1. Treat it as a full mountain day

Lugnaquilla is a serious day out. The terrain is often boggy, uneven and physically demanding, and once you’re up there, it feels genuinely remote. Plan for five to seven hours, move at a steady pace, and make sure you’re conserving energy for the descent. Good planning makes the difference between a tough slog and a really rewarding day on the mountain.

2. Be prepared for navigation in poor visibility

The summit plateau is broad and featureless, and mist or low cloud is common in the Wicklow Mountains. When visibility drops, route finding becomes much more challenging. Carry a map and compass and make sure you’re confident using them, bring a GPS or saved GPX route as a backup, and keep your phone fully charged. Navigation isn’t something to leave to chance on Lugnaquilla.

3. Train for sustained climbing

Whichever route you take, expect a long, steady ascent that can feel relentless in soft ground. Before heading up, you’ll want to be comfortable walking for several hours, climbing continuously for 60 to 90 minutes, and handling uneven terrain without too much difficulty. The fitter you are going in, the more you’ll actually enjoy the experience rather than just get through it.

4. Dress for wind and changing conditions

Conditions at the summit can be very different from what you left behind at the trailhead. Strong winds and low temperatures are common, even in summer. We’d recommend a waterproof jacket and trousers, a warm mid-layer, hat and gloves, and sturdy hiking boots with good grip. It’s always worth preparing for worse weather than the forecast suggests.

5. Know when to turn back

Good judgement on the mountain matters more than reaching the summit. If visibility drops, conditions deteriorate, or your energy levels fall away significantly, turning back is absolutely the right call. The mountain isn’t going anywhere, and making sound decisions is what allows you to come back and try again.

1. Get comfortable spending time on your feet

Before anything else, make sure your body is used to moving steadily for a few hours at a time. You don’t need to be running or training at high intensity, you just need consistency. Two or three solid walks a week, gradually building up to three or four hours, will give you the base fitness you need. A good sign you’re on track: finishing a long walk feeling like you could keep going.

2. Seek out hills, even small ones

Lugnaquilla is a long, steady climb. It’s not technical, but it doesn’t let up easily either. Find hills near you and walk them at a controlled, steady pace. If hills aren’t an option, stair climbing or treadmill incline sessions work really well as alternatives. The goal isn’t speed, it’s learning how to climb without burning out too early.

3. Strengthen your legs for the descent

A lot of people focus on getting up the mountain, but the descent is where tired legs and sore knees tend to make themselves known. Two short strength sessions a week, covering squats, lunges, step-ups and some core work, will improve your stability and help you feel strong later in the day. No gym needed, bodyweight is more than enough.

4. Train with your pack and boots

Lugnaquilla can be wet and uneven underfoot, so stability really matters. Wear your hiking boots on your training walks and carry a light pack so your body adapts to that setup before the day itself. Small adjustments made in training prevent real discomfort on the mountain. Nothing new on summit day is a rule we always stand by.

5. Work on your pacing

One of the most common things we see is people setting off too fast. On your training hikes, find a rhythm you could realistically sustain for hours. A useful guide: you should be able to hold a conversation while climbing. If you’re already struggling for breath early on, ease back a little. Mountain fitness is about control and efficiency, not just effort.

At Ian Taylor Trekking, we bring the same care and attention to Lugnaquilla as we do to our alpine and high-altitude expeditions. It may be Ireland’s highest mountain rather than Mont Blanc, but it’s serious terrain all the same: remote, exposed, and capable of turning quickly in bad weather.

Our guided treks are planned so you can focus on the experience rather than the logistics. Navigation on the summit plateau can be tricky, conditions can shift fast, and pacing matters on a long ascent like this. We take care of the route, the timing and the safety considerations, so your day moves in a steady, controlled way from start to finish.

If you’d like to take on Lugnaquilla with experienced support behind you, we’d love to hear from you.

1. How long does it take to climb Lugnaquilla?

Most routes take somewhere between five and seven hours, depending on the approach, conditions and the pace of the group. We move at a steady rhythm with planned breaks along the way, so there’s plenty of time to take in the landscape rather than just push through the day.

2. What makes Lugnaquilla different from other hikes in Wicklow?

Lugnaquilla feels genuinely remote. Once you leave the lower ground, you’re committed to a long ascent and an exposed summit plateau that can feel wild and isolated in a way that other Wicklow routes don’t quite match. It asks more of you in terms of terrain awareness and conditions, and that’s a big part of what makes it such a satisfying mountain to climb.

3. What happens if the weather is poor on the day?

Irish mountain weather can move quickly, and we always keep a close eye on conditions. If visibility is severely compromised or it’s simply not safe to continue, we’ll adjust the plan, whether that means modifying the route or postponing the day entirely. Good judgement always comes before summiting. The mountain isn’t going anywhere.

4. How fit do I need to be?

You should be comfortable walking for several hours over uneven ground and able to keep a steady pace uphill for extended periods. You don’t need to be an athlete, but you do need to have put in some preparation beforehand. We provide clear training guidance ahead of your trek so you know exactly what to expect and how to get ready.

5. Can Lugnaquilla be used as preparation for bigger mountains?

It really can. The sustained ascent, the exposure and the navigation all mirror aspects of bigger mountain days, just on a more manageable scale. It’s a solid test of your pacing, fitness and mindset, and many of our clients use it as part of their progression toward Alpine or international treks.

 
 
 
 
  
 
Excellent5.0421 reviews
 
5.0
 
Excellent421 reviews
 
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 Zoe Ormond 
 
19 September 2026
 
 
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We had an unforgettable experience up Kilimanjaro with Ian Taylor Trekking. The route was carefully planned to help us acclimatise and the whole team went above and beyond to keep us comfortable and safe. Our lead guide Shabani and the entire team were great at encouraging us on summit day and thanks to them all of our group made it to the summit successfully.
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Scott Medley 
 
24 August 2026
 
 
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+0
Amazing trip to Ecuador. The Ian Taylor team made everything easy prior to the trip and during. We didn’t have to think about anything other than what adventure lies ahead. I will be planning future trip with this company.
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Heather Egan 
 
21 August 2026
 
 
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+6
Roland, Shibani and the whole team were amazing!! We had the best time on the mountain and while the Summit night was very difficult, Roland, Shibani and “Ruff Ruff” (as we nicknamed him) went above and beyond to get us to the top!! Thank you for the best time and helping our accomplishment.
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Karin Schmitt 
 
15 August 2026
 
 
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An outstanding Kilimanjaro experience with Ian Taylor Trekking

Our whole family climbed Kilimanjaro with Ian Taylor Trekking, and it was a truly fantastic experience from start to finish.

The guides were outstanding. They know the mountain incredibly well, but what impressed us just as much was their calmness, professionalism and positive energy. Throughout the trek, we always felt that we were in very good hands. The supporting team was equally impressive, and their enthusiasm and friendliness created such a positive atmosphere throughout the climb.

For us, the small group size was particularly important. It made the experience feel much more personal and allowed the guides to really pay attention to everyone in the group. The whole trek was exceptionally well organised, and yet it never felt rigid or impersonal.

And then there was the food! We honestly hadn't expected to eat so well on a mountain. At times it felt almost like a glamping experience rather than a trek — fantastic food, a wonderful support team and everything taken care of, while still having the real adventure of climbing Kilimanjaro.

Most of all, Ian Taylor Trekking gave us the confidence to enjoy the mountain rather than worry about the logistics. The guides' knowledge of Kilimanjaro, the excellent organisation and the incredibly positive team made this a very special experience for our whole family.

We would wholeheartedly recommend Ian Taylor Trekking to anyone considering Kilimanjaro. It was an unforgettable adventure, and we are so glad we chose them.
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 jose ahedo diaz 
 
14 August 2026
 
 
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On August 1st I summited Kilimanjiaro for the second time with ITT. 9 years after the first summit I got to the roof of Africa with two very special partners, my Dad and my 16-year old son! It was amazing. In 2017 the experience was great but this time it was even better. It is fantastic to experience how the ITT Africa team keeps improving. The route was adjusted and summiting got easier. Logistics were impressive and the crew has still grown in efficiency and experience management. Congratulations Athumani and team for your great work!!!
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 sue wright 
 
6 August 2026
 
 
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My second trip with Ian Taylor. The Inca trail to Machu pichu. Thanks so much to Ian Taylor for making this happen! I am retired and haven’t done a serious trek before. I really wasn’t sure if I was taking on too much, but with the advice of the company (I started slowly with the one day trek last year before taking on the full challenge this year) and the support of the amazing guides and porters, I successfully completed the 5 day Inca trail. Unforgettable views, food and campsites (and endless steps up Dead Woman’s Pass!) They even produced an unexpected birthday cake on the trail for my son’s birthday!
Thankyou so much!
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Charlie Wenner 
 
3 August 2026
 
 
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My wife and I summited Kilimanjaro with ITT and I can't recommend them enough! All future expeditions that we do will be through Ian Taylor Trekking - no need to look anywhere else!

UPDATE: Completed another expedition to Inca Trail to Machu Picchu with ITT. No better company to do trekking with!
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Janet Copeland 
 
27 July 2026
 
 
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+1
I’ve just completed the Classic 5 day Inca Trail. This was my 3rd trek with Ian Taylor Trekking after hiking Everest Base Camp and Kilimanjaro with them a few years back. I  cannot say enough good things about this company. The support services are so communicative and helpful with comprehensive pre trip prep and the teams on the ground, no matter the country, are incredible. The work they put in to ensure you’re safe, comfortable and happy is of such a high standard.

As a solo traveller on this last trip I set out knowing I could trust them to provide a fantastic trip and they did not disappoint. The guide, Percy, and his team were incredibly calm, supportive and encouraging even during the tough days. They took such amazing care of our small group, particularly anyone struggling.

Every trip I come back from with Ian Taylor Trekking makes me immediately want to go on another one and I’m already looking! Thank you guys so much for another incredible experience x
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Nikki Rossetter 
 
14 July 2026
 
 
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Ian Taylor Trekking was truly a life-changing experience. From the very beginning, the company set us up for success by clearly communicating expectations around fitness, health preparedness, and training requirements. Their team was responsive, easy to communicate with, and provided helpful reminders and guidance at just the right times. I especially appreciated the detailed dossier, which became an invaluable resource that I referenced repeatedly in the months leading up to the trek.

We trained at elevations of 5,000–6,000 feet for about three months before the trip, hiking 1-2 times per week up and down terrain, and while the Inka trek was certainly challenging, it was challenging in all the right ways. We felt well prepared and able to fully enjoy the experience because of the expectations Ian Taylor Trekking helped us establish.

One of the aspects that mattered most to me was safety and ensuring that our travel positively impacted the local community. Ian Taylor Trekking excels in both areas. They genuinely employ and empower local people, and we were honored to work with our incredible guide, Aldo Quispe Cusihuaman. His name is very important to our experience - he is what set the entire trip apart.

Aldo made this journey extraordinary. He is an expert historian, fluent in Quechua, Spanish, and English, and his knowledge of the land, culture, and history brought every moment to life. We were provided with rich historical context and accurate information far beyond anything we could have hoped for. His passion, expertise, and connection to the region transformed this trek from an amazing trip into a deeply meaningful experience.

Quite simply, if it weren't for Aldo, our journey would not have been nearly as special or life altering. Ian Taylor Trekking is incredibly fortunate to have him on their team, and future trekkers are equally fortunate to learn from him. I cannot recommend Ian Taylor Trekking highly enough for anyone seeking a safe, well-organized, authentic, and unforgettable trekking experience.
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Natthapol Songdej 
 
13 July 2026
 
 
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We had an amazing and unforgettable multigenerational family trip on the 5 day Inca trail trek (which is definitely the way to go!) with Ian Taylor trekking ranging from my 74 yo mother to 13 yr old daughter and 10 yr old son. This was led by Miguel Mayorga with Lis Magali, who were wonderful, so knowledgeable, kind, caring, humorous, and took great care of our family as if their own. We truly couldn’t imagine doing this without them. The experience was seamless, from initial contact with Laura, who answered many questions for us along the way, to our contacts with Erin prior to the trip, and “on the ground” with Percy. They also arranged a great Rainbow Mountain trip for us.

Extremely special and meaningful was the Inca trail trek itself and we couldn’t have imagined a better experience than with Miguel and Lis, who became part of our family, and the caring and enthusiastic team of porters, leading and supporting us along the way. The food was also second to none and highly nutritious – it was amazing how they could prepare those meals. They even prepared an absolutely delicious cake for my birthday during first night of camp! It was a once in a lifetime experience for us and created memories that we will be reminiscing, sharing, and talking about forever. Thank you!!!
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Eve Songdej-Tran 
 
13 July 2026
 
 
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+5
My family completed the 5-day Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu with Ian Taylor Trekking, and the experience was nothing short of incredible.

Our head guide, Miguel Mayorga, second guide, Lis Magali, and the entire team of porters exceeded every expectation. They were professional, knowledgeable, personable, and genuinely cared about making this an unforgettable experience.

Miguel and Lis took exceptional care of my 74-year-old mom, ensuring she could trek safely and efficiently each day. When my sister’s air mattress was punctured one night, Lis immediately offered her own (fortunately, the porters were able to repair it with a patch kit). On our first night at camp, the chef even surprised my brother with a homemade cake for his birthday. These are just a few examples of how this team consistently went above and beyond.

Miguel’s deep knowledge of the Inca Empire, combined with his engaging storytelling, made reaching Machu Picchu even more meaningful. He set clear expectations each day, was honest about the challenges ahead, and always encouraged us along the way. Lis was equally thoughtful, regularly checking in to make sure everyone was comfortable with the pace and doing well.

The porters were absolutely amazing. Every morning as we set off on the day’s trek, they cheered us on with so much enthusiasm, and they welcomed us at every rest stop with smiles and encouragement. Their positivity, kindness, and incredible hard work were truly inspiring.

Thank you to Miguel, Lis, the chef, and the entire porter team for creating a once-in-a-lifetime experience for our family. We will never forget this journey—it simply wouldn’t have been the same without all of you!
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Pooja Rao 
 
13 July 2026
 
 
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Our family recently completed a 5 day Inca trail trek with Ian Taylor. Along with our extended family, we also had our 2 children (13 and 10 years old) on the trek. It was truly an amazing experience. All lodging and meals were taken care of. The food on the trek was amazing- fresh and nutritious- and we all looked forward to all the meals. The trek itself was challenging but being able to do it together with family was amazing and our absolutely amazing tour guide Miguel Mayorga was encouraging, humorous and so knowledgeable. He and his wonderful assistant Lis Magali took care of us all as if we were all their own family. They made the hard work fun and very rewarding. Along with the incredible staff who travelled with us who took such good care of us, I wouldn’t change anything about this incredible trek. If you’re ready to learn about one of the world’s greatest civilizations, all while challenging yourself physically and mentally in the most beautiful of environments with some of the kindest people I have ever met, I highly recommend this trek!
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Norm Borger 
 
12 July 2026
 
 
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Ian Taylor Trekking made hiking the Inca Trail an absolutely incredible experience. I commend them and highly recommend them. From start to finish Ian Taylor was present. Every detail was taken care of to include pre and post activities booked through Ian Taylor. The food; I was stunned by the quality and type of food that was swrved. I have no words. It was above and beyond. I consider myself pretty adapt at cooking backcountry meals but these were at another level. truly impressive.Everything having to do with the trek went without a hitch; hotel checkin, airport transfers, to and from the airport, amazing all around. I woud definitely use Ian Taylor Trekking in the future.
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Anne Songdej 
 
10 July 2026
 
 
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+6
Best trekking experience!! My family and I (8 in total) did the 5-day Inca Trail. Our head tour guide, Miguel Mayorga, and assistant, Liz, along with the chef, sous chef, and porters were extremely warm and highly professional! It was no easy feat taking care of my mother who is 74 years old and my nephew who was 10 years old!!! They took special care of all our individual needs, ensured our safety, while also anticipating and strategizing how we should group up ahead of time. The food on the trek was amazing!!!! The culinary, seasonal foods, and the snack time once we arrived at camp was a once in a lifetime experience. Arriving to the porters’ warm welcome was always a highlight!!! Thank you!!
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 John Carver 
 
3 July 2026
 
 
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+0
I recently completed my second trek with Ian Taylor Trekking – and also my second time hiking with Ian!

This time I did the 5 day Classic Inca Trail. Based on my earlier experience with Ian Taylors team in Tanzania and Mt. Kilimanjaro, followed by an unforgettable safari with them, I knew this would be another amazing experience.

From the time you first contact the company (usually Erin or Ian’s wife Laura), you get quick friendly and competent service. If you then follow the preparation training and packing recommendations from Ian, you are pretty much set for success. You show up, follow the support guidance from the superb guides and large support staff, and you have a great time, even when things get challenging.

The simply amazing food, trekking accommodations waiting for you each day, and many small things along the way - like a wake up morning hot drink served at your tent, happy hour popcorn and snacks, wash up materials after each days hike, and fun group pictures along the trail (to name just a few things) all add to an environment where you build a supportive and collective team, not only with your fellow trekkers, but with the Ian Taylor team too. It’s so impressive.

There are many trekking companies that can take you places. But, I can’t think of any company that can provide such a safe, comfortable and fun experience as this company. And, the company commitment to staff and community are exceptional. You will seldom find companies that give so much back to their employees and communities where they live and work. They truly care.

I’ve already booked my next Ian Taylor trek for the El Camino in September 2027 and can’t wait for it to start!