INCA TRAIL TIPS 

The Classic Inca Trail is about more than just getting to Machu Picchu. Here, we will tell you the Inca Trail Tips to help you prepare and plan your Inca trail to Machu picchu. 

• Before you start with clothes, toiletries, and electronics packing essentials, there is one important thing you can’t leave behind. Before the hike starts, you need to make sure that your passport is securely stored in your daypack. The Inca Trail is the most strictly controlled trek in Peru, and carrying your passport is definitely essential to having with you otherwise, you are not going to be allowed to pass the checkpoint. 
• If your Passport is Due to Expire, it is possible to book the permits using the expired Passport. Once you renew it, you need to send it to the Travel Agency as soon as possible to change the permits with the new information.
• Break in your boots. Make sure you buy and break in your footwear at least 1-2 months before your trip. That will help you avoid blisters.
• Make a Visit to Your Doctor. When traveling anywhere, it is essential to check in with your doctor. Different regions of the world may need vaccinations or medication. Visit your doctor at least a month before your trip. 
• Have extra batteries. Don’t forget an external charger for your phone and extra batteries for your camera. It would be terrible to get at Machu Picchu and not be able to snap a photo or two!
• Pack light, when it comes to packing for a trek in an efficient way so that you have maximum flexibility with minimum weight.  You’ll be carrying all your stuff on your back up and down mountain passes so the size, fit and comfort of your pack is important.

INCA TRAIL RECOMMENDATIONS

• It’s highly recommended to buy your tickets for the Inca Trail in advance, Because permits can sell out several months in advance.
• We recommend spending a few days in Cusco before your inca trail trek begins to give your body plenty of time to get used to the high altitude. The highest mountain pass along the Inca Trail is at 13,830
• Go the extra mile for an amazing view of Machu Picchu, you can hike the extra hour to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. If you want to climb one of them, you need to book in advance, 4 months at least. It costs $70.
• Don’t push yourself too hard to be the first one. Push yourself, but know your limits. It is normal for a group to get spread out and get at the campsite up to several hours apart. Walk at your own pace and save your energy for the next day instead of draining yourself on the first 13 km.
• We advise the following things to carry in your day pack: water, scarf, bandanna, raincoat, sunglasses, toilet paper, gloves, hat, first aid kit (some medicine and band-aid), bug spray, phone, camera, and Snacks.
• Clarify the size of your group. The size of your group can make a big difference. It is feasible to request a private Inca Trail trek. However, you are going to pay an extra cost.
• You can get your passport stamped with a unique Inca Trail and Machu Picchu stamp to commemorate the journey.
• Do carry some cash: you will use it to buy drinks until day 2, and to tip your porters, cook and Guide the last day.
• Do wear appropriate gear, good hiking shoes, technical pants, and a good rain coat are a must.

USEFUL INFORMATION

• You may think that the high altitude meant that there would be fewer mosquitos. MISTAKE! In reality, it is the complete opposite up there and twice as vicious as the ones that you have back home probably. August, September and October are the months when you will meet a lot of mosquitoes on the trail. But they are on the trail the whole year. Bring insect repellent please.
• Don’t leave your tent open or anything outside of your tent, because there are scorpions and spiders outside.
• Going through Inca Trail, you will not be the first ones at Machu Picchu as the train riders can get there hours before you. so it’s not necessary to run. Take your time and enjoy your last hour of hiking the Inca Trail.
• Be aware of the cheapest tour operators because their equipment may be subpar and they pay their guides and porters lower salaries. Trust us, these are some of the hardest working people that you will see, tasked with a difficult activity, so it’s substantial that they are paid fairly and treated well.
• All travelers wake up at 03:00 am the last day because the porters need to catch the early train designated to hold camping gear. If they miss the early train, they have to walk all the way down Aguas Calientes and take the train of 18:30. So they don’t have time wash to all the equipment then they waist another day. It is not convenient for them.
• Camelbaks are CLUTCH, helping you stay hydrated as you’re walking up all those stairs.

Apart of Inca Trail tips, you can more about the Inca trail here.