We did the trail last November and initially I had some issues with the high altitude. What helped us was spending a week in Puno and Cusco before we did the hike. If you take the altitude sickness pills keep in mind that anything carbonated and especially beer will probably taste horrible.
In regards to the trail make absolutely sure you have hiking poles(2). I would consider the poles a must have. I would imagine opinions differ, but I thought the 3rd day going down about 2000 uneven steps was the worst.
The other unpleasant part are the bathrooms. Just be prepared for the worst and have plenty of sanitizer :(. I would also bring a heavy antibiotic just in case.
The flowers are beautiful, the view is amazing and I would definitely do it again. We loved our guide Vidal who was very knowledgeable with the flora, fauna and history of the Inca. You probably have a tour guide, but I would say the other critical piece is getting a tour guide and porter group that are knowledgeable and have solid gear. In case you were still looking Vidal’s site is http://www.adventureholidaysperu.com.
If you have any other specific questions please ask as I was having a hard time knowing where to start and stop this post.
John
Thanks for the great advice, John. We're already booked through GAP Adventures at http://www.gapadventures.com
If you had to share a list of top 10 tips for hiking the Inca Trail, what would they be?
1) Take altitude sickness pills
2) Use walking poles
3) Bring lots of sanitizers and wet wipes
4) Bring some antibiotics
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8)
9)
10)
Thanks
Lola
Lola-
I haven't walked the trail, but I'd agree with the previous recommendation about spending a day--more if you can--NOT hiking and just get acclimated to the altitude. When we first moved to Mexico City I spent days with my heart racing and feeling short of breath--I wasn't prepared for that at all and I wasn't even exerting myself physically.
Peace,
Julie
I want to thank you and everyone else associated with Andean Life tour Operator for making our trip to Macchu Pichu a most memorable and fantastic trip, including Inca Trail to Machu Pichu. You all did a terrific job considering the large group of 30 persons. As you might already know, we have already given out your website for others who are planning a trip to Peru.
I want to thank you and everyone else associated with Andean Life tour Operator for making our trip to Macchu Pichu a most memorable and fantastic trip, including Inca Trail to Machu Pichu. You all did a terrific job considering the large group of 30 persons. As you might already know, we have already given out your website for others who are planning a trip to Peru.
I did the Salkantay Trail, which put us sleeping on the top of a snow-capped mountain the first night...i.e. IT WAS FREEEEEEZING COLD. Our water bottles even froze solid. I recommend bringing your own sleeping bag if you can. I hear sleeping naked when it's cold is the best idea (which seems completely insane). You definitely wouldn't want to try this in the rental bags. Mine had a nice collection of human body hair in it.
The only other advice I have is to save your money and GO BIG at the Machu Picchu restaurant. I swear it had the best buffet of food I have EVER eaten. I think the meal is $25 or $30, but totally worth it. You can't miss it right beside the entrance.
Bring sweets! I had major altitude sickness when I was doing the Inca Trail. Barely eating a few grains of rice after a whole entire day. On hindsight, if I had some sweets which I could suck along the way would have provided me a little bit more sugar.
Joined: 04-06-07
Looking forward to this trip and dragging a couple girlfriends (kicking and screaming!) on this one.
Since its a 4-day hike, I am worried about potential altitude sickness and the intensity of the hike.
Any tips and advice from previous hikers would be greatly appreciated!