Peru and Inca Trail! - TravelPUNK Backpacker College Student Budget Travel Message Boards!

chacmool16 · 03-08-2008, 06:32 PM

Hey Guys- well I'm leaving for my trip to Peru in a couple of weeks. Any last minute suggestions? I'm doing the 4 day inca trail hike and I'm debating what to pack- I have no clue- long sleaves? shorts? sweaters? I've heard it can get cold there, but I really don't know what to expect and the group I'm going with hasn't given me much direction as far as clothing goes- anything I must bring?
Also, since I've never been on a long hike like this, are there any general suggestions you have- like I don't know what the best material is for clothing that will keep me dry or whether shorts are better than pants, etc. Any advice would be awesome. Thanks! -Lauren

**maracle** · 03-08-2008, 07:25 PM

It certainly got quite cold at night when I was there last may. It seems close enough to may that I would assume you will be in the same situation. Night time temps were down into the 40s every night, although it was quite comfy in jeans and a tshirt during the day. If you're hiking you'll probably want to have shorts available too.

I'd also suggest a plan for rain/wet weather gear, since you wont have the choice to take a day off if your gear and boots get wet.

chacmool16 · 03-10-2008, 11:27 AM

Great advice- thanks for the info. I guess this time of year isn't very warm in the mountains? Any suggestions for rain gear? I have goretex boots- should I bring another pair? I was going to bring a cheap rain poncho but by the sounds of it maybe I should invest in something better- I wasn't thinking there would be a lot of rain. Thanks for the info!

**worldwidemike** · 03-11-2008, 05:36 PM

When I was researching my often aborted trips to Macchu Picchu, I noticed the websites that sell the packages also have suggested packing lists. Plus, whoever you bought yours from would likely respond to an e-mail for tips on what clothes and other items they recommend...

And I'm jealous, Lauren! Of course, I am scheduled to go (try, try again) this September...

worldwidemike

chacmool16 · 03-12-2008, 07:54 AM

Well I'm back April 10th and I'll let you know how it is- I'm really getting excited!

kameleen · 03-22-2008, 10:13 PM

Yes let us know! I think I'll be in Peru in July and all reservations are booked for the Inca Trail. I think that this alternate one sounds nice though: http://www.sastravelperu.com/english...eks.html#Lares

**worldwidemike** · 04-11-2008, 12:41 PM

Having just done my research on trekking companies, I didn't read a lot positive about SAS and their treks. I'm going with Llama Path (www.llamapath.com). It seems they treat their porters great, and their price was one of the lowest, too ($390, student). Here are some other ones I found:

United Mice, $365 student (www.unitedmice.com)
Andean Life, $385 student (www.andeanlife.com)
Peru Treks, $425, though I read some were disappointed with them (www.perutreks.com)
Chaska Tours, $435 (www.chaskatours.com)
Enigma Peru, $485 (www.enigmaperu.com)

From looking at the various website, July is pretty much sold out on the Inca Trail, and August is beginning to book up. So, I'd book soon!

Oh, and Chacmool...who do you go with it?

We're waiting eagerly for your report...!

Still waiting...

worldwidemike

**florencia9699** · 08-04-2008, 01:19 PM

Hey Mike! Great info!! But are those prices in Soles or in US Dollars?

**worldwidemike** · 08-11-2008, 07:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by florencia9699

Great info!! But are those prices in Soles or in US Dollars?

US dollars, unfortunately! It is only a little more than a month before our trip to Peru...time is flying by...!

Hey Florencia, there is an outside chance I may be able to head down to Buenos Aires in mid-November. If I do come, are you free to show a travelpunk amigo around a bit? Everyone I have talked to that has been to BA makes it sound like a great place to hang out. And it'd be a shame to go all that way and not get to hang out with you...!

worldwidemike

**worldwidemike** · 08-25-2008, 08:14 AM

Oh, hey: For those that have been to Machu Picchu, is there a book or guidebook that you thought was particularly good for showing yourself around the ruins...?

I just ordered "The Inca Trail: Cuzco and Machu Picchu" by Richard Danbury from Alibris, and a couple others from the library. Just in case the "guide" with our trek isn't particularly strong on showing and explaining the ruins, I wanted to have a good backup. Plus, I wanted a good background on the ruins so it means more to me while I'm exploring them.

Yep, I'm a History Dork...!

worldwidemike

**maracle** · 08-25-2008, 09:50 AM

The Machu Picchu Guidebook: A Self-Guided Tour is really focused on the archaology of the site. It isn't hard to read but is written in sort of scholarly manner if that makes any sense? What I mean is, there isn't much in the way of humor or anecdotes or any of that, it is focused on the site and is really informative.