Top Three Tips for Planning a Trek in Peru
Few things could be more exciting than embarking on a trek in Peru. Imagine taking a hike along the ancient Inca Trail, upon which the Incas travelled hundreds of years ago. The trail weaves through and past a number of interesting ruins that will give you a deep understanding and respect for the cultural and scientific achievements of this once-great people. But what special tips will you need to make the most of your experience? The following may help.
Prepare Yourself
The least you can do is make sure that your body is prepared for the physical aspects of a trek in Peru. The hike is moderately challenging, but it can sometimes climb to altitudes of up to 13,000 feet; at such heights, the air is thinner and greater is the physical demand on the body. The trail is approximately 30 miles in total and usually takes a few days to complete, so if your body is not in decent shape, it could become difficult to manage. That’s why, weeks or even months before your scheduled trip you should engage in a regular daily workout—strength training and cardio conditioning are best. You should arrive in Cuzco a few days before embarking on the trail in order to acclimate yourself to the altitude. You should rest and take it easy and indulge in absolutely no alcohol.
What to Pack
What you bring along with you can spell the difference between a successful and memorable trek in Peru and one that is memorable for all the wrong reasons. Among the items on the must-have list are your identity papers and travel documents, such as your passport and ID. You should also bring more than enough cash with you—the porters and guides do not accept cheques and there are no ATMs in the area where you’re going! You’ll also need some local currency to buy refreshments along the road.
Remember, the weather here can be quite unpredictable: one moment it’s bright and sunshiny, the next it’s raining cats and dogs. So plan what you will wear and how you pack your bags around this possibility: bring water-proof clothing and shoes and a lightweight rain jacket, and store your other clothes in water-proof plastic bags. The temperature and altitude changes also mean you’ll have to wear several layers of clothing. When it comes to medicinal requirements you should pack a first aid kit, antibiotics, pain killers, and the all-important insect repellent. As far as toiletries are concerned, antiseptic hand sanitizers and your own stash of toilet paper can be a great idea.
Timing is Everything
As with any other popular tourist destination in the world, the Inca Trail is visited by a lot of tourists on any given day. It has its low and peak seasons so, if you can, schedule your trek in Peru during the low season. You'll also need to book several months in advance, especially if you're planning on going on a guided group trip (which is highly recommended). There is also a limit to the maximum number of 500 permits granted each day to walk the trail, which includes about 200 tourists and 300 guides and porters. A good rule of thumb is booking four to six months in advance.
Tony Maniscalco is the Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. Join us on a holiday to trek in Peru to see the most scenic locations & landscapes at the best value prices. We offer over 140 guided group walking holidays in over 60 different countries.