The Inca Trail or The Lost City Trek?
by Chris on 11th October 2018
Chris is the CEO of The Adventure People and has over 20 years experience in the travel industry.
Everybody has heard of The Inca Trail and we’re all familiar with the iconic images of Machu Picchu, but Colombia’s Lost City (Ciudad Perdida in Spanish) is probably not on your radar yet. Well, if you’re already thinking of doing The Inca Trail, you should definitely consider it. They are similar in many ways but the differences could make The Lost City Trek a great alternative. Check out our comparisons below to help you decide which tour is right for you – The Inca Trail or The Lost City Trek?
The Inca Trail
Easily the most famous hike in South America, and perhaps the world, thousands of people of all ages trek the Inca Trail every year. It combines the cultural highlights of the Sacred Valley with the challenge of a 39km hike to altitudes of over 4000 metres to reach the 15th century Incan Citadel, Machu Picchu.
Trail Details
Country: Peru
Altitude: 4215m
Distance: 39km
Time: 4-5 days
Physical Rating: 4/5 – Demanding
Setting: Andes Mountains
Climate: November - March is quite noticeably rainy season so floods and landslides are not uncommon. These months have approximately 80% of the annual rainfall and humidity is up to about 90%. April – November is the dry season so the days are warm but the nights are cool, chances of rain are slim, and it’s a little less humid.
Facilities: You’ll be on campsites in a tent with breath-taking views of ancient Inca ruins in the stunning Andean landscape. There will be cold showers and toilets at each campsite, and there are also toilets available along the trek too.
Inca Trail Highlights
Machu Picchu itself is truly humbling. That moment the fog clears at dawn and you are presented with the surrounding views of the towering, tree-covered mountains and the Urubamba River valley you will be speechless.
There are also various other sites along the Inca Trail, like Wiñay Wayna – a quaint ruin built into a steep hillside, and the Inca Tunnel which was carved from the rock and leads to the mystical cloud forests.
Camping doesn’t get much better than this, especially when you unzip your tent in the morning to a view of ancient Inca ruins and snowy mountain peaks.
Why choose the Inca Trail?
Who wouldn’t want to experience one of the 7 wonders of the world? In 2017 Machu Picchu was chosen as one of the new wonders of the modern world by more than 100 million people in an internet poll, and it’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s a pretty big deal!
The Lost City Trek
Ciudad Perdida disappeared into the Colombian jungle after it was abandoned in the 16th century, and it wasn’t rediscovered until the 1970s. It’s thought to have been built as early as the 8th century and is one of the largest ancient cities in the Americas. Today it’s Colombia’s most popular hiking adventure.
Trek Details
Country: Colombia
Altitude: 1200m
Distance: 46km
Time: 4-6 days
Physical Rating: 4/5 – Demanding
Setting: Jungle
Climate: You’ll be in the heart of the Colombian Jungle so expect tropical conditions. It’s hot and it’s humid!
Facilities: You’ll either be sleeping in hammocks and rustic bunks, so you’ll get a truly wild experience, especially with the fireflies lighting up the night. There will be toilets and cold showers at each campsite, and toilets are available along the trek too. You’ll also come across locals selling bits and pieces so you can buy snacks and souvenirs.
Lost City Highlights
The Lost City was never actually “lost”. It was only ever “lost” to the western world. Indigenous communities have lived along the trek for centuries and are still there, so you will literally walk through villages and lands of the descendants who first built and lived in Ciudad Perdida.
You’ll cross rivers and waterfalls, huge clearings where horses roam, and push through thick jungle to reach clearings with amazing views over the lush green scenery. There’s even a toilet with a pretty unbeatable view!
Sleeping in hammocks and listening to the sounds of the jungle with fireflies lighting up the night is a once in a lifetime experience, and one you’ll remember forever.
Why choose the Lost City Trek?
At only 1200m, altitude sickness won’t be an issue on the Lost City Trek. Compare that to the Inca Trail where you will trek to heights of over 4000m at ‘Dead Woman’s Pass’. That’s not to say this will be a walk in the park, but it’s a weight off your mind because altitude sickness can affect anybody, regardless of how physically fit you are.
Have you heard of it? No? Well neither have the thousands of people who do the Inca Trail every year, which is why the Lost City isn’t overrun by tourists. In fact, chances are the only people you’ll run into on this trek will be the local indigenous communities when you stumble upon their villages.
Which adventure is right for me?
If you’ve got time, do them both! If not, maybe think about what else you could get up to after your trip? Colombia has the tropical Caribbean Coast and some vibrant cities to visit like Bogota, Cartagena, and Medellin. Peru has the tranquil Lake Titicaca, and the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco.
If The Inca Trail is the one for you, it’s important to know that only 500 people are allowed on the trail each day, and this includes guides and porters, so only 200 permits a day are allocated to travellers. This limitation means that if you want to go but you are set on dates, don’t hesitate too much and book it sooner rather than later to avoid disappointment.
Made up your mind? Check out some of our most popular Inca Trail and Lost City adventures below:
Sacred Land of the Incas - 15 Days
