How To Avoid Failure On The Inca Trail (A Must Read Guide)
The Inca Trail really is the crowning jewel in terms of hiking around Peru. Not only can you see incredible mountain vistas and spot rare animals, you’ll also be visiting ancient archaeological sites along the way.
Now whilst much of the attention deservedly focuses on these highlights, we tend to forget that Inca Trail failure is a possibility. Whilst not something we want to think about, it’s important to know why it exists and how we can avoid it in order to make it all the way to Machu Picchu.
In this guide we’ll explore why Inca Trail failure occurs, and also the overall success rate for those who take on this impressive trek. We’ll also share some of our very best tips and methods to help you guarantee your own success on the route.
What Causes Inca Trail Failure?
Whilst the reasons for past failures of the Inca Trail Hike can vary, most can be boiled down to low physical fitness or poor cardiovascular health. Given we will hike over mountains and at high altitudes at times, it’s important to make sure we have at least a basic level of hiking fitness beforehand.
Other reasons can be bad luck, such as tripping and injuring yourself on the route. This is because the stone path is uneven (and is slippery in parts), so you’ll always need to watch where you walk. Another unlucky scenario is if despite adequate preparation, you simply cannot continue walking in high altitudes.
Remember that even if a person is unable to finish the Inca Trail for whatever reason, there is a possibility of our porters helping to carry more of their belongings to help out. In the case of a serious injury or emergency, they will help to carry the person down safely to the road to then be taken to hospital.
What Is The Success Rate Of The Inca Trail?
The success rate of hikers that actually finish the Inca Trail is extremely high, and is somewhere between 90-95%. Only in rare cases are people unable to complete the route, which are usually due to the reasons we mentioned in the last section.
Again it’s important to remember that not all of these hikers finished without their own issues along the way, and many managed to power through to make it to the end. In the event that you do pick up an injury, there is no shame in not completing the route (and we highly suggest it in order to avoid creating further issues).
You can learn more about the Inca Trail and how to stay safe here, which will help you to best prepare before heading on the trek.
Methods To Help Guarantee Your Chance of Inca Trail Success
Below we’ll share some of our own tried and tested tips to help guarantee your Inca Trail success, which will come in handy both before the hike as well as on the route.
Good Physical Preparation Before The Trek
Preparation is arguably the most important part of heading on the Inca Trail, which can really make or break your experience. It’s key to note that you don’t have to be a super athlete to complete the hike, however you’ll want to be in good enough physical condition to be able to hike for 6-8 hours on uneven terrains. You can read this guide to learn about specific fitness routines that you can follow in order to get into ideal hiking shape before tackling the Inca Trail.
Acclimate In Cusco For A Few Days
The Andean mountains are located at a much higher altitude when compared with Peru’s coast and jungle regions. This can make hiking harder given there is less oxygen available, so it’s imperative you acclimate properly before heading on the Inca Trail (which reaches up to 4215m). Spending two to three days prior in Cusco will be sufficient to allow your body to acclimate to these higher altitudes.
Bring Altitude Sickness Medications
The tried and trusted method that locals have used for thousands of years, Coca Leaves are a must for anyone who will go hiking around the Cusco region. You can buy the leaves and munch them (be sure to spit them out after), or also drink a tea that is infused with the leaves. Another option is to buy Soroche Pills, which have much stronger effects and help to prevent any unwanted altitude sickness symptoms from occurring.
Go At A Marathon Pace Instead Of A Sprint
Unless you are intent on breaking a world record of completing the trail the fastest, then you’ll want to go slowly. It’s important to find your own pace which you are able to maintain for hours on end, in order to avoid burning out too early along the route. Not only is going slower going to help you here, however you’ll also enjoy the landscapes even more as you won’t feel so drained from walking so quickly.
Keep A Good Spirit Going
A lot of hiking is the mental side of things, and especially so when heading on a longer multi-day route like the Inca Trail. Staying positive might sound cliché, however it can sometimes be the difference between a successful hike and a failed one. Talking with other hikers and your team staff is a great way to stay focused, and it also helps to imagine the Incas walking this same ancient path which they did all those years ago!
Overview Of Inca Trail Failure
And that’s all for this guide on why people end up failing to complete the Inca Trail.
Whilst proportionally low compared to those who finish the trek, there’s definitely a slim possibility of falling the Inca Trail. However, as long as you follow the tips mentioned above in this guide (and keep a determined attitude), then you’ll make it all the way to the Sun Gate with little issues.
Take a look at our Classic 4 Day Inca Trail Tour now whilst there are still available spaces!