Machu Picchu Travel Forum

I have seen many people say that you cannot use metal tipped walking poles because of damage to the trail, but I am not clear whether you can use rubber tipped poles. I know you can buy wooden poles cheaply there, but what do you do with them after ? I wont need it again this trip and I can't imagine the airlines would be happy about me taking it back to England, no matter how nice a souvenir it is.

You really won't need anything - there's no tricky climbing, and I doubt you'd be carrying a big load. I think people just throw them away. I dare say they are recycled and sold to the next tourist.

You can use poles with rubber tips. I found my trekking poles helpful because there are places on the trail where the downhill is quite steep. It helps take some of the pressure off your knees. A friend of mine bought one of the walking sticks the locals sell and she found it a bit akward. I'm not sure what she did with the pole when she was done with it. As you say, it's not an easy souvenir to bring home. I would like to think, though, that the poles get recycled somehow.

If you don't want to bring one into Peru, the easiest way is to rent it at your trekking agency there for an inexpensive fee. I opted to buy one of the walking sticks because it was a novelty for me and it worked exceedingly well for my 4 day Inca Trail en route to Machu Picchu. It became a trusted object and I became quite attached to it after. They actually let it bring it back with you, but you need to make sure to have the airlines label/put it under the "oversized baggage" category. You better believe that I would not leave the airport here in Boston as soon as I found out that it couldn't be located upon my arrival. It happened to be stuck in some corner of the air freight area and I ended waiting for 2 hours until Delta produced it for me as it was my PRECIOUS souvenir from my Machu Picchu adventure!!! Goodluck & Enjoy Peru!

CAn you please tell me how difficult the 4 day Inca trail was. Do you know what the weather will be like for the 2nd week in May? Thanks, I'm a little nervous about the trip ahead.

The hike is definitely strenuous and, because of the high altitude, is definitely tiring. That being said, people of all ages and fitness levels do the trek. I would recomend doing a warm up hike (or two) to some of the ruins around Cusco. I think the best option is to hike to the ruins above Pisac. This is easily accessible from Cusco, the hike will take about an hour (give or take) and is the perfect way to start acclimating to hiking in the high altitudes. In addition, the ruins are interesting and the views are incredible. The town of Pisac also has a tourist market.

It will be cold at times on the trail. I personally didn't bring too much warm-weather gear with me to Peru (really just a fleece sweatshirt/jacket), but purchased a warmer jacket, gloves and a hat in Cusco (there's a lot of inexpensive gear to be found in Cusco).

Don't be too nervous. Try to do the warm-up hike at Pisac to get acclimated. As for weather... even if you don't bring enough warm weather clothes, you'll be able to pick up needed gear before you leave (if you have time in Cusco).

One last thing to remember, Cusco is packed with people who would have just gotten back from the trail. Don't be afraid to ask people there for their advice/input. And most importantly, have fun. Its an amazing experience.

Hello there! It sounds like you are a bit nervous to the upcoming trip. I think that's a common reaction as you don't know what you're up against. Anyway, I believe you also posted your questions in another forum. I've responded there in great detail. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask.