Hiking The Inca Trail | 5 Things We Wish We'd Known

[@johnweb7055]

I’ve done the 4-day Inca trail. I was 42 and not in shape. First off, pay for porters!!!!! And pay early. My wife and I did not realize we were over the weight limit until it was literally time to start. We ended up paying four times as much. Second, chew cocoa leaves. While I do not endorse drug use, it works. Third, accept before hand that this will suck. Just remember that the porters leave camp after you do, then run ahead and set it up before you get there. Fourth, I learned this the hard way. At the end of day two you each the summit. Your uphill is not over. You go down into a valley to camp or, like we did, for lunch. It’s uphill again afterwards. I was not prepared and it nearly broke me. Fifth, finally, and most importantly...do this. Walking the Inca trail is one of the lost powerful experiences of my life. I will never forget walking around Manchu Picchu and knowing all of the train riders were looking at us. I earned the right to be there. Best advice: do this trip before you get too old. P.S. TIP YOUR GUIDES/PORTERS. These men (and women, although I didn’t see any) cool, clean, set up camp, and carry your crap. My only regret is that I did not have more money to give them.

[@billteneyck3766]

I trained at the 8 story parking deck at Fourth and William in Ann Arbor for our September 2017 trek, carrying a full pack and waters. I was 65 at the time and my Dr. told me for training to take two steps up at a time. Good advice! Thanks to Dr. Scheerer, for altitude I had a combination of Acetazolamide and Dexamethasone which I only took twice, but it only took 15 or 20 minutes to provide relief. Toughest part of the trip was going down the Inca 11” stairs! By day 5 touring Machu Picchu itself, I needed my hiking poles just to go down the stairs! lol My knees took months to recover. Only 125 people are allowed on each quarter section of trail, and that includes porters and staff. Very highly regulated but rangers came behind us picking up all carelessly dropped trash. My son and I had a private trip with Apus Peru, 6 porters, a guide, and a darn good cook. Good stuff!

[@christinedonnelly7167]

Thank you guys!! We are heading to do the Salkantay Trail in a few weeks and this video was super helpful. You guys are the cutest!

[@jarlathmchale9032]

this is quality advice, i have completed the trail twice, once as a tourist and once as a porter for a travel company like the one you used, so ive seen what its like from all sides. Top tip is defo pack less, you guys are right you dont need all the extras you think you need. very inforamative video well done.

[@JeremiahMcaninch]

Great video! I'm thankful for this, as it answers all of the questions that I had and brings my fears into check. Will definitely get training on some stairs ASAP!

[@trishhaver9369]

Thank you!! Your video took the stress out of prep.. here I go!

[@BodynSoul2]

Thanks for your tips and sharing your experience w/ us! I’m going to MP this summer. Climbing stairs is definitely needed!

[@bakhtyarzadran9590]

Absolutely agree ! Do not pack alot of things, you won't need it. Take lot's of snacks though because if you have a fast metabolism like mine, you will get hungry on the way and won't find food till you get to camp especially on the second day. The guys at G adventures are great ! Go with them. It's an experience you will never forget.

[@robertpalmer2262]

I LOVE PERUVIAN FOOD SO MUCH !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@hike_n_cook]

Thanks for all the great tips! I am planning to tackle the Inca Trail in the near future. I was fortunate enough to conquer Everest Base Camp last year and the same things apply in Nepal as well. All the best!

[@LandlockedLovebirds]

Sorry we missed this comment a while back. Everest Base Camp is on our list! It looks like such a challenge. Isn't the hike something like 8 days? And....that flight in looks terrifying! Thanks for the comment and best of luck on your Inca Trail hike.

[@sproutgrrl9017]

This was just what I needed! Great information, thank you.

[@mariomora7773]

I am leaving in 4 weeks to do the Inca trail with G-Adventures.. I am 68 yrs old and former US Marine; so I like challenging myself. I did to Mt Everest Base Camp 10 yrs ago with G-Adventures and Mt Kilimanjaro 8 years ago with them as well. I know this will be challenging; but I also KNOW I will complete it and it will be memorable...thank you for the info: question? How is the tipping done? Do we give one tip and what is customary? Amounts would be appreciated instead of “what you feel” thank you in advance...

[@LandlockedLovebirds]

Amazing that you’ve done Everest base camp and Kilimanjaro. Both are on our list but probably out of reach for us at this point. For the porters, we took up a collection on the last night. I feel like we tossed in $20-$40 but they deserved more. We weren’t very well off at the time, it was about as much as we could spare. Our guides we tipped once individually at the end of the trip. We had two guides. I think we gave them both maybe $20-$40 but honestly don’t remember. Again, they deserved more than we gave and would give more now if we had the opportunity. Hope that helps a little.

[@mariomora7773]

@@LandlockedLovebirds Thank you...I hope you do Kilimanjaro...

[@tomryannova]

@@LandlockedLovebirds I think that's what we tipped when we went. On the Inca trail, there are 10 porters and 1 cook, 1 asst cook as well as the guide. Total outlay was approx $400 in tips ( cook and guide got greater share ). We are decently well off and could afford that. The only other people in our group were 2 23 yr olds, who tipped decently for their age/standing. The group seemed satisfied with what we tipped. I hope it was alright.

[@barron2239]

Im also from South West IN. We are currently planning our trip to Peru. Loved the video. GO REDBIRDS

[@LandlockedLovebirds]

Nice! Enjoy your trip. Peru is an incredible country. That hat went all over the world with me for a few years. Finally had to retire it for a new one. :) Glad you liked the video.

[@me-lg1yw]

Great tips. I’ll have to remember to refer back to this video in a couple of years if I manage to get down there. Thanks!

[@richardducati]

You bet your video is "encouraging"me to go. I have this dream since I came to retire and I too have enlisted to a gym prior to this. Your images are so beautiful, wish the vid would lasted an hour at the least! Thanks

[@dannyboi4111]

Going to hike the Inca Trail in 2020 with G Adventures, thanks for the tips!

[@LandlockedLovebirds]

Dan Heaney glad it was helpful! Enjoy your hike. It’s soooo incredible!

[@gretchenlopez787]

I'm so glad I found your video. We're going in 6 months and some videos I've seen have been intimidating. This video out me at ease again and the tips are great!

[@LandlockedLovebirds]

Gretchen Lopez you can do it! Just go at your own pace. It’s definitely challenging, but you’ll be able to push through. It’s totally worth the pain! Good luck!

[@mariocruz5223]

Me too...in June 19...

[@maddi3688]

Thanks for the advice I’ll be travelling there in June and am a bit like you guys not overly experienced hiker

[@donesy125]

maddi I’m going in June too maybe I’ll see you on the trail 😅

[@bettyrivets7138]

Fantastic tips! I start my g adventure inca trail hike tomorrow 😊

[@LandlockedLovebirds]

Betty Rivets hope your trip was amazing!

[@clairegodin1645]

Hi! Loved your video......very encouraging. I will be doing the Inca Trail 4-day hike in June with my daughter. I am in fairly good shape, I walk, do a bit of running and I have also trained at the gym 3 times a week all winter on a stair machine. I am up to climbing stairs for 90 minutes without stopping, do weight training also :) I live in a very flat area with no mountains at all ..... I am a bit nervous because of my age (59) but at the same time I am sssooo excited to be living this experience with my daughter.....wish me luck and thanks for the good tips!

[@LandlockedLovebirds]

Claire Godin thank you so much! What an amazing mother daughter experience! It sounds like you’re well prepared, and we’re sure you’ll do great! Best of luck!

[@matthewemery4205]

im 57 let me know how it goes matt

[@me-lg1yw]

Hi Claire! I know it’s three years since you were scheduled to do the Inca Trail but I’m just watching this video and read your comment now. How did everything go?

[@kennethhowell5291]

Thank you for your insights!

[@explorinwithlaurin]

Thanks so much for sharing! This helps us plan for our upcoming trip to Peru!

[@LandlockedLovebirds]

Enjoy! We’d love to visit again.

[@tobylunn7161]

Drink a litre of water per 1000m ascent ... I always feel the altitude at 4000m+ the first day then I'm ok... btw I have been lucky so far not need the ams drugs. PS If you going to Nepal to go up to Everest Base camp try a trek that goes to the Gokyo Lakes adds a few more superb views of 4 of the 8000s and an extra pass.

[@TheSuem66]

Toby Lunn yes I did the Gokyo Lakes and Cho La pass... loved it

[@lebowskiunderachiever3591]

Glad I saw this . Hoping to spend a month in Peru next year and see as much as I can . I doubt I will ever return being on the bucket list 😔 so I plan to make it the best 😁

[@LandlockedLovebirds]

Labowski UnderAchiever enjoy your trip! We have friends moving near Cusco soon and hope to go back to visit them.

[@MrCirrock]

Did you guys make it to Lake Titicaca? If so can you talk about your experience there and back?

[@LandlockedLovebirds]

Sorry, we didn’t. Our trip was relatively short and only consisted of the Inca trail and a couple of nights in Cusco and Lima.

[@green8718]

Thanks for the tips. I will check on acetazolamide. I am going in June 2020.

[@LandlockedLovebirds]

Enjoy the hike! It’s unforgettable.

[@baberoot1998]

Other than being a Cardinals fan, (Astros fan here...😎), your video was helpful. A girlfriend and I, are thinking of doing this hike. Thanks for the advice. You have a new subscriber. 👍☀️👍

[@LandlockedLovebirds]

Too soon to make a trash can comment about the Astros? 😂🤣 Thanks for subscribing! Hope you get to make the hike. It’s wonderful!

[@alexkidca]

Thank you for posting this

[@ameerajoti3645]

Absolutely agree

[@valeriebroadnax8168]

Thank you/Mahalo for the tips really appreciated it and found the tips helpful!!! 🙏🏽🌞🌺

[@chris_wall]

Excellent video, thanks very much.

[@LandlockedLovebirds]

So glad you liked it!

[@issacfernandez2254]

How about sitting? Do they carry chairs for u to sit and eat ? Are ultra light backpack chairs a good idea to take with

[@LandlockedLovebirds]

During the hikes, we would stop and sit on a hillside or something. At meals and campsites, there were picnic tables and such set up for us. We didn’t carry personal chairs but never wished we had.

[@Coolme3333]

Thanks for the video! Funny question: I heard there are only public toilets during this trail. Did G Adventure provide you there own thing, like some other companies do?

[@LandlockedLovebirds]

Thanks! G Adventures did not set up any sort of latrine for us. Each camp site and meal stop had a public toilet. Some were western toilets. Some were squat toilets. Some were more modern than others. I’d recommend practicing your squat stance before you go. LOL.

[@Coolme3333]

@@LandlockedLovebirds 🤣🤣🤣haha thanks!

[@tomryannova]

@@Coolme3333 Lower your standards, esp if you are a woman. Many/most of the toilets did not have seats-- almost all were pretty clean though. Take a lot of 1 soles / 2 soles coins -- it costs in most places!

[@randymitchell2225]

Thanks for the video.Looks like you guys had a blast. How much cash would you recommend bringing on the trail for water and tipping? Also what kind of container did you use for water?

[@LandlockedLovebirds]

Randy Mitchell thanks for the comment! You won’t need to pay for food or water along the trail if you use G Adventures. Their porters boil water at camp every day. We used a combination of camelbaks and water bottles. Depending on the temperature, I’d say you could easily consume 3 liters a day or more, but you’ll have opportunities to fill up your containers at lunch each day.

[@johnnymartinjohansen]

@@LandlockedLovebirds I know this is 4 years old, but you didn't answer a vital part of the qustion: how much to tip?

[@LandlockedLovebirds]

@@johnnymartinjohansen oops! I’m not sure what’s appropriate. If I remember correctly, our group took up a collection for the porters to split. I think most people tipped our guides individually. I guess I’d suggest tipping with your heart. The guides and porters work extremely hard and anything that you can afford and feel they deserve would be welcomed.

[@JuvelleMendesABC]

What's the best time to travel to do the Inca trail ? I am planning to do a solo trip

[@LandlockedLovebirds]

We chose July as it’s the middle of dry season. It’s also the most popular time of year. That said, the number of daily hikers is limited and you have to secure a permit in advance. If the rules are still the same, I believe you have to have a guide as well. Happy hiking!

[@Stephonthemap]

Thanks for all the info! I’m doing it in 5 months. Which hiking boots did you opt for? I originally bought the Salomon Quest 4 but then changed to a lighter boot the Salomon c ultra 4. But now worried it’s not sturdy enough. Any boot advice would help Thank you

[@AngelSanchez-yx8qj]

This was very helpful. My husband and I are headed to Peru in 3-weeks. How long did you guys train for?

[@LandlockedLovebirds]

Angel Sanchez I would say we probably trained for 3 months or so, but our training wasn’t too intense. Just daily walks and runs of 3-5 miles through the week and weekend hikes when we could squeeze them in. We weren’t super consistent. Have a blast on your hike!

[@leemg4560]

You guys are great. Thanks for the tips and information, and happy traveling!

[@quintoningram162]

Hi, I am Quinton. I am a regular trekker, but have fear of heights. Are there any points along the Inca Trail that was specifically very treacherous when it comes to heights?

[@LandlockedLovebirds]

Hey Quinton. Darren here. Steph and I were trying to remember any spots that were precarious. I’m afraid of heights too, and I don’t remember any situations where I was too scared. I think you’ll be good.

[@samuelolivares6671]

@@LandlockedLovebirds thanks for that info, i was worried about that too. I am spending two days in Cusco to acclimate. How many days did you spend there? I don't want to take any medication.

[@LandlockedLovebirds]

Samuel Olivares we only had one prior night in Cusco. I’d say it wasn’t enough. 2-3 days would probably be better. It may also help to get in a light hike or two near Cusco.

[@samuelolivares6671]

Landlocked Lovebirds thanks for the advice and quick response, I look forward to my trip next month.

[@mucha-biscuit]

So I will be going with G Adventures on the 4-day Inca hike. I know I need to bring a day pack for me to carry on the hike. And that I can leave a bag at the hotel. But, do I have to bring ANOTHER bag for the porter to carry? Or do they have a bag for me that they will carry? Thanks and great videos!

[@LandlockedLovebirds]

Good question. I believe they gave us a bag and weighed it prior to departing on the hike. The porters placed it in your tent each evening when they set up camp.

[@nigelbradshaw8266]

Great vid thx.

[@LandlockedLovebirds]

Thank you!

[@hsk868]

Great video! Thanks for the info :)

[@LandlockedLovebirds]

Thanks! We hope it helped you out.

[@SherylSquirrell]

Hi, Sorry if this is a crazy question. What do you sleep in at night? I don't mean a sleeping bag, I mean do you need pj's and socks to keep warm? WE will be going around the 4th April. I love your video and found it really useful. Thank you :)

[@LandlockedLovebirds]

I brought a warm change of clothes to sleep in, but to be honest, you’re so gross from hiking and not taking showers that I don’t know if putting them on made me feel any “cleaner.” I did but I think others slept in pretty much the same clothes in an effort to save space in their backpacks. I’m not a camper, and normally I don’t think I would have slept that well while dirty, but the tiredness after hiking all day and getting up early made it easy to sleep. The only time I woke up was during a really peaceful rain on our final night.

[@SherylSquirrell]

@@LandlockedLovebirds thank you so much for taking the time to give such a detailed response! We are booked to go this April and are very excited! Thank you 🙏.. Look forward to hearing about your next adventure! 😁

[@kimdonaldson6062]

Thanks for the informative tips. This actually answered a lot of questions. When you say 4 day trek is that one way or round trip?

[@LandlockedLovebirds]

That’s one way. You end at Machu Picchu and then most ride the train back to Cusco. The trail itself is “one way”, so you go start to finish, then jump on the train to make your return.

[@PaymonAzizi]

Great video! Did you guys give any thought into doing any of the mountains at Machu Picchu?

[@LandlockedLovebirds]

Paymon Azizi Our time with our tour group was fairly structured, so we only had a couple hours to explore the whole site on our own. However, we had been hiking through amazing mountain views for a few days and had hiked down from a beautiful viewpoint to Machu Picchu just after sunrise that morning.

[@Kanepete]

My wife, two boys, and I did this trip during spring break 2 years ago and it was amazing. There are two mountains that you can hike up from Machu Picchu. Both require permits that your travel company can assist you in purchasing. The shorter of the two mountain hikes is the mountain that you see in the background of the iconic Machu Picchu photos, this is the shorter of the two mountain hikes (Huayna Picchu Mountain). Unfortunately, the permits were sold out on this hike so we went on the longer, higher mountain hike, known as the big mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain. It was an amazing hike with incredible views. Maybe not the best thing to plan on doing after hiking the 26 mile Inca trail. My younger son decided to turn back with my wife as it was just too much for him after hiking the previous four days. But my older son and I went to the top and it was well worth the effort. This link goes over the two hikes: www.ticketmachupicchu.com/difference-between-machu-picchu-and-huayna-picchu-mountain/ Good luck!

[@iiijuaniii]

Hi. Any tips you can give regarding how or where to buy passes to actually enter machu picchu ? Also, how does one get a permit to the trail?

[@LandlockedLovebirds]

Hello! I’m pretty sure that you can only enter the trail with a licensed guide. You can’t do it on your own. In our case, our tour company purchased the permits for us. As for Machu Picchu, you may be able to buy passes in advance or on arrival at the site, but I’m not positive. Sorry I can’t be of more help. ~Darren

[@nataliab1251]

How was breathing over there ?

[@LandlockedLovebirds]

natalia B breathing at altitude was pretty tough for us. We live close to sea level, so it was very different from our normal life.

[@rawaay22]

Hello. What time of the year did you trek the Inca trail?

[@LandlockedLovebirds]

We went during last week of July and the first week of August. It’s supposed to be one of the better times of year to visit. Chilly nights on the trail but was beautiful and dry during the day. The only rain we saw was during the night on the last day. It was gone by morning.

[@pauldubczuk2916]

Hi guys, do the porters carry your water for drinking during the trek, Or do you carry that in a pack? I have a camelback so I wonder if I should take that or take my normal backpack?

[@pauldubczuk2916]

Also, do they supply those green waterproofing covers to put over your pack?

[@LandlockedLovebirds]

Hi! They boil water at each camp site. You will need a bottle or bladder (camelbak) to hold your own water. Each morning, you will be able to fill up your own containers for the morning, then you will refill at lunch for the second half of the day. They did not provide rain covers. You would need to purchase that prior to travel.

[@pauldubczuk2916]

@@LandlockedLovebirds did you put the boiled water directly into the camel bak bladder? I'd imagine that could damage it??? Also, did you require a thermal liner in your sleeping bag?

[@LandlockedLovebirds]

The water was cooled prior to putting it in the camelbak. The weather was pretty fair when we went. We took sleeping bag liners but I’m not sure we needed them.

[@pauldubczuk2916]

@@LandlockedLovebirds Great thank you for that info once again. Last question, what time of year did you do the trek?

[@marinhateixeiradasilvabrit9647]

Interessante!!

[@marinhateixeiradasilvabrit9647]

Thanks!

[@TN2jz]

Toileting wise?

[@LandlockedLovebirds]

The toilet situation varied day to day. Some camp sites had western style sit down toilets. Others had squat toilets. While on the trail, you “just go”. The guides will give you rules on where it’s ok to go.

[@nigelbradshaw8266]

I’m 62 and planning on doing this in mid September, I’m reasonably fit and healthy, do you think I’m being realistic Please?

[@LandlockedLovebirds]

I think it’s a realistic goal if you’re reasonably fit. Take it at your speed and don’t push too hard for speed. And maybe talk to your doc about altitude meds if that has ever been an issue for you. Getting in to Cusco several days early to acclimatize would be good too. Day 2 was really rough for us, but it was mostly the altitude that caused the issues.

[@nigelbradshaw8266]

@@LandlockedLovebirds that’s great thanks.

[@subhashkunte67]

Is there mobile data coverage on the inca trail?

[@LandlockedLovebirds]

subhash kunte most of the trail lacked service for us. Day 3, a few people seemed to get spots of service. We found it to be a very nice forced unplug for a few days. :)

[@subhashkunte67]

Thanks. Good to know 😀

[@halaajmi8725]

What about bathrooms and showers? Is it a comfortable trip when it comes to hygiene? 🙈

[@LandlockedLovebirds]

There is the opportunity to stay somewhat clean. Campsites have primitive cold water showers or rivers to rinse in. The water in all instances is very cold. Campsite have bathrooms. Some have western toilets. Some have squat style toilets. There are some toilets along the hikes, but in some cases you may have to “just go” along the trail. Leaving hygiene behind for a few days is worth it for the stunning experience that is the Inca trail.

[@ivanthe2]

Does She have a fake eye

[@LandlockedLovebirds]

Facial paralysis from Bell’s palsy.

[@javivera9430]

👍

[@leisureman7322]

Is she having a minor stroke? Her right eye shows sign of diplopia.

[@LandlockedLovebirds]

Steph had Bell's Palsy a couple years ago that didn't fully resolve, so she has a bit of lingering paralysis. Thanks for the concern.

[@BrickWilbur2020]

15th century...lol. really?? Only the very poor quality newer stone walls.