get on our lesser-known, quieter Tomacaya Route to Machu Picchu

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What training should I do for the Inca Trail hike?

Let’s get training! While the Machu Picchu via the Inca Trail hike is accessible to beginners, it's essential to be in good physical condition before heading out on this trek.

Our best advice is to put a weighted bag on your back, about 5kg (weights or water) in your backpack (or 10 kgs if you are feeling extra adventurous), and just go for it and do some miles. If you've just bought some flashy new hiking boots, wear them as much as you can! You don’t want to be uncomfortable when you’re on your adventure.

As there are so many steps on this trail… You guessed it, get on some stairs as you train! Be it a stepmaster or your stairs at home, you’ll certainly be feeling it on the legs…

What is the altitude like on the Inca Trail?

The high altitude of the Andes Mountains can present challenges for some trekkers, so it's essential to acclimatise properly before beginning the hike and during. In our Inca Trail and Tomacaya Machu Picchu itineraries, we include days for acclimatising, so don't panic! Plus, you can always spend a few days in Cusco before setting out to allow your body to adjust.

Something you can do to test your body at altitude is to head over to the Altitude Centre in London, they have everything you need to test your fitness and to see how your body reacts at altitude. Grab your free consultation with them via your members' area when you book your trek.

TOP TIPS

Stay hydrated!

Listen to your body

Listen to your guide

Be honest with your guide about your health

What kit do I need for the Inca Trail Hike?

When getting ready to hike the Inca Trail, you want to balance having everything you need without worrying about carrying excessive weight. Here’s our suggested packing list for the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu trek.

We have a comprehensive packing list available. You can also get in touch at 02920 003216 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more recommendations.

What can I do after the Inca Trail hike?

You didn’t think your trip could be any more awesome did you? Well, turns out you can extend your trip with some amazing choices! We’ve curated some incredible trip extensions to keep the adventure going. These include:

Rainbow Mountain: A colourful natural wonder at an altitude of 5200m. If you are like us, Yetis, it offers the perfect blend of altitude, scenery, and adventure! View the full Rainbow Mountain itinerary
Lake Titicaca: The largest lake in South America and the highest navigable lake in the world, Lake Titicaca sits at an altitude of 3,812m and offers an experience like no other. See the full Lake Titicaca itinerary.

To add one of these breathtaking experiences onto the end of your Inca Trail trek, just give us a call at 02920 003216.

A man with a backpack at the base of Rainbow Mountain in Peru facing away from the camera.

Are there any alternative routes to Machu Picchu?

The Machu Picchu hike via the Inca Trail is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that promises to be both challenging and rewarding, but are there any alternate routes? We also provide a much quieter and lesser-known route called the 'Tomacaya Route'. If you want to avoid the crowds on the trail, how about trying this one?

International flights are not included in your Inca Trail hike booking, so you will need to arrange your return flight to Peru. You need to book a flight to Jorge Chavéz International Airport in Lima.

We’ve also gathered some helpful FAQs all about booking flights for your EverTrek trip to help you feel confident in getting to your starting destination.

You should arrange to arrive at Lima on Day 1 of your itinerary. For those travelling from the UK, the journey to Lima typically takes longer than a day. For this reason, we recommend booking your flight leaving the UK the day before your itinerary starts.

Before you arrive in Lima, we will have made a reservation for you at the Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima Airport hotel. This is a short walk from the arrival terminal and is where you will spend the night before heading to Cusco on Day 2 of your itinerary.

Don’t worry, you won’t have to do all of this alone; a member of the local EverTrek team will be there to help.

Yes! We will arrange your return flight to Cusco and back again to Lima. Our knowledgeable team will be with you to make the process super easy.

If you decide to arrive early in Lima, you are free to arrange your own time. All you must do is arrive back at the Wyndham Costa del Sol (Lima Airport Hotel) on Day 1 of your itinerary. Recommended check-in time is from 15:00.

Your room will have been booked by us, so you can check in and relax for the evening. You will then need to be ready and in the lobby the next morning (usually between 08:00/08:30 on day 2) to meet up with your group and guide, who will escort you back to the airport to board your flight to Cusco.

If you wish to extend your stay in Cusco after the Inca Trail hike, please let us know at least 90 days in advance, as we will need to pre-book your return flight back to Lima. If you plan on staying longer in Lima, this is no problem, and we will book your flights as per the normal itinerary. Once you land, you are free to explore at your leisure.

The food on our Machu Picchu trek can only be described as AMAZING! How the team manages to cook on a camping stove in a tent and produce fantastic meals is pretty impressive.

Here’s a sample of the type of tasty treats you can expect:

Breakfast Sample Menu: Coca tea and a range of herbal teas, hot chocolate, quinoa drink, fruit and yoghurt, granola, omelette, toast, jam, and juice.
Lunch Sample Menu: Grilled veg, potato and sweet potato dishes, white corn, fried rice, and meat or fish.
Dinner Sample Menu: Guacamole and fresh nachos, quinoa and other soups like minestrone and vegetable, grilled meat, pasta, rice dishes, Andean pan chuta (traditional baked bread), and pan-fried fish. All evening meals included a starter, soup course, and a range of main dishes. YUM!

On our Inca trail trek, you'll enjoy a combination of hotels and tents throughout the trip. Your first night's accommodation will be in the 4-star Wyndham Costa del Sol hotel, conveniently located directly outside Lima Airport.

On the trek along the Inca Trail itself, you’ll be camping in tents. They’ll be set up ready and waiting for you at the end of a hard day hiking, which, believe me, is an absolute delight!

Yes, there are basic squat-style toilets available at campsites and checkpoints along the way, so you’ll have bathroom opportunities as we hike.

Make sure you're up to date with your vaccinations before heading off on the Machu Picchu trek. These include familiar jabs like typhoid, tetanus, and diphtheria, which are recommended every 10 years. Additionally, consider optional vaccinations such as hepatitis B and rabies, especially if you travel regularly to regions where these diseases are present.

Remember, if you book with us, then you benefit from discounted vaccinations with Nomad. Learn more about our partnership with Nomad travel vaccination clinics.

Get ready to join our Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu

With good preparation, mindset, and humour, anyone can complete this famous trek and take in the magic of Machu Picchu. When you book with EverTrek, you’ll have a dedicated team there to cheer you on, along with helpful local guides.

Check out our upcoming Inca Trail and Tomacaya tours and book your next adventure.

Machu Picchu via the Inca Trail - The Way of the Incas

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Machu Picchu via the Inca Trail - The Way of the Incas

Peru, South America | 9 days

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu trek takes you on a journey through ancient legends, cloud forest magic, and rugged Andean beauty.
This incredible 9-day hike is a bucket list must for any thrill-seeker craving a once-in-a-lifetime challenge that ends at one of the world’s greatest wonders.
As you walk in the footsteps of the Inca, past crumbling ruins and misty mountain passes, you’ll feel a sense of adventure that stays with you long after the trek ends.

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Moderate4000 - 6000m

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Peru, South America | 11 days

Get ready for an epic adventure to Machu Picchu like no other.
The Tomacaya Route is an awesome off-the-beaten-path trek that takes you deep into the remote valleys of the Andes, far from the crowds of the classic Inca Trail.
This quieter, more rural route leads you over the dramatic Tocto Pass at 4,900m, alongside the towering south face of Mount.

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