Inca Trail: Journey to Machu Picchu - Day 1 of 4

[@lauren9714]

I watched all of your videos. Im on my second round of watching. You did a great job narrating with your voice overs etc

[@yaneth9281]

Your videos and tips are a huge help! I'm doing this in late July and have already started training. My goal is to avoid passing out on the trail lol

[@GlobalTreks]

Excellent! You will enjoy...If I could have done one thing differently, I would have put several more days on each end of the trek. Getting to Cuzco took us 36 hours each way, all things considered, so having enough time to just relax before and after would be a good idea. A few days in Lima would be good since you have to fly from Lima to Cuzco and back before the long Int'l flight to wherever you live.

[@pattyhuisenga6557]

Hi Matt and Amanda, I have really enjoyed your videos on The Inca Trail 4day Hike to Machu Picchu. I hear you are from Boulder. My son and his family live in Boulder. We were visiting recently and did the hike up to the Royal Arch in prep for our trip to Machu Picchu next week. We are looking forward to the hike as well as time in Cusco ahead of time. Thanks for your very informative videos. They helped my mentally prepare for this hike.Patty H.

[@trvelnfool]

doing the Inca Trail next July so these videos are great help. I've definitely started training. I love how your wife is walking like it's just another day In the park, and you're huffing :) can't wait for my trip!

[@randymitchell2225]

First of all thank for posting your adventure of the Inca trail. After watching, my wife and I have decided to follow in your footsteps and travel to Machu Picchu next March. I was wondering if you could recommend a few trekking groups that would give us the best bang for our buck.

[@dkullyguy]

WOW!!! Well, here we are, 10 years later, and I am still watching these videos from time to time ....

[@johnthomas1686]

Fantastic! Very helpful and useful. I've got my permit for the Inca Trail this May-June 2023 so I'm researching and training to learn as much as I can and be ready for it.

[@HugoCastroPhoto]

what an informative video! thank you for putting it together and sharing your experiences.

[@ScaryFear]

This is lovely. And excellent it was just you two. What luck. I'd love that. I heard parrots. I'm guessing there are many amazing birds to see. What specific company did you use on this trip?

[@GlobalTreks]

Thagirion9 I've hesitated to say that we use United Mice. They were great until the final night when we were in Aguascalientes. They had us booked in a hostel that was completely moldy to an unhealthy level. If we had arrived and noticed earlier, we would have protested. We considered leaving in the middle of the night for health reasons and just biting the bullet to pay for a different hotel, but moving hotels for 4 hours didn't seem worthwhile, so we toughed it out. If you use them, make sure you don't stay at that hostel at the end. Demand proper accommodations, or just camp. You'll be better off that way.

[@ScaryFear]

EnergyRouter Oh wow that sucks. I definitely complain when there are bad conditions. Don't be afraid to share your experiences good or bad. The bad reviews are just as important so people get warnings. Shame it ended on a bad note. I stayed at a hotel last year that was supposed to be non smoking but the previous people had smoked in our room and I could not stay there let alone sleep the night. So I complained about this and they moved us to another room with much better air. I was pleased they were accomidating and I had stayed I would have been sick the rest of my vacation. Thanks for letting me know.

[@ScaryFear]

EnergyRouter I looked them up on Trip Advisor and found another review there with the same complaint as you about the bad hostel at the end. Over all the reviews are good and I am still reading but I think it is something people need to be aware of at the end of the trip. More organization is clearly needed on some procedure. I forgot to say that I have now watched all your videos and really enjoyed them. Both your editing and narrations are good. I was worried when I saw 13 and 16 minutes but everything was interesting and never boring. Very enjoyable, informative and lovely views.

[@GlobalTreks]

Thagirion9 I have not seen the reviews of the company on TripAdvisor, but will look them up. I might add one myself- that hostel was completely unacceptable. I'm glad you enjoyed the videos- I put lots of care into editing to avoid wasting others' time. I'm also very careful to do my best to frame shots properly and collect relevant facts and information that people such as yourself would be searching for prior to a trek. I did a similar series about Mt. Kilimanjaro. Thanks for the comments!

[@marinhateixeiradasilvabrit9647]

Muito informativo e interessante!

[@langmaja]

Great channel you have here. Day 1 reminds me much of Everest base camp trek. You should do that one for sure.

[@GlobalTreks]

Planning on it, though not sure when yet!

[@natu101yay]

EnergyRouter Your video formula + everest base camp hike = awesomeness

[@robertwainblat2575]

I struggled to focus because you and your eyes are beautiful :)

[@andresbrain]

Robert Wainblat jejeje

[@nataliecabrera7855]

Hello, Matt- Can you recommend a Trek company for this hike or the one you used? I watched your videos a few years ago & I remember you had an amazing adventure. Thanks

[@AmericangypC]

I used www.gadventures.com/ to book a few years back. I was with a group of 10 people from different parts of the world. They were awesome, they take care of everything, meals, place to stay, porters to carry luggage... I just uploaded my Inca trail video of my experience. Hope it helps. Inca Trail vid: kzbin.info?o=U&video_id=7kSdVni87iw Lima&Cuzco vid: kzbin.info?o=U&video_id=7kSdVni87iw

[@1121gsm]

Matt, my wife and I just returned from Mt. Kilimanjaro (Machame route). I watched your video several times before going and I found it very helpful. We would now like to try Machu Picchu. Can you give me a brief comparison of the relative difficulty between the two. I run and lift most days but Kili was very tiring. It was more difficult than I expected. We did it but I don't want to do it again soon. But Machu Picchu is on our list. Thanks, Gary

[@GlobalTreks]

1121gsm Hi Gary, Machu Picchu is a different type of trek than Kilimanjaro. Kili does not have substantial elevation gains except for the summit night. The ascension is gradual over the entire trail. The Inca Trail, however, is in the Andes, which are very steep. There are days when you hike up 2,000 or 3,000 vertical feet, down the other side of the pass, then up another 2,000 to 3,000 feet, and down the other side again to camp. It's almost entirely stairs made of stone that are between 12 and 24 inches high. Sounds intense, and it is, but you aren't going to be above ~13,000 ft at the highest point. I was surprised by the difficulty of the Inca Trail, but found it highly enjoyable. The trek was my favorite part of that entire trip. I say go for it!

[@chibiwan11]

thanks for the video, i hope to go one day!!

[@youarefatmia]

Nice video! Can't decide if your eyes are awesome or creepy.

[@SeattleCondoSpecialistcom]

Matt, I see you have done videos on several hikes / treks around the world. Which would you reccomend as your favorite?

[@GlobalTreks]

I loved Kilimanjaro. That was my favorite, most impactful trek.

[@andreafarcilli9248]

Thanks for sharing! What do you think are the better months to walk the trail? What company do you recommend?

[@GlobalTreks]

There are months that are far more crowded than others, and some when it rains really heavily. We went in May, which was before peak season but the end of rainy season. Getting a trek booked wasn't a problem during that time, but more popular months like June and July are competitive for spots on the trial. I can't recommend a specific company. To find companies, we researched many websites. There are tons of companies, so it all comes down to your price range and feeling from their sales materials. Big companies are well organized and have newer gear, but the smaller ones may organize a trip just for your group, so there are advantages to both.

[@weisjames1]

I leave for Peru 10-April 2015 and your video is a great intro. I have been in the Andes birding in Ecuador and have a bird guide joining us for the entire 4 day Inca Trail. We also hired a porter for my wife and I to share so we will only have day packs. Did you do Huayna Picchu? If so, would love to hear what you thought of that also. Thanks!

[@GlobalTreks]

Hey, yes I did Huayna Picchu, covered in the day 4 video at kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z6vQd3ttl954jdk. Sounds like you have a great trip planned!

[@Hov1688]

Hey there thanks for the wonderful videos ,I just had a quick question...what camera did you bring the quality is pretty good

[@GlobalTreks]

Hey, it was a Sony CX 360v. They're not making that exact model as I bought it in 2011, but the similar cams today surely have equal or better quality. It's simply a Sony Handycam. You can get ones that shoot 1080p with image stabilization, surround sound, and great features for pretty cheap. The accessories are where the cost adds up, like enough battery to last a week's worth of filming, and high speed memory cards with enough storage.

[@Hov1688]

+EnergyRouter oh thats awesome thanks a lot :-) any last minute advice? Leaving in 2 weeks

[@smhei]

Thank you for making this video! My friends and I are going next March. I found this and your other videos incredibly informative and helpful. Good to have an idea of what our trek could be like! I'd love to know which company you trekked with - what's their name?

[@GlobalTreks]

We went with United Mice.

[@kevinmichaelmoravec]

I had the same question - thanks for the info. I was also curious what time of year you hiked MP? My wife and I love how green it is in your videos. We're shooting for May of 2018.

[@GlobalTreks]

We went in May. Sorry for the late response!

[@Leoline28]

Thanks for visiting my country and be as natural of heart and sincere face 😍❤ I hope to all in my land POZUZO OXAPAMPA

[@jpdbrot6547]

Great info. I'm planning on doing the Inca Trail next September. Any thoughts on what company to use? There are so many of them and they all advertise the best experience. Please advice. Thanks.

[@GlobalTreks]

Hey, can't really give solid recommendations. The company we went with had some great people, but some aspects were not top notch. It really comes down to budget, language, and your personal impressions from their website! That's about all I can offer about the guides down there.

[@jojocluddy2534]

Very helpful videos, thanks for taking us with you. Would you please tell me how you guys booked the Inca trail? Can I book it 6 months or a year earlier?

[@GlobalTreks]

Hey, I'm glad you enjoy the videos! Yes- you can book 6 months in advance. In fact, that is a good idea because the trek is so popular and the government limits the number of people who can start the trail each day. I'm sure there are tour companies that will book you a year in advance as well- we booked 5 or 6 months ahead. Only a local guide/company can book the Inca Trail for you. Tourists are not allowed in without licensed guides. To find companies, we just looked for recommendations and researched many websites. There are tons of companies, so it all comes down to your price range and feeling from their sales materials. Big companies are well organized and have newer gear, but the smaller ones may organize a trip just for your group, so there are advantages to both.

[@Bevfitness]

Your videos are fab. Well put together and helpful handy hints. thanks for taking the time to do them. I am looking forward to and nervous about doing Machu Pichu Inca Trail in a few weeks time for Mental Health charity in Bath, Uk

[@GlobalTreks]

You will be just fine! Nothing to worry about. Just take care good of your feet!

[@Bevfitness]

Thanks very much. I have some good walking boots that are broken in. Your vids are brilliant please keep making them when you do your trips. Wheres next for you?

[@GlobalTreks]

Bev Nichols Going to Ireland in June (not too much trekking there), but I live in Colorado and do hikes here all the time. I'm aiming for Everest Base Camp sometime in the next few years.

[@Bevfitness]

Bev Nichols I have added your video to my Pinterest Page hope thats ok? www.pinterest.com/bevsfitness/my-favorite-places-to-walk/

[@beatrizc6387]

In which month did you go?

[@mxp8911]

She smiles all the time 👍👍👍✌👍

[@croidefeu]

Hello EnergyRouter, Your videos are really interesting and full of info that we will all need if we want to make the Inca Trail. Thank you! I just have a question regarding the camera you have. Seems to me that it is a gopro right? Do you have to bring with you additional batteries in order to use it everyday or one is enough? Yaronn

[@GlobalTreks]

croidefeu Hey Yaronn, the camera I use is a Sony CX 360v. I do carry several batteries- I have 3 large batteries that last 4 hours each, and 3 that last 1.5 hours each. Glad you enjoy the videos!

[@jorgecalderon5886]

What beautiful mountains looks too tall?

[@veliagarcia3606]

My daughter and I are going on may 26, 2017, we are so so excited.

[@GlobalTreks]

Great! You will surely enjoy it!

[@reedsreel]

velia garcia I'm going May 17, 2017!

[@MegaPonyMagic]

Hi Great video! Another camera gear question.. What type of mounts did you use, or was it all hand held? Was there anything for the camera (eg. more memory, tripod etc) that you wish you had on your trip? Im going in september and just figuring out what would be the best combination of camera stuff to take.

[@GlobalTreks]

MegaPonyMagic Hey, glad you like the videos! I did not use many mounts; only a small 12 inch mini-tripod I use once in a while, but most of my stuff is shot with a handheld . The Sony camera I use has a built-in stabilizer to keep a steady shot and does a good job. Gear wise....I always have dreams of next-level cinematography, such as having a dedicated camera crew, quality mics, etc, but for this trip, the battery power and memory card capacity was sufficient (80 GB Memory, 20+ hours of battery life). Even had a bit of extra battery and capacity, but glad to have too much rather than too little. I'm jealous of your epic experience coming up! Enjoy!

[@thomaswakins9551]

I want to THANK YOU for your video. My family is planning to do the MP trek in June. We live in Memphis. No mts. here. 'm working out in the gym. Up to 400 floors on Step Master. Can you pls give me instructions on what all else I need to do to prepare. Ill be 73 next June when we go and I want to be in top physical shape. Thank YOU! Thomas

[@GlobalTreks]

Hi Thomas, 73 and going to Machu Picchu! What an inspiration... First and foremost, avoiding injury will be the most important consideration. Be sure your joints, specifically your knees, can handle the downhill. I find downhill harder than uphill. Work on building strength in your knees and ankles so they can take impact for an entire day and still push through on day 2, 3, and 4. I would recommend against carrying a large pack. I did, but I was 27, not 73. However, it could be worthwhile to train with some weight. I like to add large textbooks, full water bottles, etc to a hiking backpack. Make sure the weight is as close to your back as possible, not all lumped at the bottom of the pack and sticking out from your body. If you stuff a pillow into the pack to keep weight pushed in a vertical column against your back, then cinch down the straps on the pack, you will be happier. An additional 15-20 lbs will make a big difference. Practice keeping a slow, steady pace. 2 mph max is all you need to be able to do. It may be unrealistic to train up to this level, but you'll need to be able to go up and down for up to 8 hours (breaks included). Being in the andes will give you a boost, so no need to spend 8 hours on the treadmill. I'd say if you can do 2 solid hours with the backpack at 2 mph and no breaks, you'll be able to make it. Good luck!

[@thomaswakins9551]

EnergyRouter Thank You so very much.

[@4204-j4x]

Thomas Akins Hey i know you may not see this. But im curious on if you managed to complete the trek ?

[@brunaortiz]

Hi Matt! Tks for your videos! Did you guys like the agency u hired? If you did, do you remember how it was called? Tks! :)

[@GlobalTreks]

We went with United Mice

[@summitupmark5615]

Great video Matt. I’m in the Inca trail in 2 weeks and can’t wait. Can I ask what you use to film this trek?

[@robertpalmer2262]

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

[@wendellr6741]

Can you please tell me what is the soundtrack?

[@elisabethmeyer521]

Watching your whole series! Do you still live in Boulder? I'm in Denver and looking to learn from someone who has done this trail. I'm hoping to go in January (I know, crappy weather) with my brother but I am pretty anxious as I'm not as experienced of a hiker as he is. I'd love to learn about your experience.

[@GlobalTreks]

Elisabeth Meyer Hey Elisabeth, the video series about the trail should provide pretty good insight about the trail. Yes, I am still in Boulder...feel free to send a message if you have more questions!

[@elisabethmeyer521]

+EnergyRouter Awesome! I learned a lot watching the series. How awesome to have video of that experience. Do you have any particular local hikes that you'd recommend in prep for the Inca Trail? It seems like a lot of elevation gain and loss within each day. How many hours of hiking per day? I think you mentioned hiking until about 3-4 pm if I heard correctly. Did you take any snacks with you for between meals? Thanks so much for your reply!

[@haydsz]

We'll no later because they trail is closed in February due to erosion caused by heavy amounts of rain

[@lucianocolman1489]

great info man! I´m going in march 2019. what month did you went?

[@GlobalTreks]

Thanks! We went in May.

[@lucianocolman1489]

thank´s so much for sharing your experience

[@mr.delacolina1916]

Quizás quisiste decir: amigos del mundo sean bienvenidos a mi país friends in the world are welcome to my country

[@caroldiamond9452]

My boyfriend has informed me he wants to go in a year or two with me and his children. 8 and 11 yr old. You're from Boulder and heavy breathing in the video. I'm thinking we should wait 2 years and in the meantime, hike locally the mtn of NC to get used to carrying back packs. I suggested to him we need to learn the language at least a little, learn the history for a better understanding and gratitude and research the area. Any suggestions would be great. Wow! Looks amazing. I just want to make sure we all know what to expect. This is not an easy trek. He told them this would be easier than San Fransisco hills. 😟. Um....doesn't look easier. Different. Not necessarily easier.

[@caroldiamond9452]

Thanks ahead of time for your feedback. 😀

[@GlobalTreks]

+Carol Diamond I think this is too difficult for children of that age. When they are in their mid to late teens, they might be up for it. If I were you, I would either go as a family and take the train out to Aguas Calientes, or avoid doing the long trek until they're older and capable of walking 30 miles on 18-24 inch stair-type rocks. Let me know if you have any other questions!

[@BrickWilbur2020]

What company did u go through?

[@GmrWeb]

Hey Mike, This company you used really looks good. I'm planning to trek either the Inca trail or the Salkantay with my girlfriend next year. Could you please tell me which guide company you used so I can look their prices and availabilites? Cheers!

[@GlobalTreks]

+Guillaume-Martin Ratté It was called United Mice. If you go with them, be sure that you DO NOT stay in the hostel they normally use in Aguas Calientes. It was dingy, dirty, and infested with mold! I have avoided talking about them so that others do not go through this situation. Other than that hostel, they were great. Request a nice hotel at the end, or just pick one yourself.

[@GmrWeb]

Thanks!, Do you happen to remember the name of that hostel? So I know if they are trying to give me this place again. Great videos by the way, keep them coming!

[@matthewemery4205]

can u buy supplies at check point food etc

[@cornerstonemusic8781]

What was the name of the camp that you ended up at on Day 1? Were the washroom facilities tents? It looked like a building. Thanks!

[@GlobalTreks]

The camp was called Llulluchapampa I believe. There were bathroom facilities in a permanent building. No showers, but sinks and toilets. All camps we stayed at had permanent facilities like this.

[@cornerstonemusic8781]

Many of the expedition companies I am looking at offer 'tent' washrooms as opposed to a permanent building. Which expedition company did you book with? Sorry if you answered this already. We are planning on going June 2018. Do you have a fitness program you can recommend? We are ADK 46rs and hike a lot in the summer months... but living in Canada I am not sure how to train from December to June. Thanks!

[@GlobalTreks]

I'm not sure what a tent washroom would be needed for. The camps we saw have permanent buildings. Perhaps some people want a cleaner or more private experience, hence the tent offer? In terms of fitness programs, I can't recommend any specific. If you're ADK 46ers, you've certainly got plenty of experience. Your training should first consider whether or not you'll be using personal porters. Personal porters carry all the gear you don't need readily accessible during the day. You would just have a day pack or camelback of sorts. If you plan to carry your own gear (we did, 14-16 kg each), you will need to be in shape for that. Loading a backpack with full water bottles and large books, balanced properly using clothes to fill spaces can help train for carrying weight. The Inca trail demands that you hike as much as 1,000 meters up and 1,000 meters down in elevation in a single day on rough cut stairs. I find going down to be harder than going up. You will need to be able to do this several days in a row, so train appropriately. When training, know that you're not going to feel up for this type of rigor. After 1 day of trekking like this at home, you'll be sore and tired, thinking there's no way you'd want to do it again. On a trek, though, there is a different level of motivation that gets you going for day 2, day 3, day 4...so as long as you can hike these long distances without debilitating pain, you'll succeed. Let me know if you have any follow up questions. Good luck!

[@okkful]

Hi love the tips, can i ask you about what camera you took and batteries you needed.

[@GlobalTreks]

Sony HDR CX-360 with ~20 hours of battery life available if needed and ~64GB of memory card storage available. My camera model is not available now due to new releases, but similar cameras are inexpensive today.

[@okkful]

Thank buddy love the videos.

[@calebprice7896]

What is the company you used to pick you up and bring you to MP? Going this summer, but we don't have a guide yet. Thanks!

[@GlobalTreks]

The company we organized the trek through was called United Mice. They picked us up at our hotel in Cuzco and took us out to the trail head where we started the trek with them. If you don't plan to do the trek, there is a bus that goes up to Machu Picchu all day long from Aguascalientes. To get there, it's best to take the train out to MP. You'll need to arrange transportation through a tour company to get out to Ollantaytambo where the train leaves from. This is quite easy as most tourists use this option. You can go there and back in one day from Cuzco, or stay in Aguascalientes.

[@TheSixtish]

Can you please tell me which website you booked this hike on?

[@GlobalTreks]

+настя козачинская www.unitedmice.com/en/ Overall, they did a great job.

[@TheSixtish]

thank you so much! also, would you say that only very athletic people could do this hike?

[@GlobalTreks]

+настя козачинская You don't have to be extremely athletic. I'm not. It's about endurance, pacing, and having the right gear. It's a challenge even if you exercise regularly, but with a little training (hiking with a heavy backpack or walking on a stair machine / treadmill with heavy gear) you can surely succeed.

[@yoyoz333]

3:02 switches to his Documentary voice. haha

[@GlobalTreks]

yomega brain The "documentary voice" is added during post production to provide additional depth in the information I am delivering.

[@thedude4795]

0:57 Coca leaf pupils?

[@monicleclerc3115]

un beau voyage ,mais du souffle !!!!!!!

Yeah, the 2nd day is hard.

[@lyteang]

So beautiful...

[@NoyNomad]

THE HILLS HAVE EYES ...

[@marcia4141]

Beatiful !

[@Momofoku]

Hi! What month did u guys visit? Im coming somewhere mid july

[@donsharma6136]

man i am taking the train to machau piccau

[@lktaylor1]

How would you compare this to the ebc trek?

[@GlobalTreks]

I have not done the trek to base camp yet. It is on my list though!

[@DynaDomCOD4]

Why no trekking poles

[@GlobalTreks]

I find the task of placing 4 limbs more burdensome than any gains provided by poles. However, I don't have any physical pain in my knees, etc. if they provide a good advantage, I think they're great to use.

[@DynaDomCOD4]

+EnergyRouter I watched all your peru videos. I'm going there in May with 4 people everywhere I read I see that I should take poles so we all bought them. We're doing the Salcantay trek

[@jmccahill89]

great video and very informative... but why are your eyes so dead????

[@GlobalTreks]

People have used many words to describe my eyes...by this is the first time I've heard them called "dead." I'm not sure what kind of answer to give you!

[@4204-j4x]

GlobalTreks I think he means the term "dead" by cold, or quite blue/green. I think you eyes are brilliant, what makes each and every one of us that bit more unique.

[@Ray-gz5wh]

I'm doing this next month! (June 2019) and trying to make sure I don't overpack stuff but have everything I need (I'm a hiking noob) 😏

[@helenedgington3135]

I really feel that you took too much stuff 😳

[@gymhourfee]

Eye like your video...Ops.... Eye like you're video.

[@MrDanifish631]

The most scary eyes ever!

[@4204-j4x]

Don't be afraid of porters. That $120 or £120 is a good ammount of money for them to bring home and feed the family. Much better than farming and if you look at the EBC porters they love it, again its a bettter and more rewarding financialy for them.

[@anonymousbigshot1775]

your eyes are weirding me out.

[@b897princess]

+anonymous bigshot I think they're beautiful!

[@GlobalTreks]

+anonymous bigshot Haha, I've heard that quite a few times, to no one's surprise.

[@imscheck]

+anonymous bigshot like he lived in a cave for a long time

[@anonymousbigshot1775]

imscheck LOL

[@yoyoz333]

they look like contact lenses.

[@bschuske]

Those porters are bad ass