There are many trails across the world that have held a certain level of prestige, but none are so respected as the Inca Trail. With legends of Inca gold, peaks that reach thousands of miles into the sky, and a landscape you just can’t beat, it isn’t hard to see why thousands flock to Machu Pichu every year to witness its mysterious beauty.

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But this isn’t a leisurely hike, or a small camping trip. Trekking your way across the Inca Trail is a grueling, difficult journey in many places, and you need to be prepared for what you find there. So, here are a few tips, tricks, and just things you need to know before you run off to join the hikers who have made this one of the most popular trails on Earth.
No Going Solo. Perhaps you were expecting a one man journey into the wilderness, facing the odds on your lonesome and coming out the other side victorious after days of nothing but your wits to thank. But I’m afraid that dream bubble is about to be popped. Due to regulations by the local government, the Inca Trail cannot be faced without a guide, and so a local is going to be with you more or less at all times. Don’t worry, though. After that first day, you will be happy for the company, trust me.
Be Fit. I don’t just mean able to do a power walk a few dozen times around the local Elementary school’s track. If you are going to follow the Inca Trail you will need to do some physical preparation first, and while it isn’t exactly scaling Mt Everest, it’s hard enough in it’s own right. So take some time for the 6 weeks or so before your trip just to make sure you are really as able bodied as you like to imagine.

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Expect Pampering. The trail itself is hard, and the measure above will be needed. However, that doesn’t mean you won’t be treated well in the meantime. Your guide will also act as something like a porter, and the trail is littered with locals who will be looking to pamper the hell out of you during your journey. This is more or less an attempt by the local government to increase the regions wealth through tourism, so you will have to tolerate it. But I have a feeling all you ‘roughin’ it’ tough guys will actually enjoy it, despite the grumbling. After all, who doesn’t like a little TLC after a hard day of hiking?

Checkpoints. They are a pain, but at the end of your hike as you make it to the ruins, there will be some time spent with other trekkers and guides who are all trying to be the first to get to the checkpoints. It’s irritating, competitive, and once you reach your final destination at the end of the trail, totally worth it. The view is breathtaking, and you will be so glad that you went through the trek itself just for those first moments of witnessing the ancient city that has been shrouded in mystery for centuries.

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