How Hard Is it to Hike the Inca Trail?

An ancient pathway winds through the rugged Andes Mountains. Hanging valleys overflow with lush cloud forests. The echoes of an ancient civilization whisper through stone pathways. The Inca Trail is one of the world’s most legendary treks, leading adventurers to the breathtaking ruins of Machu Picchu.

When we talk about trekking the Inca Trail, we refer to a small portion of the vast Qhapac Ñan road network built by the Incas in the 1400s. This system extends over 40,000 kilometres across six countries, but the most famous part is the four-day Inca trek to Machu Picchu.

How hard is the Inca Trail? Can the average trekker complete it?

The answer is yes, but preparation is key.

Just the Facts

The Inca Trail covers 45km and reaches an altitude of 4,200m (13,780ft). It includes ancient stone staircases, steep ascents, and high-altitude passes. It is a challenging trek, but achievable with the right training and mindset.

Our trek starts at Km. 88, further downstream from where most groups cross the Urubamba River at Km. 82. This route avoids the crowds and offers a more isolated experience, allowing trekkers to fully appreciate the landscape.

The first day is relatively easy, with a gentle hike along the Urubamba River, passing small villages and the ruins of Llactapata. The first night is spent at Chamana, where a hot shower awaits.

The second day is the toughest, with a steep ascent through cloud forests towards Llulluchapampa at 3,850m (12,631ft). This peaceful high-altitude campsite sits just below Dead Woman’s Pass, the highest point of the trek.

Day three is the most scenic, with a stunning trail past Inca ruins like Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, and Phuyupatamarca. The hike consists of stone staircases, cloud forests, and ridgelines, leading to the “village above the clouds,” Phuyupatamarca.

The final day is an early morning descent to Wiñay Wayna, one of the most beautiful Inca sites. From here, a short one-hour trek leads to Inti Punku, the Sun Gate, where the first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu awaits.

Preparation: Physical Fitness

Physical fitness is essential for the Inca Trail. Cardiovascular endurance is key, so activities like running, cycling, and hill walking should be part of your training.

A minimum of five hours of training per week for at least three months before the trek is recommended. Hill training is especially beneficial.

Walking on sloping terrain prepares the legs for the steep ascents and descents of the trail. Strength, endurance, flexibility, and balance are all important for a successful trek.

Train for the tough bits

Training in adverse conditions can help you prepare mentally. Rolling out of a sleeping bag when it’s -20°C in the dark is not fun, so if you can get into a routine of getting up before the sun in a cold setting, try it. It can’t hurt.

Putting yourself in a ‘Success Mindset’ can help. Pretend you’re on the trail while you train. Wear any boots you might buy for the trip while you train. (That’ll help break them in, too, which is very important.) Wear a daypack and put as much weight as you can in it while training. Picture yourself there. Wear the clothes you might wear on the trail and take off layers as you warm up.

Rest and recovery are also important. Overtraining is not uncommon, and if your physical exercise is too demanding, you risk injury, which certainly doesn’t help your ability to climb a mountain.

Acclimatisation in Peru

There are several tricks that can help with acclimatisation. One suggestion is to add one or two acclimatization days (or more) in Cusco to your trek. These can be arranged before the start of your trip and hanging out in Cusco is quite fun.

The best acclimatisation strategy is to climb the trail slowly. When you get on the trail, our porters will constantly urge you to slow down. Take their advice. The slower you go, the better your chances of reaching the top of Warmihuañusca.

Best season for the Inca Trail

The best time to trek the Inca Trail is the southern hemisphere’s winter (also the dry season), generally between May and September. Between November and March is the rainy season. Note: the Inca Trail is generally closed in February for maintenance work.

WANT TO TREK THE INCA TRAIL? Check out these Inca Trail and Machu Picchu hiking tours.