The 7 Most Common Mistakes People Make When Trekking to Machu Picchu

The Inca Trail is a bucket-list trek for many, a four-day journey through ancient paths, mist-shrouded mountains, and into the sun gate of the Lost City itself. But while it’s stunning, it’s also not as easy as Instagram makes it look.

After guiding dozens of groups through the Peruvian Andes, we’ve seen the same avoidable mistakes turn a dream trip into a struggle. Here’s what to watch for, and how to make sure your Machu Picchu experience is unforgettable for all the right reasons.

1. Not Training for the Altitude

Picture this: it’s Day 2, and you’ve just started the climb up Dead Woman’s Pass, the highest point on the trail at 4,215 metres. You’re out of breath, light-headed, and every step feels ten times harder than it should.

That’s altitude.

Even if you’re physically fit, altitude can humble anyone. Trekking at high elevation is like breathing through a straw while climbing stairs.

Fix it: Spend a few days in Cusco (3,400m) before the trek. Walk, hydrate, and let your body adjust. During the trek, go slow, eat well, and don’t be afraid to communicate with your guide if you’re struggling.

2. Underestimating the Difficulty

Yes, it’s a popular trail. Yes, thousands do it every year. But it’s still tough. Imagine hiking 8–10 hours a day on stone steps laid centuries ago by the Incas, with steep ascents, rapid descents, and unpredictable weather.

It’s not “just a hike.”

Fix it: Train your legs. Hill walks, stairs, and longer weekend hikes with a backpack are key. You don’t need to be an ultra-marathoner, but endurance is everything.

3. Packing the Wrong Gear

We’ve seen it all, jeans on the trail, people without waterproofs in a downpour, and 75-litre packs full of things they never use. The Inca Trail has microclimates, from humid jungle to chilly alpine passes.

Fix it: Think layers. Lightweight, wicking, waterproof, and warm. Don’t forget: your main bag is carried by porters — you only hike with a daypack. Pack smart and light.

4. Wearing the Wrong Footwear

The Inca Trail is almost entirely stone, and much of it is ancient, uneven, and slippery. Trainers or new boots are a recipe for sore feet or worse, a rolled ankle at 3,800m.

Fix it: Bring well-worn, high-ankle hiking boots with solid grip. Break them in months before. Throw in some blister plasters and spare socks for good measure.

5. Choosing the Wrong Trek Route

Some people arrive in Peru and find the Classic Inca Trail is fully booked. Others didn’t realise there were other routes. Each has its own vibe.

• Classic Inca Trail: Permit-only, 4 days, ends at the Sun Gate.

• Salkantay Trek: More remote, higher passes, wilder feel.

• Short Inca Trail: 2 days, ideal if you’re short on time.

Fix it: Know your options. We help every traveller match the right route to their goals, fitness, and travel time.

6. Skipping Travel Insurance

Altitude issues. Delayed flights. Lost bags. A bad stomach from street food. It’s adventure travel, things happen.

Fix it: Make sure your travel insurance includes trekking to 4,200m, medical evacuation, and trip delays. It’s one of those things you hope you’ll never need… but will be very glad to have if you do.

7. Missing the Magic

The final day: you wake at 3:30am to hike to the Sun Gate for that iconic first glimpse of Machu Picchu. It’s breathtaking — but the whole trail is filled with moments just as powerful.

Too many people rush, zone out, or focus only on the destination.

Fix it: Take it in. Journal. Talk to your guides. Ask about the stars, the history, the Quechua names of the peaks. The magic is in the journey — not just the ruins at the end.

If you’re not sure which route to take or still have questions, book a free call with Jake here