If you want to take the tour to Machu Picchu and it has been on your bucket list, you should prepare properly so as not to be surprised by sudden changes in weather and different altitude zones. If you are a great fan of hiking, the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the best options; If you are exhausted, you can take the Salkantay Trek, Lares Trek, or any other alternative trek that you will love. Not only will you enjoy the view, but the experience will be unforgettable. Here are some tips
Prevention of altitude sickness
If you’re one of the lucky few, you won’t feel a thing. There are those whose hearts will beat faster while others may experience difficulty breathing. You may also have nausea or a headache. Don’t risk it; You should prepare for that if it’s your first time in this place.
You should stay at least two days to acclimatize before hiking the Inca Trail. Take some medicine, drink coca tea and sleep a lot. It would be best if you buy Diamox to use before you start walking.
You do not need a prescription to buy Diamox in Peru; You can find it in all pharmacies in Cusco; you should order ACETAZOLAMIDE – Acetazolamide (brand name: Diamox), of course, you are expected to feel some common side effects such as dizziness, lightheadedness, tingling sensation. It is best to take it at night before bed or early in the morning before your activities.
If you prefer something more natural, we recommend Sorojchi Pills, Altivital and coca tea, and drink plenty of water.
Preparation before the walk.
Although it is very fun, it is not that easy. You have to prepare physically and psychologically. You need stamina, so if you could exercise to improve strength and breathing, it would be pretty easy. Consider running or other cardiovascular exercises. Other top tips are to breathe deeply, take small steps, stay positive, and rent hiking poles.
Almost all hikes on Cusco to Machu Picchu trips will include passing through high altitude sites of at least over 4,000 meters (13,123 feet), so we recommend doing preparatory hikes before arriving in Peru.
The Famous Inca Trail 4 Days
This is an important aspect of all trips. Take your time to decide what you will need for hiking. The experience could be worse if you forget essential items, suppose you forgot to bring extra batteries for your camera, this means you won’t capture memorable moments. Always have portable chargers for electronic devices. Other important things to bring are documents (insurance, passport and diary), toiletries, medications and enough footwear. The weather also keeps changing, so it is important to have several outfits for different weather conditions.
The best hikes from Cusco to Machu Picchu
The best hikes to Machu Picchu are:
Inca Trail 4 days: The most famous in Peru and South America, the Inca Trail is an iconic hike that will take you on 4 days of hiking and nights of tent camping. Only 500 people are allowed per day, and you must reserve your permits in advance. Learn more here.
Short Inca Trail 2 days: The Short Version of the Inca Trail is perfect for those who do not have enough time to do the longer version; The Short Version of the Inca Trail takes you walking the final part of the Classic Inca Trail, arriving at Machu Picchu through the Puerta del Sol. Learn more here.
Salkantay Trek 5 days: After the Inca Trail tours, Salkantay is the second most beautiful and challenging trek; For 5 days, you will explore different landscapes from mountains and lakes to the green and warm Cloud Forest where Machu Picchu is located. Find more information here.
Lares 4 days: Lares is the best option when you prefer a less crowded route with Andean lakes, mountains, llamas and alpacas, and interacting with local children in the most remote villages of Peru. This Trek includes a visit to the beautiful Lares hot springs. Learn more here.
Huchuy Qosqo: Huchuy Qosqo is the only hike that starts on the outskirts of the city of Cusco and takes you through the mountain towards the Sacred Valley, where you board the Andean Train and arrive at Machu Picchu following the Urubamba River. Learn more here.
Tambopata Tour Macaw Clay Lick 2 Days
Are there short hikes near Aguas Calientes?
There are a couple of additional hikes in Machu Picchu Pueblo or Agua Calientes; If you are staying in the town before or after Machu Picchu, you can visit the following Places.
Local Museum of Machu Picchu: Located near the Puente Ruinas (The bridge to Machu Picchu), you can access this place by walking 20 minutes from Aguas Calientes, or if you finish Machu Picchu, you can ask the bus driver to drop you off. over the bridge There is a fee ($7) to enter the museum.
The Butterfly Station : Located on the way to Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes. The butterfly station is located just 10 minutes from the town. You will be able to learn many interesting facts about local butterflies and take photographs. There is a fee of 10 soles to enter this place.
The Mandor Gardens : This beautiful place is located 1 hour walk from Aguas Calientes; you can see birds, orchids, waterfalls and Machu Picchu from below. To visit Mandor, you need at least 3 hours, which is better with a tour guide.
Putucusi: In addition to Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu mountain, there is a third and steeper mountain called Putucusi. You don’t need an entrance ticket to walk to Putucusi, but we recommend going with a tour guide. You need at least 3 hours to complete this mountain and enjoy the amazing view of Machu Picchu from another mountain.
