Peru Trip Preparations… all you need to know to plan your visit

Unlike some other South American destinations, notably Brazil, you don’t need a visa to enter Peru as a US citizen. According to the US State Department website, you just need a valid passport and evidence of onward or return travel, so no one-way tickets. You’re usually allowed to stay for 90 days at a time.

Peruvian tap water despite improvements to water and sanitation systems over the last few decades still leaves much to be desired when it comes potableness. Many locals avoid drinking the tap water without boiling to disinfect it completely.  With this knowledge, inexpensive bottled water is readily available at hotels, and shops. (And Authentic Treks provides bottled water during the trekking/hiking portions of our trips.) The other option is to treat tap water before drinking it. Sterilizing and purification tablets or portable water filters are handy if you are in a remote area, and have no other option than taking water from the tap or natural source.

Altitude sickness is one of the most common afflictions of visiting Cusco and Machu Picchu. Altitude sickness generally starts affecting people at 8,000 feet or higher, and Machu Picchu sits at 7,900 feet. And here’s a surprise, you may think you’ll acclimate in Cusco before you go, but Cusco is actually higher than Machu Picchu at 11,000 feet! You can never predict altitude sickness: Physical fitness, age, and gender have no bearing on whether you will get altitude sickness, and some don’t get it at all. However, people at higher risk for feeling its effects are those breathing and heart problems. If you think you might be susceptible check with your doctor beforehand, he or she might prescribe you altitude medication as a precaution.

Sunburn is worse at high altitudes. Even on an overcast day in a high-altitude, you can still burn quickly. Carry a hat and sunglasses to protect face and eyes and reapply sunblock often when you’re at altitude.

Always a good rule but especially near the main tourist sights like the Plaza de Armas in Cusco. Women and children make their living by dressing in traditional garb and posing with llamas or alpacas and charging tourists for photos. If you do they will usually ask for a tip, so don’t snap any pictures of them unless you want to pay. On a related note, if you visit local communities  such as the Uros people of the floating islands in Lake Titicaca, even on a prepaid tour—like our Sacred Valley 2-day Tour—you’ll be expected to buy a handicraft item or two as a goodwill gesture.

Tipping is typical in Peru and strongly encouraged among travelers. A little goes a long way, tipping in coins especially for local services will be essential. You should tip at restaurants and bars, porters in hotels and airports, gas station and bathroom attendants, and trekking staff such as tour guides, tour bus drivers, cooks, and porters.

Apart from having money to purchase souvenirs and tip, one main reason you want to have some change: to use the bathroom. Public bathrooms require a fee, usually one or two soles, to use. Often but not always that includes a ration of toilet paper and paper towel to wash your hands but not always so carry toilet paper with you everywhere.

While packing for any vacation can be stressful, with the normal problems of trying desperately to not over pack while also being ready for any occasion and making sure not to forget that one thing you always forget. Packing for a great adventure, like trekking the Inca Trail has added pressure because you can’t run to the corner shop to replace what you inevitably did forget. When it comes to creating the perfect Inca Trail packing list, keep it simple, durable, versatile, and comfortable.

Apart from getting into the country there is an official government checkpoint at the start of most trails.

With showering not being an option while on the trail an ample supply of clean underwear and socks is pertinent because who wants to wear those things twice. All other clothing needs to be durable and things you can layer. Clothing that can handle the drastic temperature change from daytime to nighttime, while also standing up to the physical exertion.  Multi-purpose pieces like zip-off cargo pants that can easily go from pants to shorts while providing easy access storage are great. Weather appropriate items are also a must, sunglasses and a hat to protect your face from the sun. Along with some cold weather gear for the nights, including hats, gloves, and scarves.

Whether you bring hiking boots or hiking shoes make sure they are waterproof and broken in. Two of the worst things are soggy socks and ill-fitting shoes, both leading to a painful and uncomfortable time.

Even in the dry season, rain is common. So a poncho or rain jacket is a must-have. A waterproof pack to prevent your clean clothes from getting wet or at least plastic bags to separate your wet clothes from your dry gear.

While on the trail a sleeping bag will be your source of rest and recuperation every night. Again comfort and durability are important, an all-season bag being perfect no matter the time of year. (Can be rented from us)

A headlamp or torch is necessary for navigating a campsite after dark, simply put a must for any Inca Trail packing list. Trekking poles (can be rented from us) are a common hiking accessory used to assist walkers with their rhythm and provide stability on rough terrain recommended especially for the steep descents. If you take one of our Inca Trail treks, be aware that the Inca Trail requires all trekking poles have rubber—not metal—tips to protect this famous trail from erosion. Compact and durable binoculars are also a must while taking in the grand picture of the trail can be breathtaking, so can being able to focus on the far away details.

Apart from whatever personal toiletries you require it’s important to remember that you’ll be trekking the Inca Trail. Days without running water and electricity might alter your personal hygiene routine so to make things a pleasant as possible consider these items essential.

• Toilet Paper
• Moist Wipes
• Antibacterial Hand Gel
• Deodorant
• Toothbrush/Toothpaste
• Sunscreen
• Chapstick
• Insect Repellent

It goes without saying that there won’t be any opportunities to plug in and charge your electronic devices during your Inca Trail trek and because batteries run down faster at high altitudes it’s important to bring extra batteries for things like cameras so you can capture the entire trek. Another good option is a portable solar-powered battery pack that can charge cameras, phones, etc. (We have used Goal Zero products with great success.)