Trekking trips to Machu Picchu offer you the means to travel back in time and explore some of the most stunning archeological remains in the world. However, the fact remains that if you go in unprepared, you could find that your enjoyment is less than it should be. In a worst-case scenario, you could even find that your safety is jeopardized. To help ensure that this is not the case, follow these brief tips.
Know What Your Tour Company Recommends
In almost all instances, trekking trips to Machu Picchu will be arranged through a tour company. Your tour provider is your central point for all information regarding the trek. Make sure you know what the company recommends in the way of gear, supplies and the like. Know your itinerary, and find out what the tour company recommends you pack for each day of the trip.
Don’t Go Alone
While solo travel can be fun and a great source of adventure, it’s always better to go with a companion. You need to make sure you have a travel partner for your trek to Machu Picchu. Your partner should have similar hiking experience and roughly the same level of fitness as you and should share your sense of adventure, too.
Acclimate
It’s important that you spend some time acclimating to the Andes before you head up the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. The ruins lie at almost 8,000 feet above sea level, which means that the air is much thinner than you’re likely used to. This can lead to altitude sickness, injury and even death in some instances. Make sure you spend some time exploring the town of Cusco before you set out so that you can acclimate to the elevation and travel safely.
Your Boots Matter
While there’s no end to the hiking gear you might choose to bring along on trekking trips to Machu Picchu, the single most important piece of gear is the footwear you choose. Make sure you have good quality hiking boots. Choose your footwear based on comfort and performance, not fashion. If you are buying new hiking boots, make sure you take a couple of days to break them in. You can do this pretty easily by exploring Cusco while you’re acclimating. Remember that you’ll be wearing your boots for eight hours a day.
Follow these simple tips, and trekking trips to Machu Picchu will be much more enjoyable.
