The following article appeared in the TNT magazine on May 31 2004, to subscribe click on the banner.
Gereurd Roberts tackled the Inca Trail with Oasis Overland
The magnificence of the Inca Trail has made it a major attraction. TNT
Magazine's Gereurd Roberts looks at what you should know before hitting
the trail.
Peru's Inca Trail is one of those things: you've either done it or
you're planning to do it. Physical exertion is only part of the, erm,
fun on the gruelling four-day hike to the legendary ruins of Machu
Picchu - the archaeological sites along the way and the ancient stone
trail itself showcase the Incas' knack for building in harmony with the
spectacular natural surroundings.
So you don't need convincing about why you should do it - but what do
you need to know before you go? In his 12 years as a tour leader, Diego
Choque Garcia has trekked the Inca Trail more than 700 times, helping
thousands of travellers complete an unforgettable experience. Here are
his tips for making the Inca Trail pilgrimage to Machu Picchu as
enjoyable as possible.
* The Inca Trail isn´t easy. It goes for more than 40km, up and down
mountains; it isn't a walk in the park, so a decent level of fitness is
required. In may ways, this makes the trail even better, as the sense of
achievement when you reach Machu Picchu is incredible.
* Book ahead. In an effort to reduce the impact on the trail, the
Peruvian Government recently introduced legislation limiting the number
of people allowed to 500 per day. This sometimes means a wait of up to
two months to get on.
* Bring suitable equipment. The Inca Trail is made mainly of
centuries-old stones so it's is often uneven, especially on the
thousands of steps. Suitable footwear is essential. Bring hiking shoes -
preferably with ankle support - that have been worn in to prevent
blistering. Good, comfortable socks will also help. Be aware of the time
of year you're visiting and bring appropriate clothes for the season.
Sometimes it can be scorching hot during the day and freezing cold at
night.
* Be prepared for altitude sickness. Most travellers who trek the Inca
Trail live around sea level, so coming to Cuzco (at more than 3000m) and
then hitting the trail can often lead to altitude sickness. Symptoms can
vary, but include headaches, nausea and loss of appetite and energy. It
can happen to even the fittest people, as the amount of oxygen available
is less than most people are used to. The best way to combat this is to
spend a few days in Cuzco acclimatising. Two to three days is usually
enough.
* Do what the locals do. Local guides and porters have a few tricks to
help them, one of which is chewing coca leaves, which they say can
relieve the symptoms of altitude sickness while also providing energy.
Porters and guides often zig-zag along the trail, helping to lessen the
strain on the often steep rises.
* Don´t pack too much. Only take the essentials you'll need for the four
or five days you'll be on the trail - it isn't a fashion parade. A
T-shirt for each day, underwear, a thick jumper, jacket, longjohns, good
socks, toiletries and your camera will suffice. There's no need for any
more, and new regulations governing the weight porters can carry mean
you'll be limited anyway.
* Get a good guide. The quality of your guide can make or break your
experience. All guides have to be registered and there are limits on the
number of people they can take on a tour, so the chances of getting a
good, knowledgeable guide are very high. A passionate guide can make
what would otherwise be a silent walk thorough spectacular scenery a real learning
experience. Go with a company recommended for its guides.
* Enjoy. No matter how hard things get, take the time to look around and
enjoy the experience - where you are, what you're doing, who has gone
before you and the history you're witnessing. Learning about Inca
culture will also help improve your experience and, most importantly, be
aware of the reward that awaits you at the end - the magnificence of
Machu Picchu.
This article first appeared in TNT Magazine on May 31 2004. Gereurd
Roberts tackled the Inca Trail with Oasis Overland
(www.oasisoverland.co.uk; 01963-363 400). The 15-day tour from Lima
costs £595 plus a local payment of US$250 (£137). A 21-day tour from
Lima to La Paz costs £750 plus a local payment of US$350 (£193).
