All Of Your Biggest Inca Trail Questions Answered (The Inca Trail FAQ)

Preparing For The Inca Trail FAQ

Let’s first start with everything you need to know about the route, right up until you book in your dream Inca Trail trip.

Is The Inca Trail Worth It?

The Inca Trail is arguably the most diverse hiking route in Peru, which offers both incredible landscapes (glacial lakes, jungle walks, remote cloud-forests) as well as a variety of ancient archaeological ruins. This along with the culture and wildlife makes it a must-do experience when in Peru!

What Size Backpack Can You Take On The Inca Trail?

There are no limits per se, however it’s important to bring a backpack that’s comfortable and won’t be too heavy for you to walk with (remember we will be walking up to 8 hours a day on the Inca Trail). We suggest bringing a backpack of 30-40 litres, along with a suitable rain cover if heading during the wet season months.

Do I Need To Carry My Own Luggage On The Inca Trail?

Every hiker on the classic Inca Trail trek will have a personal porter assigned to them to help carry their belongings – which can weigh up to 7km (in a duffle bag which you must prepare the night before). It’s important to note that you will still need to carry your own backpack when walking along the route.

How Far In Advance Should I Book The Inca Trail?

Given there are limited spaces and that it is one of the most popular treks in South America, availability can run out quickly on the Inca Trail. For this reason we highly recommend booking your Inca Trail tickets at least 6 months in advance, and preferably further if heading during the popular dry season months (June until September).

Are There Mosquitoes On The Inca Trail?

Given we will be hiking through jungle and cloud forests, there are often mosquitos along the path (especially in the early morning and late afternoon). For this reason we recommend bringing a quality mosquito repellent to keep them at bay, and also to wear long clothing in the evenings.

How Many Days Are Needed To Acclimate Before Heading On The Inca Trail?

Altitudes on the Inca Trail can vary between 2400-4200m above sea-level, and as such acclimating prior to your trek is important. Given you will first arrive in Cusco which is located up at 3399m, we suggest spending two days here in the city as your body begins to acclimate to the higher altitudes of the Andes. You can see other altitude acclimating tips in our Cusco altitude article.

How Cold Is The Inca Trail At Night?

Night temperatures for the Inca Trail on average hover between 32-40°F, and are closer to the lower end when camping on the second night (which is up at a higher altitude). Temperatures will generally be cooler in the dry winter season too, which runs from May until September.

What To Know During The Inca Trail FAQ

Below we’ll now take a look at everything you need to know during the Inca Trail trek, which will help you set the right expectations and have the best time possible.

Can You Charge Your Phone On The Inca Trail?

It’s important to know that there are no electric facilities along the Inca Trail. This means that you’ll want to bring a power bank with you, an ideally one that allows for multiple charges (remember the standard hike will be four days, and there’s lots of photo and video opportunities along the way).

What Is The Scariest Part Of The Inca Trail?

This really depends on what you personally find scary, however in most cases it will be seeing sheer drops. This is usually the stretch between the Sun Gate and Machu Picchu, which is at the start of the fourth day of the Inca Trail. It’s important to note that the path is still wide and perfectly safe, so there’s no need to worry about falling off!

Where Do You Go To The Toilet On The Inca Trail?

All of the campsites have toilet facilities, and along the Inca Trail we’ll also find public toilets dotted along the route. Here at AB Expeditions we provide our very own private toilet for our clients on our Four Day Inca Trail Trek, which is both more comfortable and means you won’t have to wait in a longer queue.

Are There Bins On The Inca Trail?

Along the Inca Trail we can find bins sporadically located along the route, and also within each of the different campsites. Please remember not to throw trash or used products on the route, and to keep them in a plastic bag on you until you reach the next area that has a bin.

Do You Shower On The Inca Trail?

It’s important to know that there are no shower facilities along the classic four day Inca Trail route. You will however find bathrooms along the trek with running cold water to wash your face and hands along the trek, and you’ll also be given a bowl of warm water at the end of each day of hiking to clean yourself.

What Is The Hardest Part Of The Inca Trail?

The Dead Woman’s Pass is usually said to be the most difficult part of the Inca Trail. Located up at 4215m on the second day, it’s the highest point of the route and requires a steady uphill climb to reach. Remember to walk at a slow and manageable pace for you, and to take frequent breaks along the way.

Overview Of The Inca Trail FAQ

And that’s all for this guide on the most frequently asked questions we get from tourists who want to hike the Inca Trail.

One of the most unforgettable mountain treks we can embark on in South America (let alone just Peru), the Inca Trail really does have it all. You may have been wondering how to prepare properly or what you need to keep in mind when on the trail, and in this guide we’ve covered everything you’ll need to know.

Are you ready to take on the Inca Trail? Here at AB Expeditions we operate an incredible four day Inca Trail tour where we will hike and camp across some of the most surreal landscapes in Peru. We also include all permits, meals, tents, hiking equipment and a local expert guide to lead the trek.