What Is The Age Limit For The Inca Trail?
Are you wondering how old you need to be to do the Inca Trail?
One of the most incredible and memorable hiking trails on the planet, here we can retrace the pilgrimage to Machu Picchu that the ancient Inca once regularly took along these same stone steps. However if you are a senior or plan to hike with young children, you may be wondering if it’s still possible to hike this legendary trek.
In this guide we’ll explore what the age limit for the Inca Trail is, as well as the most important age-related considerations worth taking into account before embarking on the trek. We’ll also answer your most burning questions in our FAQ section.
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What Is The Age Limit For The Inca Trail?
Overall there is actually no legal restriction on what age you can be to head on the Inca Trail! This means that young toddlers and even babies can be brought along in the trek, as well as seniors past 80 being able to make the trip too.
However there are general recommendations to be between 7-70 years old, which is due to various factors. For young children it’s to keep them safe, and any that are younger than 7 will need constant supervision from both the parent and trek leader to make sure they are safe.
Those that are over 70 will also want to consider their health and fitness levels before heading on the trek. It’s important to remember that whilst incredibly beautiful and full of history, the full 43km trek can be difficult in areas along with the higher altitudes.
Important Age-Related Considerations Before Hiking The Inca Trail
Level Of Fitness
It’s really important to be objective with yourself and your fitness level before attempting the Inca Trail. The good thing is that if you are lacking physically, you can follow a specific fitness plan in order to get trail-ready by the time that you arrive in Cusco. This applies not only to older people but also young children as they get used to walking much longer distances. Remember that you don’t need to be a super athlete here, however you’ll want to be able to walk at least 10km in one day on hilly slopes.
Health Conditions
Most issues that trekkers face along the Inca Trail aren’t actually related to the trail itself, however are instead to underlying health conditions. It’s important to get a check-up with your medical practitioner before coming on the trail if you are older, and if you have any lung or heart related conditions then you’ll be best heading on the Short 2 Day Inca Trail rather than full 4 day hike. Whilst at the doctors you can also ask if it’s safe for you to take Diamox, which is a helpful anti-altitude sickness medication that will make the trek easier.
Choosing Between The Different Inca Trail Treks
There are various Inca Trail treks that all differ in how long they take to complete, as well as how challenging they each are. The Short Inca Trail is just 2 days, and is the best for those with very young children or those who are over 60 (or have medical conditions).
The Standard Four Day Trek and longer 5 day trek are best for those who already have good hiking experience and know how their bodies are during longer hikes. You can even take young children here with you if they are already used to walking longer distances and have previous hiking experience.
Inca Trail Age FAQ
Below we’ll now answer some of the frequent questions we get about the age limit for the Inca Trail, as well as anything else important that you need to know.
Can A 70 Year Old Hike The Inca Trail?
It’s definitely possible to successfully hike the Inca Trail if you are over 70 years old, however it’s important to first get clearance from your doctor (and especially so if you have any underlying health conditions). You’ll also want to follow a gradual fitness plan too so you can hike the Inca Trail with ease once you finally arrive here.
Can Kids Hike The Inca Trail?
Yes it’s also possible for kids to hike the Inca Trail, and many have already come and enjoyed this scenic ancient route. We recommend that your children are over 7 years old and have good hiking experience, so that they will be physically able to walk the entire trek with little issues. It’s also possible to bring younger children and babies, however you’ll need to take extra precautions here.
How Old Do You Need To Be To Do The Inca Trail?
There is no official minimum age limit by law as to who can hike the Inca Trail. However, being reasonable you’ll want your children to be at least 7 years old unless they already have lots of hiking experience prior (or you don’t mind carrying them if they get tired). If you are unsure if they are ready for the full trek, then you can head on the alternative 2 Day Short Inca Trail instead.
Overview Of The Age Limit For The Inca Trail
And that’s all for this guide on what the age limit for the Inca Trail is.
One of the best hiking routes in Peru for both ancient history and incredible scenery alike, the Inca Trail is popular for all ages to embark on. Whilst there is no official law or rule on what ages are allowed, seniors above 70 and children below 7 will need more consideration (by reviewing all of the areas that we mentioned throughout this article).
Are you still wondering which Inca Trail is best for you? Check out our Inca Trail Comparison Guide to find out how the different hiking routes along this path can vary.