Can You Do the Inca Trail?

An Honest Assessment from Guides with 15+ Years of Experience

“It’s not Everest, but it’s not a walk in the park either.”

Overall difficulty level: Moderate to Challenging — 6–7 out of 10 for most people.

The truth is that 95% of people who arrive in Cusco, acclimatize correctly and have determination, successfully complete the Inca Trail. The question is not really “can I do it?” — it’s “am I prepared for it?”

The 4 Factors That Determine Difficulty

1. Altitude — The Most Underestimated Factor

At 4,000+ meters there is approximately 40% less oxygen than at sea level. You get tired faster than normal, you’re short of breath even walking slowly, and sleeping can be difficult the first nights. The route goes from 2,720 m at Km 82 all the way up to 4,215 m at Warmiwañusca Pass before descending to Machu Picchu at 2,430 m.

Solution: Acclimatization in Cusco minimum 2 days before the trek + very slow pace + constant hydration.

2. Distance and Duration

3. Elevation Gain and Terrain Total ascent: approximately 2,700 m. Total descent: approximately 3,000 m. The terrain includes thousands of original Inca stone steps, compacted dirt trails, original paved sections and potentially slippery passages when raining.

4. Variable Weather In a single day you can experience intense sun at midday, rain in the afternoon, and temperatures as low as -5°C at high camps at night. The key: dress in layers and be prepared for everything.

Day by Day Difficulty

Day 1 — Easy to Moderate ☆☆☆ Warm-up and adaptation day. Gradual ascent following the Urubamba River. Guide tip: “Don’t get overconfident because day 1 is easy. Save energy. Day 2 is another story.”

Day 2 — Very Difficult ⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️ THE HARDEST DAY OF THE INCA TRAIL. A relentless 4–5 hour climb to Warmiwañusca Pass (Dead Woman’s Pass, 4,215 m). Every step costs at that altitude. After the first pass you descend to Pacaymayo, only to climb again to Runkurakay (3,950 m). Guide tip: “Pole pole — slowly, slowly. Don’t compete with anyone. Breathe, take a step, breathe, take another step. That’s how you get there.” — Juan Carlos, 350+ treks.

Day 3 — Moderate ☆☆ THE MOST BEAUTIFUL DAY OF THE INCA TRAIL. After surviving day 2, this is your reward. Mostly descent through spectacular cloud forest, visiting Phuyupatamarca and the famous 2,000 descending steps to Wiñay Wayna. Guide tip: “Use poles on descents. Your knees will thank you.”

Day 4 — Easy ☆☆☆ 3:30 AM wake up. Short 2-hour hike to Intipunku (Sun Gate) and then down to Machu Picchu. Guide tip: “Worth every second of that early wake-up. Seeing Machu Picchu from Intipunku at sunrise is the moment you’ll remember your whole life.”

Can I Do It?

Signs that YES, you can: You can walk 5–6 hours straight with short breaks. You can climb 20–30 flights of stairs without feeling like you’re going to die. You do some type of exercise at least 2–3 times per week. You don’t have serious heart or respiratory problems. You have mental determination — as important as physical. You’re willing to prepare physically for 2–3 months beforehand.

Warning signs — requires more preparation but NOT impossible: You lead a completely sedentary life currently. You have significant overweight (more than 20 kg over ideal). You have chronic knee problems. You’ve never done any trekking or long walk.

Who should NOT attempt the 4-Day Inca Trail: Serious heart problems or recent heart surgery. Severe uncontrolled respiratory problems. Advanced pregnancy. Very limited mobility. Medical conditions that significantly worsen with altitude. Always consult your doctor if you have any health condition.

4-Day vs 2-Day — Which Is Right for You?

The 2-Day Inca Trail is ideal if: you have limited time, prefer less physical demand, don’t want to sleep in a tent, have concerns about extreme altitude, are over 60 or have knee problems. The best part: you still arrive at Machu Picchu walking through the Sun Gate — the same magical experience.

7 Ways to Reduce Difficulty

1. Proper Acclimatization — Spend minimum 2–3 days in Cusco before the trek.

2. Prior Physical Preparation — 2–3 months of training makes a huge difference. Walking, climbing stairs and leg exercises are enough.

3. Slow and Steady Pace — “Pole pole.” Go slower than you think necessary. If you can converse without gasping, you’re doing well.

4. Constant Hydration — Drink 3–4 liters of water per day. Dehydration worsens everything.

5. Use Trekking Poles — Poles reduce 25–30% of the impact on your knees during descents. Especially important on Day 3.

6. Choose the Right Segment — Adventure and Summit offer smaller groups, better equipment and more comfort, which reduces physical and mental stress. (Poles are included in Adventure and Summit.)

7. Positive Mental Attitude — 50% of the Inca Trail is mental. When your body wants to give up on Day 2, your mind must take control. Celebrate every step.

Frequently Asked Questions About Difficulty

Is it harder than running a marathon? They’re different challenges. A marathon is intense effort for 4–6 hours. The Inca Trail is moderate effort for 4 consecutive days, complicated by altitude. Many marathoners find the Inca Trail surprisingly difficult because of the altitude.

Can I do it if I have vertigo or fear of heights? There are sections with steep slopes, but the trail is wide and safe. Most people with moderate vertigo complete the trek without problems.

What happens if I can’t continue in the middle? We have protocols for these situations. We will accompany you to a safe evacuation point. Your safety is the priority.

Can children do the Inca Trail? Yes, with considerations. For the 4-day trek we recommend minimum 10–12 years and that the child is accustomed to physical activity. The 2-day trek is more suitable for children 8+.

Can people over 60 do it? Absolutely. We’ve had travelers up to 75 years old complete the Inca Trail. The key is adequate preparation, slow pace and good acclimatization.

The success equation: Acclimatization + Physical preparation + Slow pace + Mental determination = Machu Picchu at sunrise.

Ready for the Challenge?

Thousands of people of all ages and physical conditions complete the Inca Trail every year. With adequate preparation, you can too.