There was a line but I didn’t wait too long. The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the best known and the most popular hiking trip on the world. After visiting the citadel I headed to the upper-trail and followed the path to Machu Picchu Mountain. At a minimum, you should be able to run a mile without needing to stop (which we still struggle with). Most people say you need to be in relatively good physical condition to hike the Inca Trail. Located to the south-west of Machu Picchu citadel and towering 3,050 meters (10,007 feet) above sea level, the mountain trek offers unparalleled views of the famous Inca sanctuary and panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountain scenery. How difficult is the Classic Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu? People have a misconception about how difficult is the Inca Trail that … Typically completed in four days, the 38-mile route can be modified in distance with car and train assistance. The trek can not be completed without using a registered trekking agency. Machu Picchu Mountain Hike. This does mean it’s more physically challenging than the Inca Trail. The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is a longer and more difficult route than the classic Inca Trail but, because it does not require a guide or a permit, it is quickly becoming a popular alternative. Due to it’s popularity the trek is only operated by licensed trekking companies and there are only 500 permits available per day (~200 for trekkers and ~300 for support staff).. Choquequirao or Salkantay / Inca Trail Combo). The Inca Trail hike marked our second time visiting Machu Picchu, and arriving via the Sun Gate with sweaty brows and tired feet rather than taking the morning bus from Aguas Caliente with thousands of others clearly underlined to us that it is the best way to arrive at one of the world’s most iconic attractions. This can be difficult for the less-in-shape among us, but don't let it scare you away--even if you're a bit overweight or on the older side, plenty of people just like you have climbed Huayna Picchu successfully. The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the world’s greatest hikes and the most popular trek in Peru. In general you will be trekking anywhere between 10-15km a day, for up to six days on the longer routes (i.e. Of course, the various types of trekking vary in difficulty, physical demand and duration. You should be able to do around an hour on the Stairmaster (especially helpful for Dead Woman’s Pass). Treks to Machu Picchu vary in difficulty and length, but all require a basic level of fitness. Machu Picchu Mountain is the most spectacular yet one of the most overlooked optional treks available at Machu Picchu. Difficulty:The Salkantay trek is almost twice as long as the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (51mi compared to 26mi) and reaches a higher altitude (15,215ft rather than 13,800ft). It's not that the hike itself is extremely difficult (although it is technically more difficult than the Lares Inca Trail), but it’s more a … The Machu Picchu hike is insanely difficult and gets even harder if you happen to be overweight. You may or may not find the Machu Picchu hike difficult, but some things can make the Machu Picchu trek difficulty easier on you. The Classic 4-day Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu is arguably the most famous trail in all of South America.The Inca Trail’s length is 26 miles (42 kilometers) of pure Peruvian power that connects several Incan archaeological sites: Runcuracay, Sayacmarca, Phuyuptamarca, Wiñaywayna, and of course none other than the magnificent Machu Picchu ruins! The Short 2-Day Inca Trail is done by people who want to have the experience of hiking through the Andean highlands visiting the amazing Inca sites, and finally arriving at Machu Picchu, but without the demands of a 4-day or longer day-hiking and night-camping package. During your visit to the Machu Picchu, it’s possible to hike up to the sun gate in about a half hour. This trail shows magnificent mountains range, exotic vegetation and extraordinary ecological variety. The trail … Overview. At the entrance, everyone has to present the ticket and register at the warden’s hut. Tips for the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Is the Inca Trail hard?