The Inca Trail is a once in a lifetime, multi-day hike that almost anyone can do. Located in Peru, South America, the Inca Trail is 45 kilometres long and usually takes four days of moderate hiking to end up at Machu Picchu for a sunrise over the ancient ruins of the Inca Empire.
Since June 2002, trekkers are not allowed to hike the Inca Trail without a tour company (and their guides and porters) or without hiring local guides and porters yourself. There are many reasons for this regulation, including excessive destruction of the trail, as well as providing steady jobs for the porters and guides. There are many companies offering Inca Trail services. Be prepared to book at least five months in advance to secure a pass since numbers are limited.
The Inca Trail is closed in February for trail maintenance and to allow the vegetation to re-grow. Hiking in the rainy season (October to March) means there will be fewer people on the trail, but some people can’t stand hiking (and living!) in the rain. In the dry season, prices may be higher and the trail will consistently have the 500 allotted permit holders starting each day.

Your best bet will be to fly into Lima, Peru’s capital, and make your way over land to Cusco. There are certainly flights from Lima to Cusco, however, they tend to be more expensive than other options. If money is no problem or if time is a big problem, you can find flights with LAN Peru for just under $200 USD. The bus takes longer, but will be cheaper, and you’ll see more of the country.

While you need to be in good shape, you don’t have to be an athlete to hike the Inca Trail. You should do some training, including some altitude hiking if possible. On the Inca Trail you will reach heights of 4,200 metres above sea level. Finding out how your body reacts to altitude and training at higher altitudes will help you prepare for the hike.
Be sure to do plenty of sustained cardio in the months leading up to your Inca Trail hike: day hikes with a small daypack, taking your bike out for circuit around your city and walking up and down staircases will help you get your body ready for the hike.
Wooden walking sticks are recommended and are readily available in Cusco before you start the hike. Your pack size will be limited and porters will likely carry your clothing and personal belongings, so you won’t have to carry your pack while you hike.

If you plan to spend at least two days in Cusco to acclimatize to the altitude, you’ll be on your way to avoiding illness on the trail. There’s plenty to do in Cusco! Don’t worry about spending three or four days here to visit nearby ruins or the market for some shopping while you acclimatize. The increased altitude will affect your body. Most people will feel short of breath and have an increased heartbeat because of the reduced amount of oxygen in the air. Others will lose their appetite and feel lethargic. If you feel the signs and symptoms of altitude sickness, tell your guide immediately. Ask your doctor about medicine to help speed up acclimatization and to reduce the symptoms: some travellers swear by it, others think it’s useless (and expensive).
Other illnesses include traveller’s diarrhea, picking up a bug from unfiltered drinking water, sunburn, dengue fever, typhoid and cholera. Most of these illnesses can be prevented by a simple inoculation. Risk of dengue fever, sunburn and getting sick from unfiltered drinking water can be mitigated with simple preventative measures.
Visit a travel clinic, get your shots up to date and talk about preventative measures for avoiding illness on the Inca Trail to get the most up-to-date information.

While on the Inca Trail, you will be surrounded by a team of support staff who will be doing all of the hard work, except carrying you, of course! They will be preparing your meals, carrying your gear and showing you the flora, fauna and wildlife while on the trail.
Porter welfare is an important factor to the well being of the locals who guide thousands of tourists each year on the Inca Trail. Talk to your porter on the trail, even if all you can manage is a “good morning.” Thank them and be sure to tip them for their hard work! While the Peruvian government installed a minimum daily wage for porters recently, at $15 USD, tips supplement their income and, while not expected, they are certainly appreciated.
If your cooks make uneatable food, you couldn’t understand your guide and your porters were not doing their job to satisfaction, of course, you don’t have to tip. This is the exception to the rule. A good rule of thumb for tips is $6 to $8 per day. Bring small bills so you can tip all the members of your team.

While the Inca Trail is crowded and can be a tough walk, it’s a once in a lifetime experience that every hardcore traveller should experience. With a bit of research and a bit of physical training, you’ll be ready to see a splendid sunrise at the sungate!

Peru’s currency is the “Nuevo Sol” (literally, new sun), but people use the term sol for one, and soles for more than one. The rate changes daily, but it is currently worth about 2.70 to the dollar. There is also a change counter and ATM in the Lima airport terminal, and several in Cusco. In a pinch, however, U.S. dollars are acceptable (bring singles for tipping until you can change money) As you may know, neither U.S. Banks or airport change counters offer the best rates. Once in Cusco I’ll help you get a better rate at a Casa de Cambio (Exchange House). Visa, American Express, Dinners credit cards are accepted in Peru (at most hotels, restaurants and shops), for travelers checks banks charge from 2 – 3% for the exchange. You’ll find most prices far lower in Peru than in the USA/Europe

Cusco’s altitude is 11,000 feet/3,300 metres Though you’ve probably been this high if you’ve driven through the Rocky Mountains or the Sierras, the altitude is a challenge in Peru because you’ll rise to it from sea level in just over an hour by airplane. For this reason, our schedule is to take it very easy on day one. Even if you feel great, please don’t exert yourself on our first day in Cusco.
Once at the hotel, you’ll be served mate, a tea made from the coca leaf. Many people think that in high altitude the idea is to take deep breaths to get more oxygen. In fact, the opposite is true. Shorter, quicker breaths are more effective. Light, healthy eating is a good idea for the first few days too. Avoid alcohol, cigarettes and sleeping pills. Many people avoid eating beef on the first day, to give the digestive system a rest. If you’d like to take further precautions, you may consider Diamox and other medicines now offered for altitude sickness. Diamox is available by prescription in America, and now, over-the-counter in Peru. However, I cannot comment in depth on other newer medicines. Check with your doctor for details.
The Sacred Valley, Machupicchu and are at a much lower altitude, and will not be a problem after adjusting to Cusco