Tuesday, November 19, 2019

Tips for Short Inca Trail Trek, instructions for use


 You have already imagined the deep deep green gorges, the lost citadels and the summits drowned in mist. Traveling the short Inca trail 2 days in Peru is undeniably a rite of passage and the adventure of a lifetime. The logistics are not always obvious, this article indicates the essential to carry out the Inca Trail and finish in beauty by the visit of Machu Picchu.


When to go on the Inca Trail

Organized groups leave all year, except in February when the Inca Trail is closed for maintenance and the rain discourages hikers. June to August is the coldest, driest and most popular period. With proper preparation and the right equipment, you can choose any month, when the path is open.
To avoid crowds, prefer the periods before and after the rainy season: from March to May (best for vegetation, orchids and birds) or from September to November.

General recommendations on the trek

Even with a light bag, this trek requires a good physical shape. In addition to regular exercises, prepare yourself for long walks in the weeks before departure, which will also allow you to test your equipment. You will have to be well in your shoes before leaving. On the way, heat and altitude can be a problem. Take your time , adopt a reasonable pace and everything should be fine.

Trek booking

Book at least six months in advance for dates between May and August. The rest of the year, you can get a permit in a few weeks, but without guarantee. Permits are issued only to approved agencies. You can nevertheless check availability.
Consider a 5 day trek for a slower pace and more time to enjoy nature and ruins. Less crowded camps and the opportunity to spend the third night in the most spectacular of them - Phuyupatamarka, at 3,600 m above sea level - are among the other advantages.
Take the time to study all possibilities, you will not regret it. It is better to interview several agencies before committing. Subscribe also to an international travel insurance that covers this type of activity.



Regulation and entry fees on the way

In the region of Cuzco, the Inca Trail is the only trek impossible to perform independently; you must go through an authorized agency. Prices range from $ 480 to $ 600 or more.
Every day, 500 people (including guides and porters) can take the path. Permits are issued on a "first come, first served" basis. You will need to provide your passport number to obtain it, and present that same passport at checkpoints along the way. If you have meanwhile obtained a new passport, this can be problematic.
Permits are not transferable; no name change.

Choice of an authorized agency for the Inca Trail

While it may be tempting to book the trek quickly and move on to the next preparations, it is best to look carefully at the possibilities before committing financially. If the price is your first criterion, know that the cheapest agencies sometimes cut costs by paying less guides and carriers . Other disappointments include poor quality equipment (eg, leaky tents) and sluggish or nonchalant guides.
Higher tariffs do not always mean getting more, especially since international tour operators take their margins and outsource to Peruvian agencies. Discuss with several agencies to get an idea of ​​the quality of the service. Ask if the guide speaks English, the size of the group, the transport used and a list of services included. Make sure that includes a tent, food, a cook, the day's entrance fee to the ruins and the return machu picchu by train 2 days.

If you have a special diet, make it clear before you leave, as well as any allergies. Vegetarians should expect a lot of quinoa and lentils. Try to get a written confirmation.
Carriers are also provided for group equipment (tents, food, etc.). You will have to carry your personal belongings, sleeping bag included, unless paying for an additional porter (about 50 US $ per day for 10 kg).
Meeting travelers from other parts of the world is part of the fun of group trekking. Keep in mind that everyone has their own pace and that good agreement requires some compromise.
If you prefer a more exclusive service, you can organize a private tour with an independent licensed guide (US $ 1,250-2,000 / pers). For a group of six or more, this may be lower than a standard trek. Prices vary considerably; do not hesitate to compare.

The working conditions of porters are a major problem in the Cuzco region. If there are other conscientious agencies, the providers mentioned below have not been recently sanctioned. They organize treks, as well as circuits in Peru.
·               Amazonas Explorer (84-25-2846). The oldest tour operator in Cuzco, with responsible social and environmental practices. Propose the classic trek in 5 days and alternative treks.

Aracari (in Lima 01-651-2424). A reputable agency, located in Lima, which offers high-end circuits.
Aventours (84-22-4050, Saphi 456, Cuzco). A responsible provider with an experienced team.
Culturas Peru  (84-24-3629, Tandapata 354-A, Cuzco). Highly competent and renowned agency for responsible practices, owned and run by a Peruvian.
Explorandes (Lima 01-715-2323). Offers 5-day itineraries and a luxury version; ISO certified agency.
Peruvian Odyssey (84-22-2105, Pasaje Pumaqchupan 204, Cuzco). A tour operator with 20 years of experience; also offers an alternative route via Santa Teresa.
        Tambo Trek(84-23-7718). A pioneer, he organizes classic and alternative treks and supports cleaning campaigns.
Take away with you for the trek

The walking sticks are highly recommended because the short Inca trail 2 days has many stone steps to descend, which are hard on the knees.
Other practical items include a first aid kit, sunscreen, camping sandals, a padded jacket for cold nights, a rain jacket, a hat and warm gloves, a sun hat, a toiletry bag comfortable walking shoes, warm hiking socks, Thermolacty underwear, fleece, water bottle or hydration kit, mosquito repellent, long pants and sunglasses. Make sure your bag is not too heavy and check the charge on your camera - you will not be able to charge it on the way.
Bring cash (soles) for tips. Plan 100 S for a porter and 200 S for the cook.

Alternative routes to Machu Picchu

The Alternative short Inca Trails Information Packet (English), the South American Explorers Club , provides more detail on the following hikes.
This short version (10 km) of the Inca Trail gives a good overview of the longer route. Very physical, it crosses some of the most beautiful landscapes and most of the most impressive ruins and terraces of the Way.
We advise you to take the first machu picchu by train 2 days from Cuzco to Km 104. From here, 3-4 hours of steep climb lead to Winay Wayna, then 2 hours of fairly flat terrain lead to Machu Picchu. You can follow the path 2 or 3 hours more to enjoy the view and the sights.



During this trek, you will spend the night in Aguas Calientes and you will not really visit Machu Picchu until the following day. So there is only one real day of walking. Count on average from 400 to 535 US $.

Trek of the Lares Valley

It is not a specific path, but a walk along different routes to Ollantaytambo through the beautiful Lares trek 4 days. Starting from thermal springs, the trek passes through Andean villages, less known Inca archaeological sites, lush lagoons and river gorges. At the end, you take a train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes. More cultural than technical, this trek offers fabulous mountain landscapes; the altitude of its highest pass (4,450 m) is not to be disdained. Expect an average of US $ 460.


A longer trek, more spectacular, with a slightly more difficult approach to Machu Picchu than the Inca Trail. The highest point is a pass more than 4,700 m near the splendid Salcantay (6,271 m; "wild mountain" in Quechua), an ice covered peak. From there, a spectacular descent joins vertiginous subtropical valleys. Allow 5 to 7 days to arrive in Machu Picchu; the average price is US $ 400.
Mountain Lodges of Peru (84-26-2640; US $ 2,390-2,990 / pers) offers a luxurious version of this trek, with highly qualified guides and accommodation in cozy lodges with outdoor Jacuzzi. Prices vary depending on the season.

Inca Jungle Trail: the back door of Machu Picchu

Designed by service providers and guides, this 2 to 5-day multisport itinerary between Cusco and Machu Picchu passes through Santa Teresa and offers the possibility of walking, cycling and rafting. The number of days and activities vary, but the base remains the same.












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