Maybe you’ve considered exploring one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. But where do you start if you’re a beginner? We’ve partnered with Julia Dimon of Travel Junkie Julia as she shares tips on how anyone can make the most of their trip to Machu Picchu. 

The world famous “Inca Trail” in the Peruvian Andes, annually draws close to one million hikers, many of whom have traveled far and wide to see the archeological sites, retrace the steps of ancient civilizations and cross this ‘must see’ from their bucket list.

Like many of these curious travelers, I too felt drawn to this South American country. Many moons ago, before I became a full-time travel writer and hardcore travel junkie, I organized a trip with a few girlfriends to tackle the Inca Trail, one of the top treks in the world. It remains one of my favorite hikes that is a must for any world traveler. I remember it well …

After spending a few days in the charming colorful town of Cuzco, I joined a local tour company for an organized camping excursion (complete with professional cook and porters) along the Inca Trail.

Flash forward to me huffing and puffing over the course of the four day, 26-mile hike. Armed with a bamboo walking stick, I slowly climbed steep mountain faces reaching altitudes of up to 13,800 feet. Glutes burning, I took frequent breaks, stopping to join clusters of out-of-breath backpackers collapsed along the trail’s sidelines. Since the trek is so mainstream, I grossly underestimated it and, there up on the top of the mountain, quickly realized I was unprepared. Beaten by Mother Earth’s natural StairMaster, the only relief was guzzling water and scarfing down Snickers bars for a quick energy boost.

For those considering an adventure along the Inca Trail, be warned, it’s awesome but it ain’t easy for the un-initiated or un-acclimatized. In this high altitude, the path winds along a schizophrenic terrain: sheer cliffs, misty cloud forests, lush jungles and nose-bleed-causing mountain peaks. The scenery is stunning but the actual hike … well … it’s a real workout.

My team leader Roger, a certified guide who has hiked the trail over 100 times, explained to me that hike difficulty depends on a number of factors: your prior hiking experience, the amount of weight carried on your back and your overall ability to acclimatize to the altitude. “You never know how your body is going to react in this kind of altitude,” Roger told me. “Some people get sick, so it’s best to take it slow, spend a few days in Cuzco before the hike getting use to the altitude, so your body can adjust and enjoy.”

For hiking inspiration, I looked to the porters. Part mules, part super-humans, these amazing Peruvian porters are hired to carry all camping equipment, prepare the tents and cook. Hunched-over, a junk pile of camping goods tied to their backs, porters scurry along the trail with incredible speed. Despite worn-out rubber sandals and huge weight strapped to their bodies, porters can take down even the most athletic of trekkers. They’re truly amazing and gave me the mental push I needed to continue.

It’s a challenging four days, but that made it all the more rewarding when I reached the top, walked through the Sun Gate at sunrise and stood victorious overlooking the majestic mist covered “Lost City of the Incas.”

For those planning a trip to Machu Picchu, here are a few tips for your hiking adventure:

Inca Trail Tour Companies:

Since independent camping along the classic Inca Trail isn’t allowed, travelers must book a tour with a certified agency. There are many local tour operators located in the quaint city of Cuzco. These all-inclusive four-day group treks generally include: transportation to and from Cuzco, trail fees, camping equipment (tent and sleeping mat), porter services, food and a guided tour of Machu Picchu. Be sure to choose a responsible tour operator. Incatrailperu.com, an independent resource for all things Inca Trail, warns that, “if you pay under U.S. $620 for a 4-day group Inca Trail trek, it is very unlikely that porter welfare is high on the company’s concerns. When you book with a company, let them know that the treatment the porters receive is important to you.”

Book Early:

Since there are only 500 permits issued per day, it’s crucial that you book in advance. Some say it’s best to book six months in advance for high season (April-October) when the weather is dry (remember that June, July and August are the peak of high season) and three months in advance for low season. The trail is closed the month of February for renovations. Regardless of when you go, prepare for cold nights and be sure to bring (or rent) an insulated sleeping bag.

Avoid Altitude Sickness:

Before you go on the hike, give yourself time to acclimatize by spending a few days in the cultural city of Cuzco drinking coca leaf tea, resting and allowing your body to adjust to the high altitude.

Park Smart:

Pack quick-dry t-shirts, comfy hiking boots (that you’ve already broken in), extra shoes you can slip into at the end of the day, lots of socks, sunscreen, insect repellent, a headlamp with new batteries for those early morning hikes, and a fleece for those cold early mornings. Layering your clothes is key, as the temperature can abruptly change. Don’t forget your own toilet paper and hand sanitizer … there are some nasty outhouses out there.

Rent Heavy Gear:

Sleeping bags, backpacks, ponchos and other camping gear you may need can be rented for only a few dollars a day near the Plaza De Armas in Cuzco.

Bring Money:

Even in the wilderness, consumerism finds a way. Bring Peruvian currency in small bills for the necessities: Tips for the chefs, guides, porters (it’s recommend that each porter in the tour group takes home an extra $10 USD total from all guests), bottled water, snacks and a well-deserved cold Cuscena beer post trek.

Hire a Personalized Porter:

The trek is already hard enough, without schlepping a ton of weight on your back! Hiring a porter to transport your personal belongings will make your trek more enjoyable and provide income opportunities for the local community. Just carry your day pack with basic hiking necessities like water, snacks, sunscreen, camera etc.

Don’t Forget Your Passport:

You must present your passport at entry and exit checkpoints along the trail. Use a Ziploc bag to protect valuable documents from moisture.

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate:

Bring your own one-liter bottle of water for the first full day of the trek. For the subsequent days, water will be boiled and the bottles refilled by the porters. Stop often to drink water.

Buy a Walking Stick:

This thin bamboo shoot (sold for a few dollars at the trail base) helps take the pressure off your knees as you descend thousands of steep steps.

If the Inca Trail is fully booked or if you crave off-the-beaten-track exploration beyond the classic trail, there are alternative trails in the area that can be hiked independently. For more information, check out incatrailperu.com.

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Julia Dimon

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