Machu Picchu was a once-in-a-lifetime, truly unforgettable experience. (So much so that I’ve written about my experience visiting it as a solo female for Intrepid once before.)
But I didn’t float up to that beautiful site, I hiked there, and it was at times a little painful. Like most painful things, the memories fade with time and I only remember the good bits. However, there are a few things that I wish I had known, ones that would have made those tough moments more manageable.
I’ve listed them below (you’re welcome), so you’ll be able to concentrate on the beautiful views over the blisters, and your new friends over your achy muscles:
Stay hydrated and well-fed
Drink lots. Then drink more. And take sachets of hydration salts just in case. When you’re walking you’re going to get sweaty and you need to replace those losses. Also, staying hydrated is an awesome way to reduce your chance of experiencing altitude sickness. So make sure you have a good (reusable!) bottle or a hydration pack to put in your day-bag (Platypus and Camelbak are both great brands for hydration packs).
Now, food. Altitude actually slows down your digestion, which might lead to a lack of appetite. If you’re acclimatizing well then this won’t last long, but even if it does, it’s worth eating more than you think you need to.
So, don’t forget to take snacks in your bag – if you have a yummy Snickers or Mars bars tucked away you’re likely to munch on it even if you don’t feel particularly hungry. This isn’t always a good thing in life, but it is when hiking Machu Picchu!
CHECK OUT INTREPID TRAVEL’S RANGE OF TREKS TO MACHU PICCHU
Get your passport stamped
This is a great insider tip – you can get your passport stamped at Machu Picchu! Remember to ask at the gates.
Be ready for all four seasons
As you gain altitude, temperatures become more extreme. In one day you can experience everything from a freezing chill upon awaking, to boiling hot sunshine while you walk. Even without sunshine, the steep ascents will have you sweating. The answer to this? Layers.
For the cold night time take thermal base layers and pick up some Alpaca gloves and a hat in Cusco – stalls line the streets so they won’t be hard to find. Pack t-shirts that will fit over your base layers for when you get started in the morning, a fleece and rain jacket for the wind and rain. As the day progresses and you emerge from the shade into the sunshine, you’ll be peeling everything off. At this point remember sun cream and a sunhat. The sun is stronger up high, so make sure it’s a high SPF. You don’t want to be red and peeling in your photos on Machu Picchu (or in your photos posing with llamas!).
INSPIRATIONAL READ: THE ROAD TO MACHU PICCHU STARTS AT 385 LBS
A final tip on what to wear relates to shoes. Of course you will need well broken-in walking boots to support you through the day’s hike (and I mean well broken-in – a friend of mine lost four toenails from wearing boots that she hadn’t worn enough before the hike).
But something I wish I knew was how good it feels to take off those boots when the walking is done so your feet can breathe. Pack flip flops or light sandals for evenings – something you can slip on over socks (yep, sandals with socks, I said it).
Feeling inspired?
WANT TO VISIT PERUVIAN RUINS WITHOUT THE CROWDS? CHECK OUT KUELAP IN NORTHERN PERU
Also on the point of socks – take loads. Don’t be thinking that you can wear the same pair more than once because they’ll be stinky, and starting your day with fresh socks is way better than starting stinky. And on the subject of stinky – take plastic bags, because not only your socks but your clothes in general will be wet and smelly from sweat and possibly from rain, and you’ll want to separate these from your nice fresh clothes.
Sometimes it’s sunny, sometimes it’s definitely not
Porters are the most badass people you’ll ever meet. Period.
You’ll be huffing and puffing your way along the trail, congratulating the hell out of yourself for reaching the lunch spot without collapsing. All the while, the porters will have woken up before you, cooked you a killer breakfast, taken down your tents, carried all of the tents/food/chairs/etc. and reached the lunch spot before you, AND cooked you a delicious lunch in time for your huffy puffy arrival. They’re super humans.
Remember to take cash along to tip your porters at the end of your trek. Believe me, any apprehension you may have before the trip about shelling out extra dollars will be dispelled when you see how hard they work.
READ MORE: 7 THINGS NO-ONE TELLS YOU ABOUT THE INCA TRAIL
Remedies for altitude sickness
Happy hikers
“I feel it in my fingers, I feel it in my toes…” No, this isn’t about love or Christmas. A tingling sensation in your fingers and toes is a side effect of Diamox (also known as Acetazolamide), the medication prescribed for soroche (altitude sickness). Make sure to seek the advice of your doctor, as these must be prescribed. If you do use Diamox, you’ll also need to pee much more frequently than usual – so prepare for some midnight dashes.
Talking medication, consider taking anti-diarrhea tablets (Loperamide) along with you too as this is a common side effect of altitude (and being in a foreign country, for some).
READ MORE: WHAT HIKING TO MACHU PICCHU AS A SOLO ADVENTURER IS REALLY LIKE
Alternatively, the locals swear by coca leaves to relieve the effects of altitude, and in more rural areas you’ll see Peruvians chewing away with blackened teeth. On the trail you may be offered mate de coca (coca leaf tea). It doesn’t taste fabulous so add in some honey, and you’ve got yourself a natural remedy.
The heights are pretty epic!
Do you know what really bugs me…
…forgetting to take insect repellent to Machu Picchu. There are SO MANY mozzies up there. Don’t make the mistake I did in assuming that because you’re so high up there won’t be any. There are.
In the words of Scar: “Be prepared…”
Do some training hikes. You don’t have to be an Olympian to do the Inca Trail, but you do have to be fitter than your average couch potato.
Intrepid leaders are there to help you out
As well as training physically, be prepared by booking early. For preservation purposes, the Inca Trail is restricted by how many people can be on it at a time. This means it books up around six months in advance. However, if you miss out on the Inca Trail, remember you can also get onto the Quarry Trail to Machu Picchu with Intrepid. It offers the same magnificent Andean scenery but no crowds, lesser-known archaeological sites and no permits required!
READ MORE: BENEFITS OF TAKING THE QUARRY TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU
Expect the view to be indescribable
This requires little explanation. And it’s not really advice. But do brace yourself to be so in awe at the top that you’ll be lost for words. There really is no sight as breathtaking as Machu Picchu.
Ready to book the trek of a lifetime? Check out our wide range of Machu Picchu treks and tours.
(Image credits from top to bottom: Jen Welch, Intrepid Travel, Jen Welch, Intrepid Travel, iStock, Jen Welch)
87 comments
Hi! This is a great read. What time of year did you go though?
The advice regarding using a hydration pack such as a Camelbak needs to be tempered with DON’T put energy drinks in the bladder particularly if you constantly grasp the tube between your teeth and drink. It leads to teeth disease due to the high sugar content directed right to your teeth. Yes, it’s unlikely that you will actually do your teeth an injury over a 5 day trek but if you do it constantly you will be visiting the dentist earlier than most.
Hi Jen
Thank you for the inside tips! Quick question would you recommend lugging your won hiking boots around or hiring them for the trek through the tour? My friend and I are heading over and we don’t need hiking boots for any other part of our trip!
Hi there,
Thanks for the message! If you want to hike on a sturdy shoe, that gives you ankle support, is waterproof and won’t blister your feet after one day of wear, I’d suggest taking your own boots. I don’t know about hiring boots on the ground, but I wouldn’t recommend it. A pair a new boots (or new to your feet) can leave you badly blistered after one day of hiking, and saying “chau chau” to the Inca Trail. That said, many people hike the Inca Trail on a trusted pair of runners (I did, and it was fine). If you don’t need particularly strong ankle support and aren’t fussed about the possibility of hiking on wet shoes (if it rains), then leave the boots behind and trek in your runners instead.
Hope that helps! Let me know if you need any extra info 🙂
Emily
Intrepid Travel
Hi Jen,
Thank You for such a great tip! Is it possible if you can send me your itinerary for this trip? I am planning to do it solo, plus it would be my first time travel on my own and would love to know more details. Also, when you’ve gone hiking where did you leave your stuff, if you needed to pack light? Thank you so much
Great blog,
Which company did you go with?
Thanks
I used Salkanty trek, I did 5 days trip on the salkanty trail and the company was amazing and much cheaper than the ones that go on inks trail. I assure you, the views and experiences are still incredible
JoAnna, What is an average and a good tip per person for the porters in $$ ? Was planning on $200.00 each but want to make sure it’s a good amount and be sure to take care of them for all their hard work for us.
Great advice from everyone (except D Rock..really?) Thanks
Thanks for this…wish I would have read it before I did the trek! Just completed this hike at a couple weeks short of age 66! Was slower than the thirty somethings but not that much slower! What a sense of accomplishment when you see Mach Picchu from the Sun Gate…it was a bit emotional for me! My tip…pack your day pack to be very light and don’t take a whole lot of clothing…you learn to live in what you have! Happy trekking … it is an experience of a lifetime!
When I was there last year I found the toilet situation terrible. I shall refrain from going into details, but I must admit that I found it most convenient to search for some privacy behind a stone, a bush or a small hill when I had to relieve myself. Somewhat embarrassing for a woman 60+, but I managed to leave my pride. Besides I was not the only one doing that. I saw several others squatting, both women and men!
thank U! Really usefull tips!!!
The best tips I’ve found so far online! Thanks, this was extremely helpful!
Amazing trail and Article thanks a lot for sharing it
What tour/trekking company did you go through? And what was the cost for your guide?
Hi Danielle! If you’re interested in hiking the Inca Trail, here’s Intrepid Travel’s page of tours that go to Machu Picchu :). All the prices are there, in addition to a bunch of other details you might find useful! https://www.intrepidtravel.com/machu-picchu-peru
Thank you 🙂
Can5 wait to do this trip in August 2018.
Omg i am doing it in august 2018 also, see you on the trek !
Hi,
What tour company are you going with & dates as my wife & I are going Aug 2018 as well,
Hi we are also going in Aug. Anyone doing the Intrepid Peru Encompassed leaving Lima on 22/7??
My partner and I are going August with Peru treks starting 24th August 🙂
I will be there with husband and adult children in tow during August. Does anyone know (roughly) what the weather might be like then?
August on the trail will be a travail. And will be cold at night,might be below freezing.
Hi. I’am also going on 1st Aug 2018. I’m doing the Inca Quarry Trail with Intrepid. Hope to meet someone there from Australia 🙂
I want to hear all about your adventure n Tips I’m planning till 2019
All good info, my one regret was not having cash to tip the porters at the end, and no ATM’s in AguaCaliente to do a last minute fix.
Lace boots extra tight on day three – down stairs and trail all day took out my big toenail, lesson learned
Couldn’t find a single ATM there? Wow! I didn’t look for one there myself but that’s pretty astounding!
I just came back from Peru and we did manage to find a single ATM by the bus stop in Agua Caliente.
Try to get a private tour starting very early. We were there for 10am and had to wait quite awhile to get in. When we got in, there was so many people which made it hard to see past them … ;-(
Are the heights scary, I’ve seen a few posts about it being quite high up on narrow paths… and if you have a fear of heights to avoid it?
Assuming you are on a guided hike, you can ask the guide to help you on the steeper and more narrow paths. On the 4 day hike, there is nothing that an experienced bushwalker should worry about, and there is no need to be on your hands and knees (there is no low grade climbing), but it depends on your tolerance level. This is an alpine walk and you should be prepared for such. Most guided hikes will provide a difficulty grade.
I don’t do well with heights on narrow ledges. I was never concerned – the trails are plenty wide enough.
Jen, uh, what is the, uh, bathroom situation?
The campsites and lunch stops along the trail all had some form of toilet (usually squat). They were not luxurious but not terrible and are clearly cleaned regularly. I would recommend wearing closed shoes. Note, however, that different tour operators stop in different locations so you probably want to verify the facility situation with whichever company uo
The campsites and lunch stops along the trail all had some form of toilet (usually squat). They were not luxurious but not terrible and are clearly cleaned regularly. I would recommend wearing closed shoes. Note, however, that different tour operators stop in different locations so you probably want to verify the facility situation with whichever company you book with.
Pack extra pants!! Seriously I am not a good squat pee person. I managed to get pee on my pants more than once in the squat bathrooms and had to wear pee pants (I had 2 pairs for the 4 day hike)
I used my GoGirl many many many times in South America (google it) and to be honest after the first rest stop, I took Immodium the rest if the way up so as to not go #2. I stopped on the last day 🙂
I went the full 4 days without having the urge to poop. Remember, digestion is slowed at that altitude.
I have heard it is a good idea to take liquid iron prior to if not during your trip–helps to prevent altitude sickness by enabling your red blood cells to carry more oxygen.
Kind of. There’s only so much iron per red blood cell. Extra iron helps you make more new red blood cells.
Jen, nice post – and the photos even better! I am considering a travel / teach English lifestyle myself. Could you comment on how feasible it is to support oneself with a travel friendly lifestyle?
Hey Hari, great to hear that you’re interested in this life! I’d say yes it’s feasible if you have the right qualifications, and are ok with spending 6 months to a year or more in each teaching position. I think this length of time is ideal to settle into living somewhere, and living/working somewhere is the best way to truly know a place! 🙂
In my experience it’s possible to save money as you teach to buy a bit of exploring time while you find the next teaching location. I’ve got a blog post all about it on my website, it describes volunteering options, which qualification to get and how to find a job. Let me know if you have any other questions! https://jennyontheroad.wordpress.com/2017/06/25/how-to-teach-and-travel/
Definitely a must do in my lifetime. Thank you for the article in the suggestions. I look forward to this trip hopefully within the next couple years. Wish you luck in Hanoi.
I’m going to add one to your list.
DON’T DRINK THE WATER.
I got sick on day 1 of the hike. I could keep water down, but no food. With a zero calorie intake, I lost 10 lbs in 3 days. While I didn’t miss the weight, it’s not a diet I recommend.
Seriously? Hike to the top of a mountain and you have to tell people how to prepare?
I thought you were going to tell us what to see and what isn’t worth seeing, but apparently you’ve never hiked up a hill before. The only advice you have is about climbing, nothing at all to do with Machu Picchu. You should be this prepared for any long journey into the wilderness. Freakin amateurs….
D rock. You should not see Peru. You are far too experienced to gain anything from a trip like this. Stay home. Stay strong.
really d rock
chill
I did the trail when I was 70 yrs, Greatest experience of my life, Shared it with my son and grandaughter and my daughter-in-law
Great article. I just got back from Machu Picchu myself. I wish I knew or read your article before hand. A lot of good information.
It’s on the top of a mountain, why in your right mind would you leave yourself unprepared for such a venture?
There is nothing in this article that says anything about Machu Picchu, it’s merely a hiking reminder. Never leave home unprepared… Especially if your destination is on the top of a mountain…
Kick rocks D rock! Your comments are just as bad as your handle name.
Most people doing this hike are on a tourist tour. All guided, you don’t carry your gear, just a day pack. It’s not like these individuals are prepping for a hike into the mountains solo. It’s a different mindset for most going into it.
Fun article! Went to MP last year in March. Incredible. INCREDIBLE. And your travel tips are great. Surprisingly I didn’t suffer from alt sickness, we took a bus thru the Andes from Nazca — a great way to acclimatize. I did have a minor headache my 1st night in Cuzco but I made a tea out of cocoa leaves & the ache was gone in about 10 mins, really works! Worst problem I had was the Peruvian version of Montezuma’s Revenge from some bad fish.
I’d also recommend to your readers that while in Peru take a flight over the Nazca Lines. It was amazing! Just try to get a flight that takes off by about 11:30 am — after noon the wind really kicks up & makes the flights bumpy — I’m speaking from personal experience! It was the bumpiest flight I’ve ever taken! But I was happy I did it, got some great shots of the figures!
When did you go? I’m planning a trip but want the best possible weather/conditions…any suggestions??
Hi Jen,
Literally just flew back from Lima this morning. Just hiked the Salkantay Trek. Unbelievable experience!! Bonus adventure, it SNOWED on Salkantay Pass the day we summitted. More like a blizzard! Loved your post and so true. Take extra days (or layers) of clothing, socks too. Keep things separated in jumbo Ziploc bags because once something is wet (sweat or rain), it will never dry while you’re out on the trail. #epicPerusojourn
Can U hike up and then take transportation down?
I’m not 100% sure Violetta, but I know that there is a road up to the entrance and also a train going back to Cusco, so the infrastructure is there for this option for sure, just make sure you enquire with your tour guide – I’m sure you could get it sorted somehow 🙂
Yes you can! I don’t know if anyone who went up and down. It seemed like a one way your when I went. You hike up, train back.
The Inca Trail is a 1-way 40-km hike. Once you reach Machu Picchu at the end, you don’t go back the way you came. You typically take a bus down the hill to Aguas Calientes and either spend the night there or take the train to Cusco.
Aguascalientes Calientes best place to stay since you will be arriving earlier to MP avoiding the crowd coming from far..check if walking sticks allowed last time I heard it was not
Don’t forget to keep looking behind you or you might miss spectacular views.
Walking sticks! Was never one to use walking sticks until I learned the benefits on the trail!! My guide kindly gave new his.
Clothes will never dry so if you sweat profusely or it rains… and it will… make sure you have 4 changes of clothes.
Thanks for the info, trip planned in late September and I will take all the advice I can get ! Cant wait !!
Fantastic post!
Hike distance ? Time? Elevation gain? Hope I didn’t miss this info. Nice article. I’m 69 and think I can do it.
i’m sure you can do it,but why would you? Are bragging rights worth the fights for a night’s sleep or sore feet for a week?
Jim, People older than you were on the trail when I was. As long as you are reasonably used to hiking and don’t have health issues that might be aggravated by altitude (google it), you should be fine. I will warn you it is CRAZY steep – I had no idea. And bring at least one walking stick to protect your knees and hips on the the downhill bits. Elevation varies – Cuzco is higher than MP, but there are some pretty high passes in between. You can google the length and elevation of the trail, but the time it takes to do it depends on which tour/operator you choose (some do more each day than others). Once you get to MP there is a bus/train system to get you back down. And if you decide the hike is too much work, you can always take a train up! Whatever you do, don’t miss Machu Picchu if you have a chance to go. Happy Travels!
You can do it! It’s a 20 km hike. The worst day was dead woman’s pass. I think the elevation increase that day was 1.4 km. Lots of uneven stairs. Take a walking stick and take your time and it should be fine. I saw young children when I went.
The Inca Trail is ~40 km and typically takes 4 days, though allegedly a porter once did it in under 3 hours. I saw plenty of people your age and older on the way up to Dead Woman’s Pass, and they were going faster than me (I was 43 at the time). The second day is brutal (1200-m ascent in 4 hr, with rests) but if you regularly hike up and down hills without a problem, you should be fine regardless of age.
Never too old.. when I went , I saw an elderly gentleman with an oxygen tank walking about the ruins. It’s an amazing experience.!!
Don’t eat lasagna in cusco the night before you set off!
Nice article, Jen!
Ow thank you Bob, I love all of your posts, keep them coming!!
I will save the link for my future trip 🙂
Best bit of advice I can give having done it is to take walking poles.
And June, I’m over 50 and not the fittest dude going around, but made it without too much drama.
The most important thing to know is that your porters can only carry a very small weight for you – take travel size toothpaste, soap etc and pack leggings rather than walking trousers. If you’re small, very light waterproof jacket and trousers are better than one of the ponchos as they’re huge. By the way I went in December and didn’t get bitten by mosquitoes at all!
Wonderful advice. How I wish that I had tackled Machu Picchu before I got too old. I know I really missed an awesome experience.
Not too old June. There was an 80 year old couple walking the Inca trail when I went. They had a lovely guide that was allowing them to do it at their own pace. Also you can always take the train and bus to Machu Picchu…….
Like I did,every experience is unique..even the luxury bus to Cusco had a lot of drama.
Another hint. We went when I was only 81. Nothing bothered me, except the very high steps at another site, but I made it, just more slowly than at 77. Main hint: get a little bottle of the mint oil, a specific variety, a couple of drops in palms rubbed together, breathed in from cupped hands. Great to relieve shortness of breath from elevation hiking.
Thank you Jim!
At 48 with some mild atheletic asthma I think this is a brilliant idea!! Buying myself some mint oil for my hike!
I agree with Anonymous, June there is no such thing as too old! Intrepid offer trips for all ages and I am a firm believer that where there is a will, there’s a way, and you seem to have to will!
I am thinking of signing up with Adventure Women for 2019 when I’ll be 68. I have been vacillating due to my age but need to put on my “big girl panties” and just do it! Thanks for the encouragement Jen.
Thanks Jen , really good info in here … ans yes socks … I have a thing about bringing extra socks and my mates always moan … until they borrow a pair .
I’ve hiked Pacaya during bandito season,Ft Jackson end to end & an Annapurna trek. I’ll take the easier softer way now-I even disdained the 2K hike from Agua Caliente for the scruffy bus. Nobody hadda hold my hand for a minute.
Dear D Rocks Sucks…you certainly do.