How hard is the Inca Trail?

This is of course relative - depending on your condition, how the altitude affects you and if you are acclimatised well, how used to these kinds of activities your are. That said the Inca Trail Classic is considered to be a mid-level / moderate trek. You won't be carrying your own tent and kitchen equipment, food etc (the porters carry this) and you can also pay extra to have a porter carry personal belonging for you to make it a little easier. We also recommened you use a trekking pole / walking stick as there is a lot of ascending and descending and this can be hard on the knees, plus if wet some of the paving can be a little slippery. It is best that you have spent some time acclimatising to the altitude in the Cusco area first to help that become less of an effect. Most reasonably fit and healthy people, of a variety of ages, can complete this trek. If you are extremely out of shape you should perhaps consider a visit to Machu PIcchu by train or doing some kind of training and fitness preparation program before to get in better shape.