5 Top Tips for Trekking Peru's Famous Inca Trail
Are you ready to conquer the Inca Trail this year? For many travellers that head to Peru, it's a once in a lifetime experience.
But it's no easy feat. The 4-day, 3-night trail will test your endurance as you climb 4200m above sea level to reach the famous Lost City of the Incas.
Before you grab your hiking shoes and book that airline ticket to Peru, here are some important things you need to know to prepare for one of the world's most famous trekking expeditions.
1. Book Your Trek Well in Advance
You can't just turn up in Peru and hike the Inca trail whenever you want. There are a limited number of national park permits to help protect the trail from being ruined by high volumes of tourists.
Once you have a date in mind, go ahead and book it online as soon as possible. It's not uncommon for the annual permits to sell out and if you do miss out, you'll have to catch the train instead.
2. Arrive Early to Acclimatise Before The Hike
Trekking the Inca Trail will take you 4200m above sea level. If you're not careful, you could end up with altitude sickness and may have to head back to lower ground instead of finishing your hike.
To make sure this doesn't happen, plan to arrive in Cusco at least two days before your trek. This will give your body enough time to acclimatise to the altitude, so you don't suffer from any headaches, nosebleeds or dizziness on your way to the ruins.
3. Pack Light And Don't Forget Layers
Hikers are only allowed one 9kg bag that your porter carries for you. Most of the space will be taken up with your sleeping bag and mat, so that doesn't leave a lot of room for non-essentials.
While you can bring a backpack that you can carry during the day, you want to keep it light. Use it to store only your camera, snacks, water bottle and rain jacket.
You'll also need to make sure you pack for all seasons. Depending on when you go, the Inca trail can be steaming hot in the morning, pouring down with rain during the afternoon and freezing at night.
To make sure you're prepared, pack layers that you peel off and put on as the weather changes.
4. Splurge on a Good Pair of Hiking Boots
If you want your feet to survive the challenging trail, you'll need a pair of sturdy hiking boots.
You're going to be walking for up to 8 hours each day, across a myriad of differing terrain.
Before leaving for your trip, take your shoes on a few hikes in your hometown to wear them in. This will help to avoid any unwanted blisters and make your experience that much more comfortable.
5. Don't Forget to Budget for Tips
Tips for the guides, porters and cooks are not part of the overall price of Inca Trail Treks. While it's not obligatory, it is tradition to tip the staff on the final day of the hike if you feel they did a good job.
To make sure you have enough cash on you, use the following as a rule of thumb when planning your budget for the Inca trail:
- USD 18 to USD 24 per porter from the whole group.
- USD 24 to USD 30 for each cook from the group.
- USD 48 to USD 60 for the guide from the group.
Do you have any tips for trekking the Inca Trail in Peru?
