Machu Picchu is one of those bucket-list experiences people dream about. While most visitors arrive on a day trip, you can also reach it via the legendary Inca Trail—a multi-day trek through Peru’s cloud forest.
In this guest article, Gillian shares her unforgettable experience hiking to Machu Picchu and offers practical tips to help you plan your own journey.
🌄 The Inca Trail Experience
Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu was the highlight of my travel year. It’s that incredible. Standing atop the Andes, knowing I had walked all the way there, filled me with joy and awe. I didn’t want to be anywhere else.
But I won’t lie, it was hard work. A lot of work. And absolutely worth it.
🏛️ About Machu Picchu
Located at around 2,500 meters above sea level, Machu Picchu was built in the 15th century as a royal estate. It was used for less than a century before being abandoned during the Spanish conquest.
Although locals knew of the ruins, it wasn’t until 1911 that archaeologist Hiram Bingham III climbed the mountain and recognized its significance.
To protect the site from tourism damage, entry is limited to 6,534 people per day, split between morning and afternoon slots. Tickets often sell out months in advance, especially for the hike, so plan early, research thoroughly, and book ahead.
✅ Tips for Hiking the Inca Trail
- Arrive early in Cusco: Spend 3–5 days acclimating to the altitude before your hike. It makes a huge difference.
- Use trekking poles: Bring your own or rent them from your tour company. You’ll need them.
- Chew coca leaves: If altitude hits you hard, coca leaves are the local remedy. Guides and porters use them. You can chew the leaves or buy coca gum. (Altitude meds from your doctor help too—but they’ll make you pee a lot.)
- Break in your boots: Buy and wear your hiking boots 1–2 months before your trip to avoid blisters.
- Bring sunscreen and insect repellent: Sunburns and mosquito bites are common. Apply both daily.
- Pack blister kits: Your feet will take a beating. A few first-aid supplies go a long way.
- Bring extra snacks: You’ll be well-fed, but your favorite snacks can boost morale during tough stretches.
- Go the extra mile: For epic views, hike the extra hour to Huayna Picchu. It’s steep and narrow, but worth it.
- Train beforehand: You don’t need to be an Olympian, but the fitter you are, the easier the hike.
- Skip the showers: There are cold showers mid-hike. Most people skip them and enjoy the rest instead.
- Bring spare batteries: Pack a power bank and extra camera batteries. You don’t want to miss capturing Machu Picchu.
- Use earplugs: Campsites can be noisy. Earplugs help you sleep.
- Consider the Salkantay Trek: For fewer crowds and similar views, try the Salkantay route. It gets one-third the traffic and costs less.
- Carry cash for the bathroom: There’s only one bathroom at Machu Picchu, and it costs a few soles.
- Get your passport stamped: Machu Picchu offers a unique stamp, great for commemorating your journey.
- Check your bag size: Only daypacks under 20L are allowed. Larger bags must be checked at the gate.
