The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu includes food during the days of hiking. In other words, it offers 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 3 dinners during the 4 days and 3 nights of adventure. These meals are prepared by a staff of experienced cooks. These use Andean ingredients that are a source of protein and vitamins necessary for the trek. Learn more about this important service on the Inca Trail.
The Inca Trail is a hiking route of 4 days of walking and 3 nights of camping in which approximately 39 kilometers are traveled. As it is a route protected by the Peruvian State, it can only be traveled by visitors with the respective permits. These permits are managed by tourism agencies that organize tours for visitors that include: transportation, entrance fees, guide, baggage charge and, of course, food. The meals are adequately designed to provide energy to the visitors. Of course they also have a good seasoning. Thus the visitor will not have to carry a luggage full of food. The Inca Trail becomes more bearable and exciting.
Food on the Inca Trail
The Inca Trail tour to Machu Picchu includes food.
The first day includes lunch and dinner. The second day, breakfast, lunch and dinner. The third day breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The last day only includes breakfast. That is, it offers in total: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 3 dinners.
What is sought is to keep the walker well hydrated and well fed. It also seeks to offer a well-prepared and balanced diet to replenish and maintain the energies of tourists.
It is important to note that this route takes place in a different geography than the one most tourists are used to. It is about another height, another atmospheric pressure, other climates, etc. All of these factors influence physiology. This is related to the food that people receive on the route.
During the Inca Trail calories and energy foods are required the exact nutritional balance for our body. In addition, the meals should provide the satisfaction of a meal pleasing to the senses.
The chefs
The cook plans and budgets the meals, considering each product that he will use. He takes into account that the diet must be balanced in quantity and quality for the number of visitors that make up the group of the Inca Trail.
Most of the cooks are local people from the smaller Andean towns of Cusco. They have learned from their parents the most hidden secrets of seasoning a good Peruvian dish.
All have studied and trained in cooking. However, what stands out the most is the family heritage, tradition, the combination of flavors, sweet, salty, acid, all presented in meals. They specialize in traditional Cusco dishes.
To be a chef on the Inca Trail, most chefs must comply with: a health card, have no criminal record, have complete personal documents as well as authorization to travel the Inca Trail.
Cook Inca Trail Machu Picchu
Option for vegetarians
Most tourism agencies include the option of ‘food for vegetarians’ on the Inca Trail. This option requires an advance application. Thus the cook can get the necessary ingredients to prepare the food.
In the same way, on this hiking route there are food options for vegans.
Some recommendations
The Inca Trail includes drinks for visitors at the camps. However, this amount of rehydrating agents is often not enough if the physical effort of the route is taken into account. For this reason, it is recommended that visitors bring their own water source. Drinks of 1 liter per day are sufficient.
It is also recommended to bring snacks, fruits or chocolates that provide calories and energy to visitors. The route includes breakfast, lunch and dinner at the camps. However, during walks some doses of protein are necessary.
More information
The 2-day Inca Trail is a route of only 13 kilometers to Machu Picchu. This short adventure includes 1 box lunch (lunch), 1 dinner and 1 breakfast. This short route is an excellent alternative if time is not available for the classic 4-day route.
The classic 4-day Inca Trail must be purchased online 6 or 7 months in advance. This is due to the high demand and the limited availability of this route. During the reservation some different food preferences should be mentioned (if the visitors are vegetarian or vegan).
By Inca Trail Machu Picchu - Last updated, 22-08-2024
Interested in the Inca Trail? Know more about Reservation and Services!
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- Machu Picchu Tourist Packages
- This is the diet on the Inca Trail
- Passport for the Inca Trail?
- Documents required for the Inca Trail
- Inca Trail Permmits
We are part of MACHUPICCHU TERRA, Travel agency and tour operator authorized to operate the Inca Trail and other hiking routes in Cusco. Our authorization code is "CI1578".
We have the certificate CALTUR, which recognizes the application of good management practices for the service of travel and tourism agencies. We offer a proven quality service!
Machupicchu Terra received the ‘Safe Travels’ seal for its compliance with all the control and prevention protocols against Covid 19. Travel in complete safety!