Can You Hike The Inca Trail By Yourself?
Known as one of the most complete and exciting hikes on the globe, the Inca Trail is a great experience to add to your travel plans in Peru. Many often wonder if you can hike it alone, and also if it’s possible to go off-piste along the way.
In this guide we’ll take a look at whether you can hike the Inca Trail by yourself. We’ll also look at several reasons why you must go with an official operator, including the benefits to both you and the route itself.
Can You Hike The Inca Trail By Yourself?
Quick Answer: Today it’s impossible to head on the Inca Trail by yourself. This route is controlled with an entrance block at the very start, which began back in 2001 when a regulation was passed to help protect and conserve the site.
This protection is further reinforced with the fact that only 500 tourists are allowed on the Inca Trail on any one day. So whilst some sites may be flexible with their policies, the Inca Trail is not one of these!
Reasons Why You Must Go With An Operator
Now we’ll take a look at the different reasons why you must go with an operator, and why it’s best both in the short-term and long-term for you and the route itself.
Protect And Maintain The Inca Trail
The Inca Trail is not a normal hiking route, and as such requires further protection and restoration efforts (it’s also closed all of February partly for this reason). Here we’ll find various archaeological sites that were extremely important to the Inca, such as Llactapata and Sayacmarca. So regulating entrances helps to prevent over-tourism to these sites. It also helps to conserve the wildlife around you too, which includes various biomes such as cloud forests and high Amazon jungle.
Keep Yourself Safe
At a total length of 42km, there are many hazards along the Inca Trail. These include narrow mountain-top passages that you’ll need to walk, as well as animals that you’ll want to stay away from (such as snakes and spectacled bears). There’s also the very cold nights, where you’ll need professional camping gear to keep yourself warm. Going with a reputable company solves all of these issues, given they have the experience and local know-how to keep you safe. Be sure to read more about the different dangers on the Inca Trail.
Fully Appreciate Everything You See On The Inca Trail
Whilst some won’t be happy to learn they can’t hike this route alone, the truth is that you will actually take the route more seriously and learn more when going with a reputable company. You will take more time to learn about the different ruins, and also have a more cultural experience talking to the porters and learning their stories. This is what keeps the Inca Trail so fascinating, and prevents it from becoming just another usual hiking trek in South America.
Your Alternative Inca Trail Options
Just because you can’t hike the Inca Trail by yourself doesn’t mean it will be a typical tour. In fact group sizes are limited to 8 per guide, so you will be in a small group and receive a much more intimate experience.
If that still sounds too much, then you can also opt for a private Inca Trail tour. This is the closest you can get to hiking alone, where it will be just you, your guide and your porter heading off at your own pace. It’s also great since you can customize it and spend longer at certain sites than others along the way.
Can You Hike The Inca Trail By Yourself?
And that’s all for this guide on whether you can hike the Inca Trail by yourself.
Whilst some will be disappointed to learn that they can’t hike independently here, the truth is that you will get so much more from heading with an organized trek here (which is mandatory). This includes learning about different flora and fauna along the way, as well as having your own private guide to keep you safe and teach you about the various ruins you see along the way.
Are you still wondering which Inca Trail Tour is best for you? Then read this guide which compares the different options that you have.