The difficulty of the Classic Inca Trail is considered to be a moderate level hike. The classic Inca Trail Route is 43 km (26 mi) long and often steep, you will hike over four days at an elevation nearing 13,828 feet (4,215 meters). Although rated moderate, the relentless uphill (and downhill) hiking is tough.

The 5 day Inca Trail trek hikes the same route as the 4-day Inca Trail, but you get a better experience. You share the trail and campsites with fewer people. You get more time to acclimatize and cross the high pass a day later. You have more time to enjoy the Inca sites and you visit Machu Picchu twice.

But besides this, there is a long list of reasons why hiking the Inca Trail is worth it. It shouldn't take much to convince you to add the Inca Trail to your bucket list. Breathtaking landscapes, ancient Inca ruins, and a sense of accomplishment are waiting for you.

Dead Woman's Pass is even steeper on the way down Yes, the dreaded Dead Woman's Pass. Everyone will tell you about the knee-busting effort needed to climb this infamous summit. At 4,215m, it's the highest point of the Inca Trail and is nearly 1,800m higher than Machu Picchu!