lHiking the Inca Path is a dream come true for a lot of an intrepid traveller. This wanderlust-inducing path by means of the Peruvian Andes takes you alongside historic stone paths, excessive into the mountains and down by means of cloud forests.
The Inca Path trek ends on the magnificent Machu Picchu, one of many seven new wonders of the world. It’s the most iconic multi-day hike in South America, if not the world.
After finishing the 4-day, 3-night Inca Path hike, we’ve made fastidious notes on how to make sure you have a profitable hike and distilled them into this helpful Inca Path mountain climbing information. We want we’d identified a couple of of these items earlier than our trek — like simply how match you might want to be, how a lot rain gear to deliver, and that there isn’t recent espresso (solely instantaneous).
What’s the Inca Path?
The Inca Path is a 4-day, 3-night hike beginning at Km 82. The hike’s place to begin is 40 minutes exterior the city of Ollantaytambo. The hike ends at Machu Picchu and that is the one route that passes by means of the Solar Gate (Inti Punku).
The whole size of the hike is 43km (26 miles). It’s a brief-ish hike you is likely to be considering. While the gap isn’t wild, the robust a part of the hike is the altitude and slender, undulating Incan stone steps which might be an effort to climb up and laborious on the knees when coming down.
Is the Inca Path Trek Proper For You?
The Inca Path trek is best for you if:
- The concept of strolling within the steps of the Incas excites you
- You like mountain climbing and don’t thoughts strolling in any climate circumstances
- You take pleasure in a problem
- You’ve 4 days obtainable
- You don’t thoughts tenting in primary circumstances
How Tough is the Inca Path?
For normal hikers or these with a usually good health stage, the Inca Path trek is average issue. The second day of the hike is broadly thought-about to be probably the most difficult with an uphill hike to Useless Lady’s Go, the very best level of the path at 4,200m. That is adopted by a steep downhill on Incan stone steps that’s difficult for the knees.
The Inca Path isn’t as wildly difficult as it’s possible you’ll assume, however it’s laborious work. We discovered the path to be much less difficult than anticipated. While we didn’t endure altitude illness, Luke sadly struggled on day one after throwing up from consuming some roadside ‘chica‘ — a neighborhood, fermented corn drink (perhaps don’t drink that). We took Useless Lady’s Go gradual and regular and had been high-quality. We discovered the downhill tougher as a consequence of pouring rain that made the steps slippery.
Components of the path had been laborious on the knees, and actually it’s price having mountain climbing poles to make this stretches simpler. The second half of day two and majority of day three are downhill on clean and chunk stone steps. General although, we discovered the hike satisfying and loved taking the lengthy path to Machu Picchu.
It’s price noting that we spent two weeks acclimatising and mountain climbing within the Sacred Valley (a luxurious we all know!) earlier than mountain climbing the Inca Path. This allow us to have loads of time to get used to the altitude and the varieties of terrain.
Are There Different Methods to See Machu Picchu?
You don’t must spend 4 days mountain climbing the Inca Path to see Machu Picchu, although it’s maybe probably the most rewarding method to get there. You’ll be able to go to Machu Picchu with out mountain climbing by taking the practice from to Aquas Calientes, the gateway city to Machu Picchu. From there, take a bus as much as the doorway gate. Machu Picchu tickets have to be reserved prematurely as it will possibly get very busy.
There are additionally different hikes such because the 2-day model of the Inca Path and the 5-day Salkantay trek that finish at Machu Picchu. Extra on these different choices afterward.
Various Choices from the Inca Path
- Practice from Ollantaytambo — If mountain climbing isn’t your jam, take a practice from Ollantaytambo to Aquas Calientes and alter for a bus on to the gate of Machu Picchu. Trains used to run from Cusco however as of January 2024 the road remains to be underneath restore and as a substitute the practice firm will transport you by mini bus to Ollantaytambo. The journey from Cusco is 4 hours one-way, so it’s advocate to remain the evening in both Ollantaytambo or Aquas Calientes. Each are fairly touristy, as you’d anticipate for the cities closest to Machu Picchu.
- 2D/1N Inca Path — If you’re eager to hike however should not a assured hiker, the 2-day Inca Path is a improbable choice. This route follows the Inca’s business route and is barely sooner or later of mountain climbing. The primary day of the hike begins off the identical because the traditional Inca Path. There are some stunning Incan ruins that may’t be seen when you’re not mountain climbing. There’s an choice to camp or keep in a lodge in a single day. The second day is touring Machu Picchu itself.
- 5D/4N Basic Inca Path — Some tour operators additionally supply the identical 4D/3N traditional Inca Path trek over an extra day. This trek fits hikers who really feel strongly about strolling the Inca Path path however wish to stroll a shorter distance every day. It’s price allowing for that as campsites and amenities are primary on this trek, it does imply an additional day and evening away from ‘residence comforts.’
- 5D/4N Salkantay Trek — For those who’re a assured hiker however favor a lodge with a scorching bathe on the finish of your mountain climbing days, then the Salkantay is for you. This trek is taken into account to be barely simpler than the Inca Path, although nonetheless difficult. We hiked the Salkantay Go and it was a difficult ascent to 4,600m! After this, it’s downhill in the direction of Machu Picchu for the next days. The principle good thing about this path is staying in lodges every night as a substitute of tenting — a very good choice when you’re mountain climbing within the wet season.
Reserving the Inca Path Hike
What’s the Finest Time of Yr to Hike the Inca Path?
Peru has two seasons: the dry season (Could-October) and the moist season (November-March).
One of the best time to go to Machu Picchu and hike the Inca Path is commonly mentioned to be from late March to Could and from September to early November. These months fall inside the shoulder seasons the place it’s not too scorching but additionally unlikely to rain, subsequently giving the most effective climate circumstances for mountain climbing and visibility at Machu Picchu.
The dry season from June to August is commonly crowded. Extra vacationers journey in these months as a consequence of summer season holidays within the USA, UK and different international locations. The paths and campsites could be busy throughout this era. The mountain climbing circumstances may also be laborious as a consequence of scorching days with direct solar overhead.
We hiked in early December, which is throughout the wet season. We had been pretty fortunate with the climate, having one sunny day, solely a half-day of heavy rain and simply gentle rain on different days. Nevertheless, climate circumstances should not all the time as beneficial and when you do hike in wet season, go into it realizing that it’s doable that there could also be rain all through the hike.
Our information shared with us that he typically tries to do fewer Inca Path treks throughout the wet season as a result of most of the vacationers who be part of the hike aren’t ready for the fact of 4 days trekking within the rain. Sadly, he has had experiences of hikers being upset and indignant with him in regards to the climate circumstances, regardless of these being out of his management (and his many prayers to Pachamama!)
Having skilled mountain climbing a part of the Inca Path in heavy rain, it’s disagreeable. By the point I reached the lunch level feeling very damp there was nothing I wished to do lower than return out within the torrential rain for the subsequent 4 hours of mountain climbing. If you’re the type of one who will probably be depressing on this scenario, then keep away from the wet season.
For those who don’t thoughts a little bit of climate variation, then you definately’ll doubtless be high-quality with the wet season. The rain is never fixed and sometimes there are dry patches, plus you is likely to be fortunate with nice climate. The path general is greener and lusher throughout this season with extra natural world. This season additionally has fewer hikers, so the path and campsites are much less crowded.
The Inca Path is closed in February. The closure is each in place for preservation of the Inca Path and for security to scale back accidents as February is the month with the heaviest rains. Machu Picchu stays open throughout February, however can’t be accessed through the Inca Path.
How Do Inca Path Permits Work?
You’ll want a allow to hike the Inca Path, however thankfully your tour firm will handle organising this for you. Solely 500 individuals are allowed on the Inca Path per day (roughly 200 vacationers and 300 accompanying guides and porters). The permits are important to handle this footfall.
Securing a allow is barely doable with an accredited tour supplier. There are solely restricted tour suppliers working on the Inca Path. Which means that you need to do the Inca Path with a tour firm and, to be sincere, we predict that is for the most effective given the size and difficult circumstances of the trek.
When you e-book an Inca Path trek by means of one of many accredited tour firms, they are going to organise your allow and replace you as soon as it’s sorted. The dates on the permits can’t be modified which suggests you might want to be 100% certain that you’re dedicated to the trekking dates. You gained’t be capable to change or cancel your Inca Path trek as soon as your allow is organised.
Do You Want a Information?
Sure, it’s essential to have a information for the Inca Path. All of the tour operators permitted to supply Inca Path treks embody a information (often two) to your hike. These guides are brilliantly knowledgable and gained’t solely be ensuring you don’t get lost within the flawed path, however will probably be sharing fascinating tales in regards to the historical past and tradition of the Inca Path.
What’s the Finest Inca Path Tour Firm?
There are a restricted variety of tour firms that are capable of supply the traditional 3D/4N Inca Path trek. The preferred embody Alpaca Expeditions, G Adventures, Intrepid Journey and TreXperience.
The choices between these tour operators are comparable. It may be laborious to distinguish between them as, primarily, all excursions are strolling the identical route (albeit staying at barely completely different campsites) and have comparable gear and value factors.
We selected to go along with Alpaca Expeditions who had the most effective evaluations on the time (December 2023) and had been barely extra fairly priced. We additionally in contrast their commitments to porter welfare and dealing circumstances.
How A lot Does the Inca Path Hike Price?
We hiked the Inca Path in December 2022 and paid $750 (USD) per individual. We additionally rented a sleeping bag ($20), air mattress ($15) and mountain climbing poles ($15). This included porters to hold our luggage.
The Inca Path costs range per season, so anticipate greater charges throughout the excessive season (June-August) and decrease charges exterior of peak season. The Christmas interval could be barely dearer as a consequence of greater demand right now of 12 months.
Double examine whether or not the value contains porters, as cheaper gives typically imply you’ll be carrying your individual backpacks. Tipping can also be anticipated on prime of this (see ‘Tipping Guides, Cooks and Porters on the Inca Path’).
Getting ready for the Inca Path
How Far in Advance Do You Must Guide the Inca Path Hike?
It’s beneficial to e-book the Inca Path trek at the very least 2 months prematurely.
Because the COVID-19 pandemic tourism in Peru nonetheless hasn’t totally recovered and it may be doable to e-book extra last-minute than this. We wouldn’t advocate risking it, particularly because the Inca Path and visiting Machu Picchu will doubtless be the primary occasion and spotlight of your journey to Peru!
How Match Do You Want You Be?
Tour operators should not have restrictions on health required to hike the Inca Path. Nevertheless, they advocate that you’re snug strolling lengthy distances and have some expertise of multi-day hikes or at the very least lengthy day hikes. It’s also not beneficial for individuals who have coronary heart or different severe well being circumstances, because the path is strenuous.
What To Pack for the Inca Path
The Inca Path has six completely different microclimates which suggests packing for each kind of climate. Our Inca Path packing record is coming quickly. It’ll be a complete record of all the things you want in your backpack. We want we’d had this earlier than our personal hike!
How A lot Baggage Can You Convey on the Inca Path?
There are two choices for the traditional Inca Path tour. The most typical is the place you’ve got porters to hold your baggage. The opposite choice is to hold all your individual baggage.
For many hikes, there will probably be porters who will carry as much as 7kg of your private objects in a separate duffel bag. This weight features a sleeping bag and air matt which you’ll deliver your self or hire from the tour operator. These two objects often weigh 3.5kg, leaving you with 3.5kg for the remainder of your objects. Belief us, that is sufficient!
Additionally, you will want to hold a day pack. 20L is the max dimension you’ll need for the daypack. You want area for 2-3L of water within the pack. Luke and I each carried 12L Camelbak daypacks with 2L water reservoir they usually had been improbable.
For those who decide to hold your individual baggage, remember to pack gentle as a result of additionally, you will want to hold your tent, sleeping bag and air mattress.
What Do You Do With the Remainder of Your Baggage?
You’re very doubtless going to have a backpack or suitcase that wants storing while you’re trekking. Most tour operators supply baggage storage included inside your tour value. It’s additionally frequent for travellers to return to the lodge/hostel they stayed at previous to the hike. Many resorts will retailer baggage while you’re away. For those who go for both of those choices, it’s not beneficial to depart any valuables (like laptops and so forth) in your baggage.
We had been travelling with some costly tech (MacBooks and so forth) that we didn’t need to depart nor tackle the Inca Path. We as a substitute booked an Airbnb in Cusco which we stayed at earlier than and after the hike, and selected to e-book for the nights we had been away as effectively. That is the dearer choice, but additionally the most secure in case you have valuables you’re involved about.
What If You Get Sick Earlier than the Inca Path?
In our mountain climbing group, we had two individuals who had been unwell earlier than the Inca Path trek: one from meals poisoning and the opposite from a cold-flu. Keep away from consuming in Cusco’s markets within the days earlier than the Inca Path. Persist with ‘secure’ and fewer greasy meals to keep away from any probability of meals poisoning or tummy upset (we advocate Qura in Cusco). Sadly somebody on our hike didn’t comply with this recommendation and was very in poor health on the primary day. Don’t go laborious for an excessive amount of alcohol within the days earlier than the trek as alcohol could make altitude illness worse. Loads of time for Pisco sours after the trek!
If you’re usually unwell, it would make the trek disagreeable and far more difficult. The amenities on the trek are primary. There are solely bathrooms each few hours and the camp websites solely have chilly water (and never very fascinating showering circumstances). The Inca Path is expensive, so many hikers who change into unwell forward of time will persevere. Nevertheless, do take into account the well being of the group you’re mountain climbing with in case you have one thing which may be contagious as you’ll be sharing meals and in shut proximity to your group, and whether or not you’ll actually be capable to benefit from the expertise.
The place You Must Be in Peru
You’ll have to be based mostly in Cusco or within the Sacred Valley near Ollantaytambo earlier than beginning the Inca Path. The entire tour operators are based mostly in Cusco. The transportation picks you up and drops you off in Cusco. There’s additionally a briefing on the evening earlier than your first day of the Inca Path which can happen in Cusco.
Most tour operators may also choose up and drop off at Ollantaytambo and close-by areas of the Sacred Valley. Staying in these areas means you get a bit of extra sleep earlier than the early morning pick-up on day 1 and also you’ll be again earlier on day 4. For those who’re returning to Cusco, you gained’t get again till 8pm on the ultimate day. It’s a really lengthy day because the get up time is 3AM on day 4!
There’s an airport in Cusco with day by day direct flights from Lima. Do not forget that you might want to depart at the very least 2 days to acclimatise in Cusco earlier than mountain climbing.
Climbing the Inca Path
Inca Path Map and Route
There is just one route alongside the traditional Inca Path hike to Machu Picchu. Nevertheless, the itinerary can range between tour firms, as some hike roughly on sure days and keep at completely different campsites. Our define beneath is predicated on our mountain climbing itinerary with Alpaca Expeditions and offers an summary of what to anticipate:
Day 1: Journey from Cusco to Km 82 and hike to the primary campsite. You’ll go by means of small villages with avenue distributors alongside the best way for drinks, snacks and ice lotions.
Distance: 14km
Problem: Reasonable, however largely as a consequence of acclimatisation.
Day 2: Early morning begin up by means of the cloud forest. As much as Useless Lady’s Go, the very best level at 4200m, then down many steps.
Distance: 16km
Problem: Difficult. That is the longest day of mountain climbing. After Useless Lady’s Go, the route is downhill however that is robust on the knees.
Day 3: Hike out of the cloud forests and into hotter climes. Loads of smaller Incan ruins alongside the best way. Don’t miss the beautiful Wiñay Wayna ruins that are elective to see on the finish of the third day.
Distance: 10km
Problem: Pretty simple however with important descents which might be robust on the knees.
Day 4: Extraordinarily early wake-up at 3AM. Adopted by a 1.5 hour wait on the entry check-point (yawn) and 1-2 hours mountain climbing to the solar gate and Machu Picchu.
Distance: 5km
Problem: The shortest and best mountain climbing. You’re carried alongside by the elation of reaching Machu Picchu.
Inca Path Climbing Ideas
1. One of the best tip we had, which was drilled into us by our great information, was to take it gradual. Ending the Inca Path isn’t a race. Most travellers will solely have the chance to expertise it as soon as and you’ll not get the document for the quickest time (it’s presently 3 hours 23 minutes by a porter).
At this type of altitude, taking it gradual will hold you at a gradual tempo and forestall you from over-exerting your self. For those who attempt to hike it quickly up steps, you’ll end up out of breath and dizzy fairly darn rapidly. To not point out {that a} gradual tempo let’s you take pleasure in your environment.
2. Subsequent up, deliver rain gear. You do not need to get soaked on this path. When you’re moist, it’s robust to dry off within the mountains and also you’ll be damp in all probability for the remainder of the hike. For those who get moist, you’ll additionally get chilly. Throw vogue out the window and embrace the rain poncho, rain coat and rain trousers. Sure, waterproof trousers as effectively!
3. For those who’re struggling, inform a information. You’ll have two guides — one on the again and one on the entrance (roughly). They’re very skilled and have supported a whole bunch if not 1000’s of individuals to finish the Inca Path, all with various challenges and illnesses. They’re there to assist they usually have a couple of tips up their sleeve too, together with agua de florida.
4. For those who’re not struggling, don’t be a d%&! For those who’re one of many sooner hikers within the group, be supportive to others and positively don’t complain that they’re slowing you down. A part of the expertise of mountain climbing the Inca Path is being a part of a gaggle. You’ll be sleeping in tents subsequent to one another, consuming meals collectively and strolling collectively. The path attracts many individuals from completely different walks of life and the most effective experiences come from being with good individuals too.
Arriving at Machu Picchu from the Inca Path
The grand finale! Because the clouds half approach (hopefully) to disclose the magical Incan ruins of Machu Picchu that you simply’ve hiked all this fashion for, you’re going to really feel the largest sense of satisfaction ever.
You’ll hike down from the solar gate (price realizing that 90% of the time that is in cloud and there’s no solar on the solar gate, accordingly to our information) to Machu Picchu. There’s a brief hike down with both spectacular views or views of largely cloud. Almost definitely you’ll arrive round 7AM to a reasonably uncrowded Machu Picchu. The primary wave of the vacationer hoards will probably be beginning to arrive at an identical time. You gained’t have Machu Picchu ‘all to your self’ however you’ll nonetheless be there early.
There’s additionally a separate viewing platform which is just for Inca Path hikers to get the traditional view (and pics) of Machu Picchu. Loads of different hikers will probably be on the identical viewing platform, particularly throughout excessive season, however we had an epic view.
It’s price realizing that it’s typically cloudy at Machu Picchu. While you arrive, you’ll doubtless must throw your poles down and sit down on the grass to attend for the clouds to clear. They often do.
How A lot Time Will You Have at Machu Picchu?
Your Inca Path tour contains the ticket entry to Machu Picchu and also you’ll spend a great few hours strolling across the web site. Your Inca Path tour information will probably be your Machu Picchu information too. We arrived at Machu Picchu at round 7AM and left at round 12:30PM. This included time on the photograph spot, the tour, some relaxation breaks and loo/espresso runs (a lot wanted after 4 days mountain climbing!) This was loads of time. We felt we’d seen and skilled all the things we wished to by the point our group was prepared to depart.
If you wish to do some ‘extras’ reminiscent of one of many two hikes inside Machu Picchu (Huchuy Picchu and Machu Picchu mountain), e-book an in a single day keep in Aguas Calientes and return the subsequent day for the hike. Each since you’ll be drained and it’s an excessive amount of to cram into sooner or later!
Services and Campsites on the Inca Path
What Are the Campsites like on the Inca Path?
The campsites are pretty primary spots within the mountains with a rest room and bathe block. There are a number of pitches at each campsite. Every tour firm often has a particular space the place they arrange camp. Normally, you gained’t truly spend a lot time on the campsites as you’ll often arrive within the final afternoon and depart early within the morning. The exception is that if your tour firm does a shorter day 2, through which case you might need virtually half a day on the second day’s campsite.
Porters arrive on the campsites a lot sooner than us hikers and arrange the tents. There’s nothing required of you apart from to break down in your tent when you get there!
What’s the Bathroom and Bathe Scenario?
There’s no different method to say this: the campsites and amenities on the Inca Path are primary. There’s solely chilly water showers and the bathrooms get progressively worse alongside the path. You’ll have to be okay with both no bathe or freezing chilly bathe for the 4 days, au fait with squat bathrooms and never afraid to pee in the dead of night as not all bathroom blocks have good lighting.
There was an ‘acceptable’ bathe block on the campsite on the third evening the place a few of our group braved the chilly water. That is, for many, the one viable time to think about a bathe. You’ll solely attain the campsites within the early night when it’s too chilly exterior to think about a chilly bathe.
I’ve to confess, previous to the hike I curled my toes on the thought of no bathe for this many days. However, Luke and I didn’t odor half as unhealthy as we thought we’d.
Snacks and Meals on the Inca Path
Group Meals on the Inca Path
You’re going to be fed like a king on the Inca Path trek! Your tour features a chef and a sous-chef who whip up absolute wonders in a tent with a small tenting range. You’ll have breakfast, lunch and dinner included and these are multi-course affairs with a feast of various plates. We discovered the quantity of greens plentiful, the meals usually to be very wholesome (although there are some deep-fried choices) and with protein at each meal (together with for vegetarians like us).
The porters arrange a tent for the hikers and guides for the group meals. You’ll by served at an extended desk. On prime the your three meals, there’s additionally tea round 5PM which consists of scorching drinks and a snack like popcorn or toasted marshmallows.
The cooks cater for numerous completely different dietary necessities, together with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free. Be sure you let your tour firm know any dietary restrictions or allergy symptoms prematurely, because the meals for the journey is all packed prematurely and never changeable while on the path.
Snacks on the Inca Path
You’ll desire a mountain climbing snack or two every day on the path. The tour firm often present a chunk of fruit or biscuits (these could also be orange cream or different such unusual flavours). Most hikers are likely to deliver a couple of of their very own cereal bars. It’s a good suggestion when you’re a bit choosy or desire a protein-based snack.
On the primary day of mountain climbing, there are fairly a couple of distributors promoting snacks alongside the path. As you would possibly anticipate, these get progressively dearer the additional alongside the path you get because it turns into extra rural. You’ll be capable to purchase chocolate bars, crisps, ice cream, path combine, biscuits and comparable. After the primary day, there aren’t any distributors and no alternative to buy something till you arrive at Aguas Calientes on day 4.
Consuming Water on the Inca Path
Peru’s water isn’t secure to drink. Through the Inca Path, your porters and cooks will filter and boil water for you in order that it’s secure to drink at every lunch cease and campsite. You’ll refill your water bottle every breakfast, lunch and dinnertime. It’s essential to carry sufficient water in between mealtimes as after the primary day there gained’t be any locations to purchase bottled water.
How A lot Cash to Convey on the Inca Path?
There aren’t any card machines up within the mountains. You’ll want sufficient dough to see you thru till you attain Aguas Calientes on the fourth day. We advocate bringing 400-500 soles per individual. This could cowl sufficient to purchase any extra snacks and drinks on the primary day and canopy tipping.
Tipping Guides, Cooks and Porters on the Inca Path
Tipping is commonplace observe in Peru. You can be invited to tip guides, porters and cooks on the ultimate campsite on the third evening. It’s essential to deliver money for the ideas. The one ATMs are in Aguas Calientes which you’ll attain on the very finish after the porters and cooks have departed.
While tipping is elective, the guides, porters and cooks work extraordinarily laborious and almost definitely it would be best to tip. The work is hard and most of the workforce journey for important distances (as much as 5 hours away from Cusco) to work.
The beneficial quantity to tip from the entire group is 60-80 soles per porter, 80-100 soles every for the chef and sous chef, and 160-200 soles per guides. Most teams have 12-16 hikers, so anticipate to contribute a tip of roughly 100-200 soles.
Well being and Altitude Illness on the Inca Path
Altitude Illness on the Inca Path
Altitude illness while on the Inca Path is frequent and this can make the hike a lot more durable. It’s important to acclimatise correctly earlier than mountain climbing the Inca Path. Altitude illness is an actual downside for a lot of hikers who fly into Cusco from sea stage. You don’t need to be partway by means of the Inca Path gasping at an oxygen tank.
It’s beneficial to spend at the very least 2 days in Cusco to acclimatise. We’d advocate extra. If in case you have time in your schedule, we extremely, extremely advocate spending your first few days within the Sacred Valley. That is decrease altitude than Cusco and can make your first couple of days within the area extra nice. From the Sacred Valley, transfer as much as Cusco for a couple of days earlier than beginning your Inca Path trek.
What Occurs If You Get Sick on the Inca Path?
It’s not unusual for individuals to get a bit of unwell on the Inca Path. Most hikers are travellers in a brand new nation, a distinct local weather, adjusting to greater altitudes. You’re in primary tenting circumstances, getting a bit moist within the rain and feeling drained from mountain climbing.
For those who really feel unwell, take it simple. The hike isn’t a race and the guides be sure hikers have loads of time to finish the mountain climbing days. They assess the group on the primary day and regulate the beginning instances for every day based mostly on the mountain climbing talents of the group. If somebody is a bit unwell and a bit of slower, they’ll counsel the group wakes up earlier. That is to ensure everybody within the group finishes by sundown.
To minimize your probabilities of getting sick, be sure to have sufficient garments with you that you simply’ll have dry garments to heat up in on the finish of the times. Convey loads of layers to maintain you heat and good rain gear to cease you from getting moist. Wash your arms completely and/or use hand sanitiser earlier than consuming. Keep away from consuming alcohol (the excursions gained’t give you any, so this can solely be when you introduced it alongside). Additionally keep away from sharing drinks with different hikers.
It’s price realizing that you might want to deliver your individual bathroom roll for the path too. Ensure to deliver sufficient (about one good-sized roll per individual). We’d beneficial bringing moist wipes and hand sanitiser too. There’s no cleaning soap and solely chilly water, and also you’ll need to hold your arms clear.
What Occurs If You Get Actually Sick or Injured on the Inca Path?
The primary reply is, strive your greatest to not! It occurs although, after all. We requested our guides about what occurs when somebody can’t proceed on the hike.
Inca Path guides are ready for emergency conditions. The guides are all educated and certified in first assist. All guides carry a primary assist package and emergency oxygen in case a hiker has issue respiration as a consequence of altitude illness.
The guides and porters do their greatest to ensure anybody who safely can end the hike, does end. This contains guides strolling side-by-side with somebody from the first light to well beyond sundown if wanted.
If somebody is just too unwell, injured or there’s a medical emergency, more often than not the one approach out is to both return or go ahead. The Inca Path is distant and within the mountains, so there aren’t any roads, no car entry and nowhere to land helicopters.
If one thing occurs on the primary two days of the hike, it’s quickest to return the best way you got here. If it occurs after, it means going in the direction of Aguas Calientes. How? Porters will carry you. In these instances, porters will take turns to hold you. They proceed straight by means of till they attain the closest level of transport. The porters are extremely robust and match from carrying packs of 25kg alongside the path at velocity. It means they are often fast to evacuate individuals when wanted. Porters cost an additional price for his or her work in these conditions.
Our guides had handled twisted and damaged ankles, numerous ranges of illness (and unfitness), pneumonia and even a coronary heart assault while on the path. They had been remarkably calm about it and had procedures in place for each eventuality.
