How to Backpack the Inca Trail
High in the Andes Mountains of South America, the Inca Trail leads to Machu Picchu, the lost city of the Incas, which modern archaeologists re-discovered in 1911. Macchu Picchu is a well-preserved cultural site because it lay hidden for so long. It and the Inca Trail are now protected by the United Nations, with strict restrictions on the number of visitors allowed per day. All visitors may hike the Inca Trail only with an authorized guide and porters to carry luggage. Planning for a backpacking trip on the Inca Trail, must therefore begin long before arriving in Peru.
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Things You'll Need
- Backpack or day pack, depending on tour guide advice
- Warm clothing, with layers for changes in temperature
- Rain gear
- Hiking boots
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Hat with sun protection
- Multipurpose knife
- Flashlight
- Water bottle
- Water purifying tablets
- Insect repellent
- Camera
- Toiletries
- Baby wipes for "showers" on the trail
- Passport
Instructions
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Research the reputation of the available tour companies and book your trek. Confirm whether your tour company will guarantee the departure date. Check into the quality of the food served and the experience of the tour guides.
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Begin training for the hike -- you will be backpacking at an altitude of up to 11,000 feet above sea level, so your body will need to be prepared. Climb hills and stairs to get ready. Start your training without a pack, and gradually add weight as you get stronger.
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Pack for your adventure. Check with your tour company to see what equipment they provide so you don't duplicate anything. Rent your backpack, sleeping bag, mattress, and hiking stick if you don't already have items that you're comfortable with.
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Arrive in Cusco, Peru, several days before your Inca Trail adventure, as this allows your body to begin acclimatizing to the high altitude and thin air. Take it easy for your first couple of days and then begin hiking and climbing to build up strength for the backpacking trip.
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Check in with your tour company and begin your backpacking trip. The traditional itinerary will take you to campsites at Wayllabamba, Pacamayo, and Aguas Calientes. Be prepared for tough hiking on the second day of your hike, the most difficult and steepest part of the trail and the most extreme weather conditions.
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Follow your tour guide's instructions as your Inca Trail trip continues into the third and fourth days. Get your camera ready for the Inca ruins you will see on the third day, including original stone stairways and Inca baths. Get up very early on the final day so you can see sunrise over Machu Picchu.
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Tips & Warnings
Because the number of visitors on the Inca Trail is strictly limited, tours are fully booked months in advance, so book early.
If you can, book your tour between May and September to take advantage of the Andes Mountains' dry season.
Try to book a tour with no more than 18 travelers as this allows more interaction with guides.
Over 150 tour companies lead Inca trail tours--because of all this competition, prices don't vary much, so don't worry about trying to get the best deal.
Your tour company is likely to provide tents, cooking equipment and food, as well as the porters to carry it all.
You can probably rent some of the equipment you need in Peru so you don't have to transport it by airplane.
You may need clothes for extremely warm and extremely cool weather, possibly on the same day.
Pack your personal gear as lightly as possible, since you will be carrying it all on your back up some extremely steep hills and stairs. Bring clothes that you can layer for warmth or peel off when you need to cool down.
Pack good hiking boots, rain gear, and sun protection of all types, as well as your clothing and toiletries.
References
- Photo Credit Incan Ruins along the Inca Trail image by evillager from Fotolia.com
