4 Misconceptions About Hiking the Inca Trail

March 27, 2012  /  By: Kris, Customer Care and Tour Operations

We recently conducted a "Two-Minute Survey" and asked potential travelers for their opinions about traveling to Peru.  Our intent was to not only find out how and where people were interested in traveling to and in Peru, but also to find out if we had the information on our Inca Trail Hiking website that people needed to make a decision about their travels.  I was somewhat surprised by some common misconceptions that people had about traveling to Peru and trekking on the Inca Trail.

1. I can't go by myself. Not having a travel partner was the most popular reason listed for why somebody hadn't yet traveled to Peru.  The truth is you can go alone!  Sure, it might be a little daunting to fly to Peru by yourself, but on our Peru treks (both private and group trips) we meet you at the airport upon arrival and are with you every step of the way.  (Note to solo travelers: many of our trips have a good percentage of travelers who come by themselves.  As an example, 100% of the participants on our Kilimanjaro trip this year are solo travelers!)

2. It is expensive. Travel can be expensive, that's true.  However, Peru has a couple things going for it that other places don't.  First, spending 10 days in Peru costs much less than spending 10 days in, for instance, a European country -- your dollar goes a lot farther!  Second, it is difficult to put a price on a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Trekking on the same stone paths as the Incas did 500 years ago...hiking for four days to reach Machu Picchu by foot...watching from the comfort of your tent as the peaks of the Andes disappear behind the swirling clouds...these are priceless experiences that only a fraction of humans on this earth get to do.  When you look at that way, it isn't expensive at all -- it is just a matter of prioritizing.  (At Zephyr, you might recall that we prioritize adventure!  Incidentally, if you're curious as to how we stack up against the competition, price-wise, click here.)

3. I'm not in good enough shape to hike the Inca Trail. The Classic Inca Trail Trek (our most difficult trek) has been completed by hundreds of thousands of people.  Chances are good you can do it too, provided you are not extremely overweight or have other health issues that preclude you.  Mental perseverance also goes a long way in completing the Inca Trail!  The hiking will be challenging for some people and quite moderate for others.  If you are concerned about the steepness or high altitude of the Classic Inca Trail, you might consider trekking the Royal (Alternative) Inca Trail.   The Royal Inca Trail is a lower-altitude option that is perfect if you are worried about your lungs, your knees, or your ability to handle high altitudes and steep terrain. This trek avoids the intense climbs and sharp descents of the Classic Inca Trail.  Click here for an overview and comparison of all our Peru treks, including difficulty levels. 

4. I'll plan my hike once I get to Peru. Many people are unaware that hiking on the Inca Trail requires purchasing a pass to do so.  Even more are unaware that only 500 passes per day are issued (and two-thirds of those passes are for the porters who support trekkers like you).  And even more don't realize that passes sell out sometimes six months in advance. As I write this, the first available pass is in August.  So, hiking the Inca Trail is not something you can simply show up in Cusco and hope to plan once you get there.  

What's stopping you from hiking the Inca Trail?   Leave your comments below or email us.  Better yet, take our survey (through April 2) and we'll give you $100 off one of our Peru trips.   

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Tags: Hiking, Inca Trail, Machu Picchu, Peru, Trekking

Posted In: Blog / Featured Posts / Hiking / Hiking & Trekking / Peru / Private Trips / Trekking