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.
