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Trip Overview
In the heart of the Andes, the Inca Trail rises to the mystical site of Machu Picchu. |
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Gay Inca Trail Hike: Frequently-Asked Questions about Inca Trail Few places in the world offer the combination of natural beauty, history and enchanting mystery that one experiences along the Inca Trail in Peru. A haven for serious hikers and explorers, the natural surroundings, Inca treasures, temples and villages one sees along the trail are truly unforgettable. At the apex of this adventure lies Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas, a magical kingdom high above the world. This FAQ page is intended to accompany other pages about this trip and about our company (see links at left). Some of the answers below may include links to other other sites; please use the BACK key of your browser to return to this page. Contents:
What is the itinerary of the optional extension to Lake Titicaca?
The next morning, we have an early breakfast, then we board our boat to start our journey across Lake Titicaca. Along the way we will make two stops to visit the Uros and Taquile Islands. The Uros are actually floating islands, with each entire village or family living on top of a web of tightly woven reeds, that are continually replaced on top, as they rot away underneath. Taquile Island is a larger wind-swept rocky island with small farms and a village on its slopes. From Taquile our boat continues another couple of hours to our destination, Suasi Island, just off the eastern shore of the lake. Suasi is the only private island in the vast lake, and has no structures other than our small hotel, the Casa Andina Private Collection Isla Suasi, and a couple of homes for those who work at the hotel. The balance of the land is protected from development, so it is one of the most pristine islands one can imagine. Once we get to the island, there will be plenty of unstructured time to explore the protected island. During our two days on Suasi, we can hike past a herd of alpacas, search for wild vicunas, then climb up to the headlands for views of the lake and of the snow-covered mountains of Bolivia. Weather permitting, we'll also take a rowboat ride around the perimeter of the island, passing an entire cliff of cormorant nests. And when you're ready to just relax, you can sit with a book overlooking the gardens, which are amazingly lush for this altitude (13,000 feet above sea level) throughout the year, due to the warming influence of the lake. The last morning is free for one last hike, after which you'll be rowed across a short stretch of the lake to the village of Cambria. From there, it's a couple of hours drive on both gravel and paved roads around the northern end of the lake to the city of Juliaca and its airport. Enroute, you'll see the diversity of the high plateau, from mountains to marshs to lush farmland that has been in Quechua families for centuries. We have scheduled a late afternoon flight, which will allow time for connections at Lima Airport for overnight flights home, or we can arrange for a night in Lima for anyone flying out the next day. What is the cost of the Lake Titicaca Extension?
Price includes 1 night at hotel in Puno; 2 nights at Casa Andina Private Collection Suasi Island; train from Cusco to Puno (or flight or bus in the event that the train does not run); boat from Puno to Suasi Island; rowboat and van from Suasi Island to Juliaca Airport; flight from Juliaca to Lima (via Arequipa); breakfast each day; 2 lunches, 2 dinners and one box lunch at Suasi Island; services of local Peruvian guides. The price does not include: meals not described above; airport departure taxes; transfers and extra night in Lima if required before flight home; gratuities for guides; personal expenses. Please note that Lake Titicaca is at about 13,000 feet above sea level, so please consult your physician before the trip if you have any questions about spending three days at this altitude. As with travel to any remote location, arrangements are subject to change, but we will do our best to substitute similar arrangements if any portion of the tour cannot be run as planned. What kind of camping supplies do I need to bring?
How can I prepare for hiking at high altitude?
What kind of hiking boots should I get?
Light-weight hiking boots (weighing up to 2-3/4 lbs. per pair) are made of synthetic materials, or a combination of leather and synthetic. The lighter weight means less work for your feet over a day of hiking, and the fabric breaks in faster than leather. These boots are fine for day hikes on good trails in dry conditions. If you expect to hit occasional snow, mud, or rain, be sure they have waterproof liners. A step up are medium-weight boots, weighing 3 to 4 lbs. per pair. These are made with more leather, or sturdier synthetics. They offer more support and better resistance to the elements. For a week of day hikes in varied but generally dry conditions, these are ideal. Boots that weigh over 4 lbs. are classified as -- you guessed it --heavy-weight. These boots are serious, all-weather footwear. They’ll take longer to break in, and the leather requires special care. They're probably not the best choice for your first pair of hiking boots. But once you’ve broken them in, they’ll last almost indefinitely, and provide more support than the others. Your ankles will appreciate the extra protection when you’re scrambling over scree. They’re more expensive, but heavy-weight leather boots can be resoled, making them a worthwhile long-term investment for serious hikers. You cannot attach crampons to light-weight boots, nor to many medium-weights. If you’ll often be hiking on glaciers, be sure your crampons and boots are compatible. If you’re just planning an occasional day of glacier hiking at some point, you’re probably better off renting boots for that occasion, rather than buying more boot than you really need. How long does it take to break in hiking boots?
Start with short walks. You don’t want to get halfway into a 15-mile hike and realize you’ve got a new blister forming. Wear the boots when you walk to work, to the grocery store, to do errands. When that seems comfortable, do a few short hikes in them. Aim for a couple of 10-mile day hikes in these boots before you head out for a full week. If you’re buying heavy-duty or all-leather boots, 50 miles may not be enough. Purchase them well in advance, so you can be sure they’re broken in before you undertake a multi-day hiking trip. The lighter the boots (and the higher the proportion of fabric to leather), the easier it will be to break them in. But ignore anyone who says light-weight boots don’t need any break-in time. They do; furthermore, your feet need time to gradually adjust to them. Finally, if you bought the wrong size, you want to figure that out before you’re in the middle of a long hiking trip. How tight should I lace my hiking boots?
Do I need a way to purify water on the Inca Trail?
Staying well-hydrated is key to enjoying your hikes, keeping your energy level high, and staying healthy. As in many sports, the rule is: Drink before you are thirsty. In many areas, that simply means carrying one or two 1-liter water bottles and refilling them at rest areas that have tap water available. Unfortunately, there are few places left in the world where you can assume that water in an outdoor stream or pond is safe to drink. You should assume that all water outdoors requires purification. If tap water won't be available, there are two popular ways of meeting your needs. Iodine tablets are dissolved in a liter of water, and will kill giardia and other organic agents. Chemical contaminants are not removed by iodine treatment, and it shouldn't be used by pregnant women or people with certain health conditions -- see the bottle for details. Nor is it a good idea for prolonged use. But a bottle of 50 tablets is small and portable, and works well for short trips or as an emergency backup. A second tablet, usually sold on an adjacent hook at the outdoors or camping supply store, will neutralize the unpleasant iodine taste. Water filters use a hand pump to force water through a filter. These have made great progress in the past decade, but are still subject to clogging and breakdowns. Many campers and hikers prefer filters over water tablets. Always try out your new filter (and, for that matter, any new equipment) before you go hiking with it, and carry tablets as backup. Backpackers sometimes boil water to kill any microbes. This requires carrying a camp stove and fuel, then drinking hot or warm water. It's not a suitable approach for most day hikers. I live in the city. How can I train for a week-long hiking vacation?
Even in the city, you can find ways to get in better shape for the week. Any aerobic exercise will make a difference, even more so if your hiking will be at a higher altitude than you’re accustomed to. A great way to get in shape for hiking in hilly terrain is climbing stairs. Got an office on the 50th floor? You’re in luck. How should I treat blisters?
If you feel a hot spot on your foot as you hike, take action before a blister forms. Never continue hiking if you feel trouble developing; it will only get worse. You may simply have a wrinkle in your sock, or a small stone or twig that's rubbing. If a blister seems to be starting, cover the area with moleskin or a protective coating such as “Second Skin”. Despite that, a blister may develop. Standard treatment is to pop it with a sterilized needle. (Use a flame, or rubbing alcohol, for sterilization.) Then cover with a protective coating. Moleskin is the traditional covering; the package will provide instructions. Many hikers prefer a new compound called “Second Skin”, which provides a moist coating that protects while also helping the injury to heal. How long should I allow for an 8-mile hike?
In some regions, such as the Alps in Switzerland, distances are posted in hours rather than in miles or kilometers. This works well on hilly terrain, where it can be hard to estimate how much of your time will be spent going up or down. You'll soon figure out whether these times need to be adjusted for your own hiking speed and style. What kind of pack do I need for day hikes?
For day hiking, you just need a pack large enough to hold water, perhaps lunch, your map and compass, a sweater and rain protection, camera, sunscreen, and a few other small supplies. It's helpful to have at least a couple of pockets to help you keep things organized; you don't want to have to dig down past your sweater every time you reach in for the compass or sunscreen. A side pocket to hold your water bottle will make it easier to frequently take a sip, and stay well hydrated. A day pack with a waist strap will be more comfortable. What do you suggest to help me keep hiking all day?
First -- we can't say it too often -- be sure your hiking boots are broken in before you start a week (or even a full day) of hiking. Next, be sure you get enough food and water. Have a good breakfast before you start out -- lots of carbohydrates will help. Drink frequently during the day. Drink before you're thirsty is the athlete's motto. You're burning off a lot of calories. Don't be having a Snickers, power bar, or other energy-booster as you go. Take small steps when going uphill. They're much less tiring. Carry what you need to be prepared -- but don't overpack. Finally, stretch for five minutes when you get back home. Then you'll be more prepared for a new hike the next day. What are some good stretching exercises for hikers?
1. Find a buddy (or, lacking that, a tree) to hold for support. Now reach back with your right hand as you bend your right leg at the knee. Grab your foot and pull gently toward your butt, then hold for 30 seconds. Repeat with left hand and left leg. Then repeat again but crossing over -- left hand pulls up your right leg, and vice versa. 2. Stand beside a bench or rock that’s about waist high. Face it, and rest the heel of one foot on it. Now, keeping the leg straight, bend forward slowly, then hold for 30 seconds. Repeat with other leg. With all stretches, avoid jerking or bouncing. Stretch slowly, hold in the stretched position for about half a minute, then relax.
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