Machu Picchu was a once-in-a-lifetime, actually unforgettable expertise. (So a lot in order that I’ve written about my expertise visiting it as a solo feminine for Intrepid as soon as earlier than.)
But I didn’t float as much as that stunning web site, I hiked there, and it was at occasions just a little painful. Like most painful issues, the reminiscences fade with time and I solely bear in mind the great bits. However, there are some things that I want I had recognized, ones that may have made these powerful moments extra manageable.
I’ve listed them under (you’re welcome), so that you’ll be capable of consider the lovely views over the blisters, and your new mates over your achy muscle tissues:
1. Stay hydrated and well-fed
Drink tons. Then drink extra. And take sachets of hydration salts simply in case. When you’re strolling you’re going to get sweaty and it’s essential exchange these losses. Also, staying hydrated is an superior approach to scale back your probability of experiencing altitude illness. So ensure you have a great (reusable!) bottle or a hydration pack to place in your day bag (Platypus and Camelbak are each nice manufacturers for hydration packs).
Now, meals. Altitude really slows down your digestion, which could result in a scarcity of urge for food. If you’re acclimatizing effectively then this received’t final lengthy, however even when it does, it’s price consuming greater than you assume it’s essential.
So, don’t overlook to take snacks in your bag – if in case you have a yummy Snickers or Mars bars tucked away you’re prone to munch on it even in case you don’t really feel significantly hungry. This isn’t at all times a great factor in life, however it’s when mountaineering Machu Picchu!
CHECK OUT INTREPID TRAVEL’S RANGE OF TREKS TO MACHU PICCHU
2. Get your passport stamped
This is a superb insider tip – you may get your passport stamped at Machu Picchu! Remember to ask on the gates.
3. Be prepared for all 4 seasons
As you acquire altitude, temperatures turn out to be extra excessive. In sooner or later you’ll be able to expertise all the things from a freezing chill upon waking, to boiling scorching sunshine whilst you stroll. Even with out sunshine, the steep ascents may have you sweating. The reply to this? Layers.
For the chilly night time time take thermal base layers and decide up some Alpaca gloves and a hat in Cusco – stalls line the streets in order that they received’t be laborious to search out. Pack t-shirts that can match over your base layers for if you get began within the morning, a fleece and rain jacket for the wind and rain. As the day progresses and also you emerge from the shade into the sunshine, you’ll be peeling all the things off. At this level bear in mind solar cream and a sunhat. The solar is stronger up excessive, so ensure it’s a excessive SPF. You don’t wish to be crimson and peeling in your photographs on Machu Picchu (or in your photographs posing with llamas!).
INSPIRATIONAL READ: THE ROAD TO MACHU PICCHU STARTS AT 385 LBS
A remaining tip on what to put on pertains to sneakers. Of course you will want effectively broken-in strolling boots to help you thru the day’s hike (and I imply effectively broken-in – a good friend of mine misplaced 4 toenails from carrying boots that she hadn’t worn sufficient earlier than the hike).
But one thing I want I knew was how good it feels to take off these boots when the strolling is completed so your ft can breathe. Pack flip flops or gentle sandals for evenings – one thing you’ll be able to slip on over socks (yep, sandals with socks, I mentioned it).
Feeling impressed?
WANT TO VISIT PERUVIAN RUINS WITHOUT THE CROWDS? CHECK OUT KUELAP IN NORTHERN PERU
Also on the purpose of socks – take masses. Don’t be considering which you could put on the identical pair greater than as soon as as a result of they’ll be pungent, and beginning your day with recent socks is means higher than beginning pungent. And as regards to pungent – take plastic baggage, as a result of not solely your socks however your garments on the whole can be moist and smelly from sweat and probably from rain, and also you’ll wish to separate these out of your good recent garments.
Sometimes it’s sunny, typically it’s positively not
4. Porters are probably the most badass individuals you’ll ever meet. Period.
You’ll be huffing and puffing your means alongside the path, congratulating the hell out of your self for reaching the lunch spot with out collapsing. All the whereas, the porters may have woken up earlier than you, cooked you a killer breakfast, taken down your tents, carried all the tents/meals/chairs/and so on. and reached the lunch spot earlier than you, AND cooked you a scrumptious lunch in time in your huffy puffy arrival. They’re tremendous people.
Remember to take money alongside to tip your porters on the finish of your trek. Believe me, any apprehension you’ll have earlier than the journey about shelling out further {dollars} can be dispelled if you see how laborious they work.
READ MORE: 7 THINGS NO-ONE TELLS YOU ABOUT THE INCA TRAIL
5. Remedies for altitude illness
Happy hikers
“I feel it in my fingers, I feel it in my toes…” No, this isn’t about love or Christmas. A tingling sensation in your fingers and toes is a facet impact of Diamox (also called Acetazolamide), the remedy prescribed for soroche (altitude illness). Make positive to hunt the recommendation of your physician, as these should be prescribed. If you do use Diamox, you’ll additionally must pee rather more incessantly than traditional – so put together for some midnight dashes.
Talking remedy, think about taking anti-diarrhea tablets (Loperamide) together with you too as it is a frequent facet impact of altitude (and being out of the country, for some).
READ MORE: WHAT HIKING TO MACHU PICCHU AS A SOLO ADVENTURER IS REALLY LIKE
Alternatively, the locals swear by coca leaves to alleviate the results of altitude, and in additional rural areas you’ll see Peruvians chewing away with blackened enamel. On the path you might be supplied mate de coca (coca leaf tea). It doesn’t style fabulous so add in some honey, and also you’ve obtained your self a pure treatment.
The heights are fairly epic!
6. Do what actually bugs me…
…forgetting to take insect repellent to Machu Picchu. There are SO MANY mozzies up there. Don’t make the error I did in assuming that since you’re so excessive up there received’t be any. There are.
7. In the phrases of Scar: “Be prepared…”
Do some coaching hikes. You don’t should be an Olympian to do the Inca Trail, however you do should be fitter than your common sofa potato.
Intrepid leaders are there that can assist you out
As effectively as coaching bodily, be ready by reserving early. For preservation functions, the Inca Trail is restricted by how many individuals could be on it at a time. This means it books up round six months prematurely. However, in case you miss out on the Inca Trail, bear in mind you too can get onto the Quarry Trail to Machu Picchu with Intrepid. It affords the identical magnificent Andean surroundings however no crowds, lesser-known archaeological websites and no permits required!
READ MORE: BENEFITS OF TAKING THE QUARRY TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU
8. Expect the view to be indescribable
This requires little rationalization. And it’s not likely recommendation. But do brace your self to be so in awe on the prime that you simply’ll be misplaced for phrases. There actually is not any sight as breathtaking as Machu Picchu.
What is the Machu Picchu trek issue?
The issue of the Classic Inca Trail is taken into account to be a average degree hike. The traditional Inca Trail Route is 43 km (26 mi) lengthy and infrequently steep, you’ll hike over 4 days at an elevation nearing 13,828 ft (4,215 meters). Although rated average, the relentless uphill (and downhill) mountaineering is hard. Rule of thumb: the fitter you’re, the extra you’ll take pleasure in it.
Ready to guide the trek of a lifetime? Check out our wide selection of Machu Picchu treks and excursions.
(Image credit from prime to backside: Jen Welch, Intrepid Travel, Jen Welch, Intrepid Travel, iStock, Jen Welch)