The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is considered one of the best hiking routes in the world. The main reason for this is that the route follows ancient traces, Inca ruins or constructions and also beautiful landscapes. The experience of the route is incomparable due to the cultural and natural wealth that thousands of adventurers who dare to do it have to offer. In this blog we do not only want to talk about the Inca Trail but also about other hiking routes that are also quite well known worldwide. For which we will also present a comparison table. Let’s get started!

• What are the best hiking trails in the world?
• What is the Inca Trail?
• Recommendations for hiking routes
• The best months to do the Inca Trail
• Comparisons of the Inca Trail and other hiking routes in the world
• Frequently asked questions about the Inca Trail

Tourists walking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

What are the best hiking trails in the world?

The world offers various experiences in contact with nature. Hiking trails are popular activities that thousands of tourists do in different places around the world. Thanks to the great variety of geographies, thousands of experiences can be found.

However, there are some routes that will stand out from others. In Peru we are blessed with a wealth of history, culture and adventure on the route to Machu Picchu via the Inca Trail. The other hiking routes in the world also have their own characteristics. Let’s look at some of them.

Annapurna trek, Nepal

• Rewarding route that lies between the mountains of the countries of China and India.
• The trek takes place in the Annapurna Conservation Area, which is located in the country of Nepal.
• You can see beautiful landscapes and contemplate the cultural wealth of the populations of the Himalayan mountain range.
• The best season to do the 15 or 20-day route is during the months of March, May and October, as well as the first days of November.
• The altitude can be reached close to 5,420 metres above sea level.
• You can cover up to 115 kilometers between different activities.
• The price is approximately 1422 USD.

W Circuit, Torres del Paine, Chile

• Extraordinary route in Chile, routes are made from Patagonia that belong to Chile.
• The hike takes place in Torres del Paine National Park, located in southern Chile.
• The ascent to the main viewing points of the Base of Las Torres and the Grey Glacier. Also the best views of rock formations.
• The best season to do the 4 to 5 day route is during the months of November to April.
• It reaches an altitude of 850 meters above sea level.
• You can cover up to 72 kilometres on a hiking route.
• The price is approximately 980 USD.

Samaria Gorge, Greece

• The Samaria Gorge is known for being the longest in Greece.
• A gorge runs through a deep, rocky depression. In the middle of the place you can see a river flowing by.
• The Samaria Gorge is located on the Omalós Plateau, bordering the country of Libya.
• The hike through the Samaria Gorge lasts approximately 6 hours. It is an all-day activity, including transportation.
• This route can be done from April to October. It is important to take into account the occasional rain.
• The activity takes place very close to the sea, so the altitude starts at 1200 meters above sea level until reaching the beaches.

West Highland Way, Scotland

• It is Scotland’s most famous route, surrounded by pure nature.
• The walk starts in Milngavie, via Glasgow and ends in Fort William, crossing Loch Lomond.
• Some people decide to do the route in the opposite way.
• You can enjoy beautiful scenery and views of Loch Lomond and the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park.
• The hike can be done in 5 days if you are an expert. But the recommended days are 8 days.
• The altitude reaches just 1,345 metres above sea level.
• It is a demanding route covering 154 kilometers of different terrains.
• The price is approximately between 890 and 1350 USD.

Yoshida Route, Mount Fuji, Japan

• Mount Fuji has different climbing areas. In this case we want to talk about the Yoshida route through Tokyo.
• Mount Fuji is a dormant volcano 3,776 meters high. It is the highest mountain or peak in Japan.
• This is a popular route, with the Yoshida route being the busiest. There are several shelters on the outward route, but almost none on the return route.
• The Yoshida route can be done from July 1 to September 10 , which is the ideal date to do so.
• The walking time is 6 hours and the descent time is 4 hours. It is important to follow the signs and not deviate.
• Many people make the ascent at night. You can only make the trek if you have a reserved shelter.
• The limit of people entering daily is 4000. This is in order to avoid crowds and garbage waste.
• The entrance fee alone is 13 USD, not including food, transportation and other expenses.

Inca Trail

Hiking routes around the world have many differences.
Routes, trails and tourist destinations have different requirements and also bureaucratic details such as availability, prices and other requirements. Before doing one of these routes or any other, it is recommended that everyone properly find out each of the rules, recommendations and other details to make the hike without problems or last-minute surprises. By being properly informed you will also be able to make the appropriate contract with a travel agency to provide you with everything you need.

What is the Inca Trail?

These are several routes designed and built by the ancient inhabitants of the Peruvian territory. It is believed that the Incas adopted and improved several of the routes that were part of their domain.

This is why Inca Trails can be found in Ecuador and Colombia, all the way to Chile and northern Argentina. Many of these trails have been reused today to become highways or similar.

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu offers a route full of culture, history and beautiful landscapes. The hike begins in Piscacucho, a small campsite for all tourists to begin their hike.

Today, the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is recognized worldwide precisely for its attractions , it allows you to see archaeological sites, lush landscapes and an impressive change of geography upon reaching the Inca citadel. This route can be done in 4 days, with the fourth day being the day when you visit Machu Picchu and you can return to Cusco by train.

Phuyupatamarca archaeological site – Inca Trail

Recommendations for hiking routes

• To do any hiking route in the world, you must find out the weather conditions.
• Find out the entrance fee or ticket payment that must be made.
• Likewise, find out if the route to be followed has an entry limit or limited capacity, in order to make the reservation in advance.
• Check the number of days you will be hiking. This is to pack only what is necessary.
• It is important to maintain good physical condition to enjoy the walk and not suffer from it.
• Wearing hiking shoes must offer safety and comfort when hiking.
• Consider the best seasons to visit each destination. The tourist’s experience often depends on these details.
• If you are going to hike at more than 2000 meters above sea level, prior acclimatization of at least 2 days is recommended, depending on the intensity of the route.

The best months to do the Inca Trail

An example to consider can be seen on the Inca Trail route to Machu Picchu. In Cusco and much of southern Peru, there are two well-defined seasons. The first is the dry season and the second is the rainy season.

The dry season begins in May and lasts until the first days of November when the first rains begin. This will be the best season to make the journey to Machu Picchu and have one of the best experiences of the adventure.

However, during the rest of the months, from November to April, there may be some rain. The month with the most rain will be February and only during that month the Trail to Machu Picchu cannot be done. During the rest of the months of the rainy season it is possible to do so.

This is how you can have a different experience. The rains may seem like an obstacle, but for some it is the opportunity to do the route with new challenges and challenges. If you plan to do the route during this season, bring a poncho and waterproof shoes to enjoy the experience.

Chart showing the high season months

Comparisons of the Inca Trail and other hiking routes in the world

Frequently asked questions about the Inca Trail

• When to book the Inca Trail?

  As we mentioned before, we are talking about one of the best treks in the world and you should normally book 8 months in advance, so you can choose the days you want to walk the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. If you make your last minute reservation you may find some tickets available up to 3 months in advance. If you want to come during the high season (May – August) we recommend booking a space on the Inca Trail 12 months in advance.

• When is the best time to go?

  The best time to walk the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is undoubtedly during the dry season, from April to September. Although you can also come during the rainy season, you will not be able to enter during the month of February, which is the month with the heaviest rains and the trail is closed for conservation. In addition, this time is used to maintain all sections of the trail. Remember that the high season (May to August) coincides with the dry season, and you have to book your entry well in advance.

• Why choose us?

  Well, if you already know that you cannot travel the Inca Trail without hiring an agency, you should know that you should not only choose us for our high quality of service, because although it is our priority, the constant search to raise our standards as a company means that behind your trip there is an incredible group of people, committed to you, to your work and to everything that involves operating the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

• About altitude sickness?

  No matter your age, physical condition or where you come from, anyone can get altitude sickness. The highest point you will cross while hiking the Inca Trail is at 4,125 meters above sea level, at a place called Dead Woman’s Pass, at which altitude you run the risk of experiencing symptoms of altitude sickness (acute mountain sickness). But don’t panic, there are ways to avoid the symptoms of altitude sickness, and our experienced guides know what to do in any circumstance.

• 2-day Inca Trail?

  Yes, there is a 2-day Inca Trail; it is for people who do not have the time available to hike the classic Inca Trail (4 days), but also for those who want to skip the most difficult part of the trek.

Advice from people who have been there

Inca Trail

By: Juan P.

“One of the best hikes in the world?“

“Many people told me that it would be one of the best experiences of my life, that it was one of the best hikes in the world, and I believed it until I was there. Now I am completely sure that it is not only one of the best, it is one of those experiences that every person should have at some point in their life.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, December 31, 2024