Jeffrey Wade
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a popular hiking route that passes through the old capital of Cuzco, the lush green Sacred Valley, the ruins of Ollantaytambo, and finally, the forgotten city of Machu Picchu. The trail ascends to an altitude of 4,200 meters at its highest point, Dead Woman's Pass, which poses a risk of altitude sickness. As such, it is crucial to have adequate travel insurance that covers emergency medical treatment and evacuation in the event of accidents or illnesses during the trek. Standard travel insurance policies typically do not provide sufficient coverage for high-altitude activities, so trekkers should opt for adventure travel insurance or specialist providers like Rise & Shield, Big Cat Travel Insurance, or Trailfinders, which offer evacuation and medical cover for high-altitude trekking.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Insurance Provider | Big Cat Travel Insurance, Rise & Shield, Travel Guard, Llamapath, Trailfinders, Global Rescue, British Mountaineering Council |
| Coverage | Medical, emergency mountain rescue, emergency evacuation, accidental death, dismemberment, cancellations, interruptions, delays, theft or loss of luggage or documents, emergency assistance |
| Altitude Covered | 4,000m, 4,200m, 4,600m, 5,200m |
| Additional Information | The Classic 4-day Inca Trail can be hiked year-round, but the driest period is between April and October. The trail is closed each February for cleaning and maintenance. |
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What You'll Learn
Inca Trail insurance is essential
The remote nature of the trail means that medical facilities and assistance may not be close at hand. Accidents are rare, but they do occur, and if you experience altitude sickness, a fall, or any other issue, you will want to ensure you have adequate evacuation and medical treatment cover. The cost of evacuation and proper medical treatment in Peru can be very high, so it's important to have the right insurance cover in place before you set off. Most tour operators will require you to have 'adequate' cover, and standard travel insurance policies will not be sufficient for these altitudes.
When choosing an insurance policy, make sure to check the small print and consult an insurance expert if you're unsure. Your Inca Trail insurance policy should cover the cost of evacuation and medical treatment in the country, as well as other potential issues such as flight cancellations, interruptions, and delays. It's also important to ensure you are in good physical condition to undertake the trek, and to follow all safety instructions while on the trail.
There are several companies that offer Inca Trail insurance, including Big Cat Travel Insurance, Rise & Shield, Trailfinders, and Llamapath. Big Cat's Activity Pack covers you up to 4,600 metres, while their Extreme Activity Pack is suited to more challenging treks. Rise & Shield's Adventure Plus pack covers hiking up to 4,600 metres, and Travel Guard also provides adequate high-altitude trekking insurance. Trailfinders offer insurance that includes high-altitude helicopter rescue cover, and Llamapath may be another option, although they have been slow to respond to queries.
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Altitude sickness and emergency evacuation
Altitude sickness is a common issue for tourists walking the Inca Trail. The trail crosses landscapes over 4,200 meters high, and altitude sickness can occur at around 2,400 meters. The highest point on the trail is Dead Woman's Pass at 4,200 meters, which poses the greatest risk of altitude sickness, especially if you did not spend time in Cusco prior to the trek to acclimatise. Symptoms of altitude sickness include headaches, nausea, and shortness of breath. These symptoms may worsen as you continue along the trail, and can be made worse by physical activity, leading to dehydration.
To prevent altitude sickness, it is recommended that you spend a few days in Cusco before beginning the trek, so that you can acclimatise to the altitude. When climbing, it is important to drink plenty of fluids, and eat carbohydrate-rich meals. Coca leaves have been used in the Andes for thousands of years to help with altitude sickness. It is also recommended that you climb at a slow pace, with only moderate elevation gains each day, and that you sleep at a lower altitude than your highest point of the day.
If you do experience altitude sickness, it is important that you rest until you feel better, and do not continue hiking until you have fully recovered. If you are seriously injured or sick while hiking the Inca Trail, you may need to be evacuated to a hospital in Cusco, which is about four hours away by train or helicopter. Therefore, it is important to ensure that your travel insurance covers you for altitude and the cost of evacuation and medical treatment in Peru. Adventure travel insurance specialists, such as Rise & Shield, offer cover for trekking up to 4,600 meters if you add their Adventure Plus pack. Big Cat Travel Insurance also offers an Activity Pack that covers you up to 4,600 meters, and an Extreme Activity Pack that covers any altitude above this.
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Adventure travel insurance specialists
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but it's not without its risks. The trail ascends to 4,200 metres at Dead Woman's Pass, and while accidents are rare, they do happen. Altitude sickness is a common issue, and there's always the possibility of a fall or another injury. The routes to Machu Picchu are remote, and even a minor ailment can be costly if you're stuck in a small village. That's why it's so important to have the right travel insurance in place before you set off.
There are a few companies that specialise in adventure travel insurance and offer the coverage you need for the Inca Trail. Rise & Shield, for example, offers cover for trekking up to 4,600 metres with their Adventure Plus pack. Big Cat Travel Insurance also offers an Activity Pack that covers you up to 4,600 metres, and an Extreme Activity Pack for altitudes above that. Trailfinders is another option, as they offer insurance for high-altitude trips, including helicopter rescue cover.
When choosing a policy, make sure to read the small print and check that it covers the cost of evacuation and proper medical treatment in Peru. You may also want to consider insurance that covers flight or tour cancellations, interruptions, and delays, as these are quite common in Cusco. It's also a good idea to check that your tour operator is registered with a reputable agency like ABTA or ATOL.
Finally, remember to give yourself time to acclimatise to the altitude before starting the trek. Staying in Cusco for a few nights before setting off can help you avoid altitude sickness and ensure you're in good physical condition for the journey ahead.
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$4.88
Tour operators and insurance requirements
Tour operators typically require trekkers to have 'adequate' travel insurance cover for the Inca Trail. This means that standard travel insurance is insufficient, as these policies do not cover high-altitude trekking.
It is important to check that your tour operator is registered with an agency such as ABTA or ATOL. Tour operators will require you to provide a printed certificate as proof of your insurance.
Inca Trail travel insurance should cover trekking over 4,000 meters (13,123 feet) and include the cost of evacuation and medical treatment in the country you are trekking in. The highest point on the Inca Trail is Dead Woman's Pass at 4,200 meters, but alternative routes like the Salkantay Trail can go as high as 4,600 meters. The Adventure Plus pack from Rise & Shield is recommended for this level of cover.
Big Cat Travel Insurance also offers an Activity Pack that covers up to 4,600 meters, and an Extreme Activity Pack for altitudes above that. Their policies include a 48-hour waiting period before cover commences, and any illnesses arising during this time will be considered pre-existing conditions and excluded.
It is also important to consider insurance that covers flight or tour cancellations, interruptions, and delays. Trekking the Inca Trail is a potentially hazardous activity, and adequate insurance will provide peace of mind and financial protection in the event of an accident, injury, or illness.
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Inca Trail safety and health considerations
The Inca Trail is a challenging but rewarding hike that attracts adventurers from all over the world. As with any adventure, it's important to be prepared and take the necessary precautions to ensure your safety and well-being. Here are some essential safety and health considerations for the Inca Trail:
Insurance:
Travel insurance is highly recommended for the Inca Trail due to the remote and potentially hazardous nature of the trek. Most tour operators will require you to have adequate cover, specifically designed for high-altitude trekking. Standard travel insurance policies typically do not provide sufficient coverage for these altitudes. Make sure your policy includes evacuation and medical treatment cover, as well as coverage for trekking above 4,000 meters.
Altitude Sickness:
Altitude sickness, also known as mountain sickness, is the most common health issue faced by trekkers on the Inca Trail. Cusco, the starting point of the trek, sits at a high altitude, and 90% of visitors are estimated to experience mild symptoms of altitude sickness. These symptoms include headache, nausea, fatigue, insomnia, and excessive agitation with physical exertion. To reduce the impact of altitude sickness, it is recommended to spend a few days in Cusco or a similar high-altitude location before beginning the trek to allow your body to acclimatise. Drinking plenty of water and avoiding alcohol and other intoxicants are also crucial to managing symptoms. Additionally, consult your doctor before the trip to discuss any necessary medications or precautions.
Weather Conditions:
The Inca Trail is subject to varying weather conditions, with heavy rainfall common during the months of January, February, and March. While the trail is generally safe, hikers should be aware of the weather and take appropriate precautions. The trail is closed for cleaning and maintenance during February, coinciding with the wettest period. The driest period is between April and October, with June to August being the high season.
Tour Operators:
Choosing a reputable tour operator is vital for your safety and overall experience. Research the qualifications of the trek guides, the quality of the provided tents, and the company's approach to food and water cleanliness. A good tour operator will have clear safety policies and protocols outlined on their website. Additionally, consider choosing a company that provides a private chemical toilet for a more hygienic experience.
Other Health Considerations:
The Inca Trail can lead to other health issues beyond altitude sickness, including dehydration, muscle bruises, sprains, and contusions. Ensure your tour operator has knowledgeable guides equipped with first aid supplies to address any issues. Additionally, maintain a healthy diet and good physical condition before the trek to enhance your resilience. If you plan to visit the Peruvian jungle, be sure to learn about malaria prevention, as it is a life-threatening but preventable disease.
By following these safety and health considerations, you can confidently embark on the Inca Trail, minimising risks and maximising your enjoyment of this extraordinary adventure.
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Frequently asked questions
The Inca Trail involves trekking at high altitudes, above 4,000 metres, and the routes to Machu Picchu are remote. If you experience altitude sickness, a fall, or any other issues, you will need to be evacuated and receive medical treatment.
Rise & Shield offers Inca Trail travel insurance that covers trekking up to 4,600 metres, but you must add their Adventure Plus pack. Big Cat Travel Insurance also offers an Activity Pack that covers up to 4,600 metres, and an Extreme Activity Pack for altitudes above that. Trailfinders offers insurance for trips like these, which include high-altitude helicopter rescue cover.
It is recommended that your policy covers the cost of cancellations, interruptions, and delays, as well as the standard features such as loss or theft of luggage, medical expenses, emergency assistance, accidental death, and dismemberment.
