inca trail highest point

All Rights Reserved, {"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}, Inca Trail Elevation The Ups And Downs To Machu Picchu. Ok, now Youre Ready to Hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. I think doing the gruelling 4-day hike on the Inca Trail really gave us a greater appreciation for the ruins once we got there. Lets go! The Inca Trail has very steep inclines. You can spend those days sightseeing in and around Cusco as there are plenty of archaeological sites like Nazca. The first half of the hike to Machu Picchu includes steep inclines and many stone steps. Your last chance to use the internet or have a reliable phone signal will be in Ollantaytambo, and your first opportunity will be outside Machu Picchu or in Aguas Calientes. Bring a daypack to carry your overnight and personal belongings, water, and provided boxed lunch. On the last day, you will wake up before dawn at an absurdly early hour (our wake up call was 3 A.M.) in order to reach the Sun Gate overlooking Machu Picchu just in time for sunrise. Today you will trek to the Wiay Wayna campsite (8,700 ft/2,650 m). Take note that the Inca Trail is closed in February for maintenance. Next, the Sayaqmarka ("steep-place town") is reached followed by the tampu Qunchamarka. About a 25% chance of rain with a mix of weather conditions. Hiking poles to aid you in ascending and descending the mountain trail. If there are any updates or questions, feel free to let us know in the comments below! Although all hikes are more about the journey than a final destination, the Inca Trail stands out as having a destination to beat all others. Altitude on the Inca Trail. Each however, come with their own pros and cons. If you do have any pre-existing medical requirements, inform your tour company when booking and also remind the CEO before setting out. In fact, not approaching altitude correctly is one of the biggest mistakes of travellers in South America. Explorers will glimpse archaeological sites and a remarkable diversity of Andean landscapes, all building up to the final grand entrance to Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate. Ready? There are no opportunities to charge electronics along the trail. In addition to all the equipment, pots and pans, food, and trash that they had to carry, they also now had a grown adult on their backs. This was originally done informally by organizations such as South American Explorers,[2] but is now managed officially. The highest point on the Inca Trail is Dead Woman's Pass. Cusco is exceptionally easy to reach from various parts of Peru, but there are no direct flights to Cusco from the US, Canada or Europe. The highest point on the Inca Trail route is the so-called 'pass of the dead woman' or Warmihuauska in Quechua, located at 4,200 meters above sea level. The well-established route is outlined in the below image below (red line) but do note that your own specific campsites and stops may differ depending on your tour provider. After crossing the pass the trail drops steeply into the Pakaymayu drainage. Hiking Peru's Inca Trail to Machu Picchu - Altitude, Distances Home Blog The ULTIMATE Guide to Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. In terms of showers, weve found on our various multi-day group hikes that people can be split into two camps: Those who will take a cold shower rather than being a little smelly. No, there is no waiting list for permits. Inca Trail elevation continually changes as you hike over spectacular passes and down into lush valleys. Day 3 of the hike to Machu Picchu is no slouch and for most, its the day that the nagging soreness reminds you that you are human. In short, hiking poles are not essential for the Inca Trail; it is 100% possible to do it without them. To protect this historic trail, only 500 people are permitted to hike on it each day. Before leaving, I had heard horror stories about the difficulty of the hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. The Inca Trails most appealing sight is perhaps its natural beauty. If youre already in Peru or elsewhere in South America, then taking a flight from Lima - Cusco is the quickest and most sensible option. Despite only including one day of hiking, this shorter hike is referred to as the 2-day Inca Trail because the hike to Machu Picchu is on Day 1 and the Machu Picchu tour is on Day 2. We had to book the tour about 6 months in advance to reserve a spot. Hiking the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Amazingly, no meal was the same as the last (we had sort of expected a lot of pasta!). I don't think so. These are also the coldest months of the year so make sure to pack accordingly. Some travel insurance policies do not cover adventure or high-elevation activities. The trails in Machu Picchu have a limited number of permits per day. Up mountain passes and down into humid cloud forest valleys, the final destination is majestic Machu Picchu. A second Inca tunnel is along this section of trail.[10]. clothes, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, toiletries). February: Inca Trail is closed for maintenance. As there are no restrooms mid-trek, you opt to wait until lunch or to reach the campsite or to go in nature. Bring local currency (Soles) in your wallet so that you can tip your trekking team. Rainy season days almost always bring drizzle or rain. Headlamp (with extra batteries) or small flashlight to use at night while camping. On the first two days of the Trail, there are also local people who have set up toilets for trekkers (charging S/. Day one eases you into the action. It consists of a 1500-meter descent into the subtropical cloud forests and through the Amazon basin. Take it slow and steady on Day 2 of the hike, as you summit the highest point of the Inca Trail, known as Warmiwanusca in Quechua. All rights reserved. Your main luggage will be left in a secure hotel luggage storage room in Cusco, however we do not advise leaving any important or valuable items there - instead, its better to take them with you and keep them in your own daypack. 10 Things You Need To Know Before Hiking The Machu Picchu Inca trail True Traveller and World Nomads are two respected travel insurers which we have used on South America trips who cover high altitude treks (just make double sure that youve selected the right option). The outline of the mountains at one point resembles a woman lying on her back. You can arrange a private tour, but this can be considerably more expensive with a smaller group. This steep ascent reaches 4,215m (13,829ft) above sea level. We have previously taken a three-week overland trip in Africa with G Adventures, where we were responsible for setting up and taking down our tent each day (not so fun in the rain or after a long day). Even so, you should ascend slowly and drink lots of water. And for transparencys sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. Note that the Inca Trail is closed in February for everyone in order to allow it to replenish. The porters carry all the tents along the Trail, but you will be responsible for including your sleeping bag and mat in the 6kg duffel bag allowance. Inca Trail Map: Trekking to Machu Picchu - Peru For Less You can easily spend hours on end walking up and around the magnificent ruins. As with other sites that were being degraded due to overuse, camping is no longer allowed. Inca Trail Distance: Your trek must be organized through a licensed tour operator. Intipata (aka Yunkapata)[8] is a recently uncovered extensive set of agricultural terraces which follow the convex shape of the terrain. Youll have to carry your pack for 4 days so only take the lightweight essentials. as you won't have access to what the porter carries until you reach the campsite each day. The trail undulates, but overall ascends along the Cusichaka River. Tours are slightly cheaper and easier to book with only a few weeks notice (a guy on our tour booked his place only a week before the trip began). Inca Trail to Machu Picchu - 5 day Trek Itinerary (non commercial site) Although the hike is only one day long, this doesnt mean it is easy. Altitude pills can be the difference between a great trip and a terrible one. Ask your Travel Advisor for more details. This total includes 4-day, and 5-day routes, as well as trekking guides, porters, and chefs. A few of the porters and our guide took turns carrying our friend throughout the remaining two and a half days of the hike. You can read more about altitude sickness in the Health + Safety section towards the bottom of this post. Im here to give you the lowdown on the good and the bad and how to make sure your next trip to Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail is a success. Pack light, pack smart, and pack for two very different temperatures - thats the key advice for every Inca Trail experience. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads usingthis link. You wont have access to what your porter carries until you reach the campsite each night, so you will need a small pack to carry water, snacks, rain jacket, extra layers of clothing, etc. We'll give you time in Cusco to acclimatize before the trek, but altitude sickness can be a problem for some. Make sure to pack your original passport. Later in the afternoon you will enjoy lunch and continue on toward the first campsite, Wayllabamba (9,840 ft / 3,000 m). Share stories over dinner, and if the weather permits, partake in Andean stargazing before retiring to your tent. Every extra pound matters! Inca Trail Elevation - The Ups And Downs To Machu Picchu The High Inca Trail covers everything the classic Inca Trail does. The Inca Trail has an elevation range between 2,200m (7,218ft) and 4,200m (13,780ft) above sea level. Chachabamba: 6,725 ft (2,050 m) This is approximately 1000m (3281ft) down more than 1200 stone steps. A large number of these companies are only established to provide specific private tours in high season, with the rest offering year-round expeditions. At the top, the pass is rocky, with little vegetation. The highest point on the Inca Trail is Dead Woman's Pass. It is recommended to arrive in Cusco at least 2 days before the start of your trek so that you can acclimatize. Below are some suggestions on how much to tip the trekking team. There are no ATMs along the Inca Trail. Make sure to tip your team well as they deserve it and likely live off of those tips. Settlements, tunnels, and many Incan ruins are located along the trail before ending the terminus at the Sun Gate on Machu Picchu mountain. Keep in mind, regardless of how much or how little you pay for your tour, the vast majority of that money does not go to the guys that do the heavy lifting. After breakfast, meet your Inca Trail guide for your return bus ride up the mountain to Machu Picchu. The Fejos team named the site, and uncovered the remainder. Check out the daily elevation increases and be better prepared for your trek. Small, permanent settlements are located adjacent to the trail, and Wayllapampa has approximately 400 inhabitants (130 families) spread along this portion of the trail. Nearby mountains are usually flanked by mist and the regions diverse flora is in full bloom. They may also let you buy or extend a policy once youve started your trip and are already abroad which is super handy.If theres one insurance company I trust, its World Nomads. You can either bring your own sleeping bag or rent one for an additional fee. Pictures just dont do it justice. High probability of sunny weather. Dead Womans Pass: 13,828 ft (4,215 m) 7 things no-one tells you about the Inca Trail - Intrepid Travel Blog If youre fit enough to handle the constant incline, there is a good chance the high altitude will zap your energy and perhaps give you dizziness. Although it wasnt by any stretch the most physically challenging hike weve done in South America, its ascents and conditions provided enough of a task to make us both feel it. . 3: Its amazing the friendships that can come out of struggle and perseverance. Tours should provide you with purified, safe-to-drink water at camp each night and morning; this in addition to drinks purchased in advance and along the way (and those endless cups of tea glugged at camp) should be sufficient to keep you well hydrated. The Inca Trail passes through four of the eight life zones described by Peruvian geographer Javier Pulgar Vida: Highest Elevation: If your main consideration however is that you may not be able to hike for the full four days, consider joining this two-day tour. It was not just the distance that made the Inca routes challenging, but also the extreme altitude that may be encountered at various points. Cusco stands at 3,200 metres and is already significantly higher than Machu Picchu itself, though many sections of the Inca Trail are much higher. Reaching the crest of this ridge reveals the grandeur of the ruins of Machu Picchu, which lie below. Once a permit is purchased for one person, the permit cannot be transferred to another individual. It consists of three overlapping trails: Mollepata, Classic, and One Day. Classic Inca Trail Altitude Map distance | The ultimate travel guide Despite her eagerness to carry on, she could barely hobble her way forward without needing assistance. Even with daily tourism limits, there are still many, many tour groups and you will constantly be surrounded by other hikers, guides, and porters throughout the 4 days. Lastly, make sure you have the policy number, insurance provider, and emergency contact number on your person whilst hiking. Inca Trail weather during the shoulder months is variable and it is common to experience all four seasons in one day. This section of the Inca Trail hike provides a fantastic perspective of the gorgeous Peruvian countryside but is also very cold due to the high altitude. 2: The best tour companies each come with a main guide and an assistant guide - one will lead at the front of your group whilst another will stay at the back. The highest point on the Inca Trail is Abra Warmihuausca or 'Dead Woman's Pass which is located at 4,200 meters. It probably would have been glorious to see. Cuzco Region Machu Picchu Peru. Difficulty | Youre almost at the end and Machu Picchu, you should be hopping, skipping, and jumping all the way there! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Privacy | Terms | DMCA | Affiliate Disclosure | Site Map. One of the girls on our team got a busted knee on the descent after Dead Womans Pass not good. This trek additionally permits hikers to enter Machu Picchu through its Sun Gate. Personally, we wouldnt recommend anyone under the age of 14 to do the trek due to group dynamics. 2023 Best 10 Trails and Hikes in Jakarta | AllTrails If the skies are clear, you will enjoy an outstanding view of the Machu Picchu ruins from above. Abra Warmihuausca, at 4,224 meters, is the trail's highest point (13,860 ft). The trail continues to ascend, passing a small lake named Quchapata (Cochapata)[6] in an area that is recognized as deer habitat. We told you that these guys were absolute heroes. are 500 permits available, approximately 200 allocated to tourists and 300 to guides, porters, and cooks. While the trekking team makes the experience very comfortable, three nights camping in a tent is perhaps not for everyone. Enjoy hand-curated trail maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you. Save $$$ Save the Planet Save Your Stomach! Climb a narrow stone stairway to view the highland terraces of Patallacta, which were likely used to grow crops. Permits are only available for purchase through the Peruvian government. 3. The difference is the starting point; the High Inca Trail begins three days earlier, winding its way through the remote and picturesque Cordillera Vilcabamba. At a distance of 2.1km and600m below the pass is the campground Pakaymayu. We do not represent World Nomads. Forgetting to book permits in advance for the Inca Trail and shorter day hikes is a mistake. Only Inca Trail trekkers are awarded the privilege of arriving at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate entrance. Preparing for the Inca Trail isnt just a case of throwing some unworn hiking boots in your backpack and hoping for the best, but rather doing the necessary to ensure you have a successful and unforgettable adventure in the Peruvian mountains for all the right reasons! Note that, aside from the mark-up on price, Inca Trail tours booked via agencies will often simply place you on an available tour with one of several local operators, so you have very little control on the quality of the ultimate provider and group composition. This means that - although many of Perus best hikes, like the Colca Canyon, are possible to do independently - you can only do the Inca Trail with an approved tour company and spaces are capped. Here you will get all the inside information on the hike from someone who has spent a lot of time researching it and completed it firsthand. Traveling to Peru and seeing Machu Picchu was one of them. Once used as a checkpoint for those entering and exiting the holy city, this viewpoint affords hikers unrivaled views of the citadel far below. Pack a hat, strong sunblock, and glasses for protection against the sun. The Incan Empire (which at its largest joined Peru, large parts of modern Ecuador, western and south central Bolivia, northwest Argentina, north and central Chile and a small part of southwest Colombia) created thousands of kilometres of trails to link its important settlements and centres of civilisation, but it is this specific 4 day route which is known as the one and only classic Inca Trail. The altitudes on the trail are much higher than what most travellers are used to. At Wayllapampa the trail to Machu Picchu turns west and begins ascending along a tributary of the Cusichaka. These local porters, from fresh-faced 18 year olds to gnarled mountain men, are the unsung heroes of every Inca Trail experience and they will each carry up to 25 kgs on their backs for the group (yep, and you were worried about how hard the Trail would be for you!). right now). The entire 4-day trail hike is only 25 miles (40 km). This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance. Weve outlined our own route on the Inca Trail below and, in broad terms, this is the sort of the itinerary you can expect (note that this relates solely to the days spent on the hike, not the days of travelling to/from Cusco and Ollantaytambo): Day One: Travel from Ollantaytambo to km.82 in the morning and hike to campsite. Ive hiked some of the best national parks in the U.S.and this Inca Trail hike is still my favorite in terms of scenery and complete awesomeness. You can purchase these in Cusco or rent them from your trekking company with advance notice. The most visitors the park allows is 500 a day and that includes guides and porters which make up over half that number. Whether you're getting ready to hike, bike, trail run, or explore other outdoor activities, AllTrails has 22 scenic trails in the Jakarta area. Days are warm, nights are freezing. Because of its popularity, the Peruvian Government instituted several controls to reduce human impact upon the trail and within the ancient city. The Inca Trail is open 11 months of the year (March through January). It is rated by many as being in the top 5 treks in the world. Since 2002, access to the Inca Trail has been limited to 500 people per day (roughly split between 200 tourists and 300 accompanying guides and porters), no matter the time of year. full details on whats included in G Adventures Inca Trail Tour here, 11 Things To Know Before You Visit Rainbow Mountain in Peru, 13 Wonderful Things To Do in Cusco | The Gateway to the Sacred Valley, A Guide to Visiting to Pisac, Peru | The Ruins + Market, The Boleto Turistico | Everything You Need To Know About Cusco's Tourist Ticket, The Inca Trail Packing List | What You Need to Bring in 2023, A Short Guide to Ollantaytambo | Peru's Train Ride Town, (Updated 2022) A Guide to Huaraz | Peru's Hiking Capital, Seven of the Best Day Trips From Cusco | Ruins, Mountains and Pretty Little Towns. Along the way, you will stop at Llactapata, an Inca archaeological site located at the convergence of the Cusichaca and Vilcanota Rivers. Along the way, you will visit Runkurakay, a circular complex that scholars believe Inca messengers used as a refueling and resting station. What is the best time of year to hike the Inca Trail, How much does it cost to hike the Inca Trail, Can you do the Inca Trail without a guide, Do you need a permit to hike the Inca Trail. The government monitors the trail closely; there are several control points along the trail. Instead, view the Inca Trail as your challenge, your motivation, and your deadline to start walking more, to lose some weight, and to make some positive changes before you fly to Peru (and if you need some inspiration, read this womans story). Four days of trekking through a variety of landscapes is a great way of getting to know this part of Peru. Those who will take being a lot smelly over taking a cold shower. The trail reaches 13,828 ft (4,215 m) on Day 2 and 12,500 feet (3,900 m) on Day 3. It is customary to tip the trekking team on the last night of the trek (Day 3). Prior to your arrival, the trekking team will assemble your tent, so you can focus on relaxing and enjoying the mountain scenery. Along Dusty Roads is a travel blog by British couple, Andrew & Emily. The Inca Trail porters are the unsung heroes of every experience, and they will carry up to 25 kgs of food and supplies on their backs. 10 The Highest Point On The Inca Trail. The highest point is Dead Woman's Pass at 13,828 ft (4,215 m) and the lowest point is Machu Picchu at 7,972 ft (2,430 m). In this article, you can find everything you need to know about altitudes on the Inca Trail. If you are a little older in years and need some inspiration, then Alan Goldin is the oldest recorded hiker of the Trail at the age of 84, whilst three of our local porters were 62! During the rainy season, there is the possibility of landslides. Highest point of the Inca Trail. Demand for tours also increases in dry season, so you really need to book your own tour further in advance (a rule of thumb is six to seven months, but we have met people who booked a year in advance to assure themselves of a place). ITMB Publishing International Travel Maps, Camino Inka. Because duh! There is a bus which runs from Lima to Cusco, but it takes 24 hours and these days isnt worth taking as flights are so ubiquitous and affordable (trust us, we did this bus ride back in 2015!). The Inca Trail is a well-established and iconic 4-day, 3-night hike which leads travellers from km.82 (the start point 40 minutes outside the town of Ollantaytambo) all the way to Machu Picchu via its exclusive Sun Gate (also called Inti Punku). They are experienced in supporting members of a group who may be struggling or slower than the rest, and ensuring that everyones experience is the best possible in the circumstances. This means fuller camp sites and more traffic along the Trail (although the tours do try and stagger this out). Also, the map shows camp zones, archeological sites, distances, high points, and tourist facilities. As our guide Elias told us, the key thing for everyone to make the overall experience on the Inca Trail better is a positive mental attitude. Get a quote below or read our in-depth review! After the Sun gate, it is a short and scenic downhill walk to Machu Picchu. Our G Adventures tour required all participants to be in Cusco for the first night of the 7 day trip, and its in the city where you will receive your briefing, rent any additional equipment and meet your tour mates. From Pacaymayo camp, the trail ascends steeply up the valleys opposite side. What we found the hardest was the sleeping at the altitude than hiking during the day. If you are one of the quicker ones in a group, dont ruin another persons experience by castigating them for taking longer - everyone has their own challenges,circumstances, and reasons for being on the Trail, and a friendship and positive experience is more likely to blossom out of supporting someone through their struggle. From what I have seen, the price is around $500-$700 USD per person. Everything is set for you to walk the Inca Trail. Heres everything you need to know before doing the Inca Trail hike. Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu | Peru For Less Once youve booked a tour and committed to the hike, there are some key milestones to hit before you get anywhere near South America. Yes, the dreaded Dead Woman's Pass. Well, the elevation of the Inca Trail is over 13,000 feet so if you have altitude problems make sure to think twice before committing. Lowest Elevation: The stock image wouldn't lie now, would it? The exact itinerary for the hike may differ between various Inca Trail tour operators, but almost all groups follow a similar itinerary and have set times to leave to avoid overcrowding. World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. If youre all booked and ready to start preparing, then make sure to read our Inca Trail Packing List before you buy anything. Just remember that the 2 soles youll pay to enter the modern squeaky clean toilets at the Machu Picchu site will be money very very well spent. Its the hardest day of the trek, with an ascent of 1,200 meters and a challenging descent to the bottom campsite. However, the altitude at its highest point is 13,776 ft or 4200m, which can sometimes cause problems for hikers. Yes, the Inca Trail is safe. No matter the season, make sure to bring a rain jacket or poncho as there is always the chance of showers in the Andes. If you are looking for a more personal, private outdoor experience, I recommend you pick a less prevalent adventure as there are many alternative Inca sites to choose from around the Cusco area. We recommend going with Cachi Life as they are doing really great work in Peru that goes well beyond the Inca Trail hike. Weve tested the Geopressrigorouslyfrom the icy heights of Pakistan to the tropical jungles of Cuba, and the results are in: it WORKS. Highest point (Warmiwanusca Pass /Dead Womans Pass). If youre reading this and dont fit the description of someone who does a lot of exercise or could do with losing a few lbs - then dont be too despondent. Climb out of the Sacred Valley towards Warmiwanusca, or Dead Woman's Pass, on the second day of the classic Inca Trail 4-day. When to book: a minimum of 6 months in advance. The biggest problem that comes with increasing elevations is altitude sickness. Inca Trail Distance: The second day ascends over Dead Woman's pass- the highest point on the Inca Trail at 4,200 metres. The 4-Day Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu is one of the magnificent hikes I have ever done. Thankfully, the Peruvians are a resourceful people and will go leaps and bounds to make a person in need is helped. Once the day has come to an end, youll take a bus down to Aguas Calientes where you will take a train back to Ollantaytambo before arriving back in Cusco by bus or car. Marci Vaughn Kolt. She enjoys sharing her passion for all things nature-related. The best time to hike the Inca Trail is May throughSeptember when there is less rain and the temperatures are slightly cooler. The Inca Trail traverses a variety of climates: temperate highlands outside of the Sacred Valley; cold, arid puna at the highest elevations; and warm, humid, cloud forest valleys close to Machu Picchu. Securing a permit is only possible with an approved tour provider, who buy these daily permits in advance.
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