Inca Trail Report: 5 day version with Wayki Trek
May 21st, 2016 | 06:37 PM
#1
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Joined: Aug 2005
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Inca Trail Report: 5 day version with Wayki Trek
We just returned from a month-long trip to South America and our 5 day Inca Trail trek with Wayki was a highlight of the trip. Starting last fall with the excellent communication and patience with our questions, through to the planning and payment, orientation, and - especially - the trek itself, Wayki took great care of us.
In my research last fall I arrived at Wayki because it's an indigenous organization (the owner was a porter, then a guide before starting the business years ago) and has a reputation for support of their porters. The equipment was impressive - down bags, nice inflatable pads, 4 season 4 person The North Face tents for each couple - but the people made the trip.
We considered other area treks but chose the Inca Trail in order to see the Inca sites along the way and they didn't disappoint. Until we were on the trail we didn't realize the other hikes (like Lares and Salkantay) are on trails but not on a stone surfaced pilgrim highway like the classic Inca Trail, just 1 more reason we were pleased with our choice.
We were really happy with the 5 day version which put us out of sync with the 4 day trekkers in terms of camping and trail time. Camping at 12,000 Phuyupatamarca the 3rd night was a highlight: no moon meant MILLIONS of stars, then we woke at dawn and sat on the knoll above our tents, llamas surrounding us, coca tea in hand, and watched the sun shine off the peak of Salkantay. ABSOLUTELY STUNNING. Other campers passed through during the day or took off early and missed the show! Arriving at the Sun Gate in the afternoon meant we had time to enjoy the rain forest, orchids and all, and enjoy afternoon views of Machu Picchu but return the next day, well rested, for our tours.
Our guide, Ruben, was organized, well informed, and motivating. Alfredo and his assistant Enrique whipped up magic day after day in the kitchen tent, and head porter Angel and the other Quechua men were stalwart, sweet, supportive, and took very good care of us.
If you hike the Inca Trail (and you should, if you're physically able!) I HIGHLY recommend the 5 day version and Wayki Trek. Giving yourself time to acclimate to the altitude, having a porter carry what you don't need during the day on the trail, and having good boots and trekking poles, also highly recommended.
My photos with blog, travelogue, and review links on the main page of each collection are below in case you're interested - all my recommendations are embedded there (photos are up but still working on blogs for the most recent trip). Happy trails!
https://www.flickr.com/photos/staceyholeman/collections
In my research last fall I arrived at Wayki because it's an indigenous organization (the owner was a porter, then a guide before starting the business years ago) and has a reputation for support of their porters. The equipment was impressive - down bags, nice inflatable pads, 4 season 4 person The North Face tents for each couple - but the people made the trip.
We considered other area treks but chose the Inca Trail in order to see the Inca sites along the way and they didn't disappoint. Until we were on the trail we didn't realize the other hikes (like Lares and Salkantay) are on trails but not on a stone surfaced pilgrim highway like the classic Inca Trail, just 1 more reason we were pleased with our choice.
We were really happy with the 5 day version which put us out of sync with the 4 day trekkers in terms of camping and trail time. Camping at 12,000 Phuyupatamarca the 3rd night was a highlight: no moon meant MILLIONS of stars, then we woke at dawn and sat on the knoll above our tents, llamas surrounding us, coca tea in hand, and watched the sun shine off the peak of Salkantay. ABSOLUTELY STUNNING. Other campers passed through during the day or took off early and missed the show! Arriving at the Sun Gate in the afternoon meant we had time to enjoy the rain forest, orchids and all, and enjoy afternoon views of Machu Picchu but return the next day, well rested, for our tours.
Our guide, Ruben, was organized, well informed, and motivating. Alfredo and his assistant Enrique whipped up magic day after day in the kitchen tent, and head porter Angel and the other Quechua men were stalwart, sweet, supportive, and took very good care of us.
If you hike the Inca Trail (and you should, if you're physically able!) I HIGHLY recommend the 5 day version and Wayki Trek. Giving yourself time to acclimate to the altitude, having a porter carry what you don't need during the day on the trail, and having good boots and trekking poles, also highly recommended.
My photos with blog, travelogue, and review links on the main page of each collection are below in case you're interested - all my recommendations are embedded there (photos are up but still working on blogs for the most recent trip). Happy trails!
https://www.flickr.com/photos/staceyholeman/collections
May 27th, 2016 | 07:42 PM
#6
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 4,272
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It might be months before I check back on this forum but you can almost always find me in the Central American branch or on the Trip Advisor forum if you post questions and I don't respond here. Happy trails!
https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowForu...Guatemala.html
https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowForu...Guatemala.html
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