Royal Inca Trail – Our Top Tips

Machu Picchu has a way of exceeding expectations. Whether you’ve seen countless photos or dreamed about visiting for years, nothing quite compares to your first glimpse of the ancient Inca citadel, perched high among the misty peaks of the Peruvian Andes. While wandering the ruins is an unforgettable experience in itself, arriving on foot takes your visit to an entirely different level. Before you lace up your hiking boots, here’s everything you need to know to prepare for one of Peru’s most memorable day hikes.

How Does it Work?

The Royal Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a rewarding final stretch of South America’s most famous trek, following the same original Inca stone pathways used for centuries to connect these mountains.

Starting at the recently restored ruins of Chachabamba, the trail winds through tropical cloud forest before climbing old Inca stairways to the terraces of Wiñay Wayna, with every step bringing you closer to one of the world’s most extraordinary arrivals. The trail is generally rated as moderate, covering 12 kilometres over 5 to 6 hours, with an ascent of 500 metres (1,640ft) and a descent of 300 metres (984ft) as you move between altitudes of 2,200m and 2,700m. It’s an achievable goal for many hikers, provided you take a steady pace – this is a hike that rewards taking your time, with plenty of opportunities to stop, explore the terraces at Wiñay Wayna, and soak up the views before continuing on.

Given the elevation changes and altitude, a steady rhythm serves you better than rushing. Take regular water breaks, particularly as you move through the warmer, more humid stretches of cloud forest, and enjoy your packed lunch along the way with a great view to match.

Along the way, you’ll pass colourful orchids, butterflies, and stunning views across the Andean cloud forest that are easy to miss if you’re focused only on reaching the top. It’s worth slowing down simply to appreciate your surroundings before the final set of stairs up to Inti Punku, the Gateway of the Sun – a fitting last effort before Machu Picchu appears laid out before you.

It’s then time to explore the panoramic circuit, taking in the upper parts of this amazing archaeological site. As the name suggests, it provides the best views of the surrounding cloud-forest covered hills, including the famous Guard House for the classic picture-postcard shot.

Afterwards, you’ll head down to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll spend the night before returning by bus the next day to explore the pinnacle of Inca engineering. Enjoy a guided tour of the fabled “Lost City of the Incas” in the morning before leaving in time for lunch.

How to handle the altitude?

Even experienced hikers can struggle with the thinner air around Machu Picchu, which reaches over 10,000 feet (3,000 metres) above sea level. Below are our tips to prepare and acclimatise:

Plan to spend at least two days in the Sacred Valley (around 2,800 metres) before your hike, so your body can gradually adapt before the day of the hike.

Stay hydrated – Drink water consistently before, during, and after your hike instead of waiting until you feel thirsty. High altitude causes dehydration much faster than many travellers realise.

Try Coca Tea – One of Peru’s oldest altitude remedies remains one of its most popular. Coca tea has been used throughout the Andes for centuries to help reduce common symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, and mild nausea. It’s completely legal in Peru and available in most hotels, cafés, and restaurants throughout Cusco and Aguas Calientes.

If you’ve experienced altitude sickness before, it may be worth discussing medications with your doctor before travelling.

What to Pack?

Clothing

Choose moisture-wicking base layers made from synthetic fabrics or merino wool. Avoid cotton, which traps moisture and quickly becomes cold once you stop moving.

Pack a lightweight fleece or insulated jacket for chilly early starts and windy conditions near the summit, along with a reliable waterproof shell or poncho for sudden downpours.

Convertible hiking trousers are also a practical choice, allowing you to adapt as temperatures change throughout the day.

Footwear

Good hiking boots or comfortable trainers are great options for this hike. Look for shoes with strong grip and good ankle support, as the ancient stone steps become extremely slippery when wet.

Pair them with quality hiking socks to minimise the chance of blisters during the long ascent and descent.

Essential Gear

A comfortable 15–20 litre daypack is plenty for most hikers.

1.5–2 litres of water – There are no shops or vendors along the trail, nor inside the Machu Picchu site, so it’s essential to carry enough to see you through the entire hike and your visit to the site afterwards.

Energy bars, trail mix or nuts

SPF 50+ sunscreen

Polarised sunglasses

Wide-brimmed hat

Strong insect repellent

Lip balm

Blister plasters

Basic pain relief

Trekking Poles are provided as part of your trip with nemo

Other important tips and recommendations

Don’t forget to bring your passport, as you’ll need your original physical passport at both the entrance gate and the mountain checkpoint.

Be sure to bring water and snacks before starting the trail and entering the sanctuary, as there are no shops to purchase refreshments once you’re inside (there’s only one bar outside, near the entrance)

We also recommend using the restroom before you enter, as there are no toilets within the archaeological site, and once you’ve entered, you won’t be able to leave and re-enter on the same ticket.

Single-use plastic bottles and disposable plastic bags aren’t permitted inside the sanctuary.

Drones and tripods are also prohibited without special permits.

The hike along the Royal Inca Trail is as much about the journey as the destination. Take it one step at a time, pause often to admire the ever-changing views, and soak up the incredible sense of history beneath your feet. With a little preparation and plenty of curiosity, you’ll be rewarded with one of Peru’s most unforgettable experiences!