The Inca Trail in 2021 may be a different experience from the current Inca Trail. Big changes to how the Inca Trail regulations were announced in November 2018, due to come into place on the Inca Trail in 2020. But they did not happen. They are said to have been delayed till 2021, but no-one seems sure.
The Inca Trail authorities are proposing changes to where you camp and changes to how you camp. There is currently a battle going on with some companies for it and some against it.
1. Changes to where you camp on the Inca Trail
Winay Wayña campsite will close from 2021
- This is due to a history of landslides. The latest in January 2021 where a porter was killed by a landslide leading. Read more about this and how to hike the Inca trail safely here.
- All hikers will still pass through it, but not camp there
- Most 4 day Inca Trail hikers currently camp here. They will camp at Phuyupatamarca instead, meaning 5 day Inca Trail hikers need to camp earlier on the trail.
The last night’s campsite on both 4 and 5 day Inca Trails will change
5 day Inca Trail
We will camp at Llactapata, Llulluchupampa, and Chaquicocha (where we currently have lunch). Walk 90 mins less on day three and 90 mins more on day four.
4 day Inca Trail
Will camp at Wayllabamba, Pacaymayo and Phuyupatamarca (the last pass). Walk 2 to 3 hours less, on day three and 2 to 3 hours more on day four. Then take an evening train home, after exploring Machu Picchu in the afternoon.
Check out: Our Treks into Machu Picchu! The best way to avoid the crowds, with fixed departure reduced price available!
2.Change to the way you camp
The daily limit of 500 Inca Trail permits will be spread across one less campsite. So they are limiting the camping space allowed per group and introducing new rules:
- A maximum space per tent
- Permanent structures to act as kitchens and dining areas and toilets (use is obligatory)
- Camping spaces of two sizes, 1 to 8 and 9 to 16 people
How will this affect things?
No-one is really sure as plans have not been fully finalized.
- The option to offer single tents may be affected
- There is a drive from some, to make companies share dining, kitchen and toilet facilities in order to fill the spaces. So if you have a group of two, you may need to share facilities with other companies to make a total of 8 per space.
- Others do not want this. It was mentioned that you may be able to pay for all 8 spaces to make it your private space. This would considerably increase the cost for small groups wanting exclusivity.
- Potentially, the structures could improve sanitation. The Ministry of the Environment is doing studies on water and wastewater this year. If the kitchen sinks have grease traps etc, and the wastewater is diverted and treated properly, this would be an improvement on the current system, where people tip wastewater on the ground.
- If the toilets are well maintained (unlike the current ones) this could make camping a more pleasant experience for all, and avoid a porter having to carry a toilet around.
- It might make it harder to differentiate your service from another company- if everyone is made to share facilities.
- Wildlife may be affected by the move to permanent structures, as they do not get that break between a camp being taken down and a new one put up
Check out: Our Treks into Machu Picchu! The best way to avoid the crowds, with fixed departure reduced price available!
2 Comments On Changes to Inca Trail regulations for 2021
Is amazons explorers doing anything to support the disheartening stray dog issue which presides around Machu Picchu town, entrance to Machi Picchu and Cusco city?
Amazonas explorer brings many people to these location and exposes them to these obvious issue but does nothing to help.
One idea is that a percentage of revenue spent at certain shops/restaurants/hotels by tourist who are with amazonas explorers, would be donated to the dog shelters and bring awareness to the local people of the importance of getting all dogs neutered.
This issue is out of hand and could be helped
Significantly if a large company such as amazonas explorers stepped up to the plate!
I have done the Inca trail with Amazonas Explorers November 2017. My guide was Jose.
I wrote of this issue to you guys back then and no reply was received.
Please feel free too respond to my inquiry.
Help save the stray dogs of Peru!
Amazonas Explorer
Dear Ashley,
Yes, stray dogs are a huge problem in Cusco. But as with anywhere, they are just one of many issues that need addressing. Human malnutrition, lack of decent education in some sectors, inequality, dental issues, health issues, there are so many causes one could choose to support.
As a company we have decided to donate our time and money in other ways, as dogs is not really our speciality. Even though various of us have adopted stray dogs ourselves.
For the last eleven years we have been donating 1% of our turnover each year to a native reforestation project in the Lares area, organized by the non-profit Ecoan. As this is an area we have been taking trekkers to for years, we feel this is an appropriate choice and an area close to our hearts. We also feel it is an important project and one that is working well with full involvement of the local villagers themselves. The trees planted not only provide habitat for rare endemic bird species, but they are vital to protecting the water source of the villagers that live in these communities. Without water, they simply will not be able to live in this remote and beautiful area. So far between us we have planted over 600,000 trees and we will continue to support this project.
I appreciate the stray dogs are very important to you and I hope you can understand our choice to donate our time and money elsewhere for something we consider important.