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Did the 4-day traditional Inca trail 2 years ago, one of my favorite trips of my life! Ask away :-)
Here’s my best shot:
1. I flew SFO - Lima, then a regional flight to Cuzco. Cuzco is the jumping off point for all of the trips (I think) and my trip organized transport from there.
2. No major expenses, other than any gear or snacks that you want to bring for yourself. I’m pretty outdoorsy, so didn’t need any additional hiking gear but I’d highly recommend making sure you’re sorted/comfortable for that (think things like good boots, wool socks, rain gear, etc). I’d also recommend a decent bit of snacks, since they feed you tasty food but it’s not a lot! We also trekked in a bottle of tequila, worth the weight ;)
3. I did it just with my dad, which was pretty unbeatable and can’t imagine it any different! My group was 10-12 people, mixed between couples, solo trackers, friends, and father-daughter duos :) don’t think there’s a perfect amount, just people you are okay to spend 24/4 with!
4. No clue to be honest. The Inca trail didn’t feel crowded at all, Machu Picchu felt like Disneyland
5. I LOVE Peru, it’s one of my favorite countries on the planet. I think you can spend a ton of time there, and the people/food are incredible. Cuzco rocks in general. Beautiful & very fun. Lima has great food & is a cool beachside city, but not worth a ton of time. There’s also lots of smaller cities with cool purposes, I’d just Google to see what your fit is!
I did the Inca Trail in 2012 with my wife. We didn't do the alternate route, the name of which I cannot recall.
We saw numerous Incan ruins along the trail. We saw them in small groups and saw one by moonlight. It was a far more intimate experience than what you'll find during the droves of bus riding tourists at Machu Picchu. Machu Picchu is also well maintained so it felt a little fake after seeing the other ruins along the way.
I trained so that I could enjoy every minute of the hike. I jogged and ran stairs. On the hike I used hiking poles, and was glad for it. If you get elevation sickness training may not matter. Other people who didn't train, prep or pack for a 4 day hike enjoyed it a lot less. (not sure how they chose the trip and then did no prep at all)
On the last day our guides got us up early and my wife and I were the first couple at the Sunrise Gate.
After Machu Picchu we stayed one night at Sumaq Machu Picchu, a swank hotel in Aguas Calientes, the local town below Machu Picchu. It was a fantastic way to cap off the trip.
Don't go to the hot springs, not worth the time.
SAS Peru. Here's my review I wrote in 2012.
WOW! - We saw so many Incan sites (sites which other tour groups skipped) before Machu Picchu that the journey really was the reward. For example, where Machu Picchu was covered in day trippers we had Runcuracay nearly to ourselves and Intipata was available to us alone and at dusk. Our guides also managed to keep us ahead of the other groups so that often we felt like we had the trail to ourselves.
THE FOOD was fantastic including three hot meals a day and hot tea brought to your tent at wake-up. In our first day back in the city, we ordered a quinoa soup that wasn't as good as what we had in camp. Dinners had a variety of choices. And more than once they cooked things that I don't know how they managed. They also made impressive efforts to successfully accommodate vegetarian and other needs.
THE GUIDES were both patient, passionate and fun.
Eddie has a passion for the trail, the Incas and nature. He managed a group that included a wide range of ages and physical ability. He kept us well organized but largely let us go at our own pace, (which meant more work for him). Eddie patiently explained Incan sites, their meaning, their design and untold important details. He also taught us about Andes flowers, plants and animal life. Edwin spent much of his time accompanying the slower parts of our 16 person group. This left him, and them, catching up during breaks or at day's end. He was very patient in this as well as in taking nearly endless photos for trekkers who asked. Edwin was quite knowledgeable and passionate as well though we saw less of him during the hike than we did Eddie. He also took great care to ensure our trip back to Cuzco was arranged (we added a day in Aguas Calientes). Both were positive and upbeat at every turn, and worked well together.
THE CHASQUIS (porters) are amazing; fast, nimble and strong and organized (camp, meals, etc)
THE OFFICE was not as well organized as the hike. Emails required follow-up for a response and they weren't clear as to whether a booking was confirmed (e.g. permit in hand) or not unless asked. I heard similar complaints from others. Nonetheless they were patient and did help us arrange an extra night in Aguas Calientes as well as vistadome transit back to Cuzco.
We would gladly use SAS Peru again.
I did the traditional 4 day Inca Trail way back in 2008 (it was wonderful), so others probably have much more useful and relevant information in terms of tour companies and logistics.
We started in Cusco and the tour company picked us up there. I highly recommend spending at least 2-3 days in Cusco (a lovely little town to visit anyway) to acclimate to the elevation and avoid drinking alcohol during that time. I didn’t drink very much and had a way better experience on the trek than my travel buddies :)
Chief
Is that different that the Inca trail?
I did. Too much time in my hands :) check out this link https://www.kimkim.com/c/salkantay-trek-vs-the-inca-trail-which-is-right-for-you
Did it a few years ago now but it's an amazing experience feel free to ask any questions!
Never did inca trail but did Cusco and Machu Picchu - incredible experience. Cusco is a great little town. Machu Picchu lives up to the hype