10 most asked questions on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Check 10 most asked questions on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu│In this article, you can check the most asked questions on the Inca Trai to Machu Picchu. We know that trekking the Inca Trail is one of the most desired routes for expert hikers and adventurous people, and for this it is necessary to clarify certain questions that we ask ourselves before embarking on a trip and enjoy 100%.
Most asked questions on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
1.- What is the best season to do the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?
Knowing what is the best season to do the route is one of the frequently asked questions for the Inca Trail and it is to understand that the best season to hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, is during the dry season, between the months of March to October.
These months are recommended because the presence of rain in the region of Cusco is minimal, in addition you can enjoy excellent festivities such as Cruz Velacuy, the Pilgrimage of the Lord of Qoyllorit’i, the Inti Raymi, Corpus Christi, Cusco Festivals, Virgen del Carmen de Paucartambo, among others.
In addition, the Cusco sky during this season looks spectacular, the days are sunny, so it is necessary to protect yourself from the sun, using hats and sunscreen. However, in the mornings and evenings there is an intense cold; being necessary to foresee with adequate clothing to adapt to the cold of Cusco.
Otherwise, it is the best time to do the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Do not forget to bring with you a good camera, to be able to record unforgettable moments during your stay in Cusco.
2.- What is the maximum altitude of the Inca Trail?
Another of the frequently asked questions for the Inca Trail is to have knowledge of the altitudes at which adventurous travelers will find themselves and in this way perhaps choose the right tour, Short Inca Trail or Classic Inca Trail. In that understanding, the maximum altitude will depend a lot on the type of trek you hire, since there are routes of 2, 4, 5 and 7 days.
02 Day Trek Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu:
Maximum altitude is 2730m.a.s.l/8956 ft.
Activity level for the trek is easy and can be done privately or in groups.
The service is quality and the decision is yours.
04 Days Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu:
Maximum altitude is 4200m.a.s.l/13 779ft.
Activity level for this trek is moderate.
Private and group service.
05 Days Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu:
Maximum altitude on the is 4200m.a.s.l/13779 ft.
Activity level for this trek is moderate.
07 Day Salkantay Trek & Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Height of the hike is 5,200m.a.s.l/17060 ft.
Activity level for this trek is difficult
It is necessary to be in good physical condition.
3.- When to book the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?
For anyone wishing to reserve their space in advance, it is wise to book at least 5 – 6 months in advance. These permits usually sell out quickly in a matter of seconds and minutes, of course, it depends on which month you choose.
The best sellers are May, June, July, then comes April, March, August, followed by September and October.
4.- Can I do the Inca Trail on my own?
No, in reality it is not advisable to do the Inca Trail on your own, since the trek requires outside help to enjoy your journey. We are referring to luggage, tents, food and other services that can only be offered by travel agencies through tour packages that can be modified by you after coordination with your travel agency.
5.- Inca Trail Availability
Since 2000 the Inca Trail has been regulated by the Peruvian authorities. This has provided many wonderful things, such as clean trails and camping sites, but it has also limited the amount of people on the trail each day. Now only 500 people are allowed to hike the trail each morning, this includes hikers, guides, porters and cooks. If your date is not available, don’t worry, there are many wonderful tours to Machu Picchu, just as beautiful as the Inca Trail and not as crowded.
Inkayni Peru Tours has created amazing expeditions to Machu Picchu, with great guides, chefs and the unsurpassed and unstoppable porters, as well as the best camping tents, sleeping bags, matras and pillows.
If your date is not available, we have more options and wonderful treks to Machu Picchu as beautiful as the Inca Trail and not so crowded!
…Let’s continue with more frequently asked questions for the Inca Trail …
6.- Age limit to do the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
In reality, there are no limits to do the Inca Trail, however, the tourist agencies prefer to handle some restrictions in this regard, for the same reason that the hike requires a good physical condition, which probably a child under 7 years old could not have.
Therefore, 7 years old is considered the appropriate age to do the trek. However, all minors who do the hike must be accompanied by an adult and be responsible for the minor. In the case of older adults, it is recommended to have a medical certificate, to avoid uncomfortable moments in their health.
7.- Food allergies
In the case of having any type of food allergy, please inform us in advance in detail of your allergic condition, so that we can anticipate the situation depending on the severity of the case.
If your allergy is severe, we ask you to be accompanied by a friend or conscious person fully responsible for your situation, ready with any medication. Please note that we CANNOT ACCEPT CLIENTS WITH LIFE THREATENING ALLERGIES as far as possible.
8.- Is it necessary to acclimatize in Cusco?
Yes, in case you have decided to trek the Inca Trail, it is necessary to acclimatize in Cusco between 2 to 3 days before starting the trek, this will help your body to adapt to the change of climate and not be negatively affected by it. Also, here we recommend some activities that you can do to acclimatize in the city of the Incas.
9.- How can I prevent or what to do if I have altitude sickness?
Most probably you can get altitude sickness upon your arrival in Cusco if you are not used to being in places that are located more than 3000 meters above sea level. Therefore, most people have headaches, shortness of breath, nausea, among other symptoms.
This is not something you should not worry too much about, since it is something common in travelers and obviously has a solution if you pay close attention to the recommendations to solve your ailments.
To complement information regarding the frequently asked questions for the Inca Trail, here are some tips that will help you counteract the discomfort of altitude sickness:
10.- Is there an age limit for the Inca Trail?
There is no government regulation on the minimum age or age limit for the Inca Trail. At Inkayni Peru Tours we have seen children as young as five years old and upwards even trek with their families. Regarding the maximum age, there is no established limit as long as you have the physical capacity to do it.
At Inkayni Peru Tours we have prepared the best treks and customizable experiences to give you the most unforgettable trekking trips that Cusco and Peru can offer.