TEN MOST FRECUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS TO MACHUPICCHU TREKKING PERU
HOW DO YOU PREVENT ALTITUDE SICKNESS IN CUSCO?
The best way to prevent altitude sickness in cusco is to be prepared during your first 2 days you should take things easy, this means you shouldn´t take part in any strenuous activity, if possible, rest the first few hours to help the body acclimatize to the altitude You should rest a lot and drink plenty of water. Alcohol and smoking isn´t a good idea as it can agitate you and make you feel a lot worse.
HOW TO AVOID ALTITUDE SICKNESS IN PERU?
You can avoid altitude sickness by spendind a few days taking it easy in Cusco before you head off on any kind of trek. Trying to do a tough activity too soon could make you very ill. You should also eat lightly, avoid alcohol to feel your best and drink coca leaf tea or take soroche pills.
WHAT IS THE BEST TREK TO MACHUPICCHU?
It is difficult to answer to this question because there are many options. The Inca Trail is the most popular and needs to be booked months in advance as there are only a certain number of spots each day. The best alternative trek is considered to be Salkantay, wich offers a real adventure and fantastic scenary. Inca Jungle is great for those seeking a thrill and Lares is a top option if you want a quieter and more rural experience. If you have a lot of time and want to experience two incredible Inca sites, you can opt for the Choquequirao trek.
WICH IS BETTER INKA TRAIL OR SALKANTAY TREK?
This depends on the person who wants to trek. The Inca Trail is extremely popular as it takes you along the real Trail where the Incas once walked. However, many say that the scenary on Salkantay is more beautiful. For this reason we would say go for The Inca Trail if you´re a real history lover and like to hike well-known treks, but go for Salkantay if you want to witness stunning landscapes and a variety of different climates.
IS THE INKA TRAIL DANGEROUS?
The trek isn´t dangerous. You´re with fully qualified guides all the way to make sure you always stay on track. They are there to help you if you feel sick at all along the way. The path can be uneven, but if you take it slowly, you´ll have no issues. During wet season, November to April, you´ll have to take more care when you walk to avoid slipping.
IS INKA TRAIL HARD?
The trek is moderately challenging. This means that most people Will be able to complete it if they are well-prepared. Most of the trek isn´t too challenging. It´s just the second day where you walk up to the Warmi wañuska pass. You´ll trek for a total of 7 hours that day.What makes this trek difficult is the high altitude at wich you hike and the different terrains as well as changing climate.
HOW CAN I PREPAIRE FOR INKA TRAIL?
To prepare for trekking at high altitudes we recommend you start to prepare a few weeks before. You should start a fitness regime taht includes daily stretching and exrcises,particularly for your legs. We recommend taking hikes at home weekly before you come the Trail.
WHAT HELPS ALTITUDE SICKKNES IN CUSCO?
If you feel sick, there are a few things you can try. One is to speak to your doctor before you come to see if you can get a prescription for pills to help.These can also be bought in pharmacies in Cusco.Other helpful ways are to drink coca or muña (Andean mint) tea,wich have been in use since the Inca times.Small oxygen bottles are also available in pharmacies and can really help.
WHAT IS THE BEST MONTH TO HIKE THE INKA TRAIL?
The best time of year is between May to October,with October being the best month of all. The Trail is dry and the weather is lovely.During the rainy season the Trail Will be wet and can make it more difficult.
¿CAN YOU HIKE TO MACHUPICCHU IN ONE DAY?
You can´t hike to Machupicchu in one day from Cusco, but you can visit in one day. There´s a one day tour option where you start early in the morning and get a car to drive you to take the train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes. You´ll then spend the morning in Machupicchu before heading down for lunch, a brief resto r walk around the town and then the train and car back to Cusco.
HOW HIGH IS THE INKA TRAIL ALTITUDE?
The highest part of the Inca Trail is Dead Woman´s Pass, wich is 4200 masl. Th lowest you´ll reach is 2600 masl, meaning that the resto f the trek is between these two altitudes.
WHAT SHOULD I PACK FOR THE INKA TRAIL?
You´ll need to pack lightly as you only have a limited amount of space/weight that you can take. You need to make sure you have clothing for warm and cold climates,as well as lots of sun and bug protection. We recommend using thin layers that can be taken on and off as needed.In addition make sure you have toiletries and any personal medication you need to take. Don´t forget your permit, Machupicchu tickets, and passport as you won´t be able to enter without these.
IS THE INKA TRAIL DIFICULT?
The Inca Trail is relatively difficult. You´ll be hiking up to a high altitude and a lot of thye Trail is along ancient steps. This means it can be tough on your knees and ankles. Take your time to allow your body to adjust.
HOW FIT DO YOU NEED TO BE TO WALK THE INKA TRAIL?
You do need to be relatively fit to hike the Trail. You´ll be heading up to a high altitudes and hiking along rough terrain,both of which can take their tollo n your body. We recommend spending time training and hiking before come to do the Trail.