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ayapata es la gran recomendación de donde acampar en el camino inca en tu primer día.

Planning Your Adventure? Everything About Inca Trail Camp Sites You Must Know Before You Go

The Inca Trail is one of the world’s most legendary trekking routes, and one of the most memorable parts of this experience is camping under the stars amidst the majestic Andes. The Inca Trail camp sites are not just a logistical necessity but also an opportunity to connect with nature and enjoy a unique experience.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about the Inca Trail camp sites, so your journey is as pleasant and safe as possible.

Location of Inca Trail Camp Sites

Before delving into the details of each specific camp site, it’s essential to have a clear vision of their location along the trail. The Inca Trail camp sites are strategically situated to provide optimal rest for hikers. Below are the main camp sites you’ll find during the journey:

Location and altitude of Inca Trail camp sites.

Consider the altitude when choosing the ideal tour for you.

All the Inca Trail camp sites not only offer a safe and suitable space for you to rest but also bring you closer to some of the most impressive landscapes along the trail. Remember that the camp sites where you will spend the nights during your excursion depend on your itinerary, travel agency, and the season of your trip.

Main Inca Trail Camp Sites

These Inca Trail camp sites are mostly known and used because they allow the daily trekking journeys to be suitable for the vast majority of travelers. They handle an average distance of 10 km each day to reach them, thus providing an experience of adequate challenges for all ages.

Wayllabamba

Wayllabamba, which means “green prairie,” is the first of the Inca Trail camp sites, especially if we talk about the 4 and 5-day tours. It is located at an average altitude of 3,000 meters above sea level, making it an ideal point for essential acclimatization for travelers and a great place to enjoy a natural environment while resting.

Wayllabamba is the first place of the camp sites on the Inca Trail, which also serves as a lunch area.

Depending on your itinerary, Wayllabamba is the first of the Inca Trail camp sites you will visit.

Pacaymayo

It is the second of the Inca Trail camp sites, located at a higher altitude than Wayllabamba, approximately 3,600 meters above sea level. This camp site is known for its strategic location that grants impressive views of the surrounding mountains. Regarding the itinerary, Pacaymayo is the place you will reach after overcoming the highest point of the Inca Trail, the famous Warmiwañusca Pass, which is at 4,215 meters above sea level.

Pacaymayo is the second of the camp sites you will visit on the 4-day Inca Trail.

One of the most beautiful Inca Trail camp sites.

Phuyupatamarca

Phuyupatamarca, whose name means “city above the clouds,” is one of the Inca Trail camp sites, especially on the 5-day tour version. It stands out thanks to the famous sunrises and sunsets the place offers. It is also one of the travelers’ favorites due to its proximity to the Phuyupatamarca archaeological site, where we find well-preserved agricultural terraces and water channels.

Wiñay Wayna

The last of the Inca Trail camp sites is Wiñay Wayna, which means “forever young,” due to a species of orchid that blooms throughout the year in this area. This place is located at about 2,650 meters above sea level, being the perfect point to explore the Wiñay Wayna archaeological site, which houses agricultural terraces, ceremonial fountains, and residential structures; before covering the last stage towards the Inca citadel.

Wiñay Wayna awaits to host you on your last night on the Inca Trail.

Your last night on this ancient trail.

Other Camp Sites

Ayapata

It is the main alternative to the Wayllabamba camp site, situated at a higher elevation (3,300 meters above sea level), making it a place higher than the Wayllabamba camp site. This camp site is less frequented than others, providing a quieter and more isolated experience for travelers.

Ayapata is the great recommendation of where to camp on the Inca Trail on your first day.

It is a great option to lessen the difficulty of the ascent on the second day of trekking.

Llulluchapampa

Located at about 3,800 meters altitude, it’s a camp site used by some agencies for a simpler and shorter experience in the ascent to the Warmiwañusca Pass (4,215 meters above sea level) on the second day of the tour.

Chaquicocha

A direct alternative to the Pacaymayo camp site, sometimes used to reduce the distance of the third day of hiking. It is at a lower altitude than Pacaymayo, exactly at 3,600 meters above sea level.

Facilities and Services at the Inca Trail Camp Sites

In the past, the Inca Trail camp sites were only spaces enabled for travelers to pitch their tents and rest, but nowadays, they offer more facilities and comforts, so it’s important to know what to expect.

In case one of your frequent questions about the Inca Trail is whether there are bathrooms on the trail.

The portable bathroom service is exclusive to some travel agencies.

Note: Remember that all agencies or operators of the Inca Trail provide potable water service in each camp site, and likewise, many of them already have the famous portable bathrooms for the exclusive use of the trip members.

Tips for Camping on the Inca Trail

Now that you know in more detail about the qualities and unique characteristics of the different Inca Trail camp sites, it’s crucial that you also consider the following data to have an unforgettable experience camping along the Inca Trail.

Factors to Consider

Just as it is important to consider the season and weather to hike this trail, don’t forget that part of the experience is the camping. These are very relevant moments to appreciate the nightlife and likewise, rest and recover energy to continue the tour.

Phuyupatamarca is not a place where you can camp on the Inca Trail.

For safety reasons, some camp sites may be disabled during the rainy season.

Best Time to Camp on the Inca Trail

Planning the right time to camp on the Inca Trail can make a big difference in your overall trip experience. Since each season offers you different opportunities for landscapes, climates, and comforts.

Dry Season (May to September):

Highlights of the dry season on the Inca Trail, the best season to travel to the Inca Trail.

A season without many weather changes, ideal for family trips or with children.

Recommendations for a Safe and Comfortable Experience

It is important that to ensure a more comfortable and enjoyable experience in the Inca Trail camp sites, you take into account these practical tips:

Recommendations to avoid suffering serious incidents on the Inca Trail

Remember that these tips are so you have a better experience on your journey along this trail.

Note: If you want to know in more detail all the items to bring to the Inca Trail, click here.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Inca Trail Camp Sites

Is it necessary to book the Inca Trail camp sites in advance?

No, since the Inca Trail camp sites are included with your Inca Trail permit, which can only be requested by the hired travel agency.

Infographic about what are the Inca Trail permits

Remember that without this precious permit you cannot hike the most famous trail in Peru.

How many nights are usually spent on the Inca Trail?

Whether you choose the 4 or 5-day version, during your expedition, you will only spend 3 nights in the different Inca Trail camp sites before reaching Machu Picchu. Since in the 5-day version, the fourth night is spent in a hotel in Aguas Calientes.

Is camping outside the designated camp sites allowed?

No, camping outside the official camp sites is prohibited to protect the natural environment and archaeological centers. Remember that breaking the rules could lead to very harsh legal and economic sanctions. If you wish to enjoy camping on the Inca Trail, you must stay at the designated camp sites.

Inca Trail with camping?

You might think that all tours on the Inca Trail allow you to experience camping in the middle of this mystical trail surrounded by nature, but the reality is that they don’t. Since there is a short version of the Inca Trail of 2 days, which is just about hiking an alternative trail, and you will spend the night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes. If you want the full Inca Trail with camping experience, you should opt for the classic 4 or 5-day treks.

Conclusion

The Inca Trail camp sites are an essential part of the journey and can make a big difference in your overall experience. With proper planning, you can enjoy an unforgettable and safe trekking experience in one of the most impressive destinations in the world.
From the tranquility of Wayllabamba to the spectacular views at Wiñay Wayna, each stop along the way not only provides a place to rest but also the opportunity to reflect on the journey and enjoy the magical surroundings that envelop this Inca trail.

Are you ready to embark on the adventure of the Inca Trail? Book your spot at the best camp sites and make sure you’re prepared to live a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Subscribe to our BLOG and NEWSLETTER to receive more tips and recommendations on trekking on the Inca Trail!

Written by: AdminGustavo

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