The Inca Trail trek: the top 10 things you need to know

Dead Woman’s Pass is the highest point on the trek at 4,200m and the majority of the trail is above 3,000m. Altitude affects everyone differently (and some not at all). The more time you spend at altitude before the trek, the better your body will adapt so this is planned into the itinerary. Here are a few tips:
• Drink plenty of water as you dehydrate faster at altitude.
• The higher you go, the less oxygen there is, so you may get out of breath more quickly and take a bit longer to recover. Shorten your stride and go slow and steady.
• Your digestive system slows down slightly, so eat little and often to keep your energy levels up.

A comfortable rucksack is a must to carry all the essentials including snacks, clothing layers, waterproofs, sunglasses, sunscreen and of course, your camera. You can hire trekking poles and a sleeping bag before the trip but it’s worth bringing a sleeping bag liner for an extra layer at night.

You only have to carry your day pack. The porters are there to help your Inca Trail run seamlessly. They carry your main luggage, all food and equipment, and they set up and break down camp each day.

The coldest months are June to August, when it can drop below zero at night. We provide inflatable sleeping mats to help insulate you from the cold ground and it’s worth bringing a four-season sleeping bag.During the day, temperatures are usually between 20-29°C.

There are only 200 tourist permits available per day and these are required to trek the Inca Trail. If you book with Explore we’ll organise this for you; once you’ve booked your trip we purchase the permit on your behalf. The passes sell out quickly, particularly in the high season (July and August), so it’s worth booking your trip at least six months in advance.