18 Tips to Hike the Inca Trail Like an Experienced Hiker

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The Inca Trail is, without a doubt, one of the most famous treks around the world.

The trails, laid by the Incas over 500 years ago, cross through some of the most beautiful and inspiring Andean sceneries, subtropical jungles, and ancient Inca ruins and tunnels. 

But its beautiful and inspiring qualities are paralleled by its physical challenges.

Which Trail to Take to Machu Picchu

The most famous trail is known as the Classic Inca Trail (I highly recommend checking G Adventure‘s Inca Trail Trip, which I did and loved the experience).

The Inca Trail is 47 km long, starting at Piskacuchu (km 82) and ending at Machu Picchu. This trail gets really crowded, so you must reserve your spot weeks or months in advance.

There are many other trail options in the area, but the Classic is the only one that ends at the Sun Gate (where you see the sunrise over Machu Picchu).

For this particular reason, the Classic Trail is the one most recommended.

On the other hand, other trails are cheaper and not as crowded but are equally impressive and even more challenging than the Classic. In addition, these can be easily reserved in Cuzco the day before starting the hike.

To get the most out of the experience of hiking the Inca Trail, there are a couple of things you might consider doing to prepare yourself, not only for the physical demand but also for the mental challenge.

What to do Before Hiking the Inca Trail

1. Strengthen your leg muscles by stair climbing and walking up hills

This helps endure the strains of treading many miles over rugged terrain with slopes and difficult climbs.

2. Carry a backpack with added weight while exercising

Start light and increase weight depending on your comfort level. Adding weight to your backpack enables you to prepare your back muscles as well as develop upper body strength.

Also, selecting the right backpack is quite essential when doing long hikes like the Inca Trail. An uncomfortable backpack can easily ruin your hike.

3. If possible, mimic the hiking conditions of the Inca Trail

Find rugged terrains, long and steep uphills and downhills near home. Hike them for a few hours. Inca Trail hikes last approximately 5 to 7 hours each day.

What to do During the Inca Trail

1. Altitude is a factor

Arrive at least two days before starting the trek to acclimatize to the high altitude. Once at the trail, drink coca tea at every meal, if possible, and chew coca leaves on the second day – when you cross the highest pass of the trail.

2. Breathe well when hiking the Inca Trail

Due to the high altitude, the air is thinner than what you are probably used to. Take a break now and then to catch your breath. It sounds dumb, but don’t forget to breath! In through your nose, out through your mouth.

3. When hiking uphill, walk in a zigzag pattern

This slightly reduces the gradient of the trail.  Also, take small steps to reduce the effort per step to push your body.

4. When hiking downhill, slow down by leaning back a little and putting your weight down through your heel

Be particularly careful on very steep descents, especially on wet and loose stones. A useful technique is to stand side on and to go down one step at a time. Use a walking stick if necessary – they reduce 30% of the weight on the knees.

5. When hiking through the Inca steps (second and third day), take short breaks after every couple of steps

These are the most challenging parts of the trail – physically and mentally.

After every break, set the goal of where you will take your next break (i.e., the next big bush 12 steps ahead), and don’t take your sight off the goal. It’s a great feeling to accomplish all those mini-goals.

6. Go at your own pace, and don’t force it

Don’t feel the need to catch up with the rest of the group, as there is no rush to get to the campsite.

7. Eat well; you will be burning a lot of calories

No matter which company you choose to go with, they will feed you well. Take power bars, candy, and snacks that won’t weigh much in your backpack.

8. Drink 1.5 liters of water (minimum) each day to stay hydrated

Having a Camelbak or Platypus inside your backpack helps not only carry your water in a balanced and comfortable way but also encourages you to drink water by making the process much easier.

9. Always mind where you walk

Look at several footsteps ahead while walking. There are many sheer drops, uneven paths, and narrow stepped trails. (Many people fall through those drops)

10. Stretch your arms, legs, and back at the end of each day’s walk.

This will loosen contracted muscles and reduce the pain from the strain.

11. Be smart with your packing

Pack as lightly as possible and have your snacks and daily necessities in easily accessible pockets or within easy reach.

12. Bring appropriate clothing

No matter what time of the year you go, chances are that it will get cold during the night (even during the day if cloudy) and that it will rain. 

Have a rain jacket, pants, and comfortable boots (you don’t want blisters). Dress in layers and keep them accessible in your backpack since you will be putting on and shedding layers many times during the day.

Here you can take a look at what I packed for the trail.

13. If cold, walk around or eat chocolate to warm up your body

Eat a bar of chocolate when crossing the highest point – Dead Woman Pass. The temperature can drop to 0 degrees Celsius.

14. Once at Machu Picchu, sit down for an hour and enjoy the view

You’re at Machu Picchu! This is your prize, but before running through the ruins like a kid, you should eat a snack and get your “revolutions” down from the morning hike (you don’t want to be lightheaded).

15. And last but not least, do appreciate the scenery and Incan Culture while hiking

That’s probably the reason why you are there. If possible, educate yourself a little about their history and culture, so you have some background before you go.

Still, most guides are very knowledgeable, so they will tell you all the facts you want to know.

I recommend reading the recap of my Inca Trail experience with G Adventures, starting at The Sacred Valley, then going through the Four-Day Hike, and finishing at Machu Picchu.

In my opinion, the Inca Trail can be successfully hiked by any person with an average physical condition, but the more prepared you go, the better the experience will be.

Have you hiked the Inca Trail?  Any other tips you would add to the list?