Do I Need Hiking Poles For The Inca Trail?

 Once you’ve booked your Inca Trail trek, the next important step is to pack properly and include everything you’ll need. 

Whether to bring hiking poles is among the biggest questions we receive from those heading on this trip, and if they are really necessary.

In this guide we’ll explore whether you need to bring hiking poles for the Inca Trail, and why some travelers will be better off using them. We’ll also answer some of your biggest questions about using hiking poles in our FAQ section later in this guide.

Do I Need Hiking Poles For The Inca Trail?

Quick Answer: Generally it’s recommended you use hiking poles when walking along the Inca Trail, and we also agree from our own experience.

Even if you are an expert at treks, on the Inca Trail you’ll be walking long distances for several days, as well as down rocky mountains and up through uneven jungle paths. 

Using hiking poles will help you keep an even balance, and also prevent you from putting extra strain on your back or knees.

Which Hiking Poles Are Best For The Inca Trail?

When browsing hiking poles, it’s important to find ones that are comfortable for you. This includes choosing those of the right length as well as ones that support your body well (especially if you have any weak areas or parts of your body that have suffered injuries before).

Something that’s also important to remember is that your hiking poles have rubber tips on the end. This is actually a requirement when hiking the Inca Trail, given they won’t cause damage to the route or to any ancient ruins that you will explore on foot.

How To Properly Use Hiking Poles

Now that you have hiking poles ready for the Inca Trail, you’ll still need to learn how to use them properly. 

It’s common to walk with a bad posture when using hiking poles, which can actually put more stress on other parts of your body.

When trying out hiking poles, we recommend asking the shop for guidance on how to use them (and for this reason it’s best to buy them in-person in a sports or hiking store). 

If heading on the Inca Trail with us here at ABExpeditions, we’ll show you how to use them both before and during the hike. We also supply high quality hiking poles too for you if you didn’t bring your own.

Hiking Poles For The Inca Trail FAQ

Using our extensive hiking experience along the Inca Trail, we’ll now answer some of the most frequent questions we get about how to use hiking poles on this route.

Can You Hike The Inca Trail Without Poles?

This is definitely possible, and is best for those who already have lots of hiking experience. When making this decision, you’ll firstly need to remember that you will be carrying a bag with you, as well as having to walk along many uphill and downhill parts. Secondly, you’ll want to think twice if you have any weak joints or past injuries, given these will receive more stress when not using hiking poles.

How Much Are Hiking Poles For The Inca Trail?

Hiking Poles in general can vary quite a lot in price. Standard hiking poles can cost between $20-50, although we would recommend spending a little more rather than less for a good quality set of hiking poles. We can also find ultra expensive poles that cost as much as $200, which are carbon fiber and bring various advantages (however these aren’t necessary unless you are an expert hiker who will use them frequently).

Can You Bring Hiking Poles To Machu Picchu?

Hiking Poles are strictly forbidden when entering Machu Picchu, so you’ll need to leave them at the site entrance once you arrive after completing the Inca Trail (they have safe lockers where you can store them). Regardless you’ll find that Machu Picchu is quite simple to walk around without them, especially once you’ve already spent various days passing through much harder terrains!

Do I Need Hiking Poles For The Inca Trail?

And that’s all for this guide on whether you need hiking poles for the Inca Trail.

Overall it depends on you and your hiking style, however we highly recommend bringing hiking poles when taking on the Inca Trail. 

Here at ABExpeditions we provide all kinds of extra equipment which you may need, which includes hiking poles in case you forgot to bring yours with you.

Now that you know whether you will or will not need hiking poles on your trek, be sure to learn about the different Inca Trail hikes that you can embark on.