Is The Inca Trail Dangerous?

How dangerous is it to hike the Inca Trail?

This legendary hiking route is one of the top experiences you can have in Peru, and many tourists plan their trip around it. Whilst it is memorable, it’s important to remember that this hike is demanding and does pose a few safety risks which need to be planned for.

In this guide we’ll explore whether the Inca Trail is dangerous, and what you’ll need to look out for along the way. This way you can also plan well before you begin, which helps to ensure a smoother and more relaxed experience.

is inca tral dangerous

Is The Inca Trail Dangerous?

Quick Answer: Overall the Inca Trail is safe to be hiked, although you’ll still need to use common sense. This means sticking to the path, backing away from potentially lethal animals as well as being in fairly good shape before joining the trek.

At ABExpeditions you’ll always be accompanied by an experienced and knowledgeable guide anyway, who will steer you clear of any potential hazards whilst also telling you other things to watch out for.

The Main Risks When Hiking The Inca Trail

Risk 1: Personal Injuries When Walking

Although there is a clear path you will be following with your guide, we are still very much out in the remote Andean mountains here.

This means you’ll always need to watch your step, as you could easily trip and sprain your ankle. You’ll especially need to be careful when walking up or down steep gradients since these carry more risk.

The same risk applies regardless if choosing the long treks or the shorter 2 Day Inca Trail.

Risk 2: Wild Animals

Seeing wild animals along the Inca Trail is a true delight, as there are some really beautiful species to be observed. 

However there are some which we need to stay away from, which include Spectacled Bears, Pumas and Poisonous Snakes. Thankfully though these animals tend to stay well away from humans anyway, however if encountered during your trek be sure to keep your distance.

Risk 3: Altitude Sickness

The most common complaint of those who attempt the Inca Trail (or any other high altitude trek) is altitude sickness. Also known locally as Soroche, this condition can result in unpleasant symptoms such as nausea, headaches and even temporary sickness.

This is due to lower levels of oxygen in the air at these heights, which make breathing and other usually easy activities more difficult. 

Later in this guide we’ll explore the different methods you have to preventing altitude sickness.

Risk 4: Landslides And Changing Topographies

Whilst landslides can technically occur at any time, they are most likely to happen during the wet season (between the months of January and March). This extra rain loosens the rocks which can then fall off the cliffs and onto the paths. 

These mostly occur along the trail, although they have also happened in certain campsites too (however there is little to worry about since tents are positioned away from these potential-landslide areas).

You can learn more about the different Inca Trail Campsites here and how they are each kept safe.

is the inca trail dangerous

Staying Safe On 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 staying safe when hiking along this route.

What Happens If You Get Injured On The Inca Trail?

Given the different risks present, sometimes there are cases when hikers are unable to compete the Inca Trail. If this happens, then your guide will take you back down with a horse to the main road, where you will then travel back to Cusco. If you are at a more remote point of the trek (where there are no horses available), then your guide or reliable porters will help to carry you back down.

Can You Fall Off The Inca Trail?

Technically speaking it is possible, however you would really have to go out of your way to actually fall off the trail. The most likely cases would be when a tourist heads off to take photos in areas where they shouldn’t be. This is very rare though, and actually very little accidents of these cases have occurred (especially in comparison with those at the site of Machu Picchu).

How Can I Avoid Getting Altitude Sickness?

There are numerous ways to avoid getting this common illness. The first method is to spend at least 48 hours within Cusco before starting the hike, which will help your body acclimate to these higher altitudes. During the Inca Trail hike, you can drink Coca Leaf Tea as well as take Soroche Pills which help your body to adjust and prevent any altitude sickness symptoms.

is dangerous the inca trail

Is The Inca Trail Dangerous?

And that’s all for this guide on whether the Inca Trail is dangerous to hike.

Hikers and travel enthusiasts all around the world come to hike the Inca Trail here in the Peruvian Andes, where we can experience incredible archaeological ruins, unrivalled scenery and also the intimate local culture. Overall the Inca Trail is safe, however there are a few risks you’ll need to watch out for (which includes sticking to official paths and also keeping an eye out for snakes). 

This is all part of the experience though, and are things that you can easily prepare for before heading on the memorable Inca Trail route. Here at ABExpeditions you’ll have an experienced guide on-hand to teach you about these risks, who will always keep you and your group safe along the trek.

Are you thinking of heading on the Classic 4 Day Inca Trail? Read more to learn why this memorable experience is a must when in Peru!

can we help you?