I'm going to Machu Picchu (1 Viewer)

[njherdfan]

I don't remember where we were, but we ended up on an easy hike through some hills near Ollywhatever, where we met with a family who lived there in mud huts. (We had a guide who took us there.). These were people who had never left those hills, built their house, ate what they could raise and kill, etc. The matriarch was 36 years old and looked 76. Hard life, and the kindest and most welcoming people.

I knew we were scheduled to have lunch with them--we had brought some things from town that were delicacies for them-- but as the woman was talking to us (our guide translating), she grabbed a guinea pig and held it up in a position that caused both of us to suck in our breath as we were sure she was going to wring its little neck right there (guinea pig is a popular dish in Peru). Our guide quickly realized the issue and stopped her, thank god. I would have eaten it to be polite ( though at the time I was a vegetarian), but I really didn't want to watch the little guy die.

Anyway, we had soup. There were a lot of guinea pigs around, though.

These are the types of experiences to have there, when you can spare the time .

I had cuy. My girlfriend, whose Spanish is exponentially better than mine, decided not to tell me to "let me experience it for the both of us." I was less than thrilled with her decision, although it didn't taste bad. And I agree, the experiences you'll have if you're not rushing from place to place are a big part of what makes traveling so great.

 

[krista4]

I don't remember where we were, but we ended up on an easy hike through some hills near Ollywhatever, where we met with a family who lived there in mud huts. (We had a guide who took us there.). These were people who had never left those hills, built their house, ate what they could raise and kill, etc. The matriarch was 36 years old and looked 76. Hard life, and the kindest and most welcoming people.

I knew we were scheduled to have lunch with them--we had brought some things from town that were delicacies for them-- but as the woman was talking to us (our guide translating), she grabbed a guinea pig and held it up in a position that caused both of us to suck in our breath as we were sure she was going to wring its little neck right there (guinea pig is a popular dish in Peru). Our guide quickly realized the issue and stopped her, thank god. I would have eaten it to be polite ( though at the time I was a vegetarian), but I really didn't want to watch the little guy die.

Anyway, we had soup. There were a lot of guinea pigs around, though.

These are the types of experiences to have there, when you can spare the time .

I had cuy. My girlfriend, whose Spanish is exponentially better than mine, decided not to tell me to "let me experience it for the both of us." I was less than thrilled with her decision, although it didn't taste bad. And I agree, the experiences you'll have if you're not rushing from place to place are a big part of what makes traveling so great.

Mr. krista had it in Cusco (on purpose). He thought it was fine, too.

 

[Random]

Ok so after further review the Inca Trail hike is in play. Thoughts on this package?

http://www.theclymb.com/adventures/12816/inca-trail-trek-to-machu-picchu/show-product/100631?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_term=adventures&utm_campaign=101614%20Adventures%20Weekly

 

[chauncey]

Ok so after further review the Inca Trail hike is in play. Thoughts on this package?

http://www.theclymb.com/adventures/12816/inca-trail-trek-to-machu-picchu/show-product/100631?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_term=adventures&utm_campaign=101614%20Adventures%20Weekly

That looks awesome. 7 days, 3 days/26 mi hike on the trail sounds like the perfect amount of time to get a little culture and the trail/MP experience. I've never been so can't comment on the specifics, but the price and itinerary seem like a no brainer. Is that website a groupon for adventure trips? Gonna have to check it out, thanks for the link.

 

[Random]

Ok so after further review the Inca Trail hike is in play. Thoughts on this package?

http://www.theclymb.com/adventures/12816/inca-trail-trek-to-machu-picchu/show-product/100631?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_term=adventures&utm_campaign=101614%20Adventures%20Weekly

That looks awesome. 7 days, 3 days/26 mi hike on the trail sounds like the perfect amount of time to get a little culture and the trail/MP experience. I've never been so can't comment on the specifics, but the price and itinerary seem like a no brainer. Is that website a groupon for adventure trips? Gonna have to check it out, thanks for the link.

I agree. I think it looks awesome.

I have no idea what that site is, the link was sent by one of the guys interested in going.

 

[krista4]

Ok so after further review the Inca Trail hike is in play. Thoughts on this package?

http://www.theclymb.com/adventures/12816/inca-trail-trek-to-machu-picchu/show-product/100631?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_term=adventures&utm_campaign=101614%20Adventures%20Weekly

That looks awesome. 7 days, 3 days/26 mi hike on the trail sounds like the perfect amount of time to get a little culture and the trail/MP experience. I've never been so can't comment on the specifics, but the price and itinerary seem like a no brainer. Is that website a groupon for adventure trips? Gonna have to check it out, thanks for the link.

Looks great to me. (Saw your PM and looked for this thread.) That price is astonishingly low. I signed up for the site, too, which could be dangerous to my pocketbook--thanks for the link.

 

[Random]

Awesome! I am really excited about this. I think that package is going to work for us. I'll keep this thread updated. Thanks for all the help.

 

[Mookie]

Do it. I did a single day trek to MP and was really bummed that we didn't do the longer hike. It really is spectacular.

Cuzco is a really cool town, and spending a few days exploring the markets and other sites in the Sacred Valley is also a must do.

 

[Random]

Ok so after further review the Inca Trail hike is in play. Thoughts on this package?

http://www.theclymb.com/adventures/12816/inca-trail-trek-to-machu-picchu/show-product/100631?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_term=adventures&utm_campaign=101614%20Adventures%20Weekly

We bit. Looking like June, July or August. Planning on flying out on a Fri, starting the hike (day 2 on itinerary) on a Sun (this should give us a few days in Cusco), and leaving Cuz on Sat (day 7 of hike itinerary). So 9-10 days total including travel. Thanks for the helpful advice, and please keep it coming.

 

[scorchy]

Wanted to bump in case SLBD is still around (PM box is full). Planning on doing the Inca Trail (or one of the other treks) with JZilla and a few other guys sometime in April - June. I'm figuring cold-emailing his buddy with an "I'm an i-acquaintance of SLBD from the internet" would elicit a confused response, at best.

 

[saintfool]

Wanted to bump in case SLBD is still around (PM box is full). Planning on doing the Inca Trail (or one of the other treks) with JZilla and a few other guys sometime in April - June. I'm figuring cold-emailing his buddy with an "I'm an i-acquaintance of SLBD from the internet" would elicit a confused response, at best.

Not at all. I used him for my trip several years ago. He's cool. Don't sweat it. At worst, mention FBGs and he'll make the connection.

 

[Random]

Any footware advice? I'm currently leaning toward getting some good trail shoes vs hiking boots. Thoughts?

 

[the moops]

Wanted to bump in case SLBD is still around (PM box is full). Planning on doing the Inca Trail (or one of the other treks) with JZilla and a few other guys sometime in April - June. I'm figuring cold-emailing his buddy with an "I'm an i-acquaintance of SLBD from the internet" would elicit a confused response, at best.

Not at all. I used him for my trip several years ago. He's cool. Don't sweat it. At worst, mention FBGs and he'll make the connection.

Yea, I used his buddy too. Just send a note and say "hey, heard from some friends that you put together a nice trip". It's not as if there is any discount so the who isn't too important

 

[chauncey]

Any footware advice? I'm currently leaning toward getting some good trail shoes vs hiking boots. Thoughts?

I hiked the Grand Canyon rim to rim (~27 miles) last summer in a pair of Brooks running shoes with zero problems. And I was packing probably 40 pounds on my back. If I was doing it over I would get trail shoes just to help with traction on the declines. Boots will definitely make it easier on your ankles and you won't have to be as cautious about where you are stepping. If you are in shape, have tough ankles, and are aware of where you are stepping trail shoes should be good enough.

I have no idea how the Inca trail compares to the canyon trails in terms of grade and condition.

 

[chauncey]

Wanted to bump in case SLBD is still around (PM box is full). Planning on doing the Inca Trail (or one of the other treks) with JZilla and a few other guys sometime in April - June. I'm figuring cold-emailing his buddy with an "I'm an i-acquaintance of SLBD from the internet" would elicit a confused response, at best.

I was thinking of doing this in either April or June/July. How much would this trip cost? How far in advance does it need to be planned? (Are there permits for hiking/camping that need to be purchased far in advance?)

 

[Officer Pete Malloy]

Any footware advice? I'm currently leaning toward getting some good trail shoes vs hiking boots. Thoughts?

I hiked the Grand Canyon rim to rim (~27 miles) last summer in a pair of Brooks running shoes with zero problems. And I was packing probably 40 pounds on my back.

You're pretty bad ###.

 

[krista4]

Any footware advice? I'm currently leaning toward getting some good trail shoes vs hiking boots. Thoughts?

I hiked the Grand Canyon rim to rim (~27 miles) last summer in a pair of Brooks running shoes with zero problems. And I was packing probably 40 pounds on my back.

You're pretty bad ###.

It was also uphill both ways.

 

[Officer Pete Malloy]

I once did the Applechain trail in flip-flops.

 

[The General]

Any footware advice? I'm currently leaning toward getting some good trail shoes vs hiking boots. Thoughts?

I hiked the Grand Canyon rim to rim (~27 miles) last summer in a pair of Brooks running shoes with zero problems. And I was packing probably 40 pounds on my back.

You're pretty bad ###.

He was offering advice based on experience, tubby.

 

[krista4]

Any footware advice? I'm currently leaning toward getting some good trail shoes vs hiking boots. Thoughts?

I hiked the Grand Canyon rim to rim (~27 miles) last summer in a pair of Brooks running shoes with zero problems. And I was packing probably 40 pounds on my back.

You're pretty bad ###.

He was offering advice based on experience, tubby.

Sure, if by "based on experience" you mean a completely unrelated place and not comparable hike with different terrain, a continent away.

chauncey, not trying to diminish what you did. As an avid, frequent hiker, I at what you mentioned that you did. As an avid, frequent hiker who has gone to Machu Picchu, however, I would also recommend that one use good lightweight hiking boots for it. The climbs, and as you mention the descents, are so much easier as a result. Even once you get there, traversing the various spots, especially if you want to go up to Huayna Picchu, would counsel in favor of the boots. I'm not sure why someone wouldn't go ahead and get proper gear.

 

[The General]

Any footware advice? I'm currently leaning toward getting some good trail shoes vs hiking boots. Thoughts?

I hiked the Grand Canyon rim to rim (~27 miles) last summer in a pair of Brooks running shoes with zero problems. And I was packing probably 40 pounds on my back.

You're pretty bad ###.

He was offering advice based on experience, tubby.

Sure, if by "based on experience" you mean a completely unrelated place and not comparable hike with different terrain, a continent away.

chauncey, not trying to diminish what you did. As an avid, frequent hiker, I at what you mentioned that you did. As an avid, frequent hiker who has gone to Machu Picchu, however, I would also recommend that one use good lightweight hiking boots for it. The climbs, and as you mention the descents, are so much easier as a result. Even once you get there, traversing the various spots, especially if you want to go up to Huayna Picchu after you get there, would counsel in favor of the boots. I'm not sure why someone wouldn't go ahead and get proper gear.

He mentioned in the rest of his response that was edited out he thought trail shoes would have been better for what he did in GC. Added that if weak ankles were a concern that boots would be a good idea. Also mentioned that he had not done the Inca trail.

All was pretty good advice.

 

[chauncey]

I wasn't trying to flex my i-muscles, just sharing a recent experience where I was considering the same options. Truth is I procrastinated shopping for boots or trail shoes to the point I didn't want to break in a brand new pair on the trail so my only option was the running shoes I already owned. It went better than I expected, but I'll never do it again. May as well maximize safety and comfort and go with boots.

And yes, it was uphill both ways. In the middle of July. And I killed 3 rattlesnakes with my bare hands.

 

[krista4]

I wasn't trying to flex my i-muscles, just sharing a recent experience where I was considering the same options. Truth is I procrastinated shopping for boots or trail shoes to the point I didn't want to break in a brand new pair on the trail so my only option was the running shoes I already owned. It went better than I expected, but I'll never do it again. May as well maximize safety and comfort and go with boots.

And yes, it was uphill both ways. In the middle of July. And I killed 3 rattlesnakes with my bare hands.

Definitely makes sense to break them in first; you made the right choice given the options you had at that point.

A little disappointed you didn't tear the rattlesnakes apart with your teeth instead, though.

 

[msommer]

Most of the inca trail is paved so you could probably do it in trainers if you like. But get proper gear that will allow you comfort even if you eff something up.

And break them in beforehand - walk them a lot for a week - Walking the inca trail in brand new boots would be crazy

 

[Sonny Lubick Blowup Doll]

His email is sean at

adventurestoperu.com

I don't know about discounts but you should get some extra attention and great guidance/info. He's been at it a long time now and is so passionate about Peru and its history and culture, it's great. Ton of respect for him and the family he is raising down there.

Pmail me your name or email if you want me to let him know you'll be contacting him. Otherwise, just tell him it's another magic football friend. Jesus.

 

[Sonny Lubick Blowup Doll]

Most of the inca trail is paved

Wait, what?

 

[Random]

Any recommendations on these boots? I'm not a very experienced hiker, so I'm pretty much starting from scratch here. To be honest this will be my first hike.

I am in fairly decent shape and don't really have ankle problems.

What is good training for this? Any way to simulate the altitude while training?

What about renting stuff as opposed to buying/bringing it? Like sleeping bags, the tour company rents sleeping bags.

Anything else?

 

[PIK95]

I thought this was a Pokemon thread by the title. Carry on.

 

[zed2283]

If you're thinking about doing the Inca Trail, why not consider this? Hiking is the only way to get there.

http://www.theguardian.com/travel/2014/nov/01/peru-choquequirao-inca-ruins-trek

http://www.rediscovermachupicchu.com/choquequirao.htm

 

[scorchy]

Wanted to bump in case SLBD is still around (PM box is full). Planning on doing the Inca Trail (or one of the other treks) with JZilla and a few other guys sometime in April - June. I'm figuring cold-emailing his buddy with an "I'm an i-acquaintance of SLBD from the internet" would elicit a confused response, at best.

I was thinking of doing this in either April or June/July. How much would this trip cost? How far in advance does it need to be planned? (Are there permits for hiking/camping that need to be purchased far in advance?)

Just to update -- booked the Inca Trail through SLBD's buddy Sean for June. We had originally planned on May, but it sold out before we got our #### together. You can search online through another company for availability by date, though it looks like April is mostly gone and June/July are filling up fast. The availability is for the entire trail (not just that tour company).

http://www.inca-trail.com.pe/dispo/index.php?lg=en&year=2015&month=07#cal

Be sure to get confirmation of your trek dates before booking your flight though -- lesson learned there. I think Sean's company typically books complete tours, including plane tickets, hotels, transfers, etc, but he was more than happy just to help us with the trekking part of our trip. He charges $695 per person for the 4-day Inca Trail, but that includes sleeping bags, mattresses, tents, and food.

 

[James Bond]

Heading off to Peru and MP in a couple of weeks, using SLBD's friend Sean for the arrangements. Can't wait.

 

[msommer]

Heading off to Peru and MP in a couple of weeks, using SLBD's friend Sean for the arrangements. Can't wait.

I'm in Lima from the 26th of May until July 10. If you stop by and feel like going out for a craft beer, send me a PM

 

[Otis]

I once did the Applechain trail in flip-flops.

How.

 

[Random]

Heading off to Peru and MP in a couple of weeks, using SLBD's friend Sean for the arrangements. Can't wait.

I'm in Lima from the 26th of May until July 10. If you stop by and feel like going out for a craft beer, send me a PM

I'm doing the Inca trail to MP in late July. Can't wait.

 

[zed2283]

Hmm... guess I never posted here after my trip last summer (June 2014) but I recommend checking this place out if you're planning to go to Peru. I was so glad we went.

Huacachina

 

[Random]

Ok so after further review the Inca Trail hike is in play. Thoughts on this package?

http://www.theclymb.com/adventures/12816/inca-trail-trek-to-machu-picchu/show-product/100631?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_term=adventures&utm_campaign=101614%20Adventures%20Weekly

We bit. Looking like June, July or August. Planning on flying out on a Fri, starting the hike (day 2 on itinerary) on a Sun (this should give us a few days in Cusco), and leaving Cuz on Sat (day 7 of hike itinerary). So 9-10 days total including travel. Thanks for the helpful advice, and please keep it coming.

Departing Saturday for Peru!

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

I once did the Applechain trail in flip-flops.

How.

He meant the Applebee's Trail

 

[dnurk]

Dot

 

[the moops]

Ok so after further review the Inca Trail hike is in play. Thoughts on this package?

http://www.theclymb.com/adventures/12816/inca-trail-trek-to-machu-picchu/show-product/100631?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_term=adventures&utm_campaign=101614%20Adventures%20Weekly

We bit. Looking like June, July or August. Planning on flying out on a Fri, starting the hike (day 2 on itinerary) on a Sun (this should give us a few days in Cusco), and leaving Cuz on Sat (day 7 of hike itinerary). So 9-10 days total including travel. Thanks for the helpful advice, and please keep it coming.

Departing Saturday for Peru!

Nice!

Would love to get down there again. One of, if not the most, memorable trips of my life. I miss the ceviche

 

[msommer]

Ok so after further review the Inca Trail hike is in play. Thoughts on this package?

http://www.theclymb.com/adventures/12816/inca-trail-trek-to-machu-picchu/show-product/100631?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_term=adventures&utm_campaign=101614%20Adventures%20Weekly

We bit. Looking like June, July or August. Planning on flying out on a Fri, starting the hike (day 2 on itinerary) on a Sun (this should give us a few days in Cusco), and leaving Cuz on Sat (day 7 of hike itinerary). So 9-10 days total including travel. Thanks for the helpful advice, and please keep it coming.

Departing Saturday for Peru!

Have fun. In Cuzco try someof cervecaria del valle sagrado's good stuff!

 

[the moops]

Not sure if I shared before, but here is a collection of photos from our Peru trip. We were there for 3 weeks.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/greenandreabean/tags/peru/

 

[James Bond]

Ok so after further review the Inca Trail hike is in play. Thoughts on this package?

http://www.theclymb.com/adventures/12816/inca-trail-trek-to-machu-picchu/show-product/100631?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_term=adventures&utm_campaign=101614%20Adventures%20Weekly

We bit. Looking like June, July or August. Planning on flying out on a Fri, starting the hike (day 2 on itinerary) on a Sun (this should give us a few days in Cusco), and leaving Cuz on Sat (day 7 of hike itinerary). So 9-10 days total including travel. Thanks for the helpful advice, and please keep it coming.

Departing Saturday for Peru!

You will love it! We got back about a month ago and we agreed that it was the most fascinating trip we had ever done. Be sure to take sun screen and insect repellant. Also, make sure that any US money you take is in good shape. We got grief for a nearly pristine bill because it had a litle ink on it.

 

[chauncey]

Have fun bro, congrats on following through, keep us posted. And bang some hot Peruvians or backpacker chicks in Cuzco!

 

[Random]

Wow, what a ride!!!

First day back at work. I'll try to give a quick review of what we did and how everything went.

7/18 - Flew out of DAY around 8pm to DFW. Quick layover then on to LIM. A few hours layover then on to CUZ.

7/19 - Everything went smooth and our travel co was waiting for us when we arrived at about 1030 am. We had until 3pm to get settled in and do a little exploring before our "tour of Cusco" provided by the travel co. Grabbed lunch and a few Pisco Sours, then went back for the tour. The tour was pretty cool, hit the market and the wall with the stone of 12 angles, and the main square in Cusco. Did a little more touring on our own, dinner and a few more Piscos before calling it a night.

7/20 - All day Sacred Valley tour. http://www.valenciatravelcusco.com/sacred-valley-tour.php

Inca Trail intinrary found here - http://www.valenciatravelcusco.com/inca-trail-to-machu-picchu-4-days-3-nights.php#itinerary

Found out we were getting a "private tour" of the trail because someone in the other group we were scheduled to hike with was sick.

7/21 - Up at 4am to km82 in Ollantaytambo to begin hike. This is supposed to be the "easy day" of the hike and it kicked our asses. Its 16km over 9 hours and is "Inca Flat". We were honestly not sure what we would do for day 2 (the "hard day"). Our guide approached us at dinner about hiring personal porters (nearly everyone else on the trail had small packs with just water and a few personal items, we had 25-30 lbs each). So we happily obliged.

7/22 - The infamous "hard day". We must have acclimated over night, because this day was not nearly as brutal as we expected. Very challenging, yet very enjoyable. Lots of stairs (our guide said close to 4000), reaching "dead womans pass", sleeping above the clouds that night. Probably my favorite day of the hike.

7/23 - We had to carry our full packs again and were a little worried about it. But it turned out to be fine. In my opinion, this was the easiest day. Finished the hike by lunch, spent hours running around a very large ruin taking pictures, and took a "shower" in a glacier waterfall.

7/24 - Up at 3:30 so the porters could catch their train. Waited until 5:30 to start the hike to the sun gate and MP. Reached the sun gate by sun up (730?) and then went on to MP. MP was pretty disappointing mostly because we had been spoiled to past three days with having pretty much the run of the other ruins to ourselves. MP was packed. And very regulated with roped off sections, lines, etc. We took off around 1pm and met up with our guide for lunch Aguas Callientes, where we proceeded to celebrate. And celebrate. And celebrate more. We ended the day/night hitting 7-10 bars in Cusco. Probably one of the top 5 party nights of my life.

7/25 - Up at 8am (still drunk as hell) to Parasail Sacred Valley. This was really cool. We basically ran off the side of a mountain then parasailed around SV for about an hour. Went back to Cusco and took it easy that night.

7/26 - Departed CUZ at noon to Lima. Went to the Milaflores, hit a few bars and casinos, watched a gold cup soccer game with locals (really cool!) then headed back to the hotel.

7/27 - Left LIM for home.

Highlights

The hike!

The food on the hike (literally 4-5 course five star food). Probably the biggest surprise.

The party night.

The weather. We had near perfect weather. No Rain!!

Lowlights

Macchu Picchu.

 

[ChiefD]

Sounds cool Random. Definitely a trip on my list for the future.

 

[SWC]

i am probably heading to pewaukee this weekend brohans

 

[Brony]

nice report Random. sounds like a great trip (jealous)!.

 

[Random]

Anyone been to Peru?

We're going to take 2 weeks next winter, take a train ride through Lake Titicaca, hike the Inca Trail, visit Machu Picchu...

It is our first stop of our plan to visit the new 7 wonders of the world (Machu Picchu, Great Wall, Petra, Christ the Redeemer, Colosseum, Taj Mahal, Chichen Itza). Hitting one up each year for the seven years.

Very excited.

Have you done these? We are now trying to start planning our next adventure and are open to ideas. Thanks!

 

[krista4]

Great trip report, Random! Glad you had so much fun; your 7/24 night sounds amazing.

When we went, there weren't roped off areas or lines. That sucks. Sounds like it's really changed for the worse.

 

[Random]

Great trip report, Random! Glad you had so much fun; your 7/24 night sounds amazing.

When we went, there weren't roped off areas or lines. That sucks. Sounds like it's really changed for the worse.

I wish I could say more about the 7/24 night, but it went from a blur to well, a blackout. Spotty memories. We each had 2 liters of beer and a few Pisco Sours at lunch. What we do remember is being treated like gods at every bar we went to. Bouncers escorting us to the bar. Bartenders pouring shots right into our mouths. Handing us drinks and keeping them coming. Taxis (ok, random people we jumped into cars with) driving us to the next bar. We were on possibly the biggest natural high of our lives and it was only intensified by the alcohol. Awake 24+ hours straight. Lucky we each woke up with both of our kidneys. God, it was great.

Our guide said they now allow 2500 people per day into MP.