Making the Trek yourself

While I don't want to downplay the level of difficulty in making this kind of a trek - it was no stroll in the park - it was one of the most rewarding things I've ever done (recreation-wise) and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend to anyone who is in moderately good condition.

Hopefully if you've spent any time on this site at all, you will be avoiding what is (according to what I've been told and my own observation) the biggest problem with making this trip: not knowing what to expect. Some of the tales we were told included someone trying to make the hike in dress shoes and someone who thought it would be a good idea to take their rollaround carryon bag. While these may be extreme examples, even in my case (and I thought I had done my homework), I could've had a more clear idea of what was involved.

So, I'm including some comments to try and give something of an idea about preparing to trek the Andes...

Preparing yourself physically:

In a word: Stairmaster!...  I say that only partly in jest... After all, you will going up and down countless steps from KM82 (or KM88) to Machu Picchu and this is a good, low impact way to get geared up. Considering distance, you will walk almost 10 miles on the two longest days, which isn't that extreme taken by itself, but you will also be going up and down a vertical mile (more or less) so if you aren't confident that you can do this without making yourself miserable, then some physical preparation might be in order.

Then there is the altitude - if walking a mile or two at sea level is enough to make your heart race, you can expect that effect to be multiplied at altitude. Don't know what to suggest about that except to build in enough time to acclimate yourself before you begin your hike. (After all, there are plenty of things to see in the Cuzco / Sacred Valley area, so enjoy...)

Final word about the physical challenge: when you are on the trail, remember this is not a race.  Pace yourself and take your time. Don't be so concerned with making to the next stop that you find yourself plodding along and staring at the trail... Make plenty of stops and look around... To me, one of the great joys of this experience was the contrast between the sweeping vistas and the small details...

What to Bring

Remember you are going camping!  If you are travelling with an outfitter you won't need to worry about a tent or cooking stuff, but you still need to be prepared for the outdoors.

Here are some lists (some based on stuff I had and some on personal observation!)

• Water Bottle
• Water Purification Tablets
• Rain Gear
• Flashlight
• Sunglasses
• Insect Repellent
• Snacks
• Hat
• Camera and Film
• Pocket Knife
• Any Personal Medication
• Simple First Aid Kit (Band-Aids, Aspirin, Antiseptic, etc.)
• Some Cash (for Emergencies and to Tip the Crew)
• Toilet Paper

• Warm Sweater (or Jacket)
• Light Windbreaker
• T-Shirts
• Shorts
• At Least One Pair of Long Pants
• Hiking Shoes (or Boots)
• Hiking Socks

Other Stuff that's a Good Idea

• Camper's Towel
• Insulated Underwear (Long John's)
• Spare Batteries for Your Camera (AND your Flashlight!)

• Your Own Sleeping Bag (although one is likely available locally for rent)

A couple more lists based on notes I made in my journal:

What I worried about and didn't need to:

• Water

I was concerned about drinking water and had a couple different water purification chemicals. Turned out that a each stop the crew boiled enough water for everybody's bottles and I never used any of the tablets. (Not that I would recommend leaving them behind - I'd hate to need them and not have them.)

• Cold

I was afraid it would be freezing but thanks to the good sleeping bag that I had I was fine even at night (could've even done without the long johns).

• My Hiking Boots

It had been a long time since I had put any miles on my boots and I contemplated buying some new ones but my old broken-in boots were fine and I'm glad I didn't bother.

• Storing the rest of my stuff while I was hiking.

Wasn't sure what arrangements would be made for storing the stuff I brought to Peru but wasn't taking on the trail but the hotel in Cuzco had storage available - no problem.

Stuff that turned out to be a good idea:

• Extra Slicker

Got double bonus hero points for the extra rain jacket I had in my day pack when one of our group left theirs at the campsite hanging on a branch to dry.

• Hat

I bought a hat in Pizac that served double duty keeping both the rain and the sun off me.

• Proper (Wool) Socks

While I didn't buy any new boots I did pick up some nice woolen hiking socks - excellent investment, I just wish I had brought an extra pair or two.

• Hiking Pants (That Convert to Shorts)

These are great - comfortable and good in the rain as well.

• Camping Towel

Small detail that turned out to be a good idea...

Final list - here are a couple of things I wouldn't scrimp on:

• Rain Gear
• Flashlight
• Hiking Socks (take plenty)

Lastly, some useful links:

G.O.R.P. - Travel Agency that specializes in adventure travel. (And I can vouch for the quality of their customer service - Thanks JoAnn.)

  - This is the outfitter that managed our trip. They also did a nice job, even when I had a problem with my return flight.

South American Explorer's Club - Especially useful travel tips - print out their checklist for travel abroad.

CultureFocus.com: Machu Picchu (Lots of Nice Photos)

MachuPicchu.org - Resource listings

Peru-Hotels.com - Specializing in guess what - Hotels in Peru.

Roy Davies site about the Inca Trail - Trail descriptions and an extensive set of links.

TheIncas.com - Lots of Background information about Inca art and culture.

The Inca Trail and Machu Picchu - Angus McIntyre's site about the Inca Trail also with a good set of links.

Peru-Explorer.com - Good trip planning resource.

Lots more useful stuff - Books, Videos, Guides and More...