The Trek of a Lifetime: Hiking up Machu Picchu

Hiking up Machu Picchu is one of the most exhilarating ways to experience the true and authentic nature of Peru. It is considered one of the wonders of the world and anyone who has been there before will agree. Making it to the top takes more than just managing a hike, it's about planning the trip. Thankfully, there are experts who are available to take you on this journey.

Planning a trip to Machu Picchu shouldn't be a burden or a task filled with admin. It's meant to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience that allows you to feel what it's really like in the Incan forests, how the Incans built their stone homes and give you a sense of the culture of the Peruvians.

Go with the Pros

There are many different routes that you can take to get to Machu Picchu. It's important that you go with a guide, so that you navigate the hike with safety and caution in mind. Many parts of the mountain are steep, there are train treks close to Machu Picchu where a train shoots through and you need to be careful with this. Using the services of Machu Picchu Hiking Tours will allow you to push all the stress and planning on someone else, giving you access to a highly knowledgeable tour guide, allowing you to feel safe during the hike and ultimately improving the journey as a whole. A Hiking Tour to Machu Picchu is the way to see it.

Depending on how long you want to hike, how many days you want to spend on the trek and what your budget is, will influence the guide you take. The Incan Trail and the Salkantay Trek are two of the most popular options, allowing you to maximize the time in the Incan jungle, traverse up and down the mountain and get a feel for the people and the culture.

Practical Travel Tips for Permits, Packing and Altitude

For a journey as adventurous as this, there are certain tips and tricks you should bear in mind.

When it comes to permits, luckily, as a tourist, you don't have to worry about this. However, you do need to make sure that the guide company you went with is accredited. Therefore, it's best to stick with the big names in the business and the pros, as there are a lot of smaller and less reliable guides out there who can't be trusted.

For packing, there is one rule: pack light. It's best to simply take a backpack with you, one that you can strap around your waist so that the weight is evenly distributed. You will be walking many miles/kilometres per day, so you need to pack light, as you don't want to carry extra things. You should only have a pair or two of trainers, exercise clothing and a thick warm jacket and rain jacket, as the evenings can get wet and cold. Don't bring a suitcase, don't bring 'nice' clothing, it's a trek, you're going to get sweaty and it's going to be tough, so don't make it harder.

Bear the altitude in mind. Machu Picchu is at a high altitude. You should plan ahead and spend a few days in a town called Cusco beforehand, as this will give you a few days to adjust. Thereafter, you can start your journey toward Machu Picchu. The days of hiking allow you to get adjusted to the elevation over time, which is a slow process but healthier for you. There are also cacao bean leaves that you can chew to help, which is what the locals do.

Unexpected and Happy Surprises on the Journey

One of the most interesting things about doing this trek, regardless of which route you take, is the fact that there are small villages in the mountains that you will stumble upon. Some of them harvest vegetables in the mountains, others spend their time working on coffee beans. They are true locals living in nature, at one with nature, which is life-changing to see.

There are also some warm water reservoirs, known as hot springs, which you can pay a small entry fee for and get the chance to soak in lovely warm water. Additionally, there are also many food stands once you get to the train line closer to the start of Machu Picchu, where locals sell authentic meals and energy snacks.

Overall, it's a lovely experience. It's not just physical and adventurous but deeply spiritual.

Sustainable and Protective Approach to Maintain Machu Picchu

The maintenance and sustainability of this epic mountain is paramount to the locals, Peru and South America. There are certain dos and don'ts when it comes to how you approach your time walking up and on Machu Picchu. Please bear these in mind when you visit: