CLASSIC INCA TRAIL FACTS: 8 THINGS TO KNOW BEFOREHAND

Many people from all over the world consider the hike along the ancient and now classic inca trail to machu picchu, one of the best experiences of their lives.

Therefore, you should know the most valuable information about this amazing journey. No matter if you take the short Inca Trail or the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu after reading this blog you will be able to plan your experience in a better way.

Here you will find the best information to book either the classic inca trail or the short inca trail tour, some tips for the whole trail and some recommendations to consider. It will not take you more than 4 minutes.

Enjoy the most of the Classic Inca trail hike by the following data!

1. A travel agency is essential for Inca Trail.

According to the official rules to visit Machupicchu through the inca trail hike, you must contact authorized travel agencies recognized by the authorities in charge of the preservation of the entire Historic Sanctuary.

Therefore, Natourandes is an official travel agency that helps you to make the most of your adventure days on our Inca Trail tours. In addition, we offer you professional tour guides, the best camping equipment, daily meals and unforgettable experiences.

2. Classic Inca Trail tickets run out fast.

As you already know, the inca trail to machu picchu is one of the best adventures throughout the world, consequently the number of people who can walk through this ancient trail is limited. As well, these regulations allow keeping all the road safety and controlling its degradation.

Although, it also means that tickets sell out as soon as they go on sale on the internet. By the way, our classic inca trail costs $760 per person and the short Inca trail, $530 per person. Check our destinations out!

3. Hiking inca trail is the only way to visit the Sun Gate (Intipunku)

This spot boasts the best panoramic views of the stunning Machupicchu citadel without the need to pay an additional entrance ticket.

Meanwhile the full day Machupicchu tour only takes you to stroll around the archaeological complex; the Inca Trail tours take you to discover many more ancient buildings, such as the Intipunku (Sun Gate).  Moreover, if you book the classic Inca Trail, you could enjoy the sunrise from this privileged Andean gate.

4. Appreciate several inca ruins along the machu picchu inca trail.

Hiking the inca trail is not just about getting to Machu Picchu, even though it is the most iconic destination.

Because along the way you will see many inca remains that were used in ancient time for cultivation, lodging and measuring lunar cycles. Not only the 4-day inca trail allows you to discover Andean jewels, but also the short inca trail possesses many privileged Inca buildings.

5. Get ready to hike within several microclimates in a single day.

Did you know that Peru features 30 of the 32 world climates?

Owing to Peru has 90 different microclimates, the inca trail machu picchu runs through many of them. Which boast cacti, mossy forests, glacier views, fog, rain, heat and more. Sometimes you can even enjoy these climatic changes in a single day by our classic inca trail.

6. Beware the altitude factor.

The inca trail is not a difficult pathway to walk but… In one hand, the highest place throughout the classic inca trail is Warmiwañusca pass at 4215 masl. (13828 ft. high). In the other hand, the short inca trail has its highest place in the sun gate (inti punku) at 2720 masl. (8924 ft. high).

Therefore, we recommend you to acclimatize yourself to this new altitude through our cultural tours in Cusco, thus you will not lose time during your vacation.

7. Keep your backpack light.

Keep in mind that Natourandes will support you during the whole journey by bringing you: food, cooking equipment, tents, mats, sleeping bags and the most important for us, porters. In addition, we recommend you to bring a backpack that contains no more than 6kg.

By the way, we have another blog for the essential thing to pack for inca trail tours, however here we have some important items: A change of clothes, cameras, sunscreen, insect repellent, water and snacks.

8. High rainforest: The rain’s land.

Actually, this advice will be important only if you hike the inca trail to machu picchu during the raining season.

Keep your clothes and non-waterproof things in plastic bags; as well bring with you a plastic poncho even if you already packed waterproof clothes. Remember that umbrellas are not allowed in the inca trail system as well as in Machupicchu citadel.

These were the most important things to know about the great inca trai to Machupicchu citadel. But, if you have more doubts and questions, please click here to get in contact with us.