Are you starting to get a little cabin fever with the snowy weather? Have you hiked 14-ers, gone hiking and are now looking for a new type adventure? Why not start planning an epic adventure and hike the Inca trail to Machu Picchu?
Machu Picchu
Looking for ancient ruins that spark your imagination and for a physical challenge that will test your limits? Want to see a llama in real life? Or just want to have an out of the country adventure? Machu Picchu could be a great option for you!
Located in the Andes Mountains in Peru, Machu Picchu is the ruins of the Inca civilization, built around the 15th century. Though in ruins, many of the Inca’s sophisticated buildings are still intact. You can not only observe the Inca’s mortar-free building techniques, but also their buildings that seem to have direct correlation to astronomical alignments and phenomenon in their construction. Buildings that are must sees are Temple of the Sun, Intihuatana ritual stone, and the Temple of the Three Windows. Not only will you experience the incredible Inca ruins, but you will also enjoy incredible views of the Andes mountain range. Machu Picchu sits at 7,972 feet above sea level, giving plenty of opportunities to appreciate the surrounding peaks and lush valleys below.
Getting Ready for Machu Picchu
If this sounds like your kind of adventure, it’s easy to want to jump on a plane today and begin your Machu Picchu adventure, but preparation is key to getting the most out of your trip.
Get in Shape
To reach Machu Picchu, you must trek to the summit. One of the most popular routes is to take the Inca Trail, a 20 mile, 2-4 day trek, along which you will enjoy over 200 species of orchids. Though Machu Picchu is “only” about 8,000 feet above sea-level, the hiker will have to be able to ascend to altitudes of over 13,000 feet while trekking Warmiwanusqa (Dead Woman Pass) and be able to hike long distances. To prepare, start working out! If you live in an area where you can go hiking, go hike! Hiking will prepare you the most for your adventure, for you will not only get experience with consistent accents and descents, but you will also get experience with the challenges of uneven terrain.
Get the Gear
While you are getting in shape, you will need to get your gear and make a trial run, meaning break in your hiking boots, adjust your pack to fit you (packs aren’t one size fits all), and see if all your other needs and wants fit into your pack. You may also want to work out or go hiking with your pack on to prepare yourself for hiking with the extra weight. Because you must hike the Inca Trail with a guide, you won’t have to worry about packing tents and food. Be sure to consult a guide to see what gear is best to bring with you during the season that you plan to summit Machu Picchu.
Book the Trip and Get Ready!
Next, it’s time to book the trip! Depending on when you go and other factors, your plane ticket will cost a little over $1000. You will also have to book your guide and hotels where you will stay before and after your trek. It is recommended that you get to Peru a few days before your trek so that you can get acclimated to the altitude and climate, to avoid altitude sickness. Before you head out, be sure to get your passport and to make any copies of important documents such as itineraries and such on TerraSlate waterproof paper! Our paper will help your documents last through the rainy weather and other elements that you will encounter.
Start planning your Machu Picchu adventure today and get your travel documents printed on TerraSlate waterproof paper!
