Machu Picchu Travel Forum

Hy guys,

We are 4 friends travelling Peru next June. We are pretending to do the Inca Trail but some of us are in doubt because of the fisic effort versus the really interest in doing it. For those who did it, please kindly give us your sincere opinion. Really worth it? No comparing with 1 day tour by train, hum? I believe must be a kind of mistic journey ...

Thanks,
Alexandra

yes it's really worth it. vale a pena.
for many, including myself, hiking the trail is more interesting and memorable than machu picchu itself.
there are also several alternative trails if you want to get away from the crowds. lares, choquequrao among others

I did it in August, which is supposed to be the best time. First day was sunny, then rain all the way with hail on the two high passes.Fingers nearly frozen off. Rarely able to see anything along the way because of cloud, and slopping about in mud at camp sites. Slippery , uneven rock paths. It was hard! All the females were in tears at various times, it was so tough. Half a day going up very high steps, then half a day going down high steps. Breathing was difficult at altitiude, so the muscles don't work as effectively. When we arrived in the early morning after trekking in the dark for a couple of hours we were exhausted, and still had to wander round this huge site, with more steps! Was it worth it? You Bet. One of my best adventures.Good luck and happy travels.

There is no comparison between arriving to MachuPichu via train, bus or horse and walking it. Like mentioned above there are alternative trails less congested and (naturewise) as pretty, there are not as many ruins though, plus Winay Wainu (the ruins right before arriving at MachuPichu) is supposed to be the real Inka residence while MachuPicchu was the "enterteinment" center. One friend once told me out of all the expensive and hyped up tourist atractions in the world, the Inka Trail is one of the few actually worth it.
Enjoy it and forget to chew on your coca leaves...

do it while alive ... it realy worth ....

just go ahead and hike the inka trail

jesustippe@inorbit.com

Yes, do the trail...it was hard and there was a few times on the trail that I wished I didn't do it, but there were so many incredible moments and beautiful sights to see that it really is worth it. It's a once in a lifetime adventure and something you will never forget. At the end, you really feel like you accomplished something. Especially on the last day, when you are worn out and tired, but you know you are getting close to reaching your destination...and then when you do...it's simply breathtaking. Be prepared, but go for it!

I just returned from my trip to Peru. We had planned on doing the 4 day original Inca Trail hike but it was sold out so we did the 4 day jungle trek. It included mountain biking (day one), hiking along the trail day 2 (the hardest physical thing I have ever done), easier hiking day 3 and then Machu Picchu day 4. It rained on us most of the time and it was tough. At the end of day 2--the hardest--we ended up at the hot springs in St. Theresa (I think). NICE!! Most of our hiking group were 20 somethings. I was the old man of the group in my 40's. It was one of the best experiences of my life.

It's not about the destination. It's about the journey. Although MP was pretty incredible!

Do it!!!!

Tom

Thank you Gabriel!

Actually we did already booked our Inca Trail tickets so we won't miss it anymore!

Any special advices concerning clothes?

Regards,
Alexandra

Here is my packing list advice for the Inca Trail:
The essential items, the must haves for this trip would be: Water,
toilet paper, Headlamp & flashlight, rain jacket, thick socks, 2
pairs of comfortable walking shoes (worn in!), moist towelettes, warm sleeping
clothes, 2 or 3 lightweight shirts that wick away moisture, 2 pairs of
zip off pants (not cotton), a comfortable, sturdy backpack, a good water
holder to strap around your waist, snacks, medicine in case of sickness,
blister block, camera/film, 45 sunscreen and a hat. Have a great trip!