The Inca Trail is moderate in difficulty. You do not need technical skills, but you do need good fitness and time to adapt to the altitude. Here is what each day feels like.
Day 1: easy to moderate
About 12 km on rolling terrain from Km 82 to Wayllabamba. It is the warm-up day, mostly gentle with some short climbs.
Day 2: the hardest
You climb over 1,000 m to Warmiwanusca (Dead Woman Pass) at 4,215 m, then descend steeply to camp. Expect 6 to 8 hours of walking. This is the day that decides whether you enjoy the trek, so go slowly and drink water.
Day 3: long but beautiful
Two more passes and the best archaeology: Runkurakay, Sayacmarca and Phuyupatamarca. Lots of stone steps, hard on the knees.
Day 4: early start, easy walk
A pre-dawn start to the Sun Gate, then a short walk to Machu Picchu.
How to train
- Walk or hike 2 to 3 times a week for 6 to 8 weeks.
- Add one long hike on weekends, 3 to 5 hours, with a daypack.
- Practice stairs: they are the main challenge on this trail.
- Break in your hiking boots before you travel.
Altitude
Fitness helps, but altitude affects everyone differently. Spend at least two days in Cusco first. See our guide on altitude sickness in Cusco. Ready to go? See Classic Inca Trail 4 days or send a booking request.
