Is the Inca Trail difficult? Do I need to be fit?

Is the Inca Trail difficult? All of the treks are fairly difficult and you should be well prepared and healthy prior to starting the trek. The Inca Trail requires you to be moderately fit because you will be hiking through mountainous regions at high altitudes. It is best to try walking 10km a day or to work out at the gym in the months leading up to the trek. However, don’t let us scare you, virtually everyone in the last few years who started a trek has finished it!

Note: It is very important to be well acclimatized to the altitude. Try to spend two or three days in Cusco, at an elevation of (3400m/11220ft), prior to starting the trek. This time can be put to good use by visiting the sites around the city of Cusco, the nearby Inca ruins, and the Sacred Valley.

Is there a minimum age limit for the Inca Trail trek?

There is no government restriction on the age limit for the Inca Trail. However, as a responsible trekking company, we do not accept reservations for children under the age of 5 and adults over the age of 67. All children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Very Important: For the Inca Trail, we require all of our trekkers over 59 years old to hire the services of an extra porter. We recommend for those who are over 59 years old to talk to your doctor well in advance about how best to plan for the trek. We also insist that clients over 59 years old arrive in Cusco at least 3 days prior to starting the trek, rather than the usual 2 days. We do not accept bookings from single trekkers over 59 years old (i.e. trekkers travelling on their own), sorry.

For trekkers over 64 years old, we also ask you to bring a letter from your doctor confirming that you are fit to participate in the trek. Unfortunately, if you fail to bring a letter from your doctor we reserve the right to cancel your trek and your trek deposit cannot be returned.