The Machu Picchu hike along the Inca Trail of Peru draws millions of travelers every year. It’s one of the most iconic treks on our planet. For myself, hiking to Machu Picchu was the highlight of my South American journey.

Yes, the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is busy, and yes, it feels like a tourist trap, but there is still no escaping the magic that one feels when standing among the ancient stones. This feeling is only enhanced by trekking up the original pilgrimage route to reach the site. The route we now call the Inca Trail.

To help you prepare for your perfect Inca Trail experience, I have written my top 8 tips to help you on your Machu Picchu hike.

1. Best time to hike Machu Picchu

In the Peruvian Andes, you generally get two seasons.

• April till October is considered the dry season.
• November through to March is considered the wet season (although warmer).
• May to September is considered the best time to trek because of the dry days. However, I disagree.

April to October: Tourists flock to Machu Picchu during the dry season, and this can be somewhat off-putting.

November – March: Yes, the wet season is wet, but if you can get past that, then you’ll have a far more tranquil experience hiking to Machu Picchu than you would during the peak season.

The Best Time: My favorite time is late March when the days are getting drier and the place isn’t swarming with tourists.

Unless you enjoy getting soaked, avoid trekking in December and January.

The Inca Trail is closed in February.

2. Book your Machu Picchu hike early

Booking early is crucial. I really can’t stress this enough.

While Machu Picchu allows thousands of visitors in a day, the Inca Trail does not.

Only a limited number of tourists are allowed on the trail to Machu Picchu each day.

Book 6 Months in Advance

To make sure you get your ticket, plan to book 6 months in advance if you’re considering trekking during the peak season.

Even for the wet season, booking at least 3 months in advance is advisable.

The last time I trekked the trail, I witnessed a Dutch couple in floods of tears because they hadn’t booked in advance.

Alternate Hikes to Machu Picchu

If worst comes to worst, you can always trek another route to Machu Picchu such as the Inca Jungle Trek or the Lares Trail.

Keep in mind that only the Inca Trail requires you to book early.

3. Train before your trek to Machu Picchu

The classic Machu Picchu trek takes only 3 days. However, you’ll be trekking for nearly 7 hours each day, which can be exhausting. Additionally, you need to cross Dead Woman’s Pass standing at 4,215m (13,828 ft).

I’m a fairly fit individual, but that pass had me breathing hard, requiring several stops. You don’t need to be superhuman to complete the trek, but having a decent fitness level will surely enhance your enjoyment.

I recommend doing as many day treks as possible in the months leading up to your trek to build up your cardio level.

4. Acclimatize properly to the elevation

When I landed in Cusco, I felt perfectly fine. I took a taxi to my hostel, enjoyed a nice dinner, and went to sleep. However, the next morning was another story.

Altitude Sickness on the Inca Trail

I awoke with a splitting headache and stayed in bed for most of the day. Fortunately, the kind lady who ran the hostel made me some nice coca leaf tea, which is known to help with altitude sickness. Although it didn’t completely cure me, I did feel a little better.

Tips to acclimate to altitude

If I were to go back, I would take a bus down to the Sacred Valley, stay in the beautiful town of Ollantaytambo, and acclimatize properly over a few days before starting the Inca Trail.

5. Get the right gear for the Inca Trail

The temperature generally stays fairly consistent throughout the year, hovering around 20 degrees Celsius during the day and 4-5 degrees at night. If you’re trekking during the dry season, it’s still wise to bring a lightweight, waterproof breathable jacket. During the wet season, it’s essential.

Avoid cotton clothing; instead, choose trekking clothes made from high-wicking materials.

I remember feeling constantly damp in the muggy atmosphere and was relieved not to be wearing jeans or cotton shirts. Be sure to pack a good fleece, a warm jacket, and a base layer for the cold nights and mornings.

6. Pack insect repellent

One serious mistake I made was not bringing insect repellent on my trek to Machu Picchu. The flies during the trek are sizable, bothersome, and persistent. The bites I sustained became itchy and quite painful, lingering for months!

Ensure to get a reliable repellent with a high Deet content—greater than 90% is ideal. Apply a fresh coating twice daily and stay vigilant.

7. Get comfy at night

A good night’s sleep on the Inca Trail is crucial. Walking for 7 hours a day requires all your strength, and you definitely don’t want a sleepless or uncomfortable night during the trail. Therefore, having proper gear and equipment to rest well at night is essential.

I chose to bring my own warm sleeping bag, inflatable pillow, and Thermarest mat. Having my own sleeping bag was a great comfort, and the others in my group often looked longingly at my Thermarest mat, which kept me comfortably off the hard ground.

What to pack for Hiking the Inca Trail:

• Warm lightweight sleeping bag
• Thermarest
• Fleece jacket or lightweight down jacket
• A breathable waterproof outer shell
• Special socks – for sleeping
• Merino Wool base layer
• Good hiking boots that are already broken in

I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to choose the right sleeping gear for your comfort. Whether it’s an inflatable pad or foam mattress, choose one that’s small and light enough to not be a burden on the trail.

Warning – you may attract jealous onlookers.

8. Enjoy the Machu Picchu trail

It may seem obvious, but I witnessed many people huffing and puffing, focusing solely on their feet as they walked.

Remember where you are; stop occasionally to take in the breathtaking views, and most importantly, enjoy the Machu Picchu hike.

Yes, you may get tired, and yes, you may get wet and uncomfortable; however, this may be a once-in-a-lifetime experience—so make the most of it.

The ancient ruins, deep rainforest, and perfectly sculptured stone continue to amaze and delight visitors from around the globe.

Planning resources for your next Peru Vacation

• Rainbow Mountain: What to Expect When Hiking Rainbow Mountain in Peru
• Food: 5 Authentic Cusco Restaurants Where You Can Eat Like A Local
• Cusco: Top Three Little Known Hiking Day Trips in Cusco, Peru
• Iquitos: Things to do in Iquitos, Peru – A Gateway to the Amazon
• Amazon Cruise: What to Expect on an Amazon River Cruise – Life on the River
• Amazon River: 10 Reasons to Visit the Amazon River
• Facts About Peru: Fun Facts About Peru You Never Knew
• Things to do: 21 Of The Best Things To Do In Peru In 2021
• Paracas: Paracas Peru – Adventures In The California Desert