Have you done the Machu Picchu Inca Trail recently?
Apr 25th, 2010, 11:07 AM
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Have you done the Machu Picchu Inca Trail recently?
We are going to do the Inca Trail at the end of May. I would like to know if anyone has done it since the re-opening at the beginning of April. And if so, how was it?
Many thanks!
Many thanks!
Apr 26th, 2010, 09:13 AM
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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
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
May 3rd, 2010, 04:59 AM
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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.
May 3rd, 2010, 09:05 AM
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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
An unforgettable experience.Enjoy!
CCF
May 3rd, 2010, 09:13 AM
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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.
May 3rd, 2010, 12:58 PM
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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!
May 4th, 2010, 04:44 AM
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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
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
May 4th, 2010, 06:29 AM
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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!
May 5th, 2010, 05:19 AM
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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
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
Dec 17th, 2010, 08:52 AM
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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.
There a high-end outfitters that provide their own private bathroom tent for their campers.
Dec 17th, 2010, 06:23 PM
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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.
Dec 20th, 2010, 09:15 AM
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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.
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.
May 17th, 2011, 11:10 AM
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I´ve just come back from a 3 week trip to Peru with my best friend. We booked through Do Latin America, a great company. Everything was organized through email and the staff were more than helpful. Luckily, we just managed to secure the permits for the Inca Trail – be aware that you will need to book these at least 3 months in advance as they book up quick. The Inca trail was the best trek that we have done to date, not only were the guides extremely knowledgeable about the trek and Inca history, but they were a great laugh too! The porters were also fantastic, cooking up tasty meals and good company over dinner. The trek was challenging (given our age), but arriving at Machu Picchu was well worth all of the sweat. The ancient city was just mind-blowing. The architecture, the stone masonry, the history, was all stunning. If you like trekking then the inca trail is the way to see it. The rest of the trip was also great – Sacred Valley, Lake Titicaca, and Lima. But don´t miss out on Machu Picchu, it is a must see.
