Ratgeber
How hard is the Inca Trail really?
The classic Inca Trail is considered moderate to demanding, mainly because of the altitude and the long sections of steps on the second day. With solid basic fitness and a day of acclimatisation in Cusco, it is doable for most people who walk regularly. Adventure is a Swiss travel agency offering advice by video call.
Von Adventure, Stand
Schritt für Schritt
- Test your fitness with several long day walks in a row.
- Choose a travel date in the dry season and secure a permit early.
- Plan two to three days in Cusco before the trek starts.
- Train climbing steps with a daypack, downhill as well.
- Discuss altitude and pre-existing conditions with a travel medicine consultation.
- Pack a small rucksack and clarify what the porters take.
Checkliste
- Permit confirmed, name in passport identical to the booking
- Broken-in walking boots with a good tread
- Rain jacket and a warm layer for cold nights
- Walking poles suitable for descents
- Sun protection and headwear for high altitude
- Personal medication and blister plasters
- Travel insurance covering altitude and rescue
- Buffer time before and after the trek in Cusco
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is not a technical summit, but it is no stroll either. Its difficulty lies in the combination of altitude, duration and steps, which is often underestimated. This guide explains where the tough sections are, how to judge your suitability and what you should clarify before booking. All figures are guidelines. You should always check the current position on permits and rules. If you know the demands, you can plan more calmly and enjoy your days on the mountain more.
Stages, distance and the toughest day
The classic route takes four days and leads from the Cusco region to Machu Picchu. The individual days are short enough to manage, but long enough to be demanding. Walking times are mostly long.
The second day is considered the hardest. It climbs to the Warmiwañusca pass at high altitude, and then down long flights of steps again. If you start fit here, you will have the rest of the tour under control.
The paths consist largely of stone and steps, not soft ground. This stresses knees and thighs more than you would expect from the altitude figure. Expect early wake-ups, because groups often set off before sunrise. Those who start early walk in cool air and reach camp before the afternoon weather.
Altitude as the real opponent
Cusco is already at high altitude. If you travel directly from Switzerland, you often feel the thin air just climbing the stairs in the hotel. Altitude slows your sense of wellbeing more than your muscles, with headaches, sleep problems or loss of appetite.
We therefore recommend two to three days in Cusco and the Sacred Valley before the trek begins. Short excursions to lower-lying places help with acclimatisation. You will find more in the guide on [altitude sickness and safety](/m/adventure/planen).
Whether a tour at this altitude is suitable for you is something to clarify with a travel medicine consultation. You can find the current position and recommendations from the FDFA (EDA) and the FOPH (BAG).
Fitness: what you should bring
A sensible rule of thumb is that you can walk many hours with a daypack on several days in a row. Training should include ascents and descents, because the steps on the Inca Trail are tiring in both directions.
Start training about two to three months before the trip. Stairs, hill runs and long weekend walks are more meaningful than gym training. You will find concrete training plans in the guide on [fitness preparation](/m/adventure/planen).
Permits, travel time and weather
For the classic trail there are only a limited number of places per day, and in peak season these are often taken months in advance. The trail can also only be walked with a licensed operator. Check current rules and dates in good time before booking.
The dry season runs roughly from May to September, with cold nights and clear days. In the rainy season paths are slippery and views are often shrouded. In February the trail is generally closed for maintenance.
Alternatives if the permit is missing or time is short
If no place is free on the classic trail, there are several alternative routes through the Andes. They also lead to Machu Picchu or its surroundings and differ in duration, altitude and comfort.
In a video call we discuss with you which option suits your fitness and your time window. You can find information on the destination on the page about [Peru](/m/adventure/planen).
After the trail: Machu Picchu and the journey home
The trail ends at Machu Picchu, often early in the morning after the last night in a tent. Plan at least one day of recovery afterwards, because your legs are tired and steps are hard. If you travel straight on, you will feel the exertion clearly.
An overnight stay near the ruins or in Cusco lets you visit the site in peace. Book entry and train journeys in good time, because time slots can be limited. Ask us for a sensible order.
Build in a buffer for the journey home, so that a delay or a change in the weather does not endanger your flight home. An extra day in Lima or Cusco costs little and brings peace of mind.
