Machu Picchu is one of those essential activities that people dream of doing. While most people visit it on a day trip, it can also be visited via the Inca Trail, a challenging multi-day trek through the jungles of Peru. In this guest post, Gillian reveals the details of her trek as she shares some tips and advice to help you plan your trip to Machu Picchu.

Walking to Machu Picchu along the Inca Trail in Peru remains the highlight of my traveling year. It’s really amazing. Looking over the peaks of the Andes and knowing that I walked to get there filled me with joy and wonder. I didn’t want to be anywhere else. I’m not going to lie though, it took some effort. In fact, a lot of effort. But it was totally worth it.

Located at about 2,500 meters above sea level, Machu Picchu was an Inca citadel built in the 15th century. The citadel was built as a royal residence, although it was used for less than 100 years before it was abandoned due to the arrival of the Spanish, who had intent to conquer.

It was not until 1911 that the ruins were rediscovered by the archaeologist Hiram Bingham III. While the locals were familiar with the ruins, it wasn’t until Hiram climbed the mountain himself that he realized how spectacular his (re)discovery was.

To reduce the damage caused by tourism, the entrance to Machu Picchu is “limited” to 6,534 people per day, divided into morning and afternoon tickets. Although that sounds like a lot, tickets often sell out months in advance (especially for the walk). For that reason, you’ll want to make sure you plan ahead, do your research, and book early.

Here are some tips to make the most of your trip and avoid some of the most common mistakes:

• Arrive early: Try to arrive in Cusco 3-5 days before your trek so that you acclimatize to the altitude before starting the trek. It will make the walk so much easier!
• Use trekking poles: Take your own trekking poles or rent some from the tour company. You will need them.
• Chew coca leaves: If the altitude is causing you problems, chew coca leaves. It is the local remedy and is what many of the guides and porters use. You can chew the leaves or buy coca gum. (You can also get altitude medicine from your doctor before you go, just keep in mind that they will make you have to go to the bathroom a lot!).
• Condition your boots: Make sure you buy and condition your shoes at least 1-2 months before your trip. That will help you avoid blisters.
• Bring sunscreen and insect repellent – the last thing you want is to get sunburned when you’re climbing a mountain. And mosquitoes here are plentiful (and their bites are very itchy!), so prepare accordingly and apply every day.
• Bring bandages and blister kits: your feet are going to suffer. Having some first aid supplies will help.
• Pack Extra Snacks: You’ll have plenty of food on the trail, but packing some of your favorite snacks is a great morale booster for the challenging sections.
• Go further: For an incredible view of Machu Picchu, hike an additional hour to Huayna Picchu. It’s a little tricky and the trail is pretty narrow, but the views are worth it!
• Train before you go – This is a challenging hike. You don’t need to be an Olympian to complete it, but the more you train, the easier the walk will be.
• Don’t expect to shower – showers are available halfway through the hike, but the water is painfully cold. Skip the showers and just accept your well-earned body odor.
• Take extra batteries: take an external charger for your phone and extra batteries for your camera. It would be tragic to arrive at Machu Picchu and not be able to take a photo or two.
• Bring earplugs – the Inca Trail can be crowded and there will be dozens and dozens of hikers at each camp. Take earplugs for noisy nights.
• Consider the Salkantay: For a less crowded route, consider doing the Salkantay trek. It has equally epic views and receives 1/3 of the tourists that the Inca Trail does. Plus, it’s much cheaper!
• Bring money for the bathroom: make sure you have money for the bathroom. There is only one bathroom in Machu Picchu and it will cost a couple of soles.
• Stamp your passport: You can get a unique Machu Picchu stamp in your passport to commemorate the trip. It’s a fun souvenir if you have room in your passport.
• Check your luggage: you can only take a day pack of less than 20 liters to Machu Picchu. If your backpack is bigger than that, you will have to pay to leave it at the entrance.

Here are some tour options to explore Machu Picchu:

• Machu Picchu Full Day Tour
• Machu Picchu by Train – 2 Day
• Machu Picchu by Car 2-Day
• Machu Picchu Tour + Maras Salt Mines – 2 Days
• Machu Picchu Tour + Sacred Valley Tour – 3 Days Valley
• Machu Picchu Tour – 4 Days
• Machu Picchu Tour – 5 Days
• Machu Picchu Tour – 6 Days
• Machu Picchu Photo Tour – 6 Days
• Machu Picchu by Belmond Hiram Bingham Train