On this information to trekking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, you’ll be taught precisely what to count on, what to pack for the Inca Trail, which tour operator to select and extra.

Nick and I hiked the Traditional Inca Trail Trek for five days and had a really optimistic expertise.

You’ll too — for those who’re correctly ready. 

The Machu Picchu hike begins at KM 82 within the Sacred Valley close to the Urubamba River, and ends on the ruins of Machu Picchu. You’ll observe cobbled pathways that the Incans constructed and used as a transportation system within the 15th century.

In the course of the hike, you’ll be blown away by the unbelievable ingenuity of the Incans. How they had been in a position to construct such a stable highway system, within the jungle, at excessive altitude, is mind-boggling!

Whereas Machu Picchu may be the star of the Inca Trail hike, the beautiful nature, towering mountains and quite a few ruins alongside the way in which are nearly pretty much as good because the finale itself.

Right here’s my information to the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu hike to make it easier to plan the proper journey. 

When to Hike The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Initially, you can’t trek in the course of the month of February because the path is closed to all guests for restoration and upkeep. 

There are two important seasons right here: dry and cooler, or moist and hotter. 

The dry season runs from across the finish of April till the start of October, whereas the moist season is from early November to the start of April.

With climate being so unpredictable within the Andes, you’ll in all probability encounter rain in the course of the dry season, and non-rainy days in the course of the moist season. Evenings are chilly whatever the time of 12 months you determine to hike. 

There’s no denying that Machu Picchu is a well-liked website, so common the truth is that the federal government had to restrict the variety of guests to 500 per day (together with guides and porters). So, if in case you have the choice, I like to recommend doing the Machu Picchu hike within the shoulder season of April – Might and later in September, October and early November. 

And, ensure you ebook as far forward as you’ll be able to to make sure you get a allow earlier than they promote out.

We hiked the basic Inca Trail route in March and whereas we had an excellent expertise, as a result of it was the offseason, we did have some rain — however we additionally had quite a lot of sunshine. 

Throughout our trek in late March, although it was off-season, there have been a number of folks at Machu Picchu itself, however fortunately not on the path to get there.

We hiked to Machu Picchu with Explorandes and the way in which they construction their journeys makes it so that you’re staggered with the opposite tour teams — which means you’ve the path and a couple of campsites all to your self! Extra on this firm under. 

How To Select the Finest Inca Trail Tour Firm 

You can’t trek the Inca Trail independently. The Machu Picchu hike should be achieved with a tour operator. 

Once we had been researching Inca Trail excursions, the data was overwhelming. We’d discover a web site that beneficial a tour operator, then cross-reference it with TripAdvisor critiques and verify to see if it was listed in our Lonely Planet Peru information.

Not one of the tour firms had excellent critiques and none of them stood out for us — till I got here throughout Explorandes. 

Observe: we aren’t sponsored by Explorandes and paid full worth for our Inca Trail to Machu Picchu trek. 

When trying to find a tour operator to hike the Inca Trail, there are some details to be mindful:

1. Are the porters, cooks, and guides handled pretty and paid a correct wage?
2. Does the corporate give again to the neighborhood? 
3. Does the operator observe eco practices? 
4. How lengthy have they been in enterprise? 
5. Precisely what’s included within the fee (meals, tools, information, and so forth.).
6. Do you want to carry your individual tools? How a lot weight will you carry vs. the porters? 

Explorandes checked all of these bins and extra.

Listed here are a number of the explanation why we extremely advocate Explorandes for the Machu Picchu hike. 

✓ Explorandes is the primary firm to run official excursions to Machu Picchu and have been doing so since 1975.

✓ Communication is superb. If you e mail them to inquire about charges and bookings, you’ll obtain a bunch of data upfront (without spending a dime) which is able to make it easier to determine whether or not or not Explorandes is the corporate for you. 

✓ The Traditional Inca Trail tour is accomplished in 5 days, slightly than 4. This further day on the journey means you don’t have to rise up at ridiculously early hours, you’ll be staggered from different teams, and you’ll get pleasure from visiting Machu Picchu two occasions, slightly than one. Click on right here to learn extra about some great benefits of doing the Inca Trail in 5 days slightly than 4.

✓ They’re an eco-friendly, sustainable firm, they usually put a concentrate on hygiene in the course of the trek. It is a good factor as there could be nothing worse than getting sick whereas on the path.

✓ Explorandes workouts a 100% carry-in and carry-out coverage of stable waste. 

✓ A portion of your journey charge is used as a carbon offset, as the corporate buys carbon credit within the Peruvian Rainforest.

✓ There’s an orientation within the city of Cusco two days earlier than you set off on the Inca Trail. It is a smart way to get to know your group whereas getting your entire questions and considerations answered. 

✓ Teams are small.

✓ Whereas most firms cross the river on the KM82 marker, Explorandes crosses at KM88, which places some area between your group and the opposite trekkers. We had the path all to ourselves when climbing with Explorandes. Two out of the three campsites on the trek had simply our group staying there. To us, this can be a large bonus!

✓ The manner the tour is structured, you arrive at Machu Picchu within the late afternoon to take some pictures. You then spend the night time within the city of Aguas Calientes (which is round 30 minutes from Machu Picchu), and you come to the positioning once more the next morning for a correct tour of it. Having the ability to go to Machu Picchu two occasions as a substitute of 1 is a large perk of this tour — very often Machu Picchu may be shrouded in fog and clouds. 

✓ There are moveable bathrooms which are carried up by the crew. That is nice because it means there’s a rest room close to the camp, and never a far stroll away — wonderful for nighttime lavatory breaks. 

✓ We solely had to carry our private objects. The porters carried all meals, tents and sleeping gear, lavatory services, and kitchen and eating tools. 

✓ Our information Harry was accountable, skilled, safety-conscious, had a great sense of humour and was enjoyable to be round.

✓ The Explorandes guides are knowledgable in regards to the historical past of Peru, and the Incan occasions.  

✓ The meals is definitely scrumptious. Usually, when doing multiday hikes, you’ll be compelled to eat actually fundamental, straightforward to cook dinner meals. Not with Explorandes. The cooks make some epic meals! Breakfast, lunch, pre-dinner, and dinner are all tasty (rooster stew with potatoes, guacamole and chips, cheese and crackers, beef stew and rice, soups…). 

✓ Every morning, you’re woken up early by a pleasant porter who gives you a basin of heat water for laundry off your face, and produce you a scorching drink — espresso, tea or scorching chocolate.

✓ The whole lot runs like clockwork. From the beginning of the trek to the top while you’re dropped off at your lodging.

There are quite a few different firms working Inca Trail excursions to Machu Picchu. Your tour operator could make or break this as soon as in a lifetime expertise, so it’s necessary to ask as many questions as you’ll be able to and be comfy with the corporate you select. 

To be taught extra about Explorandes and to view the varied trekking packages the corporate gives, click on right here. To contact the corporate and converse to a consultant, click on right here. Don’t neglect to inform them Goats On The Street despatched you!

Itinerary For The Machu Picchu Hike

The typical “Traditional Inca Trail Tour” is Four days, nonetheless, a number of the firms run 5-day excursions, which is what we did with Explorandes.

The 5-day tour permits you to begin later within the day on the primary day (after the hordes of different trekkers have already began). Plus, you’ll give you the chance to acclimatize significantly better than for those who had been on the 4-day tour.

With the 5 day journey, day quantity Three is the toughest, whereas with the 4-day tour, the toughest day could be day quantity 2. Lastly, you get to see Machu Picchu two occasions with a 5-day tour, which is nice as you by no means know what the climate will probably be doing. 

Right here is the Inca path itinerary for the 5-day journey that we accomplished with Explorandes.

Day #1 of the Inca Trail

• Cusco (3,350m / 10,990ft) to KM.82 (2,668m) to Chamana Camp (2,668m / 8,753ft) 
• Distance: 10 kilometers
• Time: Roughly 4.5 hours

You’re picked up in a van out of your resort or lodging in Cusco and are transferred to the Sacred Valley. Right here you’ll have a while to wander across the village of Ollantaytambo, have some meals in order for you, choose up any last-minute objects and naturally, admire the wonderful Inca ruins right here. 

From Ollantaytambo, you’ll drive to the beginning of the hike. Right here you’ll obtain a paper bag with some snacks for the day, get your gear arrange and take off on one of the wonderful hikes ever. 

Admire the Qanabamba ruins, the towering mountains, and the speeding Urubamba River. Ensure to flip round and look behind you throughout this trek, because the surroundings is spectacular.

In the present day you’ll cease for a snack break, earlier than persevering with on to get pleasure from your first scorching lunch of the trek. A eating tent is about up with stools for you to sit on. 

Stick with it and cross the river at Q’ente earlier than arriving on the campsite of Chamana. It is a personal campsite so solely Explorandes visitors are in a position to camp right here — there are scorching water showers right here as effectively! If you arrive, your tent will already be arrange, along with your sleeping mat and sleeping bag inside. 

Get freshened up earlier than having fun with a snack, adopted by a tasty dinner, after which sleep.

Today of the Inca Trail could be very straightforward, and as our information mentioned in the course of the orientation: “If you happen to wrestle on day 1 of this hike, then it’s best to rethink trekking to Machu Picchu”.

If you end up having points today, chances are you’ll want to flip round and select one other manner to see Machu Picchu. 

Day #2 of the Inca Trail

• Chamana Camp (2,668m / 8,753ft) to Llulluchapampa Camp (3,840m / 12,598ft)
• Distance: 11.7 kilometers (7.Three miles)
• Time: Roughly 7-Eight hours

Get up round 6:30 am, pack up your bag of private objects, have breakfast and set off. The porters and crew will take down your tent and tarp and carry it for you.

You camped throughout from the beautiful Llaqtapata ruins, and right now you’ll get to discover them and be taught in regards to the historical past right here. You’ll be given the choice to climb up a small’ish mountain — do it! The view up the valley and throughout the ruins is spectacular. We sat there for some time simply gazing in awe and the character round us.

Throughout right now’s hike, you’ll cross by small creeks, waterfalls and many towering timber. This a part of the Inca Trail is lush and the air is moist and humid. Ensure to hold your eyes peeled for distinctive flowers and bugs alongside the way in which. 

Take pleasure in a scorching lunch earlier than persevering with uphill — there are some stairs today. 

The second campsite on the path was my private favorite. That is the Llulluchapampa Camp and when the clouds clear, Mt. Huayanay is uncovered — it’s an unbelievable sight. Once more, we had been the one folks tenting at this website, effectively, us and many llamas! 

Not solely had been the llamas close by, however whereas we had been sitting in our tent, a llama walked proper up to it! Fairly wonderful.

After stress-free for a bit, get pleasure from a tasty scorching meal earlier than going to mattress.

Day #Three of The Inca Trail

• Llulluchapampa Camp (3,840m / 12,598ft) to Phuyupatamarca Camp (3,650m / 11,975 ft)
• Distance: 12 kilometers / 7.5 miles
• Time: Roughly Eight hours

In the present day is the robust day, with two passes to conquer. 

Get up early round 6:00 am. Have breakfast, pack up and hit the path by 7:00 am. 

You’ll instantly begin ascending to the Warmiwanuska Cross (Useless Lady’s Cross) at 4,200m (an elevation achieve of 360m). The cross is given this title due to how the mountain vary appears to be like — like a lady laying down.

That is the best level of the complete Machu Picchu hike — the truth is, the ruins of Machu Picchu are literally 1,800m decrease than this cross. 

On the high, benefit from the fabulous view behind you (sadly, our view was simply fog!).

After the cross, you’ll descend for 850m down rocky steps. On the backside, you’ll be greeted by the crew who could have arrange the eating desk with stools and have snacks ready for you.

Relaxation up, as you’ll be climbing again up once more over your second and remaining cross of the day, at 3,850m.

After you ascend and descend from that cross, you’ll be greeted by your porters once more who could have scorching drinks and a meal prepared for you. This isn’t your campsite, nonetheless, and also you’ll want to hike just a bit bit farther earlier than reaching the wonderful campsite that you just’ll be sleeping at. 

For the final portion of today, you’ll see a number of caves, moss-covered rocks, and distinctive flowers.

Arrive on the third and remaining campsite of the trek, Phuyupatamarca, at 3,650m. The ruins right here and the view of the mountain ranges are spectacular. Our information, Harry, advised us to observe him up a hill…and although our toes had been yelling “No!”, we went with him and the view was unbelievable.

At this campsite, there are a few different teams staying right here. However, in contrast to Explorandes who convey their very own bathrooms, the opposite campers could have to stroll down to the general public bathrooms! Fortunate for you, your lavatory is simply steps away.

Take pleasure in a pre-dinner snack, climbing up to see the mountain vary, and a tasty dinner to spherical off the day.

Day #Four of the Inca Trail

• Phuyupatamarca Camp (3,650m / 11,975ft) to Machu Picchu (2,430m/7,970ft) to Aquas Calientes City
• Distance: 10.9 km (6.Eight m)
• Time: 7.5 hours

With the itinerary deliberate by Explorandes, you received’t be waking up at 3:30 am like your fellow hikers. As an alternative, you’ll be up at 7:00 am. 

The cause for that is that you just received’t have to do the tour of Machu Picchu right now. You’ll arrive on the Solar Gate, see the positioning in all its glory, and take some pictures. You then’ll proceed to the city of Aguas Calientes. The following day, you’ll do a correct tour of the traditional website.

In the present day is epic and is stuffed with ruins! Go gradual, and soak all of it in.

The historical website of Phuyupatamarca that you just camped subsequent to will probably be your first cease right now. Get an up-close view of the ruins and find out about them out of your information (and take pictures!) earlier than persevering with on.

Because you’re descending from a better (drier) altitude, you’ll discover the foliage change but once more right now. Benefit from the bamboo forest, distinctive flowers, moss-covered timber, and butterflies.

Because it was our final day of the Inca Trail hike, we took right now very slowly. We wished to get pleasure from each second of it and are glad that Harry was an advocate for trekking at a gradual tempo and totally having fun with the environment. 

The second set of ruins alongside the way in which is Intipata — which is the place you’ll take a break from climbing.

Following that, you’ll get pleasure from your final meal of the trek (saving one of the best for final!), earlier than persevering with on to the Winaywayna ruins at 2,666m. This unbelievable website is in immaculate situation and was our second favorite of the Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu. Regardless that there are quite a lot of steps, it’s value going into the ruins and checking them out.

Lastly, hike up some stone steps earlier than arriving on the Solar Gate (Intipunku). This was as soon as the principal entrance to Machu Picchu and was closely guarded — solely letting choose folks and the elite to enter.

Congratulate your self, you’ve made it!

From right here, it’s about an hour descent down to Machu Picchu the place you’ll be able to stroll round in sure parts of the positioning and take some pictures.

At round 4:30 pm, you’ll hop on a bus and make your manner to the city of Aguas Calientes. Verify into the pre-booked resort and luxuriate in free time this night to eat and drink the place you need. Our group acquired alongside effectively and all of us determined to hangout collectively and have a celebratory beer. I like to recommend Mapacho for pub meals and craft beer!

Don’t keep out too late although as you’ll be up early to check-out and hop on the bus again up to Machu Picchu. 

Day #5 of The Inca Trail

• Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes. 
• Aguas Calientes to Cusco by Practice and Bus
• Time: Eight hours (longer together with lunch, ready for transport, and so forth.)

In the present day, you’ll get up, pack your bag and retailer it in a locker on the resort. From there, you’ll meet on the bus station along with your climbing group and take the 30-minute bus experience again up to Machu Picchu.

In the present day is while you’ll obtain a tour of the complete website out of your information. Harry (our information), even took us offtrack to try the traditional Inca Bridge. The route is fast slim, with sheer dropoffs (and no railings), so it’s not for the faint of coronary heart. I used to be effectively behind everybody and strolling so slowly…

If you happen to do determine to go to the Inca Bridge, do not run, do not cross different travellers, and do not take any selfies shut to the sting. You wouldn’t imagine what we noticed some travellers doing.

Machu Pichu is excellent and after getting a quick historical past lesson and studying about some necessary areas of the positioning, you’ll give you the chance to wander round by yourself — assembly again along with your group at a set time.

You’ll get pleasure from lunch collectively in Aguas Calientes earlier than heading again to the resort to seize your backpacks and alter your garments. From there, you’ll hop on a prepare to Ollantaytambo, and swap to a bus to Cusco. 

That’s it. Your Inca Trail trek to Machu Pichu is full! 

(Observe: after we hiked, a portion of the prepare was closed which is why we had to take a bus from Ollantaytambo to Cusco. Usually, it’s a prepare experience from Aguas Calientes to Cusco.)

What to Pack for the Machu Picchu Hike 

To totally benefit from the expertise, you’ll need to be a sensible packer. You’ll be sweaty. You’ll get rained on. You’ll be scorching. You’ll be chilly. It’s necessary to pack for the weather whereas retaining your pack as mild as doable.

If you happen to don’t have the correct gear, or for those who’re on an extended journey and might’t carry heat clothes with you, there are some retailers in Cusco the place you’ll be able to replenish. Try Tattoo which has high quality clothes and equipment (backpacks as effectively), the North Face store or any of the random small retailers promoting gear round the principle plaza.

Right here’s what to pack for the Inca Trail:

You’ll need some tools, correct clothes, and a few random issues. Right here’s what to convey when trekking to Machu Picchu.

Clothes

When climbing, one of the best thought is to have two units of clothes — one for climbing in the course of the day, and one that you just hold clear and dry for the evenings. That’s it. You don’t want 5 shirts and a number of pairs of pants. Simply two units of garments.

Remember the fact that the porters will probably be taking the vast majority of your objects, so just be sure you have all the garments you may want in the course of the day in your private backpack. You received’t have entry to your objects that the porters are carrying till you attain the campsite.

• Climbing Pants: It doesn’t matter what season you’re trekking the Inca Trail, you’ll need pants. Ideally, climbing pants that may zip off when (if) you get scorching, or ones that may roll up from the ankle. I all the time trek in Halle Pants by Prana — they’re stretchy, comfy, water repellent, SPF 50 they usually roll up from the ankle and connect with a button round knee stage. Nick wears climbing pants by Columbia.

• 2 x Lengthy-Sleeved Shirt / T-Shirt: Search for a shirt that’s light-weight and quick-dry for those who’re climbing within the scorching months, and a long-sleeve shirt that’s hotter for climbing within the cool season. I had two long-sleeved, cotton shirts by Reebok and Nick wore a long-sleeve quick-dry shirt that he purchased at Tattoo in Cusco. Nick additionally had a fast dry t-shirt with him.

• Thermal Prime: Even when the daytime temps aren’t chilly, the night will probably be. Have a thermal baselayer high to hold you heat — we slept in ours. We’ve got thermal baselayer tops by Underarmour.

• Thermal Pants: You’ll need thermal pants to put on at night time. Principally, they’re lengthy underwear and we wore ours to sleep every night time. We each have Underarmour thermal pants. 

• Rain Jacket: When it’s cloudy, chilly and spitting rain (sprinkling) on the Inca Trail trek, you’ll need a windproof, waterproof jacket. When it’s torrential raining, you may want a poncho. Nonetheless, Nick and I all the time get scorching when climbing and discover that ponchos make us too heat (though they hold you drier). We advocate Helly Hansen windproof, waterproof rain jackets.

• Down Jacket: Having a down jacket is a should. In the course of the day you probably received’t want it, however after you cease climbing and take a break for lunch, you would possibly calm down and wish it. Within the evenings, you’ll need to put on your down jacket. Get one that’s skinny, however gives heat.

• Fleece: Having a thermal base layer, a down jacket and a rain jacket is nice, however you want one other layer of heat in there for these chilly nights. I recommend packing a light-weight fleece. We’ve got Columbia fleece tops, however have worn North Face up to now as effectively. Simply ensure it’s light-weight however heat.

•  Waterproof / Windproof Pants: You may select to put on these when climbing (if it’s a torrential downpour, or for those who’re chilly), or hold them dry and put on them round camp within the night. We wore our thermal pants beneath these at night time after we’d change out of our trekking garments.

• Socks: Deliver sufficient socks for each trekking day, and hold a thicker, hotter pair dry for evenings. Deliver a bonus pair or two.

• Underwear: For males, convey quick-dry, light-weight underwear. Girls, pack comfy, breathable cotton ones.

• Bras: Girls, you’ll need to put on a sports activities bra on the Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu.

• Climbing Footwear: The terrain on the path is uneven and filled with stones and stairs. You’ll undoubtedly need a sturdy pair of climbing boots for this trek. However, you’ll need to ensure you have a pair of climbing sneakers which are correctly damaged in, and are waterproof/waterproof. There’s nothing worse than blisters when climbing or having moist toes. I put on Merrell and Nick wears Eager.

• Second Pair of Footwear: After a protracted day of climbing, the very last thing you’ll need to do is put your soggy climbing boots again on after cleansing and altering your garments! Have a second pair of sneakers to placed on for the late afternoons and evenings round camp. Slip-on Crocs are a good suggestion or a light-weight fundamental sneaker. 

• Toque/Beanie: You may want a heat hat for these chilly nights. We did.

• Hat: The solar at elevation is intense. Be sure you have a hat with a brim and for those who’re inclined to getting a burnt neck, put on the type that covers the again of your neck as effectively.

Gear

Having tools that fits your wants is vital when climbing the Inca Trail. If you happen to don’t have your individual sleeping bag, you’ll be able to hire it from Explorandes for $25 per individual. Listed here are a number of the objects we advocate packing.

• Backpack: The porters will carry 7 kgs of your package, together with your tent, sleeping bag, clothes, sleeping mat, and so forth. You have to to carry your different private objects. Select a backpack that has a waistbelt, thick shoulder straps, and correct airflow off your again. We did the Machu Picchu hike with our Osprey Stratos 34 backpacks, they usually had been excellent. They’ve area for a hydration pack, which is vital. (see extra under).

• Rainproof Cowl: You’ll encounter rain on the hike and while you do, you’ll need to ensure you have a rainproof cowl on your backpack. 

• Trekking Poles: Some folks love them, others hate them. I like to trek with poles with the terrain is uneven, and there are many downhill components — which is precisely what you’ll be able to count on from the trek to Machu Picchu. Poles are given to you by Explorandes in order for you them, or you’ll be able to convey your individual. Simply ensure to inform them forward of time.

• Sleeping Bag: As I mentioned above, you’ll be able to hire a -17° Celcius bag from Explorandes, or convey your individual. You’ll need a light-weight bag that’s round -10 ° Celcius to – 20 ° Celcius.

• Headlamp: Whereas there are photo voltaic lights used at camp, for these late-night lavatory breaks, or for seeing what you’re doing in your tent at night time, you’ll need to have a headlamp. 

Toiletries/First Support

You’ll want some fundamental toiletries for this hike to Machu Picchu. Listed here are some objects we’re glad we introduced with us.

• Deodorant: If you happen to’re a pair, take into account sharing the identical one for five days because it’s one much less factor to carry, which implies much less weight. 

• Toothbrush and Toothpaste: If you happen to usually have an electrical toothbrush, swap this out for a fundamental one and a small tube of paste. 

• Sunscreen: The solar at this elevation is intense. Ensure to apply all through the day. 

• Cleaning soap: On the first campsite, there may be really a scorching water bathe! Make use of it. Deliver one small cleaning soap (like those you get in accommodations) and luxuriate in a clear and contemporary night time. 

• Moist Wipes: These are packing necessities while you’re climbing with out showers. On the finish of every day, change out of your sweaty, smelly trekking garments and clear your self off with moist wipes. It’s the closest factor you’ll get to a bathe for a couple of days and I extremely advocate bringing a small pack of them. 

• First Support: The workforce has fundamental first support objects, however we all the time journey with drugs and provides that we all know work for us. Think about some ibuprofen (Advil), one thing for upset stomachs (Pepto Bismol), and one thing for colds. We additionally pack some Band-Aids, tweezers and nail clippers.

Different

Aside from garments and equipment, there are a couple of different issues it’s your decision to take into account packing.

• Camelbak / Hydration Pack / Bladder: If you’re climbing, slightly than having to cease, swing your backpack round to the entrance and pull your water bottle out of your bag – or having to ask a fellow trekker to seize it for you – get your self a hydration pack (bladder). These packs that you just refill with water slip into the within a part of your backpack and have a protracted tube connected to them. The tube comes out the highest of your pack, over your shoulder and clips onto your shoulder strap. You merely sip the water from the tube with ease. Study extra right here.

• Waist Pouch / Fanny Pack / Hip Pack: No matter you name it, it’s your decision to have one for the trek. This ensures quick access to your cellphone (for pictures), lip balm, sun shades, and so forth. 

• Plastic Luggage: We’re not advocates for plastic and take a look at to be accountable after we journey, however when it comes to trekking and rain, you’ll need to ensure your clothes and necessary gear stays dry. Ziploc luggage are nice for cameras and telephones. We convey bigger rubbish luggage and put our clothes inside one, and sleeping bag inside the opposite. There’s nothing worse than being chilly and solely having moist garments to placed on.

• Packing Cubes: These cubes make sure that your objects are organized, compact, and simply accessible. Put your entire clothes in a single and your toiletries in one other, then while you’re in search of one thing, you’ll be able to simply discover it. We use these ones.

• Aluminum Water Bottle (with cowl): Regardless that I like to recommend having a hydration pack, I additionally advocate carrying an empty aluminum water bottle with a mushy, thick, zip-on cowl. Why? Earlier than mattress, ask the cook dinner to fill it up with scorching water, zip on the quilt, and put it into your sleeping bag. It’s an instantaneous heater. (Observe: we all the time do that when climbing, however just lately heard a narrative of somebody’s bottle leaking into their bag. Use with warning).

• Small Lock: We felt protected with our trekking workforce and employees the complete time, however while you meet up with different firms on the campsites, you by no means know who’s lingering round. I like to recommend bringing a small mixture lock and locking your backpack (which could have your passport, digicam, cash, and cellphone inside).

Prime Ideas For The Machu Picchu Hike

You recognize the itinerary, what to pack for the hike to Machu Picchu, which tour operator to select, however I nonetheless have some suggestions for you! Listed here are some issues to know earlier than embarking on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in Peru.

1. You’ll Want to Acclimate

At an altitude of three,400 meters (11,200 toes), altitude illness is widespread. Nonetheless, it may be prevented (or helped), by correctly acclimatizing your self. Not everybody feels the results of altitude illness, and it doesn’t matter how match you might be, or your age. It may well have an effect on anybody at any time. 

Many individuals arrive in Cusco from sea stage, or shut to sea stage (we flew in from Quito, Ecuador). If that is you, earlier than you are taking off on the Inca Trail, ensure you spend a minimum of 2 days in Cusco at this altitude (3-Four days if in case you have the time).

If you happen to don’t give your self time in Cusco, your physique may not be prepared for trekking the Inca Trail. You may really feel nauseous (and should even vomit), you may not have vitality, have a pounding headache, and total, you’ll almost definitely really feel depressing. 

Methods to assist and keep away from feeling the results of altitude are as follows:

• Don’t pressure your self (go straightforward the primary couple of days).
• Eat lighter meals.
• Eat some sugar (Snickers bars are good) or drink natural tea with sugar.
• Maintain hydrated, which implies avoiding espresso and alcohol, and drink a number of water.
• Eat coca candies or coca leaves. 
• If you happen to’re nonetheless feeling the results after Three days, chances are you’ll want to go down to a decrease altitude or see a health care provider to get some oxygen.

2. Go Gradual on The Trail

Climbing the path to Machu Picchu is a as soon as in a lifetime expertise. The historical past, historical ruins, and surroundings are completely unbelievable. Quite than rush by means of the hike, go slowly and luxuriate in each second of it.

Our information was wonderful as he recommended all of us trek at a slower, extra gratifying tempo. Our group had been all pretty younger and lively and we had been climbing fairly quick the primary day. At lunch, he reminded us to possibly decelerate and “odor the roses” from time to time. After that little speech, we did and had been in a position to discover so many small issues alongside the way in which. 

3. Guide in Advance to Guarantee You Get a Allow

Machu Picchu is likely one of the Seven Wonders Of The World. It’s turn out to be increasingly common over time and due to this fact, it’s crucial that you just get your allow forward of time. 

500 permits are bought every day, with round 200 allotted for vacationers, and 300 for workers (cooks, porters and guides).

Guide your journey to Machu Picchu as quickly as you’ll be able to to keep away from disappointment!

FAQ’s

We did quite a lot of analysis and skim quite a lot of blogs and assessment websites when planning our hike to Machu Picchu, however we nonetheless had questions! Listed here are a number of the stuff you’re in all probability questioning about (be happy to ask any questions within the feedback under, or ship us an e mail). 

Do I Want to Deliver My Passport?

Sure. I repeat, sure!

Don’t go away your passport in your baggage stowed away at your resort. Firstly, you want to present it in the course of the 5-day journey (when coming into Machu Picchu, for the resort check-in and for the prepare), and secondly, by no means go away your passport behind. It’s a very powerful merchandise when travelling. 

I like to recommend placing it in a Ziploc bag to hold it protected and retaining it protected in your pack (in your individual), not with the sleeping bag and different objects that the porters carry.

Do I Want to Deliver Cash for The Inca Trail?

Sure. 

You received’t want to spend any cash whereas climbing, however while you attain Aguas Calientes, you’ll want to pay on your personal dinner and drinks that night time. Plus, you may want to buy some souvenirs and snacks.

Additionally, you have to to tip the porters, cooks, and guides with money. 

How A lot Do I Tip The Guide, Cooks, and Porters?

You aren’t compelled to tip, however after all, suggestions are a lot appreciated. The total workforce at Explorandes had been unbelievable and we wished to tip rather more than was recommended.

These folks carry your entire heavy gear, put together your entire tasty meals, arrange your tent and sleeping gear, and provide you with info and inform tales in regards to the Inca Trail and Peru. All whereas smiling and serving to you when wanted

If you happen to’re pleased with the service, undoubtedly tip. Likewise, in case you are sad, you do not want to go away any gratuities.

It’s recommended that the trekkers put cash right into a pot that’s then distributed between the cooks and porters. For the information and assistant information, they’ll obtain a bigger tip.

• Advisable suggestions for Porters ought to be round 60-80 soles per porter ($18 – $25). Not per day, however in complete.
• Advisable suggestions for Cooks ought to be round 150-180 soles per chef ($45 – $55). Not per day, however in complete. 

How Do I Get Consuming Water? 

Consuming water is equipped by Explorandes all through the day. Water is boiled, handled and ­filtered by cook dinner employees and guides. Deliver a reusable water bottle, or a hydration pack (as I like to recommend above), and fill it up within the morning. You’ll give you the chance to refill your bottle on the lunch break, and once more while you attain the campsite.

There are a few locations the place you would purchase water, however I don’t advocate buying plastic water bottles alongside the way in which. 

Do I Want to Deliver Bathroom Paper? 

No. Bathroom paper is supplied within the moveable bathrooms. 

Is There Someplace to Cost My Telephone?

No. However you’ll be able to convey an influence financial institution with you. Ensure to hold your cellphone on “Airplane Mode” to assist with the battery life. 

What Do I Do With the Remainder of My Baggage?

For the Machu Picchu trek, you’ll solely be bringing what you completely want. However, you’re almost definitely on a visit to see different components of Peru, or extra South American international locations resembling Ecuador, Colombia, Argentina or Chile! This implies you’ll have quite a lot of objects to go away behind when you’re trekking. 

The entire accommodations and Airbnbs in Cusco are used to this they usually have holding rooms the place you’ll be able to go away your baggage. 

Nonetheless, since we had been staying at one Airbnb earlier than our Inca Trail hike, after which switching to one other after we returned to Cusco, we opted to go away our backpacks on the Explorandes workplace. Communicate to the corporate they usually can organize it for you for those who want.

Is The Inca Trail Onerous?

It’s a multi-day trek, at a reasonably excessive altitude, so it’s not “straightforward”, however for those who’re a hiker and are in reasonably good bodily form, you’ll haven’t any subject finishing the trek.

There are quite a lot of steps and uneven surfaces, so if in case you have unhealthy knees, you may want to take that into consideration.

We’ve trekked the O Trail in Torres del Paine, Chile, the Ciudad Perdida in Colombia, the Quilotoa Loop in Ecuador, quite a few multi-day hikes in Kyrgyzstan, the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal and a week-long hike in Mongolia.

We discovered the Inca Trail to be fairly easy, and we’re not in nice form! This was primarily as a result of there have been porters carrying our gear, and our tent and meals had been all arrange and ready for us.

Plus, we’re used to carrying all of our personal trekking and tenting gear on our backs. The Inca Trail was luxurious! 

Is The Inca Trail Protected?

The Inca Trail is likely one of the hottest hikes, and for those who select a accountable, knowledgable and correctly educated workforce to hike with, it’s additionally a protected trek. 

Pay attention to the way you’re feeling and don’t be afraid to categorical any considerations to your guides. The guides are educated in wilderness first response and first support, and there are satellite tv for pc telephones in case of any emergencies. Be sure you have correct journey insurance coverage that covers trekking at excessive altitudes. 

Take pleasure in The Inca Trail

Strolling on the identical roadway that was constructed by the Incan Empire within the 15th century is an unforgettable expertise, and whereas the ruins of Machu Picchu are spectacular, we additionally appreciated the entire smaller historical websites alongside the way in which. 

The hike isn’t a race and is supposed to be loved, so take your time and soak all of it in. If the Inca Trail hike seems like one thing you’ll be fascinated with, click on right here to be taught extra about Explorandes and reserve your allow! 

The lead picture on this article is courtesy of Shutterstock.com. All different pictures are by Goats On The Street.

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