Inca Trail Preparations

Altitude Sickness On reaching heights above 3000m, heart pounding and shortness of breath are a normal response to the lack of oxygen in the air. However, for some visitors these symptoms can deteriorate into a conditions known as Soroche (or acute mountain sickness) when you can start to experience headaches, loss of appetite, extreme tiredness, sleeplessness and often nausea. Symptoms usually develop within the first day or two at altitude. To prevent Soroche, try to take things easy as soon as you arrive. Once settled in your hotel room have a lie down for a while and drink plenty of fluids. Don't plan any strenuous treks until you've acclimatized for a few days. Avoid alcohol, cigarettes and heavy food. Drinking mate de coca (an infusion of coca leaves - and perfectly legal in Peru) may help. If symptoms become more severe and prolonged it is best to quickly seek medical attention and make arrangements to descend to a lower altitude. On recovery one can re-ascend slowly or in stages. The drug Diamox is often used by many visitors to speed the acclimatization process and counter the symptons of Soroche.

Cusco is located 3400m above sea level so it is important that you have a healthy respect for the altitude. If arriving from sea-level (Lima) try to spend at least 2 days in Cusco prior to starting the Inca Trail (3 days is recommended). This period will allow you to acclimatize and also give you time to enjoy the city of Cusco, the nearby Inca ruins of Sacsayhuaman, Q'enko, Pucacpucara and Tambomachay, as well as taking a day trip out to the Sacred Valley of the Incas to visit the traditional Quechua market at Pisac and the stunning Inca village and ruins at Ollantaytambo.

What to bring

The key to packing for a trip to Peru is to pack for a variety of conditions while keeping the weight to a minimum. Easier said than done when you have to deal with the intense heat of the equatorial sun and the cold mountain nights spent camping on the Inca Trail. The best way to deal with these extremes is to dress using several layers rather than one thick jumper. If you forget something, don't despair since most things can be bought in most Peruvian cities frequently visited by tourists including excellent and cheap alpaca jumpers. 

Suggested Inca Trail packing list:

• Backpack (65 liters should be quite sufficient).
• Comfortable walking boots with good ankle support.
• Sleeping bag (can be rented in Cusco)
• Clothes 2 pairs long trousers (lightweight)
• 2 T-shirts
• 1 short-sleeved shirt
• 1 long-sleeved shirt
• 1 pair shorts
• Underwear and socks (thermal underwear is highly recommended, being light, warm and makes good nightwear on cold nights).
• Fleece jacket Rain jacket or poncho Hat or cap to protect from the sun.
• Toiletries: soap, toothbrush, toothpaste & toilet papaer etc. Sun cream, lip salve, sun glasses. Flashlight
• Basic first aid kit.
• Insect repellent.
• Money belt + passport + emergency money Camera + film (film can easily be bought in Peru and is of excellent quality).
• Water bottle (mineral water can be bought throughout Peru)
• Water purification tablets (Micropur tablets can be bought in Cusco and are very efficient).
• Optional extras include:- Binoculars 

The famous Salkantay Trek (or Salcantay Trek), named among the 25 best Treks in the World, by National Geographic Adventure Travel Magazine.
This trekking expedition is one of the most pictures trips offered in Cusco region which will take you close of the sacred Salkantay snow peak (6,271 meters / 20569ft), one of the highest and most stunning in the Peruvian Andes, passing through Quechua communities and lesser-known Inca ruins, to finally reach Aguas Calientes on the fourth day. The impressive Sacred Inca city of Machu Picchu is visited on the last day of the program. This itinerary is an interesting alternative for those not having found spaces on the Inca Trail trek to Machupicchu... Read More >>

Lares trek offers an outstanding combination of amazing mountain and valley scenery in a remote area, the visit will really get an in-site into the Authentic Quechua Communities and see thatched stone houses surrounded by herds of llamas and alpacas, and even guinea pigs running loose inside the houses. This hike starts in the Lares Valley and village of the same name, where you can enjoy a night dip in its relaxing hot springs, to then follow to the Andean communities of Huacahuasi, Patacancha and Willoq, reaching the village of Aguas Calientes on the third night, after a 2-hour train-ride from Ollantaytambo. Finally, the fourth day is devoted to visiting the impressive Inca citadel of Machupicchu... Read More >>

Inca Trail Travel, Tourism and Services, is a recognized and recommended travel agency, with excellent ratings for our safety standards as well as our high level of adventure. We are proud to be listed in the Frommer's, Fodor's, Lonely Planet's guides to Peru, Foot Print and Megareisen, as well as many others.

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