Peru walking routes

Inca trail planning tips

Simon Forster is the co-founder of our supplier, The Beyond Tourism Co. Here are his tips for planning a trek to Machu Picchu:
"Make sure you know if you're getting a private guide or if you're part of a bigger group. People sometimes don't realise they could be added to a bigger group, even if they've booked a tailor made tour. The nature of the trail means you will always end up walking with other people anyway, but it does mean you won't have a guide to yourself."

“If you are a regular walker the Inca Trail should not be a problem. If you haven't walked for a while get in some training during the two-three months before your vacation, as the altitude takes its toll. The porters that we used were paid well, provided with appropriate clothes and boots, and the weight of what they carried was kept within strict limits. It was more an experience than a vacation, and what a fantastic experience!” – Dave Jackson

“Our guide, Carlos Luchuga, contributed a great deal in the success of my vacations. At the most challenging parts of the trek Carlos encouraged me to continue when I was ready to give up. His knowledge of history and culture of Incas, Peruvian plants, trees and birds is astounding. He always answered our questions patiently and in detail.” – Teresa Trippenbach

“Don't underestimate the altitude: the two and a half days that the operator gives you in Cuzco before starting the trek is really useful time to acclimatise (and easily filled with interesting things to see and do). I would take poles – with plastic tips – even on the Moonstone Trek.” – Paul Brown

“Travel light as there is a lot of packing and re-packing as you leave one place for the next. Have some Peruvian Sol in small denominations as change is very hard to find. There were a large group of porters with us that worked so hard for their wages and tips.” – Keith Charters

“You have plenty of time to get clothes washed in Cuzco after the rainforest section - so you don't need to take a full fortnight's worth of clothes with you. This will give you a chance to load some kids colouring books and soft toys in your case that you can leave at the Rainbow Centre.” – John Duff

“The Andean explorer train ride from Cuzco to Lake Titicaca was an excellent way to see many aspects of Peru from the city suburbs through the slums then farming communities, through the middle of market towns and past the spectacular backdrop of the Andes. The train ride was a real piece of luxury after the hard work walking on the Inca Trail.” – Jane Lines

“Let your guides take you to the markets and try and fit in a stay with a local family to get an idea of life in Peru. All our guides were both very well informed and passionate about the environment. For our stay on Amantani we were given the option of staying in either slightly more comfortable or basic accommodation. Our particular host had not had a visitor for 3 years and it was good to know she would benefit from our stay.” – Chris Simmons

“So many memorable parts of this adventure but meeting local Andean kids along the Lares trek and the home stay in Titicaca were amazing. Be prepared for some early mornings, learn Spanish and take layers of warm clothes if traveling in June/July.” – Julia Huggett

“Take good rain gear when you travel during wet season. We were there in December and weather was good, but sometimes we got surprises.” - Iwona Warszawska