What To Bring For The Inca Trail

For lovers of nature and adventure, especially those who are eager to get to Machu Picchu via the Inca Trail, which incidentally, will transport you into a new world which will change the noise of the city by the beautiful singing of the birds and the most beautiful scenery you can´t imagine.

However, doing this trek is not an easy thing, especially for those who normally are not used to exercising or doing physical effort. Having said that, the Inca Trail route in some areas exceeds 4000 m.a.s.l. so should take some precautions that CuscoPeru.com las describirá.

Remember, the shorter your walk, the fewer objects you should take, so, the weight of your back-pack would not impide you to move.

No matter how many days you´ll be walking, the certain thing is that you will pass from one altitude to another and this implies that the time (weather) will change; for this, it will be more convenient to wear comfortable clothes and little amount. For example:

• Jogging suit, maybe a couple.
• Trekking shoes with coquitos in plants, necesary for not falling down during the walk.
• Rainwear, along the way, it may will be drizzles and as this is very common, a wet walking will be uncomfortable and may cause you some respiratory diseases.
• Hats, in these times is not new that the sun is so strong and it burns when it seems cloudy. Accompany this hat with a good sunscreen. Protect your skin and your health, is a priority.
• Towel and swimsuit, along the way there are places for camping with showers. You'll also find some rivers, where you can cool off a bit, if the guide permits.
• Needless to say, you need underwear for each day.
• A small blanket for the nights, because they are really cool.

As you know that the Inca Trail passes the 4000 m.a.s.l. and if you come from a country which is almost at sea level, you must take the following precautions:

• The first days you must acclimate, to adjust to the altitude. Here Tips for Altitude Sickness
• You must eat light and avoid heavy meals.
• The first few days in Cusco, you should be calm and without physical effort. Follow your rhythm.
• Always drink bottled water, this will help to keep you hydrated. If you do not want to buy bottled water, you can buy water purification tablets.
• If you feel lack of oxygen, rest for a while.
• Also, if you feel some strange ailment, you MUST tell the guide (his duty if you need help)
• When you can, drink an infusion of coca leafs.

Is best to take a back-pack with you during the walk. Within it must have few things, the most necessary. Here, the recommendations:

• Sunscreen and insect repellent.
• Toiletries.
• Fresh fruits, candies, chocolates (they are good to accumulate energy).
• Money (local currency - soles)
• Walking stick.
• Flashlight and batteries.
• Sunglasses, lip balm.
• A camera.