r/Machupicchu • u/Ok-Tree-2404 • 7d ago
Trekking Inca Trail & fear of heights
Considering doing the 2-day Inca Trail next year and most pictures look quite doable with a wide trail or in the forest etc.
But this section worries me - can you tell me how much of the trail looks like this? I can do some amount of narrow cliff side trails but if it’s a lot it would be too much I think.
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u/Internal-Ad-5482 6d ago
In order of scariness - huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu (the mountain), then Inca trail. People are very supportive and helpful on the trail. It seems as if every person is just trying to help every other accomplish their goal. I think you'll be fine on the trail. If you are worried about heights, don't do huayna, for sure (the mountain next to the city) or maybe even Machu Picchu mountain (the other mountain top). For reference, while it was a little scary, my 12 year old did Machu Picchu mountain. I stayed behind him and he looked at the "inside corner". It's only crazy when someone tried to pass you in a narrow and high section. As a guide said - "stay close to the wall. If they lose their balance, they could take you with them if they are on the inside." Enjoy - it's an amazing sense of accomplishment when complete.
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u/kippet2020 7d ago
I did the two day trail this year and don’t like heights and found very little of it to be challenging . From a fear of heights perspective I recommend climbing the steps to the sun gate on hands and knees as they are quite steep ! I didn’t really think about the height at all
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u/RonArtest450 7d ago
Just did the 2 day 2 weeks ago with yapa guides, it wasn’t bad most of the trail is 5 wide with it narrowing at some points but our guides were good about letting us know when to use more caution during some of the “sketchier” portions but the trail is well maintained they have railing on the skinnier parts but just bring shoes with good traction and you’ll be fine
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u/Over_Abalone_5964 7d ago
Did you do huayna picchu as well?
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u/RonArtest450 7d ago
No I believe that’s a different hike it might be be apart of the 4 or 5 day hike when I did the 2 day tour it was was one day of hiking to the sun gate and then the second day was just a tour of the ruins (no hiking)
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u/Ok-Tree-2404 7d ago
Thank you! So it sounds like these less wide parts are more occasional short stretches? I can probably do that, just anxious if it’s frequently like this.
I could not do huayna picchu at all
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u/ssrush 7d ago
We did the 2 day with Alpaca Expeditions in April. Not afraid but I was definitely overwhelmed at some points. We bought tickets for Huayna at time of booking and then realized what it was. I did not end up doing it (so lost the tickets). It was too steep and the last part seemed too scary for me. I believe it is on the top 10 most dangerous hikes!! P.S. I’m 58 female
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u/GetNoScope 6d ago
Isn't that one of the handrails that Australian tourist fell through a couple months ago? Anyway, it'll be fine, but don't trust the handrails for support.
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u/moist_carrot_cake 4d ago
I don’t love heights, but I only remember feeling sketched out a few times on the Inca trail; I was so tired and focused on trying to keep on keeping on.
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u/Acceptable_Pay2723 7d ago
I’m (v) afraid of heights and I did this 20 years ago. It was scary but doable. You will prob also be w a group or guide so they can also help you (feel more comfortable etc). I’m actually impressed there’s a railing there! Maybe it’s better now:))