The Inca Trail survivor's guide provides essential information for hikers planning to trek the challenging route to Machu Picchu, including preparation tips, altitude considerations, and what to pack. Hikers can expect hearty meals and are advised to carry a light daypack with essentials, while treating guides and porters with respect. The guide emphasizes the importance of being prepared for variable weather, maintaining hydration, and enjoying the experience despite the physical challenges.

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INCA TRAIL
SURVIVOR’S GUIDE

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3. MACHU TRAVEL
PERU
Visit : www.machutravelperu.com
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INCA TRAIL: SURVIVOR’S GUIDE

4. Machu Travel Peru
Are you thinking of hiking the Inca Trail? Well there are many things that you
will need to know before booking your tour to Machu Picchu Inca Trail.
There are many questions that you may have and here we will give you some
survival tips for the most challenging trek you will do in your life. The trail
ends in the Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu where you will arrive on the fourth
day of your trek. The feeling of accomplishment will be worth the effort of the
trail so let us give you the tips to survive the famous Inca Trail.
How tough is the Inca Trail? You
may ask, the trail is mostly rated
as moderate, but due to the
height and the altitude sickness,
this can add to the difficulty.
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5. Your personal experience will depend on many different factors, how fit are
you? How do you cope with the altitude? The trail is also very hard on your
legs with lots of uphill and downhill walking and to add to that is the stairs,
which sometime is hard on your knees with some 8000 steps on the trail.
Some form of exercise before you leave home is a great idea to prepare you
for the trail.
There is no way to tell how someone will cope with the altitude, you may be
fine in Cusco but when you start trekking you might feel the effects of the
altitude, especially when you have to climb to Dead Woman´s pass on the
second that is at an altitude of 4200 meters.
So if you are feeling the effects
take it slow there is no rush and
also make sure you consult your
doctor before you leave home for
some medication, you might not
need it but better to be safe than
sorry. Machu Travel Peru
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6. On your Inca trail tours expect to be well feed, the trail offers 3 very hearty
meals every day, the breakfast consists of omelets, oatmeal, pancakes
served with tea or coffee. There will be a lunch stop, which will consist of a
soup or starter, a main course which is generally served with rice or pasta,
tea, and if you are lucky fruit or dessert. In the evening when you arrive into
camp, afternoon tea will be waiting for you and later you will receive another
filling meal.
Boiled water will be supplied to fill
your bottles every morning, at
lunch and in the evening so take
advantage as you will need water
when walking. If you think you will
need snacks to refuel along the
way you can take those with you
or there are places to purchase
along the way. Machu Travel Peru
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7. All trekkers will carry a daypack in this you will carry your daily essentials, like
water, camera, sunscreen, insect repellent, raincoat, snacks and anything
else you may need. Always remember that you will have to carry your pack so
make it as light as possible as the altitude and walking will make everything
heavier.
You will be supplied a duffel bag by most companies to put in your essentials.
You will be given a weight limit which is usually around 5 kilos so think about
what you will need for the 4 day trail, for example a sleeping bag will need to
enter your bag as well as changes of socks and underwear, a change of t
shirt, toiletries, thermal underwear for sleeping and a warm jacket.
Do worry too much about
changing your clothes, as
everybody on the trail will be
dirty.
Machu Travel Peru
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8. • Age is not a factor if you are fit then you can do the trail; many older
couples do the trail every year.
• Always treat your guides and porters with respect and at the end of the trail
give a generous tip as these guys work hard and it is great to show your
appreciation.
• Layers of clothing is the way to go, in the mornings it will be cold and you
will need a jacket, but by the middle of the day you will be warm so dress in
layers, you can’t go wrong.
Here is some general advice about the trail that might be invaluable…
• When walking the trail also
keep close to the mountainside
and not to the Cliffside, you do
not want to be knocked down
by some passing porter.
Machu Travel Peru
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9. • The second day is the worst so be prepared, take extra chocolate to reward
yourself and you will get through it, drink plenty of water and stay positive.
If you have music it is a great idea to listen as it will help get through.
However, do not be put off the rewards are many and you will be glad that
you experienced the Inca Trail.
Some advice on what you will to take with on the Inca Trail…
• Other than the obvious clothing items, we recommend the following to
make the Inca Trail more comfortable for you and your traveling
companions.
• Walking poles can be hired in
Cusco also, these will help on
certain parts of the trail to keep
your balance and not slip.
Machu Travel Peru
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10. • A sleeping bag at least a three season to keep you warm on those cold
Andean nights, if you don’t own a sleeping bag then one can be hired in
Cusco for the trail it will cost your around US$15 but these will not be as
good as your own. In addition, a sleeping mat is a great idea as you will
be more comfortable.
• Knee supports are handy as there is a lot of walking up and down steps
and if your needs are not the strongest than these are essential.
• A good jumper or fleece as the weather changes rapidly and it can get
very cold.
Machu Travel Peru
• Raincoat is needed as again,
the weather can change and
there is nothing worse than
being wet and cold.
• A torch can be handy at night
when looking for the toilet or
something in your tent.
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11. • Sun cream and Insect repellent, the sun is very strong even if it is not hot
so this is necessary, also as you will be on the edge of the jungle there
are biting insects. You must also bring a good wide brimmed hat.
• Toilet paper is also necessary as often times there is not any available so
you will need your own.
• A few medical items, like band-aids and Imodium, pray you do not need it
but just in case.
• As mentioned earlier, snacks as many as you think you will need, these
will give you energy on the trek.
So when visiting Peru, or doing the Inca Trail
always remember to bring with your sense of
humor and take away with you the many
wonderful aspect of Peru, one of the most
biodiverse countries on the planet.
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