If you’re curious what you can expect on your first day of hiking the Inca Trail, then take 2 minutes to watch this video recap!
What To Expect on Day 1 of the Inca Trail:
Day 1 on the Inca Trail is considered “moderate” in difficulty, but with the altitude thrown in, it could be a little more than advertised ;).
What’s the weather like?
The weather should be pretty nice, that is unless it’s during the rainy season. But your first day will be generally warm and windy. The sun is extremely strong here, so I can’t stress the need for sunscreen and multiple reapplications. Take it from a pale, red-headed girl…don’t forget the sunscreen! Other than the sun, this is the day you find out who’s also the strongest in the pack. Remember, take it at your own pace. It’s not a race!
Early Start to the Day
You’ll start out your day with a very, very early morning wake-up call…like 3:30am. Then head on a bus to the trailhead. There you’ll be served breakfast. (note: my tour group included breakfast at the trailhead, some may not.) After breakfast, you’ll weigh your duffle bags that the porters will be carrying for you. (note: Each porter can carry a max of 25 kg / 55 lbs and your duffle bag has to weigh less than approximately 6 kg / 13 lbs). Keep that in mind the night before when you’re packing as you could end up putting more on your back because you overpacked the porter’s duffle.
Checkpoint:
After everyone’s packs have been weighed and distributed accordingly, then you’ll walk to the passport checkpoint. YES, you do need to carry your passport with you for your hike. So, definitely don’t forget this essential item. (note: you’ll also want to bring money with you…for any snack purchases you may want on Day 1 and then for the tips for the porters, chef and guides given on Day 3).
I hope you enjoy the short video of what it was like hiking Day 1 of the Inca Trail. (I wish I had put my GoPro in video mode, but I was just trying to put one foot in front of the other and breathe.)
Inca Trail – Day 1 Facts:
Starting Elevation: 8,923 ft / 2,720 m
Walking Distance: 8.7 miles / 14 km
Hike Time: 6-7 hours
1st Campsite Elevation: 10,829 ft / 3,300 m
Total Climb in Elevation: 1,906 ft / 580 m
Tour Group: Alpaca Expeditions
Are You Fit Enough For The Inca Trail?
If you’re concerned about your fitness level and tackling the Inca Trail, then be sure to check out my post on 5 Ways to Prepare for Hiking the Inca Trail.
