Mountaineering the Inca Path to Machu Picchu was a once-in-a-lifetime expertise for Intrepid traveller Jen Welch – but it surely didn’t come with out its challenges. She shares the issues she needs she’d recognized to assist her put together for the journey.
The Inca Path was really unforgettable. However I’d be mendacity if I stated it wasn’t a battle at occasions. Nevertheless, like most challenges, when you get to the opposite aspect, the reminiscences (and the blisters) fade with time and also you solely bear in mind the nice bits.
In case you’re gearing up for the Inca Path, I’ve rounded up an inventory of issues it is best to know to get probably the most out of your trek.
1. Get clued up on altitude illness
The typical elevation of the Inca Path is 3000 metres, however the highest level – Lifeless Lady’s Go – reaches 4215 metres. Even if you happen to’ve trekked at these heights earlier than, it’s necessary to coach your self on altitude illness, the signs and how you can keep away from it. Examine in together with your physician, particularly in case you have any pre-existing well being circumstances, and pay attention to any unwanted side effects from prescribed remedy – like tingling in your fingers and toes or needing to pee extra incessantly.
Alongside the trek, you’ll in all probability be provided a cup of mate de coca (coca leaf tea). Locals swear by it as a pure treatment, and in rural areas you’ll see individuals chewing the leaves to ameliorate the results. It doesn’t style fabulous – it has a barely bitter flavour, a bit like inexperienced tea – so that you would possibly like so as to add honey.
2. Hold tabs in your urge for food
Excessive-altitude trekking can decelerate your digestion and cut back your urge for food. In case you’re acclimatising nicely, then this received’t final lengthy. However even when it does, it’s price consuming greater than you suppose that you must. Our trekking crew included guides, porters {and professional} cooks – and let’s simply say we have been very nicely fed with three sizzling meals a day and a stable provide of path snacks. When you’ve got any go-to chocolate bars or cookies, convey these too.
Learn extra: The enjoyment of seeing Machu Picchu with the descendants of its builders
3. Keep hydrated
Drink tons. Then drink some extra. Once you’re strolling via subtropical forests and up steep mountain passes, you’re going to get sweaty, so that you must change these fluids. Staying hydrated additionally helps cut back your danger of altitude illness. Carry a reusable bottle or a hydration bladder in your day bag – our Intrepid trekking guides supplied a every day provide of boiled water to refill on the go. You may also need to convey a number of electrolyte sachets to replenish salts and minerals.
4. Costume for all seasons
As you achieve altitude, the climate will get extra excessive. In in the future, you possibly can expertise every thing from a freezing chill upon waking to obvious sunshine within the afternoon. Even when it’s overcast, you’ll work up a sweat. The reply to this? Layers.
For nighttime, convey thermal base layers, a fleece or down jacket, a hat, scarf and a pair of gloves – there are many stalls in Cusco the place you possibly can choose up heat alpaca wool gear. Once you set off within the morning, put on a t-shirt over your base layer and a water-resistant and windproof jacket. As you emerge from the shade into the open plains, you’ll be peeling every thing off. At this level, take your sunhat out and slather on the solar cream and lip balm – the Andean solar is robust, so intention for at the very least SPF 30.
5. Carry trusty mountain climbing boots and sandals
In fact, you’ll want a pair of nicely broken-in mountain climbing boots (and I imply it once I say nicely broken-in – my pal misplaced 4 toenails from boots she hadn’t worn sufficient earlier than the hike). However one thing I want I’d recognized is how good it feels to kick your boots off while you arrive at camp. Pack flip flops or gentle sandals to slide on over socks (yep, sandals with socks, I stated it) to let your toes breathe.
On the purpose of socks, convey a number of further pairs. Don’t be pondering you possibly can reuse the identical pair, as they’ll be pungent, and slipping your toes into contemporary socks within the morning is only a significantly better strategy to begin the day. Additionally, don’t overlook a light-weight wash bag to separate your sweaty socks and garments out of your clear stuff.
6. Put together to be humbled by your porters
Your Inca Path porters are in all probability the strongest individuals you’ll ever meet. Whilst you’re huffing and puffing your approach alongside the path and congratulating your self for reaching the lunch spot with out collapsing, the porters could have woken up earlier than you, ready a killer breakfast, taken down your tents AND carried all of the tenting gear to the lunch spot earlier than your arrival. They’re superhuman.
Don’t overlook to convey money to tip your porters on the finish of the trek. Suggestions are often divided into envelopes – one per porter, information and assistant information – so small payments make issues simpler.
Learn extra: 9 info you may not learn about Machu Picchu
7. Hold bug spray helpful
Don’t make the error I did in assuming that simply since you’re excessive within the Andes, there received’t be any mosquitos. There are SO many mosquitoes up there, particularly after rain. Spritz your pores and skin with bug spray earlier than you set off and be sure to have easy accessibility to it in your day bag for top-ups.
8. Take the time to coach
You don’t should be an Olympian to do the Inca Path, however you need to be considerably match. Do some coaching hikes, befriend the stair climbing machine on the fitness center and provides your self loads of time to construct up your stamina and energy.
9. E book forward of time
In case you’re lifeless set on doing the Inca Path, attempt to lock it in as quickly as potential. Peruvian authorities restrict the variety of permits with the intention to keep and shield the route, so it often books up round six months upfront.
Nevertheless, if you happen to miss out on the Inca Path, bear in mind you too can get onto the Quarry or Salkantay trails. Whereas these treks don’t finish on the well-known Solar Gate (the Inca Path is the one route that gives this), they see a fraction of the foot site visitors and also you don’t want a allow, so there’s not as a lot urgency to e book. The surroundings can also be meant to be simply as spectacular.
10. The views are indescribable
This requires little clarification, and it’s probably not recommendation, however do brace your self to be so in awe on the high that you simply’re misplaced for phrases. Irrespective of what number of images you’re taking (and please, take as many as you possibly can), they’ll by no means seize the epicness of this historical Inca citadel.
Prepared for an Andean journey? Take a look at Intrepid’s Inca Path journeys.
This text was initially revealed in Might 2022.
