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How to prepare and pack for Machu Picchu

Preparation and what to bring for Machu Picchu

Tackling the ancient site of Machu Picchu in Peru’s Sacred Valley requires some serious mental and physical preparation…and that depends on how you plan the experience. One option is to take it easy and relaxed, soaking in the spectacular atmosphere of the verdant Sacred Valley prior to making the train or trek. Taking the train to the Inca settlement is easily the best and most efficient way to visit Machu Picchu. However, many travelers want to experience the challenge of making the 4-day classic trek along the Inca trail, an ancient trade route used by this historical civilization, and to do this; you need to prepare. If you’re somewhere in between, not to worry, there’s a 2 day Inca Trail hike, in case you find yourself in between the two. Here’s what you need to know before traveling to Machu Picchu.

Plan ahead

If you are planning on hiking the full 4 day Inca trail, it is important that you plan ahead, as the trail only allows only 500 trekkers each day, at any given time of the year, and so sells out months in advance. If you have your heart set on doing this hike, make sure to book way ahead of time to secure your place on the trail. It is wise to check around six months before you plan on traveling whether there are spots available and keep in mind that the trail is closed in February. If for any reason your travel dates aren’t meshing with availability, there’s usually space available on the 2 day trek, and almost always visiting the Inca citadel by train. Also, make sure to explore other areas to extend your visit, Peru is perfect for every type of traveler!

Get acclimatized

Coca leaf reading shaman

Hiking can be exhausting at the best of times, but when you are trekking at a high altitude, the job becomes even tougher. The best thing to do is to to review our Cusco Travel Guide, and plan to arrive in Cusco a few days before your trek begins, so that you can acclimatize to the altitude. The altitude in Cusco is approximately 3400m / 11000ft above sea level and can leave even the fittest person out of breath, so it is advised to take your time getting used to being active at this height. If the altitude concerns you even the least bit, check out Coping with Altitude in Cusco, as your best bet would be to arrive to Cusco and leave that same day into the Sacred Valley, which has a lower altitude than Cusco (9500ft / 2900m).

There are preventative medications such as Diamox (suffer-based) that can be prescribed by your physician. Diamox is also used for motion sickness but found to be extremely useful when it comes to acclimatization as well. There are a few other tricks to hanging in there with the altitude. Contact our local travel experts or check out our Peru Travel Guide, we can help plan an unforgettable journey that will make sure that everything runs like clockwork during your trip to Peru.

Layers, boots and rain gear

One of the most important things to think about before you get on the plane is what you’re going to bring. Depending on the time of year, the weather can be more extreme in terms of rain than at other times, but expect there to be at least a shower at some point on your Inca trail hike. The best tactic is to bring breathable layers of dryfit, fleece and a sturdy rain and windproof outer layer, that you can peel away as you get hotter during the hike. A pair of comfortable hiking boots are also a must-have, and if you buy a new pair especially for this trip, make sure you break them in at home first, or else you run the risk of getting nasty blisters while you hike, not something you want.

Travel light

Seeing as you’ll be on the trail for a couple of days, you won’t want to be laden down with lots of weight in your backpack. Luckily, there are guides, with donkeys, on hand to carry the majority of your packs up the mountain, but most travelers will still keep a day pack with them that will have water, snacks, sun cream, lip balm and tissue paper in it, as well as anything else you might need. There are various kiosks stationed along the trail where you can stock up on supplies, don’t bring too much with you at the start.

What to pack if hiking the 4 day Inca Trail?

Temperatures vary greatly on the trail and rain and wind are possible. Days can be very warm in the lower areas, whereas nights at high altitude get very chilly. You may also want to have a look at our Ultimate Inca Trail Guide, which can help give some perspective in case you’re planning to make the 4 day hike. The best course of action is layering. You will also need good boots, something relatively light weight with ankle support is ideal. Be sure to take your boots for a walk before hitting the trail as blisters will spoil your enjoyment. Below is a list of packing essentials:

  • Current Passport, if renewed at time of booking a copy of old passport.
  • Small daypack with sunglasses, sun hat, sun and insect lotion, camera, and bandana.
  • One set of base clothes per day (t-shirt, socks, trousers).
  • Microfiber fleece, long underwear, winter hat and gloves for colder days/nights.
  • Waterproof pants, water and windproof jacket.
  • Good walking boots, light sport shoes and flip-flops.
  • Water canteen, as plastic bottles are prohibited on trek.
  • Sleeping bag (good quality bags and liners are available for hire).
  • Flashlight, spare batteries, and portable power bank.
  • Personal medication, toiletries and towel.
  • Peruvian currency in small denominations for tips and small purchases.

Why Peru is perfect for every type of traveler

The South American country of Peru tops many traveler’s top destination lists, and is often lauded as a backpacker’s Mecca, hosting some of the best Peru tours South America has to offer. However, it is not just thrifty backpackers who come to Peru seeking some of the best travel experiences that the world has to offer, but also digital nomads, boutique and luxury tourists and adventurers of all stripes flock to this mythic nation in their droves. Peru has some of the most exciting bucket list destinations all within the confines of its borders, from sacred, ancient sites to cosmopolitan metropolises and stunning beaches. Peru has something to suit everyone, so we take a look at just some of the highlights that attract a wide variety of travelers all year round.

The hiker’s holy grail in the Peruvian Andes

Even the most seasoned hiker will be wowed by the surreal landscapes and otherworldly terrains of the Rainbow Mountain in the Peruvian Andes. At 16,000ft above sea level, scaling the heights up to Rainbow Mountain is not for the faint hearted, but the achievement of having conquered the altitude, and the reward of getting up close and personal with the coloured bands of this undulating landform is a personal triumph in itself. The mountain was hidden from tourists and locals alike for years because of a cap of ice and snow that melted to reveal this rainbow-like formation, known locally as Winnikunka.

Adventure and intrigue in the Peruvian Amazon

The Amazon is one of the most mysterious places on earth. Home to wild tribes that still have had relatively little contact with modern man, and the natural habitat for some of the most exotic animal species on the planet, the Amazon embodies the call of the wild for many people. There are numerous adventure lodges located in the heart of the jungle, from where you can set off to spot jaguar, cruise up the muddy waters of the world’s largest river and catch the infamous piranha, or stay and explore amongst the treetops in an elevated canopy tower.

Foodie heaven in Lima

Peruvian cuisine is fast becoming one of the most talked about in the world, and there is nowhere better to experience the unique flavours and ingredients of Peruvian food than in the capital, Lima. Lima is a dusty desert city that drops off a cliff into the sea at one side, but this bustling city is known for its gourmet selection of delicious dishes, whether they be traditional Andean offerings or more contemporary fusions of Peruvian and Japanese fare, Nikkei. Foodies from all corners of the world are spending more and more time in Lima, a destination that is most certainly up there on the global culinary map.

The sights and sounds of the Sacred Valley

Ancient trade routes, sacred sites and breathtaking landscapes – what more could you want from the Peruvian highlands? The inimitable Sacred Valley is home to all of these things and much more. Travelers of every description land in the regional hub of Cusco looking to experience the once in a lifetime journey to Machu Picchu, whether it’s by hiking the Inca Trail or breezing through the valley on the train to the summit. Stay overnight and see the sun rise over the verdant green peaks of this iconic mountain site.

Does the Zika virus affect your trip to Latin America?

All information correct as of Wednesday, February 3rd, 2016

With the recent outbreak of the Zika virus in the Americas, many travelers have been asking us how they can prevent being infected while seeing the wonders of Latin America and whether or not it affects their travel plans. As we have 6 regional offices throughout Latin America, we are here on the ground and following the situation closely as not only is this something which is happening close to home but we want to always ensure that you travel with nothing less than 100% peace of mind. Based on information gathered from reliable international press and medical sources, this article on the Zika virus and how it may or may not affect your trip to Latin America has been prepared for general information purposes. It is therefore in no way a substitute for professional medical advice… so once you’ve read the rest of this article and if you have any further medical or health related questions and doubts please consult your doctor as although we are wizards at creating unforgettable travel experiences, we leave providing health advice to the doctors and medical professionals.

♦ What is the Zika Virus?

From the same family of the Dengue virus, the Zika virus or, ZIKV for short, was first identified in 1947 in certain monkeys from the Zika Forest in Uganda. Fifteen years later, it was found that ZIKV can also cause illnesses in humans. Indications also suggest that ZIKV may be related to certain neurological birth defects such as Microcephaly, when the mother becomes infected with Zika while pregnant. While the scientific evidence for this relation is still incomplete and the total number of those infected by the Zika virus to be confirmed, such complications have been found to be rare. Other rare diseases which still lack scientific evidence but have been heavily reported in the press recently is the link between ZIKV and neurological conditions such as, Guillain-Barré syndrome.

♦ Where is the recent ZIKV outbreak occurring?

The situation is changing all the time and the World Health Organization (WHO) expects it to spread to other areas. It has been predominantly reported in the tropical regions of Central and South America the Caribbean and, Southeast Asia. While the Zika virus is affecting the tropical regions of Latin America, the high altitude and colder climates of South America such as the Andes of Peru, Bolivia, Chile & Argentina as well as Patagonia have not yet experienced an outbreak of the virus. If you would like to see where local Zika transmissions have been reported you can stay up to date at the following link from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC): http://www.cdc.gov/zika/

♦ How do you become infected with the Zika virus?

Transmitted through bites from the Aedes mosquito, the same mosquito that carries Dengue and Chikungunya, they are usually most active during daylight hours and often live in buildings in urban areas. It is possible but much rarer, for the fetus to contract the virus in the womb if the mother has been infected with ZIKV during pregnancy.

♦ What are the symptoms of ZIKV?

The illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting for several days to a week with about 1 in 5 people infected with Zika virus becoming ill. According to the CDC the most common symptoms of Zika are fever, rash (starts in the face and spreads), joint pain, conjunctivitis (red eyes), muscle pain (hands and feet) and headaches (“behind the eyes”). The time from exposure to symptoms of the Zika virus is still unknown but it is likely to be a few days to a week. If you develop any of the above symptoms described above while traveling through an area where Zika is found, you should contact your healthcare provider.

♦ Is there a treatment for the Zika virus?

There are no medicines available because people infected with the Zika virus recover without treatment and without any serious lingering symptoms. Only in the event of possible complications might it be necessary to carry out a targeted investigation to provide specific treatment.

♦ Does the virus affect my travel plans to Latin America?

If – and in what way – the Zika virus outbreak may affect your travel plans to Latin America depends on the condition of your personal health and on the travel advice of national and international organizations and governments. Generally speaking as at the beginning of February 2016 there is no restriction on travel to areas affected with the Zika virus. If you find yourself in good health and not pregnant, there is no obvious medical reason for changing your Latin America travel plans as long as you comply with the recommended preventative measures found in the next paragraph. Unfortunately you can’t predict the future but if you are thinking of booking a trip to a current Zika-infected area we highly recommend taking out travel insurance which will cover you and your travel expenses if your trip was to get cancelled for possible travel restrictions. If you are looking to travel soon to Latin America but want to avoid going to any of the current ZIKV areas, this may be a great chance to seek out another country or area of Latin America that you had not previously considered. Make sure to speak to your Class Adventure Travel specialist who will be more than happy to help plan your vacation to Central & South America, avoiding current Zika-infected areas.

♦ How can I prevent or lessen the chances of getting the Zika virus?

Reducing the chance of getting the Zika virus comes down to preventing mosquito bites. Particularly during the day you should take anti-mosquito measures such as wearing long clothes as much as possible and they should preferably be light-colored. Use a reliable repellent, anti-mosquito lotion or stick and make sure to carefully follow the instructions on the product leaflet. While in your hotel room, keep windows closed and only open them if there are good screens, using the in-room air conditioning to keep both yourself and the room cool. If it’s not possible to seep in a room that is free of mosquitoes take a mosquito net with you that has already been treated with insect repellent such as, permethrin. Once again, if you become ill with any of the symptoms mentioned above within two weeks of returning from Zika-infected areas, you should always consult your doctor.

If you are pregnant or might become pregnant while visiting Zika virus areas, you may decide to take into account the travel advice of your government and World Health Organization (WHO). As ZIKV continues to spread, knowledge of the virus and its characteristics is constantly growing and as a result, preventative advice will change with it. If pregnant, you should only follow reliable sources such as your government or WHO, and consult your doctor before visiting ZIKV areas.

Thanks for visiting our Central & South America Travel Blog! Feel free to contact one of our Travel Specialists via email, phone or chat to book your perfect vacation to Latin America.

First Dreamliner for South America

With the merge of two very popular airlines, TAM and LAN, South America’s getting its first dreamliner – that huge new plane with the vaulted ceilings and fancy gadgets everyone’s just giddy about. LAN will begin flying the mammoth to L.A., Frankfurt, Madrid and Santiago in the coming months opening up more routes to South America.

Read more at CNN.

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Racing cars in Buenos Aires on 9 de Julio avenue

The 9 de Julio Avenue in Buenos Aires is often said to be the widest avenue in the world with twelve lanes and another two-lane road immediately next to it on each side. Whether it is actually the widest road in the world or not, it is without a doubt an impressive stretch of tarmac, and the perfect stage for the TC 2000 racing car display taking place there this weekend.

Racing cars in Buenos Aires

The Obelisco in Buenos Aires´ 9 de Julio Avenue

 

The center of Buenos Aires, including 9 de Julio and adjacent streets, will be closed to transit all weekend to allow space for the adrenalin-charged displays of the TC 2000. Some of Argentina´s best drivers will be revving up their engines and spinning their wheels against a back drop of some of Buenos Aires’ most important buildings and the emblematic Obelisco.  If racing cars are your thing then get thee to the center of the city (by Subte train) this weekend from 10am.

Thanks for visiting our Central & South America Travel Blog! Feel free to contact one of our Travel Specialists via email, phone or chat to plan your perfect Argentina itinerary.

 

Dakar 2013 route announced!

In a recent press conference the Dakar Rally team officially announced the route of the Dakar 2013. This will be the Dakar´s 34th event and the 5th event to be held in South America with both the organizer´s and racers keen to return again and again to experience the continent´s challenging and varied terrains.

Peru's Southern Desert

Peru’s Southern Desert

Lima was the host city for this year´s grand finale, so will fittingly be opening the festivities and the race next year on January 5th. The Dakar 2013 race will then follow a route through Peru´s southern desert, before heading into Argentina and then through Chile´s Atacama region before concluding in the Chilean capital, Santiago de Chile on January 20th.

Thanks for visiting our Central & South America Travel Blog! Feel free to contact one of our Travel Specialists via email, phone or chat to plan your perfect Peru travel itinerary.

Perito Moreno Ice Bridge Collapses

The Perito Moreno Glacier ice bridge in Patagonia collapsed last night at 3.45 am! The spectacular show was witnessed only by the stars this time around, much to the disappointment of hundreds of tourists and press who were camping out hoping to catch the show.

The Perito Moreno Glacier in Argentina´s Patagonia Glacier National Park is one of the biggest and most impressive in the world. The glacier wall, at around 5km long and 200 feet high, is a truly breathtaking sight and visitors can see it from land, by boat and even by hiking across it.

El Calafate

Now for the science part – the glacier flows into Lake Argentino right at its narrowest point between two branches of the lake. As the ice advances it eventually reaches the headland forming a barrier between the two sections of the lake. As the ice melts the water level in each of the two sections of the lake changes dramatically and the pressure builds. Eventually the warmer water will break through and form an underwater tunnel between the two lakes which gradually expands to form a bridge. When the ice bridge comes down, the sight and sound of huge chunks of ice crashing into the water below is well worth camping out all night for.

Visit our Facebook page to see a video of the ice bridge collapsing in 2008

Thanks for visiting our Central & South America Travel Blog! Feel free to contact one of our Travel Specialists via email, phone or chat to plan your perfect Argentina travel itinerary.

U2 front-man Bono visits Machu Picchu

On Saturday Feb 25th U2 front-man Bono visited Machu Picchu, Peru with his family and security team. After seeing crowds of other tourists gathered outside of the front entrance to Machu Picchu – for the moment more keen on snapping pictures of superstars than sacred sites – Bono and his party decided to opt for a different entrance to gain access to Peru’s historical gem.

After exploring the citadel, Bono stated that he loved Machu Picchu and it was not what he had been expecting. The star spent several days visiting Peru and said that he would be back …we guess he still hasn’t found what he’s looking for (sorry!).

Machu Picchu

Thanks for visiting our Central & South America Travel Blog! Feel free to contact one of our Travel Specialists via email, phone or chat to plan your perfect Peru itinerary.

Google Street View in the Amazon

The Google Street View team has begun a project to include a part of the Brazilian Amazon on their world Street View maps. With 360 degree images of life on the Amazon River and the surrounding rainforest, users will be able to cruise the Amazon River and see what life is like for the communities who live there.

Brazilian Amazon

The area of river that they have chosen stretches for 50km from Manaus (the capital of Brazil’s Amazonas state) down the Rio Negro River through the Tumbira and Terra Preta communities. Google are working with the Amazonas Sustainable Foundation, a local non-profit organization, to get representative images of local communities, life in the rainforest and landscape views. They will be mounting cameras on boats, bikes, and trikes and cruising around the whole region gathering images, with which they will build the 360 degree images of Street View.

Manaus Amazonas theater

As well as giving a fascinating insight into this beautiful and remote part of the world, the aim is to raise awareness of the importance of the Amazon and the need to preserve our natural habitats. Google also underwent a recent project to include parts of the Antarctic on their street view maps.

Click here for some example tours taking in Brazil’s Amazon Jungle 

 

Thanks for visiting our Central & South America Travel Blog! Feel free to contact one of our Travel Specialists via email, phone or chat to plan your perfect Brazil itinerary.