1st time doing an over night 4 day hike (inca, peru) suggestions, tips?

Question

1st time doing an over night 4 day hike (inca, peru) suggestions, tips?

Answer 1

The aspect that causes most people difficulty in hiking the Inca Trail is the high altitude.  You will be hiking between 9,000 and 14,000 feet.  I would recommend training before the trek by doing some high altitude hiking in Colorado and also getting a prescription for Diamox to help your body adjust.  Finally drink lots of water while hiking (also coca tea if they serve it).

Another thing to be careful of is exposure to the sun.  At high altitude, that close to the equator, the sun passes through less atmosphere and so you will be exposed to a higher concentration of UV radiation.  Use sun block, sunglasses and a hat with a brim.

Finally, the temperature will vary greatly depending on altitude, time of day, and even if it clouds up.  So dress in layers.  You will go from tee shirt all the way to ski jacket to be comfortable.

Answer 2

yo should go to peru its nice good luck

Answer 3

Are you doing the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu? Awesome! Did it myself a couple years back, it was also my first multiday overnight hike, and I had a blast.

You can bring altitude sickness meds if you like, but if you spend a few days at a higher altitude (like Cuzco) before starting the hike, and take some coca leaves or coca candy (available in Cuzco), you can save your money.

Do hikes, at higher altitudes if you can, the stair machine at the gym, get physically fit. Having said that, you don't have to be in amazing shape for this hike. Stretch regularly when you're on the hike.

Bring a good backpack and pack light. You can rewear everything at least once. Pack for the weather - it can vary from hot to freezing, depending on the altitude. And if it's rainy season...  Visit a store like REI for the advice, though perhaps not for purchasing (they're expensive!). The most important investments are a decent pair of hiking shoes and socks! A good pair of socks will keep your feet dry and not smelly over several days of use.

Bring money. For water along the way, beers on the last night (there's a real campsite with showers and "bar" the last night), and to tip the porters and guides. I pitched in $20 (maybe less) 2 years ago.

Stay healthy!! There is nothing worse than having food poisoning on a hiking trip, but sadly it's very common. The food they serve you on the hike will be fine; it's the restaurants in Cuzco and elsewhere you have to be wary of.  

Have fun!!!