The Inca trail trek to Machu Picchu is by far the best trek in the Americas, and one of the most fascinating in the world. You may have heard different stories about the Incas, but nothing compares to a real adventure hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, yes it is a lifetime experience that any person who has hiked the Inca trail will confirm.
machu picchu tours – Machu Picchu is the most visited site in Peru, and one of the top tourist destinations in all of South America. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Historic Sanctuary and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
It sounds great, however in order to ensure you have a memorable time you must be prepared. First, you must know that in order to reach Machu Picchu, you must travel to Peru then to Cusco; there are different entrances, the most common is by plane into Lima, which is located in the coast of Peru at sea level, others are through Tumbes, Puno or Tacna and the most adventurous can try it through the Amazon river arriving in Iquitos city then by plane to Lima. From Lima you can take a 1 hour flight to Cusco or travel by bus and perhaps visiting other Peru highlights like Nasca Lines, Arequipa, or lake titicaca. Entering Peru from Tumbes is fine only if you are coming from Ecuador otherwise is not possible. You can enter Peru through Puno if you are coming from Bolivia. And through the Amazon river if you come from Colombia or Brazil (Tres fronteras). Tacna city is used by people coming from Chile. Once you are in Peru you must find your way to Cusco which is located in the Andes at more than 3,300 meters (11,150 feet) above sea level. By plane or by bus is possible and if you are coming through Puno you can have a fascinating train journey to Cusco you can board the Andean Explorer Train, even it takes 10 hours to arrive in Cusco it is a worth experience.
When you arrive in Cusco it is recommended to rest a couple of days and adjust to the altitude otherwise you won’t be able to do the hike to Machu Picchu.
How to avoid altitude sickness?
It is unpredictable but here some tips to deal with altitude:
1. Rest at least 6 hours upon arrival in Cusco.
2. Drink plenty of bottled water and coca tea.
3. Eat light meals during the first days in the Andes.
4. No alcohol, and do not smoke either.
5. Catch your breath
6. Stay in hotels located in the center of Cusco so you won’t have to climb to reach your hotel.
If you are ready to start planning your Inca Trail adventure, you need to know that all hikers require a permit to enter the trail and it is processed at least 3 months before the trek starts. How to get an inca trail permit? You can book an Inca Trail tour Package through your Travel Agent in your country who will use a local licensed Inca trail operator or you can contact an Inca Trail Operator directly. For further information take a look at Inca Trail FAQs
Finally, the best time to hike the Inca trail is from April to October because it is dry season other months like December or January rain is heavy.
If you are US, Canada or European Community citizen no visa is required, just a valid passport.
Hope this information helps you plan your Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu
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