Is the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu safe

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is considered to be 1 of the 10 best hikes in the world. The Classic 4 day trail is a 43 km (26 mile) route starting from the check point at Kilometre 82. The trail is notoriously challenging as it ascends and descends over the Andes Mountains, through Amazonian cloud forests and alongside ancient archaeological centers. Therefore, physical ability and thorough preparation, both mentally and logistically is recommended.

Such a demanding challenge has left many people wondering is it safe? The short answer is yes, providing that certain precautions are taken. The most important factor is hiring a suitable and experience tour guide. In accordance with the Inca Trail Regulations, it is a provision of the Ministry of Culture of Peru that in order to enter the Inca Trail, visitors must be accompanied by a licenced tour guide who is registered with an authorised tour operator. Upon entering the checkpoints, the rangers are tasked with checking the identification of the tour guides and the groups travelling with them, to ensure everyone is registered and safe to pass through.

How to prepare for the Inca Trail

Also, it is important to be physically prepared before doing the walk. The Inca Trail is a multi-day trek that requires good physical condition and stamina. It is important to exercise regularly and practice long walks before embarking on the hike.
Along the trail, it is important to follow the safety rules and the instructions of the tour guides. These include bringing plenty of water, wearing suitable clothing for all weather conditions, wearing a high SPF sunscreen, and good quality insect repellent. It is also important to carry a first aid kit and be prepared for emergencies.

Routes to Travel the Inca Trail

The famous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the principal attractions of Peru. Known locally as the ‘Camino Inca’, it consists of a network of ancient Inca paths that lead to the lost city of the Inca’s through the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. The Classic 4-day Inca Trail is considered to be 1 of the 10 best hikes in the world, and is a 43 km (26 mile) route starting from the check point at Kilometre 82. The trail is notoriously challenging as it ascends and descends over the Andes Mountains, through Amazonian cloud forests and alongside ancient archaeological centers. Therefore, physical ability and thorough preparation, both mentally and logistically is recommended.

The Short Inca Trail is a 2-day excursion, starting at the checkpoint of Kilometre 102. The 13km trail takes you on a journey through Inca history, visiting the impressive sites of Chachabamba and Wiñayhuayna, before culminating at the famous panoramic viewpoint atop the Inti Punku Sun Gate. The 2-day tour treats you to not one, but two chances to get to know Machu Picchu, with the in-depth guided tour of the Inca citadel taking place on day 2.

Due to the prestige of the Inca Trail, it is recommended that you book your place in advance and start preparing yourself for the challenge. Entrance into the Inca trail can only be achieved through entering the official government checkpoints that are stationed along the trail. It is therefore a provision of the Ministry of Culture of Peru that in order to enter, visitors must be accompanied by a licenced tour guide who is registered with an authorised travel agency. Reservations for the Classic Inca Trail must also be secured 3-4 months in advance, due to high demand and a government limit of 500 entries per day.

CLASSIC INCA TRAIL

SHORT INCA TRAIL

Best Season to Travel the Inca Trail

The mountainous Andean region surrounding the Inca Trail experiences two primary climatic seasons throughout the year. The rainy season runs from December till April and the dry season runs from April to December. The winter months are June-August, making them the coldest, but with 12 hours of high-altitude sunshine a day, you will only tend to feel the cold throughout the night. Daytime temperatures typically range from 20°C (68°F) to 25°C (77°F) for most of the year.

Both the Classic 4-day Inca Trail and the 2-day Short Inca Trail are open 11 months of the year. By order of the Ministry of Culture, the trails are closed during the month of February to enable them carry out conservation, maintenance and cleaning work. February is the wettest month of the year in this region, so owing to the constant rainfall and thick jungle fog, it has been determined that the trails would be too dangerous for visitors to attempt. The Inca Trails reopen on March 1 each year.

Naturally we recommend that visitors favour the dry season, with the best months for exploring the Inca Trail being May and October. Not only are the conditions during the dry season more preferable for hiking, but the trails themselves are significantly less wet. In the case of the Inca Trail, this really does make all the difference, since you will be ascending and descending ancient stone steps for many hours a day. Not to mention your final prize at the finish line, the famous view of Machu Picchu. Your souvenir photo of the citadel is almost certain to be much more glorious throughout the drier months.

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a unique and exciting experience that is worth doing. With the right preparation, a positive attitude towards safety precautions, and choosing the right time to hike, you can enjoy the trails safely. The beauty of surrounding landscapes, the history of the ancient Inca sites and the feeling of accomplishment when arriving at Machu Picchu make this adventure an unforgettable one. Get ready to live an extraordinary experience on the Inca Trail!