Inca Trail FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

{slider=How far in advance should I book the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?

Apu Andino recommends you book 4-6 months in advance. Permits are required to hike the Inca Trail and there are a maximum of 500 permits sold per day. May to September is considered peak season. Click here to view the current availability of permits on the Ministry of Culture´s website. Click on the “Consultas” tab, select “Camino Inka” on the first drop-down menu, then select the year and month you wish to travel, to view the number of available permits.

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{slider=My passport is out of date, can I still make the trek booking?}

Yes, should you be pressed for time to make the booking, you are able to book the trek with your old passport. However, to do the Inca Trail, you must bring both passports to show the park authorities at the start of the Inca Trail.

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{slider=Can I change the date of my trek or transfer my permit to another person?}

No, unfortunately permits for the Inka Trail are non-refundable and non-transferable. The permit is valid for one person, on the prescribed date. Should you need to change the date of the trek or your tour, a new and separate booking must be made, given availability.

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{slider=What do the porters carry and what am I expected to carry?}

Porters carry all equipment, food and 8kg of your personal belongings. The 8kg includes your sleeping bag and thermarest (3kg), along with your other personal items. You are responsible to carry your daypack. In the event that you choose to carry your own pack and not utilize a porter, Apu Andino will give you a discount of USD $35.

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{slider=What type of lavatory and/or shower facilities are there along the trail?}

There are plenty of lavatories (latrines) along the trail. Shower facilities are at each camp, but note there is no hot water. Apu Andino provides you with a basin of hot water upon arrival at each camp for you to freshen up.

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{slider=How long is the Inka Trail and how far do we walk each day?}

The Inka Trail is 45 kilometers (26 miles) in length. The breakdown is as follows:

Day 1, 14km (7 miles); Day 2, 16km (8.6 miles): Day 3, 10km (5 miles); Day 4, 5km (2 miles)

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{slider=What is the elevation along the Inka Trail?}

The trail begins at an altitude of 2,750m (9,000ft). The highest point of the trail is at Warmiwañuscca (Dead Woman´s Pass) with an altitude of 4,200m (13,780ft). Machupicchu sits at 2,400m (7,875ft).

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{slider=What will the weather be like?}

During the trek, there is a large range in temperature and given you will be in the mountains, the weather can change very rapidly. The mornings and evenings can be very cold and if the sun is out during the day, it can be quite hot. Apu Andino recommends you bring plenty of layers to accommodate to these changes in temperature.

In the southern hemisphere, the dry season is between May and September. The rainy season is from December to March.

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{slider=Will we see the sunrise from the Sun Gate?}

This is completely weather dependent! During the dry season, May-September, the sunrise can be seen at around 7:20am.

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{slider=When do we arrive at Machupicchu on the last day?}

You will arrive to Machupicchu at approximately 8:00 am.

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{slider=How much time is spent visiting the city of Machupicchu?}

Apu Andino provides a tour of two hours around the ancient city and then you will have up to 2-3 hours additional free time to explore on your own.

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{slider=Is there any additional hiking around Machupicchu?}

Yes, there is the Inca Bridge, Sun Gate, Mountain of Machupicchu and Huaynapicchu. The Inca Bridge is a 30 minute hike from the city of Machupicchu. The Sun Gate is a 45-60 minute hike from the city of Machupicchu. The Mountain of Machupicchu involves hiking 2 hours uphill and 2 hours downhill. Huaynapicchu is a steep hike and generally takes 1 hour uphill and 1 hour downhill to climb. It boasts one of the best viewpoints to see the ancient city of Machupicchu, with 360 degree breath-taking views!

Note that separate permits are required to summit the Mountain of Machupicchu and Huaynapicchu. Please advise us in advance if you wish to add these to your tour.

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