Traditional 4 Day Inca Trail Trek

We only run high end treks on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
The Inca Trail 4 day Trek to Machu Picchu is a truly amazing, educational, challenging and must have experience in your life time. Our 4 day trek on the traditional Inca trail covers 33.7 miles over 4 days. We cross over 3 passes with the highest at 4,215m/ 13,828 feet. We have refined our service to only offer quality through on our full service trek.
Your journey starts in Cusco at 3,400m/ 11,152 feet. You will end up in the lost city of Machu Picchu at 2,430m/ 7,972 feet on the edge of the Amazon. Machu Picchu is positioned in this incredible location that will leave you spell bound. We have developed the best service over the past decade. We have trekking guides, educational guides, quality food, tents and we use four star hotels for our trips.

On the Inca Trail 4 day Trek, the most famous trek in South America, you will be able to learn about the ruins and scenery which make this trail so famous. There are many sights of interest all the way along this famous trail and we aim to explore them all. The trips starts from $2,550.



Tips & Advice

We lead between 10 to15 treks along this famous, historical Inca trail to Machu Picchu each year. Most people go for our 5 day Itinerary.  The 4 day itinerary is for fitter, stronger hikers.  Our 6 day Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu is for the more adventurous trekker and encompasses 90% of the traditional Inca trail.

1). Picking the Right Itinerary is Critical

We highly recommend the 5 day classic itinerary. With new restrictions in the city of Machu Picchu, anyone entering the city is limited to just two hours. The 5 day itinerary gives you more time on the trail to experience every site along the way. This itinerary also gives you two visits to the city of Machu Picchu. We walk in through the famous Sun Gate in the late afternoon on the 4th day. This itinerary sleeps in the best locations on the trail with less people around you. You get to spend more time in Winyawayna, before having a beautiful lunch and then walking in to Machu Picchu.

Our 5 day itinerary also includes a night sleeping in the beautiful town of Aguas Calientes.  After a well deserved shower, we will treat you to dinner in Indi Feliz to celebrate your success.  The next morning, we will go back up to Machu Picchu for our second visit.  On this day we will explore the ruins and do a full guided tour.

The Beautiful City of Machu Picchu

2). Make Sure you have the Correct and Specific Training

Trekking the Inca trail to Machu Picchu is a 26 mile trek over 4 days of walking.  You will be starting at 2,800m/ 9,186 feet, trekking up to 4,215m/ 13,829 feet and ending back down at 2,450m/ 8,038 feet. This trek should not be taken lightly. You will trek over a number of passes, steep ascents and descents, and thousands of rocky, uneven steps. Therefore, if you have not put in the training beforehand, you will definitely struggle on this uneven trail. Putting in at least four days a week training is essential.  Walking in the hills, rocky terrain or just up and down steps, will give you the best chance of enjoying your journey.

Runkurakay Ruin on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

3). Break in your Trekking Boots Before the Trip

Make sure that you get the right boots and break them in. Having the right boots are an absolute must on this trek!  You will be wearing these boots day in and out, along the extremely uneven and rocky trail.   Do not arrive to the Inca Trail with a new pair of boots that you have not taken the time to break in. This could make for a long and uncomfortable trek!  Make sure that you have a pair of boots that you have worn in the elements and broken in on trails.  A good amount of ankle support is also a must.  Make sure that your boots are waterproof, as you are likely to encounter moisture, either in the form of rain, snow or both on the trail. READ MORE.

Visiting the beautiful Sayacmarca Ruin

4). Have all the Right Clothing and Gear

We want to make sure that all of our clients have the right gear, especially your waterproofsThe gear you bring with you on the trek can be the difference to your enjoyment levels on the trail.  There are a few bits of gear that are essential in order to set yourself up for success: your waterproofs and layers.  It is almost a guarantee that you will encounter rain on the trail, no matter what time of year you go. Therefore, you need to be prepared for all weather.  Having a good waterproof jacket and pants will mean that you do not have to spend the 4 days on the trail wet and cold, which can definitely make or break your trip!

Another part of gear that I would suggest you focus on is your layering system. The temperatures on the trail can sometimes drop below freezing. And other times it is quite warm. This means that you will need the right layers as well as a warm down jacket.  I like to focus on wearing Merino Wool base-layers, however, they are quite expensive.  Therefore, if you don’t want to spend the money on wool, I would stick with a good synthetic fabric.  Do not show up on a trip with cotton layers as they will not dry quickly or help with regulating body temperatures.  You will always want to have a good down jacket as well to put on in the mornings and evenings, when the temps drop!  If you need more information on what gear to choose, please feel free to get in touch.

Top 10 tips for your Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu

5).  Book Far in Advance to Avoid Disappointment

The Inca Trail is regulated by the government of Peru and therefore strict regulations have been put in place. The trail only allows for 500 people per day to be on it, including all porters/guides/cooks and tourists.  This can limit your chance of being able to book a trek, unless you plan far in advance.  You have to book your place on a trek no later than 6 months before you plan to travel, in order to get your spot booked.  If you arrive in Cusco with plans on going on the Inca Trail, without having booked prior, you will likely be disappointed.  There are however many other treks into Machu Picchu that you can take. However, if you want to be on the actual Inca Trail, you must book in advance!

Stunning views on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

6). Pick The Best Month for your Trek

Pick your dates to best suit you. While you can hike on the Inca Trail year-round, there are definitely months in the year that have more suitable weather to take your journey than others. The months of May through September generally give you the best chance of being on the trail with the least amount of rainfall.  Most likely you will always see precipitation on the trail, no matter what time of year it is, however if you go during the months of May – September, the chance of rainfall is lower than at other times.

The Inca Tunnel on the Trail to Machu Picchu

7). Arrive in to Cusco Early for Additional Acclimatization

The beautiful town of Cusco, Peru sits at 3,400m/ 11,152 feet above sea level.  If you are flying in from sea level, this is quite a large jump to take.  You may feel the lack of oxygen and possibly even signs of altitude sickness on your arrival.  It is not a good plan to start the Inca Trail after only one night sleep in Cusco.  If time allows, you should sleep at least two nights in Cusco.  This will give yourself that much needed time to acclimatize.

All of our trips on the Inca Trail include two nights in Cusco at the start of the trip.  Also, we will take one day to do a full day tour of the Sacred Valley to aid in your acclimatization process. The start of the Inca trail is actually at a lower altitude than Cusco, so if you give yourself that much needed time in the City, you will definitely feel the benefit when you start hiking. There is also plenty of things to see and do in the city to spend the extra time!

The sometimes uneven and rocky trail to Machu Picchu

8). Hydration is Critical

Drink, Drink, DrinkWater is your best friend at altitude! Keeping yourself hydrated at altitude is extremely important.  Your body dehydrates much quicker at altitude. Therefore, you need to replenish your fluids and drink a lot more water than you may do back home. I always try and drink anywhere from 4 to 5 liters a day when at altitude.  If your follow this rule, you will combat altitude sickness and keep yourself feeling good throughout the trip!

Ian Taylor Trekking groups washing up before a meal

9). Be Prepared for the Outdoors

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the World’s most beautiful and well-traveled trails.  It is accessible to most people out there who are avid walkers/hikers, however, it is still the outdoors and you have to be prepared.  Not only do you have to deal with the difficulty of hiking and the weather on the trail, you need to prepared to have to live in the outdoors for 4 nights.  This means that you will be walking, sleeping, eating, and going to the bathroom in the wilderness.  Therefore, you need to be comfortable with all of these things.

Our trips carry our own toilets with us on the trail for your comfort.  Likewise, there are some toilet facilities in the campsites for use, but along the trail, you will need to use the great outdoors as your facility!  Always remember to carry a small bottle of hand sanitizer so that you can keep bacteria off your hands. You also want to make sure you have the right vaccinations for your Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu.

Beautiful Views from the Campsite on the Inca Trail

10). Pacing Yourself on the Trail

One of the biggest mistakes people make while on an altitude trekking trip is to over exert on the trail.  You don’t want to be in a position that you are out of breath and fatiguing your muscles when trekking.  Likewise, you want to avoid having a high heart rate while walking on the trail.  You need to keep the pace at a slow and controlled speed to make sure that these things don’t happen.  If you feel that your guide is going too fast, then slow down and take it at the speed you need to be comfortable.  It is not a race to the finish line!

Inca Ingenuity

Get in Touch Today for More Information

Get ready for some of the most amazing experiences of your life. CONTACT US and learn more about our quality run Inca Trail trips. The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the world’s greatest and most beautiful treks. Following in the footsteps of the Inca people to the great city of Machu Picchu will undoubtedly give you some of the most beautiful and unique views that you will ever see!




Preparation & Training

The 4 day Inca Trail option is for the fittest hikers.  Although the Inca Trail is accessible to most relatively fit individuals, you definitely want to make sure that you are putting in the right training.

Steps, Steps and More Steps

Thousands and thousands of steep challenging steps up and down will likely be the most testing part of the trip. And for most, the way down will be the hardest. Throughout the trail, you have to go over three high passes. From the third pass, at 3,670m/ 12,041 feet, you will have to get down to the final camp site at Winay Wayna, which is at 2,700m/ 8,858 feet. So, on that day alone, you will be dropping down 3,183 feet on a steep descent. On another day, you will be walking up 1,115m/ to the highest altitude at 4,215m/ 13,828 feet, then dropping down 715m/ 2,346 feet in one day. This is tough on the knees, Calves and quads, especially when you also will be carrying your backpack with approximately 5kg – 10kg/ 11lbs – 22lbs.

Walking up to the Second Pass on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Long Days on the Trail

No matter what itinerary you choose to take,  you will have some very long and difficult days of trekking ahead.  The highest point on the Traditional 4 Day trek is at 4,215m/ 13,776 feet at the pass of Wanusca (Dead Woman’s Pass).In order to safely and successfully reach those high points, it is imperative that you take it slow and steady and have the right physical preparations in place.

Once you have reached the high points on the trail, either on the second or third day of the trek (depending on which itinerary you chose), is not the end of your up-hill on the trail, nor does it mean the hard part is over.  Dropping down on steep inclines as well as more added up-hill travel on the trail, after the body is already fatigued is something you want to be ready for.  Make sure that you have done the correct training.  Training with your weighted backpack on, going up and down hills and stairs will be paramount to your success.

The starting point for your Inca Trail trek

How Should you be Training

You should aim to train 4/5 times a week in preparation for your Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu. However it is hard to give a one size fits all for your training plan. Everyone is starting in a different place and has different levels of access.  So your training program will depend on a wide range of factors. We recommend getting a fitness test, before you start the training, so you know you max heart rate and training zones. Most of your training should be done at lower heart rate levels in the aerobic zone. You also need to start will less time and less weight in your back pack, and work your way up. Your goal should be to build, endurance, leg strength, overall body strength, balance and lung capacity.

The most important factors for your trip will be to build strength and endurance.  The strength is needed to carry your body up and down the hills.  The endurance training is needed so that you can perform for 4 – 6 days in a row. The key training you can do is walking up and down hills and stairs, with a weighted back pack, building from 5kg to 10kg.  This activity will stress your legs and build strength prior to your trek. If you do not have access to hills/stairs for training, you should use a stair master, building up to 1 hour 30 minutes per day with a weighted backpack on.  Both of these ways will help you build the specific leg strength to get up and down these hills safely. Lunges and squats should also be key elements of your training. Contact us for further information.

Not everyone will have access to hills, but this is the best way to train your body and legs for down hill hiking. Depending on your chosen adventure you do need to assess the level of downhill. We have elevation gains available for all of our key trips. I encourage you to review the daily elevation drops and what type of terrain you will be walking on.

For example, on our Inca trail treks you will be drop 700m/ 2,296 feet to 1,000m/ 3,280 feet on different days all on steep rocky stairs. On Kilimanjaro you will drop 2,800m/ 9,186 feet in one day on scree and rock and this is very challenging on your legs and joints.

You have just walked for days on end you have reached your goal but not you have to retrace your steps, often in a quicker time frame. Hiking downhill will take its toll on your joints.  Fore sure, the downhill hike will take more wear and tear on your joints and muscles than the uphill.

You do need to use effective training techniques to minimize the impact on your body.  Descending using good technique means that you move faster and feel lighter. Remember, 80% of accidents happen on the way down.

Keeping Knees Healthy

We live in Eagle-vail Colorado with amazing access to altitude and a wide range of mountain terrain to train on. In Colorado we can train all year round on hilly terrain preparing for Kilimanjaro, Himalayan trekking and mountaineering trips. I know most of you are joining our trips from sea level and with minimal access to hill training. I encourage you to get out to Colorado doing some multi-day hiking in preparation for your chosen adventure.

If you do not have access to hills and mountains, you must figure out other ways to prepare your knee joints to handle downhill stress. From a knee perspective, downhill hiking means eccentric loading and typically thousands of repetitions of it. Eccentric loading (the lengthening phase of a contraction) is especially challenging to what is called the patellofemoral joint of the knee. This is where the knee cap, meets the femur. Inadequate strength, poor mechanics and lack of exposure to this type of loading can turn downhill forces into injury producing stress. Prior to your trekking trip you need to start implementing sport specific training into our general preparedness programming.

Hiking Uphill and Downhill

Hiking uphill is all concentric muscle action (muscle active while shortening) at the knee joint without any eccentric loading (loading while muscle is lengthening). Concentric only exercises tend to cause less mechanical stress, load and pain to joints and tendons than do exercises that have eccentric phases. What goes up must come down.

You must prepare our body and specifically your knees to handle downhill hiking. Depending on the trip, you really need 6 months of some sport specific training into our general preparedness programming.

The strength movements below are similar but slightly different in specific ways. We purposely only hit each one once per week because too much volume of these exercises could quickly lead to an over training injury, so be careful. I would recommend adding in additional hip flexor and quadriceps mobility work at the end of your training sessions as well to maintain good length tension relationships and to protect your spine.

The Point of These Exercises

Increase vertical loading volume of the knees with a sight posterior to anterior (back to front) force vector. Get exposed and accustomed to decelerating the vertical and forward forces using primarily a knee strategy.  Transition from doing most lunges and squats with a 3 points of contact foot position to a more heel elevated position where we contact and press through the forefoot.

The 3 points of contact foot position is the most stable position for the foot and encourages a balance of hip and thigh musculature – great for general preparedness training. Transitioning to a heels elevated position where the forces are applied through the forefoot places most of the stress on the quadriceps and knees – optimal for downhill hiking training.

Exercises for Downhill Hiking

You should consider adding these movements into your weekly training 2 times per week. Add 3-5 sets of 10-15 repetitions (per leg)

1). Heels Elevated Goblet Squat
2). Forward Alternating Lunge with Farmers Carry Loading
3). Forward Alternating Drop from Box Lunges
4). Banded Posterior to Anterior (PA) Forward Lunges

Carrying Weight

One of the best ways of mitigating the risk of musculoskeletal issues is by carrying a light pack. Then build up the weight you carry over time. An overly heavy backpack is not recommended in the early stages of your training.

Extract its biggest toll on your body during steep and/or long downhill sections, so a hiker should always aim to travel as lightly as the dictates of their skillset and the environment into which they are venturing allow.

If you are carrying weight on longer hike you should slowly build up the weight you carry. You should also consider carry water uphill and dump as much water/ weight as possible for your downhill. Always assess the weight you are carrying for each hike and always build up slowly over time. You do not want to get injured.

Our Unique Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive at Cusco International airport. Our team will pick you up from the airport and bring you to the hotel for your stay in Cusco, which is on a shared basis. Because you are arriving into high altitude, we recommend taking this day to rest, rehydrate and slowly take in the sites of this beautiful and historical city! You will stay the night in the nice, 4 Star hotel of our choice, in a shared accommodation. We will have a briefing this evening, to go over the itinerary, and then you will want to get to bed early as tomorrow will be a long day! Remember, you are arriving into high altitude in Cusco at 3,400m/ 11,152 feet above sea level.

Day 2

Full day private Sacred Valley Tour including: Pisaq remains, Pisaq market, local corn beer brewery, Ollantaytambo remains, Ollantaytambo village and return to Cusco. The Pisaq and Ollantaytambo remains are very special experiences in themselves, along with mixing with the culture, this day will live long in the memory. This day also gives your body a chance to acclimatize to the lower levels of oxygen. After a long day of travel, you will return to your hotel in Cusco. The day your will start at 8am and finish at 6pm and will include lunch along the way.

Day 3

The Inca Trail starts with a pickup from your hotel after breakfast, and then drive to the town of Ollantaytambo, where you can pick up any last-minute items you may need. From Ollantaytambo, we continue to the start of the trail, Piscacucho (AKA km 82) at 2,700m/ 8,858 feet. From here, we will have enough time to organize our backpacks and tour the entrance building, where we will learn more about the flora and fauna on the trail. Then, we will go through the controls where we need present our passports in order to enter the trail.

In the first stretch of the hike we will have beautiful views of the landscape and surrounding peaks, such as Apu Huakay Willka 5,850m/ 19,193 feet, otherwise known as Veronica. We will begin to see the many plants and trees of the region, which our team will explain as we walk. We will have our first delicious lunch, prepared by our chef and kitchen team, by the riverbank. After lunch, we will keep moving after the trek continues ascending lightly to a semi-tropical valley until we reach our campground at Wayllabamba 3,100m/ 10,170feet.

Day 4

We will rise early this morning for breakfast before we start what will be one of the toughest days on the trail. Today, we will be reaching the highest point in the Inca Trail, the high mountain pass of Abra Warmihuañusca, or the Dead Woman Pass, at 4,215m/ 13,776 feet. Along the climb today, the landscape will change from sierra to puna (a dry and high area with little vegetation). We will also have the chance to spot domesticated llamas and alpacas grazing on Ichu, one of the few plants that grow at that altitude. We also cross an area of the Cloud Forest, which is inhabited by many different kinds of birds like hummingbirds and sparrows as well as the Andean Bear, which is also called the Spectacled Bear (Tremarctus Ornatus).

We will have lunch at Llulluchapampa 3,850m/ 12,589 feet, where we will be treated with beautiful views out over the valley we have just came through. After lunch, we will continue further upwards to the top of the Dead Woman’s Pass. After a strenuous morning and early afternoon of ascending the pass, you will get to the summit to celebrate. After enjoying the views and having a break, we will then begin the steep, downhill trek on uneven stairs, for approximately 700m/ 2,296 feet down to our campsite for the night. Tonight, we will be sleeping in Pacaymayu Camp at 3,500m/ 11,482 feet.

Day 5

After a good night’s sleep we will wake early for another challenging day on the trail. After breakfast, the trail moves steeply up the opposite side of the valley wall, towards the second pass, the Abra Runkurakay at 3,970m/ 13,022 feet. Halfway up the pass, we will stop to visit the archaeological complex with the same name. This site, located at 3,800m/ 12,464 feet, consists of a small oval structure that is believed to have served the purpose of a watchtower.

After visiting the site, we will continue to the top of the pass. From there, we descend towards Yanacocha (Black Lagoon) and enter the cloud forest. We will then arrive at the beautiful complex of Sayacmarca at 3,624m/ 11,887 feet. From there, we will continue on the trail towards the third pass, the Abra Phuyupatamarca, at 3,700m/ 12,136 feet, where we will stop for our final lunch on the trail.

After lunch, we will have a short walk down to the Phuyupatamarca Ruins, where we will have an explanation of the ruins. From there, we will continue down 900m/ 2,952 feet, to reach Wiñayhuayna, on steep stairs all the way down. On the way to Wiñayhuayna, we will stop in to view the beautiful ruins of Intipata. Normally, we will reach Intipata for sunset views which are absolutely stunning! Finally, we will reach our final camp of the trek, Wiñayhuayna at 2,700m/ 8,829 feet. We will enjoy our final dinner together and we will also thank our support staff this evening and give them tips.

Day 6

The final leg of our journey on the Inca trail. We will be up very early, around 3am, for breakfast and a final quick pack up of our things. We will walk the short distances to the Machu Picchu entrance gate and wait for opening. From Wiñayhuayna to the Sun Gate, or Intipunku, is an easy trek, following a broad level path, which winds comfortably through scrub and light woodland, where colourful butterflies flutter across the trail.

Before reaching the Sun Gate, we will have a very steep section of approximately 50 steps, which leads you up to the exciting and stunning views below! With the views of Machu Picchu city below, you will stand in awe of this unique mystical place. From Intipunku, a pathway leads directly downhill to Machu Picchu, itself which takes approximately one hour. From here, we will take pictures and enjoy the beauty of this spectacular city. We will take a full city tour of Machu Picchu for about two hours. Those who had selected to climb Huayna Picchu will branch off to climb to the top, to see the stunning views, looking back on the lost city. If you are not climbing Huayna Picchu, then you can take some time to explore the magical remains of Machu Picchu for yourself.

Once we are ready to go, we will continue down to the checkpoint, where we will take a bus from the Inca city of Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes, or Machu Picchu town. You will have some time to explore the town of Aguas Calientes and have a bite to eat. From here, we will take the train back to Ollantaytambo, where our private transportation will await, for the journey back to Cusco. After a long day, we will reach the hotel in Cusco and you will be free to enjoy the evening in the City for your final night.

Day 7

You will be picked you up from your hotel in Cusco depending on your flight time. We will drive you to the airport in order to take your flight for your onward journey. There are options to join tours to the Amazon, Lake Titicaca and other treasures Peru has on offer.

  • High Quality Inca Trail Treks

    Hiking this famous trail will leave you spelt bound. From start to finish we manage all aspects of the trip to the highest quality. The pace of the trip is managed while we educate you on what the Inca's were doing here 500 years ago. Learning how the Inca’s re enforced Machu Picchu from possible earthquakes, hand carved each structure, managed to cultivate crops, redirect water and positioned the city out of reach of invaders in truly remarkable. The journey to Machu Picchu will leave you inspired with true admiration for the incredible Incan people who ran these trials over 500 years ago.

  • Trekking at Altitude Needs a Professional Approach

    Ian has climbed Everest and led 15+ treks along this famous trial and available 5 days a week in support of your trip. We can help you understand the correct training needed to be safe and success. Speak to our expert team today.

    The third day is the longest, but also the most interesting as we will visit impressive ruins like Runkurakay and Sayacmarca. Tonight we will camp at Winaywayna 2,700m/ 8,829ft.

    On the final day, we will rise early at 3am walk to the check point and wait for Machu Picchu to open. It will take one hour to the amazing Sun Gate. We will aim to see the sun rise over Machu picchu from the Inti Punku (Sun Gate). The remainder of the day is spent exploring this fabulous ancient city of the Inca’s, climbing Huayna Picchu or get lost in the city of Machu Picchu. The scenery is spectacular and so rewarding to finally arrive at this famous destination. Trekking the Inca Trial is one of the world’s greatest treks and one that may chance your life. This trekking experience deep in the Peruvian Andes gives you insight into how intuitive and resourceful the Inca People were. These true mountain tribes were genuinely remarkable people, completing the entire Inca Trail in one day. On the Inca trail 4 day trek to Machu Picchu, we will be following the traditional Inca Trail in one of the world’s most unique and famous trekking trails.

    We are available 5 days a week in support of your training, preparation and answering any questions you may have. Ian has climbed Everest the top, climbed Kilimanjaro 19 times and lead numerous treks on the Inca trail to Machu Picchu. We have the experience and expertise to help you prepare and fully enjoy your Inca trail experience. On signing up we send out our 35 page dossier on the trek with full information and details of undertaking this adventure.




Equipment

If you are joining one of our treks to Machu Picchu, then we will send you a 35 page Dossier with all the information you need to know about the trek.  This will include a complete kit list, with examples of all the gear that you will need for your trip.

What Will you Have in Your Backpack

There are a number of items you will need in your in your day pack. You will need to carry 2 to 3 liters of water with you each day. There will be water available at lunch time and when you arrive at camp each day. You will need to carry rain gear, a spare layer, camera and sun cream. Also, remember to always carry your passport and money with you each day as well.

If you are considering a trek to Machu Picchu, then GET IN TOUCH today.  We are available 5 days a week to assist with your trip of a lifetime!

1). La Sportiva TXS GTX

This is a new boot from La Sportiva, that has replaced our beloved Trango Trek GTX.  We prefer a more rigid sole under foot and these boots do a great job. They breathe well, are lightweight and waterproof. Some of our Sherpa and Kilimanjaro guides wear these boots as well. Ian used these boots on four Kilimanjaro climbs this year along with three Everest Base Camp trips, and they are still in great condition for the same again next year. This boot would be a great option for your trek to Machu Picchu!

Trekking Boots For Everest Base Camp

2). Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX

Scarpa has come out with a new light weight option in the Zodiac. These boots are Gore-Tex, so a waterproof boot to keep you dry if you experience moisture on the trail.  They also have good ankle support and lacing system.  These boots, similar to the La Sportiva TXS, have a more rigid sole. This is ideal for the stairs you will encounter on the Inca Trail. Scarpa are always re-inventing trekking boots and if they fit your foot correctly, then they may be the right boot for you. They work great and last a long time.  Also, if you decide on more challenging trails after the Inca Trail, we would also recommend these boots for a Kilimanjaro climb, Elbrus or Everest Base Camp.

Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX Boot

3). Lowa Renegade GTX Mid

The Lowa Renegade GTX Mid boot has been around for a long time and worn by many trekkers around the world!  These are a perfect boot for the Inca Trail. They are waterproof, have good ankle support, and also have a semi-rigid sole.  The grip of these boots and the more rigid sole is ideal for the many stairs on the Inca Trail.  The negative of these boots is that they do have a lot of stitching on them, making them more susceptible to wearing out faster than other options.

Lowa Renegade GTX Mid Boot

4). Merrell Moab Mid 2 Waterproof

The Merrell Moab Mid 2 Waterproof Trekking Boot has been around for years and there is a good reason for that, they are a great boot!  These boots boast a waterproof membrane, good ankle support, comfortable and sturdy fit.  The Merrell boot may be the option for you if you have a slightly wider foot or need more room in your toe box.  This boot is a reliable and durable option that will be ideal for your Inca Trail trek!  We would also recommend this boot for the Inca trail.

Merrell Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Boot

5). Salewa Mountain Trainer Mid GTX

Salewa has been coming out with a lot of new and very high quality boots over the past few years.  While we have not personally worn this boot yet, however, we do have a lot of clients wearing these boots on the Inca Trail. We have had very good feedback on this option! They have Gore-Tex in the boot, so they are waterproof and also have a good amount of ankle support.  This lightweight, but durable boot would be a great option for your trek to Macchu Picchu.

Salewa Mounain Trainer Mid GTX




FAQ

Q). Are we trekking on the main Inca Trail?

A). Yes, you are. There are thousands of Inca Trails and we will be trekking on the famous Inca trail that walks into Machu Picchu. Hands down this is the best way to experience this magical region. This is the king of all the Inca trails and our itinerary gives you more time on the trail. We stay in the best campsites and you get two visits to Machu Picchu.

Q). When is the best time to trek the Inca Trail?

A). You can trek most of the year. The best 4 months are May, June, July and August. The main trekking season is from April through October.

Q). Is there a dry season for the Inca Trail?

A). Yes, dry season is April through October. It can rain at any time of year on certain parts of the Inca Trail as you pass through a range of climates on this amazing trek.

Q). What hotels will be stay in?

A). We use the Novotel hotel in Cusco and we use the Typicala hotel in Aguas Calientes for our trips to Machu Picchu.

Q). What additional expenses will I incur for Inca trail treks?

A). The additional expenses you will incur on the Inca Trail will depend on a number of factors. It will vary greatly depending on your itinerary, inclusions and exclusions in your specific trip. However, for our Ian Taylor Trekking trips, these are some additional expenses you may incur while in Cusco and on your Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu.

Visa Entry to Peru: NONE
Meals and water in Cusco/ Aguas Calientes: $100 – $200 depending on restaurants
Tips given at the end of the trek: $200 recommended for 4 or 5 day trek
Water on the trail: We boil all water for you. Some locals early on the trail sell water and energy drinks. $20 if you choose to purchase
Internet: NONE (not available)
Battery Charging: NONE (not available)
Boiled water for your hot water bottle: No charge for this
Souvenirs: At your own discretion

Q). Where do I get water from on the Inca Trail?

A). If you are on an Inca Trail trek with Ian Taylor Trekking, you will not have to purchase any water during the trek. We recommend that you have water purification tablets with you on the trek to purify all water you drink. In the mornings, at lunch and in the evening, our staff will be able to fill your bottles or water bladders. Each time you are given cold water, however, you will need to treat that water with your purification tablets. We recommend that you are drinking 4 – 5 liters of water a day on the trail. There are also a couple of places that you can purchase water or soft drinks from people on the trail, if you choose. We do remind our clients to LEAVE NO TRACE on the Inca Trail and we do not recommend purchasing plastic bottles that likely will not be recycled.

Q). What is there to do in Cusco?

A). All of the Ian Taylor Trekking trips include three nights in a 4 start hotel in Cusco. Cusco is a beautiful and historic city that is filled with different things to do, from museums, historic sites, markets and shops, to the restaurants and bars. Eating in Cusco will be a highlight of your trip. It is a wonderful culinary city with a range of options for all budgets. You can enjoy small, local eateries for less than $5 a meal or you can eat at one of the delicious five star restaurants for $30 a meal.

Q). What is there to do in Aguas Calientes?

A). If you are on one of our Classic 5 Day Inca Trail trips to Machu Picchu, then you will be spending one night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes. This very unique and beautiful town will provide you with a hot shower, a bed to sleep in and a fun evening on the town. There is a wonderful market that you may visit with local artisans selling their goods. There are also bars, restaurants, shops and galleries throughout the town that you also will have an option to visit. We include dinner in Aguas Calientes.

Q). What will the food be like on the Inca Trail trek?

A). We only serve quality food on Inca Trail treks to Machu Picchu. Learn more. You can either fuel your body with premium or regular fuel and we chose to offer premium! Our trips offer a wide range of fruit, vegetables, meat and grains to give your body what it needs when exercising. On the trail, you will be served three course meals, three times a day. Our team can also accommodate your dietary requirements. If you are gluten free, vegetarian or follow other special diets, then we can make sure you have the food you need.

Q). What does a typical day of eating include on an Ian Taylor Trekking Inca Trail trek?

A). Breakfast: Cereal with Raisins, eggs, Honey, Jam with pancakes and fruit. We also serve Tea, Coffee Hot Chocolate or Milo

Lunch: Soup served with Garlic Bread. Rice, quinoa, oies, chicken, beef and vegetables, french fries, salad Fresh Fruit. We also serve Fruit Juice, Tea, Coffee Hot Chocolate or Milo Afternoon Tea: Tea, Coffee Hot Chocolate or Milo Served with Biscuits and Popcorn

Dinner: Soup served with White or Brown Bread, Chicken, vegetable patty, served with Steamed Rice, mixed vegetables and regular vegetables. We also have Tea, Coffee Hot Chocolate or Milo and cake.

Q). What vaccinations do I need for an Inca Trail trek?

A). While there are no legally required vaccinations for entry or exit from Peru, there are however, some recommended ones. These include tetanus, hepatitis A, typhoid, hepatitis B, rabies, poliomyelitis, Tablets for malaria, tuberculosis and Covid-19. We suggest keeping up with the CDC or your local travel medical center to find out what vaccines are currently recommended for travel to Peru.

Q). How can I protect myself from bug bites in Peru?

A). While there are less bugs on the trail in June and July the best, but colder months. Bug spray is needed. Bugs like mosquitoes, ticks and fleas can spread numerous diseases in Peru. Many of these cannot be prevented from medication or vaccines, however you can protect yourself from bug bites in other ways. Wear long pants, shirts and a hat, in order to limit your amount of exposed skin. Use appropriate insect repellent, specifically with DEET in it. Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). However, do not use permethrin directly on skin.




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Does this information on the Inca trail 4 day trek excite you to take the next step towards reaching Machu Picchu? If so, get in touch today.

We pride ourselves on making sure that our clients have every opportunity to succeed on the mountains, including professional training advice, gear lists and video links on how to pack your bag, and much more.  We are always available to answer any questions you may have by email or phone so contact us today!

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