Hiking in the Andes is something different than hiking at sea
level. The higher elevation makes breathing difficult. Some people find
it helpful to use prescribed medication like Diamox. Talk to your
physician to figure out what is best for you.
Get your body moving. Walk, run, hike…whichever you choose will help prepare you for constant motion and getting through your days until you reach Machu Picchu.
STEPS STEPS STEPS. For those of you who chose the
Inca Trail package, the Incas created a path of steps along the trail
and you will be using those original Inca creations. They are not even,
they are steep and they are plentiful. Most of the steps go downhill, so
make sure to practice going down uneven trails.
When you are ready to pack for your trip, remember less is more. Here are some essential things you should remember.
Original passport…make
sure you bring the same passport that you used when booking. We submit
your passport number to the National Park service and they will not
allow you on the trail with a different passport number.
Student ISIC card…those who have booked as a student also need to
bring their orignal valid student ISIC card in order to be allowed onto
the Inca trail.
Hiking boots…make sure to
use your hiking boots before you get to Cusco. Boots needs to be broken
in and are often uncomfortable on your first few hikes. You don’t want
to be uncomfortable on your trek.
Daypack…anything you need during the day needs to
be carried by you in your daypack. It’s great to get one with a
camelback so you have plenty of water available.
In your daypack you will carry:
- Rain jacket/Rain pants…the weather on the mountain is unpredictable. We can’t promise you that there won’t be rain. In case of rain, you will be most comfortable in a waterproof jacket and pants.
- Rain poncho…bring a rain poncho in addition to your jacket so you have something to cover your daypack. Plus, during warm days, it will be more comfortable.
- Head Lamp…there isn’t any electricity at the camping sites. Headlamps are important to walk around, be comfortable in your tent and use in the washroom.
- Layers…the temperature changes drastically from morning to night. Make sure to pack lots of layers including something extra warm for the evenings and for sleeping in the tent.
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Mosquito Repellant
- Hat…you might want more than one. One to block the sun and one to keep you warm when you get to the top of the Andes.
- Candy…Alpaca Expeditions will give you a snack each day, but some people like to pack a little extra sugar to help them get the extra energy needed to finish the day.
- Toilet paper
- First aid kit...its useful to have a small first aid kit with bandaids, tylenol, nausea pills. It’s always better to be safe then sorry.
These things are important to have, but can also be rented from Alpaca Expeditions.
- Sleeping bag
- Air mattress
- Walking sticks
And finally DO NOT FORGET YOUR CAMERA.
We hope this will be your greatest travelling experience and expect
that you want to have photos to help you remember the trip. Extra
batteries are always a good idea.
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