Some Important aspects to know about the Short Inca Trail

There are two ways to get to Machu Picchu: sweating or not; there are no more options. You can experience it as a reward or as an excursion. In these lines, I will try to convey ten tips to enjoy the experience of sweating the shirt to the fullest.

The Inca Trail (or Inka Trail) has more than five centuries of history. It is an ancient path that the Incas used to communicate throughout their empire. The Inca Trail is pervasive and was not fully preserved, but today, it is possible to travel 42 km of this legendary path before reaching the citadel of Machu Picchu.

It is a demanding excursion that lasts four days, but what can it be if there are no excesses, such as doing it without acclimatizing or a hangover? It is a path that leaves a mark. Machu Picchu is a unique place; therefore, it is one of the wonders of the modern world, but reaching it with effort makes the experience round. What’s more, when you arrive after four days of walking, you feel absurdly superior to all the people who come clean and smell good; you feel they do not deserve it. Still, it also makes you feel a little adventurous, and you know that you will enjoy that more than the rest.

If you want to know the complete chronicle of the trip, the Inca Trail

1. Book the trek in advance.

Access to the Inca Trail is limited, and once the quotas set by the government are covered, it is impossible to access it in any way. For this reason, planning the trip (especially in high season) and reserving places well in advance is essential. Many agencies organize trekking, and we did it with www.camino-inca.com. We can only speak well of them in all the previous steps from here and in the trek itself. If you like to arrive in the country and look for options, it may not be suitable for you, but in this case, you may be left without the possibility of entering the Inca Trail.

2. Do not leave the climb to Wayna Picchu at the last moment.

Access to Wayna Picchu is even more restricted than the Inca Trail. So, if you intend to go up, which I recommend, do not leave it for the last moment, as you will be left with honey on your lips. Getting to Machu Picchu, wanting to go up to Wayna Picchu, and not being able to because of not being proactive is an excellent task.

Early morning in incredible Machu Picchu

3. Make a good backpack.

This advice seems like a truism, but it is always the most crucial step you miss. You will spend four days walking, which is long and demanding; each gram adds up. Do not bring anything more than is strictly necessary.

A pair of hiking shoes and Crocs to relax your feet will be enough for footwear. Change for four days and a raincoat in the rainy season.

Carrying a good backpack is essential since the grams seem like kilos as the kilometers advance, and having a comfortable and ergonomic bag will make things much more manageable. Use the chest and waist straps; they will relieve the weight of the shoulders by distributing them more evenly throughout the trunk.

4. Pay attention to footwear.

Another thing of truism, but I lived like a colleague’s two soles came off in the middle of trekking, and he had to finish them off, tied with ropes. On the Inca Trail, there is nothing, so if your shoes break, you will be in a good hurry. It is not advisable to wear brand-new footwear since you will only get gift vials.

Hiking boots are unnecessary; a semi-boot or trekking shoe is enough.

5.- Acclimatize.

The Inca Trail passes through 4200 meters of height, and you will likely have a hard time if your body has not gotten used to the altitude. Each organism is a world and reacts differently; you may not even notice it.

But upon arriving in Cusco and starting the trek the next day, I believe it is playing Russian roulette. We planned the trip by passing through the Colca Canyon first to trek there, which would serve as our first contact, and then we spent a couple of days in Cusco before starting the trek.

They are the most logical measures, but they can make us have a wrong time without them.

6. Protect yourself from the rain.

This advice is only valid if you go in the rainy season, but if so, it seems apparent that it is one of the tips that can help you reach a good port. In our case, we did the way under the almost constant rain; there were four drops, but the sensation of humidity was overwhelming, especially at night.

The moment the moisture reaches the insulation, the sleeping bag, or the spare clothes, you are lost. If there is something that saps morale more than fatigue, it is humidity. Spending several days with wet clothes is one of the worst sensations, and once on the road, there is no way to dry anything.

Take your clothes in plastic bags inside your backpack and bring spare ponchos; you will appreciate them, so do not hesitate.

Inca Trail Machu Picchu Peru 203608

7.- Doses.

The road is long; don’t try to be the first. Hike in a group; getting on top and trying to be the first is easy. You must know your limits and not put all the meat on the grill in the first 10 kilometers.

It is usual for the entire group to reach the end of the stages with hours of difference; nothing happens; everyone must take their own pace and be aware that there will be more the next day.

Inca Trail Machu Picchu Peru 171257

8. Take a stick.

The stick is an excellent ally for walks. You can take it or buy it there directly, as you prefer. If you carry metal clubs, you will have to purchase plastic protectors for the metal tips so that they will let you use them.

The pole is a common element among people who frequent the mountains. It is excellent for supporting the ascents to help with momentum and is a great ally on the descents to avoid or at least control slips and loss of balance.

9.- Mix.

The Inca Trail comprises a more or less numerous group that shares experiences with people from other countries, the organization’s people, and the porters.

You can consider trekking in a more individualistic way. Still, I honestly believe that it is a mistake. In addition to being practically impossible, you create a small family, even for lunch and dinner, which makes this experience so wonderful.

10.- Enjoy.

As a final tip and not least, enjoy. Enjoy the group, the landscape, and the moment. Please do not consider the Inca Trail a process before you want Machu Picchu; the essence is in the path itself.

Machu Picchu is one more stone—the last, but only one more. Try to capture the sunrise from Inti Punku in your memory. Do not miss the best moments by trying to take a thousand photos; take half a dozen, sit down, and enjoy.