Has anyone treked the Inca Trail? Any tips?

Question

I am planning to trek the Inca Trail, do you have any trekking tips to improve fitness before I go? Or any general tips about going to trek the Inca Trail?

Answer 1

Firstly, get some exercise. I didn't, am at the top of end of the healthy (on the verge of fat), and still managed it - but would have preferred to be a little fitter. I didn't get any blisters, as the pace is quite sedate. I'm not a hiker or walker by any means. The hardest part is on the second day - but I'm not sure whether going up or going down was worse!

A wide brimmed hat is essential as the there is little to protect you from the sun at that altitude. Even when it's cloudy and/or foggy, you'll still get sunburnt.

People will try to sell you walking sticks. They're extra weight and don't help that much. Your choice.

Have a small backpack, just big enough to hold a couple of bottles of water, some toiletries (remember the toilet tissue!), and a change of clothes. Don't bother with a change of clothes every day - everybody else smells just as bad as you. Make sure a jumper/pullover and thick socks are included as it gets pretty cold at night. A pack of cards or some other small, lightweight entertainment is good. A torch/flashlight is ESSENTIAL. Remember to take a camera with spare batteries to last the entire trek.

Most tour operators will supply you with a sleeping bag and sleeping mat, as long as you request it in advance. Mine was fine, but I could have done with a pillow (an inflateable one will do).

Despite them telling you to take water, there are several places or people to buy water from. Don't rely on it though! I never used the water purification tablets I took.

Stay in Cusco for a few days before going on the trail. A side visit to the Sacred Valley is a useful side trip.

Finally, relax in the hopt springs at Aguas Calientes (at the bottom of the mountain where MP is situated). You deserve it! You might want to stay there for a day or two.

Most of all, enjoy it! It's worth the trip.

Answer 2

First of all bring something against the mosquitos and sun block, secondly if you're coming  until june bring a coat againts rain, and a good camara, the view is wonderful.

Enjoy yourself

Answer 3

Need a good shape,  if you have previous experience in similar trekking is not a problem for you but need two or tree day before to adjust to the altitude, every day you will see different environments, Sierra, cloud Forrest. timberland. jungle. etc. but is a one of the important trek in sud America. bring some snack like power Barr's. Gatorade. micropur, good mosquito repellent, a good sunblock. a rain gear if you go on march. good hiking boot and sandals to walk in the camp side. your tour operator provide a mattress and a good tent, but bring a good sleeping bag. flash ligth, good can teen or nalgene fro the water, a comfortable back pack to brig all the necessary, I recommended just bring max 5.5 pound in your back pack with all the necessary, 2 ó 3 t-shirt. 2 pants , 3 pair of sock. a good flees, rain gear, your will carrie all your staff by your self during the treck

if you need more information i will send a list with some information I am a tour leader and made the inca trail many many times every time always are diferent

good look in your adventure