How to Hike Machu Picchu Safely and Successfully
Machu Picchu is an Inca citadel that served as an administrative center for the Incas and as a spiritual retreat for the emperor Pachacuti. It was built around 1450 CE and abandoned around 1572 CE when the Spanish arrived in Peru. It’s estimated that about 15,000 people lived there at its height. Today, Machu Picchu is one of the mostvisited tourist sites in South America—it attracts over 2 million visitors each year!
There are two main ways to get to Machu Picchu: by train or by foot. If you choose to hike there, here are some tips on how to how to hike Machu Picchu safely and successfully:
Start training at least six months before your trip. The elevation along the Inca Trail reaches 4200 m at its highest point (13,779 feet above sea level—that’s more than double the height of Everest! If you want to be able to hike at this altitude without getting sick or running out of breath, get yourself into shape beforehand by hiking regularly at lower elevations (you can even try walking upstairs).
Make sure you have the right gear. It can get really cold at night, so make sure you have warm clothes with you. You’ll also want a first aid kit in case of an injury. Don’t forget your flashlight or headlamp!
Wear comfortable shoes that are good for hiking—but not too heavy or cumbersome so they slow down your progress!
Dress in layers. It can get cold at night, but it can also get hot during the day, so make sure you’re prepared for both by wearing layers of clothing. Pack sunscreen, bug spray, hand sanitizer, and any other essentials like toilet paper or bandages that might come in handy on your journey!
Bring lots of water and snacks. Machu Picchu is at high elevation (over 7,000 feet above sea level), so it can be very cold and slippery—especially early in the morning before the sun has risen fully over the horizon yet. Be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks to stay hydrated and energized during your hike! It is not possible to trek Machu Picchu without the help of a professional tour guide. Here at VA Expeditions, we have the best tour guides, porters and cooks to make your Machu Picchu trek a lifetime memory. Contact us now!
