Hi,
just back one week from the trail.
It was in fine shape(Our guide said it was fine too).We had a wonderful trip.
The only issues were with connections from train in Ollantaytaybo ( sp?) to buses.Road into town essentially one lane so you hoped that your vehicle got there first. Long ride back to Cusco.
Went with www.adventureholidaysperu.com I highly recommend them.
We are both 62 and trained very hard for a few months to get in shape.We're very proud of ourselves!
Good luck with it!
CCF

Thank you for your reply! Did you have a backpack to carry your things? or did you pay the carrier to do it. My sons are in their early 20's and I am thinking they can carry their stuff. Agree? Thanks again.

We had daypacks that we used to carry water,raingear,snacks,the "good" camera. Mine wasn't heavy,my husband's was due to the camera,but he didn't complain.I think your guys will be fine carrying,plus the porters are often way ahead of you,so if you need/want something,it's not accessible.
An unforgettable experience.Enjoy!
CCF

It will also depend on how much content each of your sons has in his backpack and how they handle walking long distance going up a steady incline. I would think they should do fine, especially considering their ages, but if there's absolutely something they don't need for the trail and MP then I would leave it back in Cusco.

CCF: when you say you trained very hard to get in shape for the hike what do you mean? Did you find the hike to be really difficult? I am in my 30s, in decent shape and haven't been doing any special preparation for the hike. My trip is later this month and now I am nervous! Thanks!

Hi gypsyliz,
we're 62,so right away we had an"uphill" battle.
We're in good shape,but all our friends had said it was difficult,compounded by the altitude.
We ramped up our workouts,with the odious stairmaster,squats,lunges and more cardio in general. it was worth it,and I found the hiking itself easier in some ways,because in many places it is a road or steps vs. the scrambling you do on a mountain trail.The altitude did bother us somewhat (we took the Diamox as directed and skipped alcohol). Shortness of breath, fast heart rate,but we did recover quickly with brief rest periods. So we would climb,rest,hydrate,walk,rest,hydrate.It was hard,but really worth every step.
I'm sure if you're fit and 30 you'll do fine. Enjoy it!!
CCF

Ok great. Thank you for the reply. I will step up the workouts in the next couple of weeks and be sure to get Diamox. I found your trip report, and it sounds like your trip was amazing. I am really looking forward to it!

I am going to see Machu Picchu on 10 May, we return on 16 May, so I will try to remember to post here and leave you my thoughts.

gypsyliz,
one more thing....don't get hurt working out! we took the last couple of days off except for some brisk walks.After all the prep and expense,you don't want a pulled anything,or sore knees.
Buenas suerte!
CCF

Great advice...thanks CCF! And Tazzycat, I look forward to report. Enjoy the trip!

Hello, I am doing a scavanger hunt for my work and really need a sca of a Machu Picchu passport stamp. Can you help me with this????

opps scan os a Machu Picchu passport stamp.

How is the toilet/ shower situation on the trail? I am thinking about doing the 4 day hike but am not sure how great the faculities are.

There is a shower at the campsite for the last night only. There are bathrooms iat the ccmpsites but during the day as you hike the trial, the world is your bathroom.

David J

The toilets at rest stops along the trail are .... um, it's best to pull a scarf over your nose, watch where you're stepping, imagine pleasant thought, do your business as quickly as possible and get the heck out. Do NOT drop anything. Have hand sanitizer with you.

There a high-end outfitters that provide their own private bathroom tent for their campers.

I have read a hundred trip reports and I can't find the answer to this question. Is there anywhere along the trail where you feel that if you trip you are going over a cliff? How narrow does it get? Thanks for any info.

CCF / others: How do you handle clean water on the trail? Did guides boil it or did you take purification tablets or filters or?

The porters boiled the drinking water for the hikers. We drank mainly cocoa tea for dinner and coffee/tea/hot cocoa for breakfast. All of which required boiling water beforehand. At some rest stops you can also buy soft drinks, beers, etc.

I had purification tablets with me but did not have to use it at all. No one in my group had to use theirs either. But I would recommend that you carry some with you anyway just in case.