Inca Trail Hiking Trek Adventure Planner
June 22-29, 2023
Welcome To Your Adventure
5/31
Catherine Fox -Single Occupancy
Kristi Aker -Single Occupancy
Debbie Dill – Single Occupancy
Cynthia Hildebrand – Single Occupancy
Carol Taylor – Single Occupancy
Laure Cornillon – Single Occupancy
Barb Lesky & Katie Hertelendy- Double Occupancy
Cindy & Hailey Burke – Double Occupancy
Diane King & Karen Hughes – Double Occupancy
Tammy & Olivia Mehalko – Double Occupancy
Maria Marmolejo –Double Occupancy
*please note we will do our very best to get the requested room type booked. If you have booked a single and have to be moved to a double a refund for the difference will be given.
5/20/23 What’s App Group Link
4/27/23 We have sent out a recent communication via We Travel with some highlights we have added to this page.
Passport – We cannot stress this enough to stop what you’re doing right now and check your passport expiration date. PLEASE make sure your passport does not expire until at least 2024. If it expires before then please make arrangements to get your passport renewed asap. For additional fees, passport agencies can expedite this for you.
Travel Insurance – GET IT! Travel insurance is the responsibility of each individual member and must cover trekking up to a minimum of 5200M which is valid for the date of the trip. Details of your insurance will be sought before travelling so we can keep a record as well God forbid it needed to be used and you will need to print and bring a copy of your full insurance policy with you also.
Vaccines and Medicines – There are no mandatory vaccines for entry into Peru. Check the vaccines and
medicines list and visit your doctor (ideally, 4-6 weeks) before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. Recommended for the short-term tourist cover against food and water borne diseases is Hepatitis A and Typhoid and Tetanus. Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease transmitted by sandflys present in Peru. The skin ulcers associated with this condition can take months to heal. Take care to avoid all insect bites – especially while along the Inca Trail. One of the biggest problems facing travellers to this region is the risk of insect bites. Along the Inca Trail you will often find that many travellers have been bitten significantly by both mosquitoes and sandflys. It is essential to protect yourself. Wearing long sleeved pale colored clothing and applying good insect repellent (with DEET 30-50% at least) will help. This will be particularly important for the visit to Machu Picchu.
Altitude Considerations – The human body is quite capable of adapting to a very wide range of barometric pressures and there is plenty of oxygen even at the highest point of this expedition. However, the process of adaptation or acclimatization does take time and the most important rule is to gain height slowly. Keeping well hydrated is also a huge factor in avoiding AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness). AMS is brought on by lower oxygen levels at higher altitudes. Symptoms include breathlessness, headache, poor sleep, nausea & dizziness. AMS is treated simply by not ascending to higher elevations or in more severe cases descending to lower elevations, where in most cases the symptoms are quickly relieved. This itinerary has been designed to minimize the chances of you getting altitude sickness. If you have suffered serious problems at altitude before, you should seek the advice of your doctor or a specialist. Please note it is common for most people to experience mild headaches on the summit day of this expedition. Always keep your guide informed on how you are feeling.
If you are arriving early, please let us know what your arrangements are via your We Travel Profile.
About this trip
We have seen first hand the need for travel insurance. Whether it be flight cancellations, theft, sickness, or pandemic issues, we now require each guest to purchase this. It is a very affordable and could save you a lot of headaches! My1FitLife uses World Nomads, however, please use which ever company you are comfortable with. Please make sure you fully understand your coverage to ensure all aspects are covered. Our guides will need this information for confirming your hotel accommodation.
Please be sure to inquire and fully understand about the coverage your policy includes in the case of COVID.
Packing List
Adventure Checklist #1
- Walking boots
- Waterproof jacket/rain poncho
- Warm jacket
- Hat and gloves
- T-shirts
- Comfortable trousers
- Sun hat
- Sun protection cream (factor 35 recommended)
- Insect repellent
- Water (only until lunch time on day 1)
- Toiletries and hand sanitizer.
- Personal medication
- Camera
- Torch with spare batteries (headlamps are useful for the night/early mornings)
Optional items to take:
- Shorts.
- Walking stick (with rubber tip – can be hired from us).
- Plasters and bandages.
- Sandals.
- Extra money for spending and tipping.
- Bathing suit
See Above in Updates Section for Recommend Gear & Packing Video
Transportation / Accommodations
Transportation
Everyone except Tammy, Olivia, and Maria are getting picked up by Miguel. If arriving before the 22nd, please be sure to pay Miguel directly.
Accommodation
The hotel that we are staying at both before and after the hike is called *Antigua Casona
Important Forms
In consideration of my participation in the foregoing, the undersigned acknowledge and agree to the following:
I am aware of the existence of the risk on my physical appearance to the venue and my participation in the activity of the Organization that may cause injury or illness such as, but not limited to Influenza, MRSA, or COVID-19 that may lead to paralysis or death.
I have not experienced symptoms that of fever, fatigue, difficulty in breathing, or dry cough, or exhibiting any other symptoms relating to COVID-19 or any communicable disease within the last 14 days.
I have not, nor any member(s) of my household, traveled by sea or by air, internationally within the past 30 days.
I did not, nor any member of my household, visit any area within the United States that was reported to be highly affected by COVID-19, in the last 30 days.
I have not been, nor any member(s) of my household, diagnosed to be infected with the COVID-19 virus within the last 30 days.
Following the pronouncements above I hereby declare the following:
I am fully and personally responsible for my own safety and actions while and during my participation and I recognize that I may be in any case be at risk of contracting COVID-19.
With full knowledge of the risks involved, I hereby release, waive, discharge the Organization, its board, officers, independent contractors, affiliates, employees, representatives, successors, and assigns from any and all liabilities, claims, demands, actions, and causes of action whatsoever, directly or indirectly arising out of or related to any loss, damage, injury, or death, that may be sustained by me related to COVID-19 while participating in any activity while in, on, or around the premises or while using the facilities that may lead to unintentional exposure or harm due to COVID-19.
I agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the Organization from and against any and all costs, expenses, damages, lawsuits, and/or liabilities or claims arising whether directly or indirectly from or related to any and all claims made by or against any of the released party due to injury, loss, or death from or related to COVID-19.
By signing below I acknowledge that I have read the foregoing Liability Release Waiver and understand its contents; that I am at least eighteen (18) years old and fully competent to give my consent; That I have been sufficiently informed of the risks involved and give my voluntary consent in signing it as my own free act and deed; that I give my voluntary consent in signing this Liability Release Waiver as my own free act and deed with full intention to be bound by the same, and free from any inducement or representation.
This waiver will remain effective until laws and mandates relevant to COVID-19 are lifted.
COVID-19 Daily Self- Screening Questions
Do you have a fever (temperature over 100.4F or 38C) without reducing medications?
Do you a loss of smell or taste?
Do you have a cough?
Do you have muscle aches?
Do you have a sore throat?
Do you have shortness of breath?
Do you have chills?
Do you have a headache?
Have you experienced any gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite?
Have you, or anyone you have been in close contact with, been diagnosed with COVID-19 or placed in quarantine for possible exposure to COVID-19?
Have you been asked to self-isolate or quarantine by a medical professional or a local public health official?
If you reply YES to any of the questions in the checklist, stay home.
If you begin to feel ill while at work, you should immediately go home. If possible, avoid all public transportation, or ridesharing. See the “What Should I Do If I Feel Sick” under Novel Coronavirus Virus (COVID-19), Frequently Asked Questions…located on Student Health Services Website. You will be expected to leave campus and self-isolate until all appropriate criteria for your return are met.
Training
Stretches For Your Adventure
Please be sure to download our 3 month training guide for additional training.
Whether you are going on your first hiking trip, or you are an advanced hiker, it is important to know how to prepare for a hike.
A lot of people will talk about hiking tips such as: what to bring on your hike, hiking safety tips, and where to hike. But they leave out one of the most important parts of hiking: preparing your body for a hike.
Not a lot of time is spent talking about hiking training or conditioning. But, it is important to make sure your body is ready for the activity.
One important way to prepare your body for a hike is to do a dynamic warm-up routine before you hit the trails. Dynamic stretching is important for warming up your muscles and getting them ready for the adventure. It will help you to perform your best and get you to your hiking goal, no matter how big or small that goal is.
A pre-hike stretch should only take about 10 minutes, and then you’ll be ready to hit the trail. Follow this dynamic stretching routine before your next hike to get your body ready.
Alternating knee lifts:
Start standing with your feet hip-width apart. Lift one knee towards your chest and grab right below your knee with both hands. Bring your knee as close to your chest as you can and then slowly lower the leg back to a standing position. Repeat with the opposite leg. Don’t hold the stretch longer than a few seconds. You should be moving through the stretch.
Squat to hip flexor:
Start standing with your feet hip-width apart. Lower your bottom like you are sitting back in a chair, keeping your knees tracking behind your toes. While in the squat position, bring one leg back so that you are in a lunge position. Keep your hips pushed forward to get a good stretch on the hip flexor. Return to a standing position. Repeat with the opposite leg.
Alternating high kicks:
Start standing with your feet hip-width apart. Bring one leg straight out in front of you and swing the opposite arm over your head to try to touch the top of the foot. It’s ok if you can’t touch the foot, but try to keep the leg straight. bring the leg back to standing and repeat on the opposite side. Take these slow to maintain good balance.
Torso twist:
Start standing with your feet hip-width apart. Bend at your waist and twist your shoulders so that you touch one foot with the opposite hand. Return to standing and repeat to the opposite side. If it is difficult to touch the foot with the opposite hand, try spreading your legs wider apart.
Alternating quad stretch:
Start standing with your feet hip-width apart. Bend one leg so that your foot comes close to your butt. Reach your arm behind you to grab the top of that foot with your hand. Pull your foot towards your butt to deepen the stretch. Release the foot and return to standing. Repeat with the opposite leg. Feel free to grab a railing or friend to help you maintain balance during this stretch.
This dynamic warm-up routine will help prepare you for the hike. After you have finished your hike, or when you stop to rest for the night, make sure to get some static stretching in to reduce the chance of soreness.
Trip Outline
June 22nd is our arrival day. We do not have anything planned that day except our welcome meeting around 6 pm. Please plan accordingly to arrive on time for this meeting. If you are coming in early again, we are set to stay at the Antigua Casona. Please make sure you have arranged transportation from the airport.
June 22nd – Day 1
Guests Arrive in Cusco and Welcome
Meeting 6:00 pm
Guests Arrivals Day
Guests who arrive early can spend some time exploring the city of Cusco. Meet the Group meeting at 6:00 pm for the welcome and trekking details.
Accommodation – Hotel in Cusco (TBD)
June 23rd – Day 2
Explore Cusco and travel to Ollantaytambo
Explore Cusco with a group walking in the morning and then travel to Ollantaytambo in the afternoon. Early bedtime as we will be starting early the following morning.
June 24th – Day 3
Start Inca Trail
Trekking (D1)
Start time: 4:30 AM
Highlights of the day
Our trek starts at the 82Km or Piscacucho. As opposed to every other travel company, we won’t enter into the National Sanctuary of Machu Picchu at this location. Instead, we will walk along the right bank of the Urubamba river toward Qoriwayrachina or 88Km. As we follow an original off the beaten track Inca Trail we will pass the Incan sites of Rumipunku and Salapunku; these are some of the Incan sites that no other trekker on the Inca trail gets to visit. At Qoriwairachina, We will not check in with the park rangers yet; instead, we will hike for an extra mile to visit the impressive Incan site of Machu Q’ente. After our guide gives us a brief presentation of this wonderful place, we will walk back toward Qoriwairachina to make our official entry into the National Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. At Qoriwairachina we will see the foundations of an ancient Incan hanging bridge and a watchtower. After a well-deserved lunch break; we will walk uphill for one hour to visit the impressive Incan site of Wayna Qente; another of the off the beaten track archaeological sites that only our exclusive tour allow us to visit. In this place, We will explore the ruins of Wayna Qente and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Urubamba mountain range and the snowcapped peak of Wakay Willca (Veronica), which stands at 5860m/19225ft. We will stop here to watch the sunset over a nice cup of hot cocoa before we return to our campsite at Qoriwayrachina.
Difficulty level
Moderate. The trail starts at 2720m/8923ft climbing to 3000m/8984ft at Wayna Qente.
Meals
Lunch during the hike and dinner at our campsite in the evening. Vegetarian options are available. Please advise us if you require this option.
Accommodation
Camping in tents at a campsite in Cuyoq. The temperature at night is usually around 1°C/34°F.
June 25th- Day 4
Trip Includes
- Local Guides * Most Experienced and Professional, bilingual Tour Guides with our group because of it being a larger group
Additional Porters Additional Porters for help with Trek
Machu Picchu - Entrance fee to Machu Picchu
Hotel Pickup/Drop Off - Collection from hotel in Cusco
Return To Hotel Return transportation (bus to start of trail and tourist train back to Ollanta)
Bus Tickets - 3 one way bus tickets up to Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes.
Trip Meals - 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 afternoon snacks and 3 dinners (breakfast on day 1 and dinner and lunch in Aguas Calientes town are not included).
Eating Tent- Dining tent with tables and chairsCook-Meals prepared by cook2 Person Tent
- 2-people tents & Sleeping mattressesHorseman and Mules * Horseman and mules (to carry cooking and camping equipment and up to 8 kg (17.6 lbs) of tourist’s belongings)
2 Nights Hotel
- 2 nights (Day 1 & 2) accommodation in hotel in Cusco and OllantaytamboAdditional Support/Equip
- Extra oxygen, First Aid kit, Two “Emergency” Horses (encase someone needs ride), StretcherMeal Options * Vegetarian/special diet options available upon request
Porta Potty Tent “Porta Potty Tent” included for our group on days where we will not have facilities
Walking Tour Cusco Day 2 Walking Tour Cusco and surrounding area
Comfort Trek Package Comfort Trekking Package included; Comfort trekking package (sleeping bags, sleeping pad, camping pillows, trekking poles)
What not Included-
- Air FareAir Fare To and From the Adventure Starting Point ( Cusco)
- Additional MealsAdditional meals not mentioned above in Trip Itinerary
- Additional TravelAdditional travel not mentioned above in Trip Itinerary
- Personal Camp EquipmentPersonal Camping equipment (Sleeping bags and additional air mattress can be rented through guide company)
- SnacksPersonal hiking snacks and water bottle
- Assistance EffortsShould you not be able to continue with the hike, assistance may be required to get you back into town. Additional fees required at your own expense.
Misc.
Tipping:
- ** Tips for porters, cooks or guides are optional and are NOT included in our price. However our advice is that you tip our staff based on their performance, service and knowledge. Our guidelines for tipping our staff is the following:
- Each porter gets 100 Soles, each assistant cook 150 Soles, the Main Chef gets 300 Soles.
- Assistant Tour guides can be tipped collectively by the members of the group, we suggest a 5% of the total cost of the tour.
- Main guides are tipped on a one on one basis and based on their performance. Tour guides are professional people who spend a lot of time training in different other fields such archaelogy, history and WFA. We suggest people to consider tipping our guide a 10% to 15% of the value of your tour.
Peru Entry Requirements
What you need to show upon arriving at Lima’s Jorge Chavez Airport.
- Proof of vaccination. Every person entering Peruvian territory must show proof of vaccination taken at least 14 days before boarding their plane, regardless of their point of origin.
- If you have not been vaccinated, then you must present a Molecular test (PCR) with a negative result taken within 72 hours before boarding a flight. Children under 12 years only need to present a medical certificate of good health when they travel to Peru.
- Complete the online health affidavit. Print it out, or take a screenshot of it and have it handy upon arrival at the airport. Sometimes wifi access might not be accessible at .
- You must wear a KN95 mask or two surgical masks upon arriving. Double masking is mandatory at all enclosed public and private places. Wearing one mask is mandatory at all times, so please wear face masks. do not risk getting a ticket.
- Passport with six months validity at the time of entry. Migraciones Peru (Immigration) may also require evidence of return travel.
- Check whether Migraciones Peru documented the official date and place of entry whether you arrived at an airport, port, or land border. Take note that Migraciones Peru suspended the stamping of passports upon arrival to and departure from Jorge Chávez International Airport to minimize the risk of spreading COVID-19. But in place of a physical stamp, an internal digital record of your travel dates is still created as proof.
A Permiso Notarial de Viaje is valid for 30 days and one trip only and can be obtained through:
- Peruvian Consulate in the U.S.
- Most Peruvian notaries in Peru
Before you travel to Peru, be sure to comply with all their entry requirements as the US embassy will not be able to assist you if you have been denied entry to Peru. If denied, Migraciones Peru will require airlines to return you to your point of origin.
Traveling To Peru For Tourism
In 2022, many people are looking forward to traveling to other countries once again. Despite the alarms set by the Omicron variant and the initial global concern, many of the most important travel destinations in the world have remained calm. Peru has done it by keeping its borders open and improving its traveling restrictions.
Fortunately, due to continuous improvements in COVID conditions, it’s already possible to travel, especially to Peru, so long as travelers come prepared.
Know the Rules
Before you travel to Peru, you need to know the rules or laws of the place. Not all countries have the same protocols and measures for travelers, so it is better to research the guidelines regarding traveling and restrictions into their country.
Here are some of the things you should know first before going to Peru and Machu Picchu:
- Proof of vaccination is required to enter all public places. You must show an electronic card, QR code or paper card.
- Double masking is mandatory at all enclosed public and private places. Wearing one mask is mandatory at all times.
- You don’t need to wear a mask outdoors, especially on the Inca Trail but you do have to wear it at Machu Picchu.
- The Peruvian Government has declared a mandatory curfew between 2:00 a.m to 4:00 a.m During these hours, no transiting by foot or car is allowed unless people have authorization.
- All public and private gatherings have been prohibited. The curfew will take place from 11:00 pm till 4:00 am.
Commercial activities in Peru are almost back to normal, businesses, markets, drugstores open daily as in pre covid times. Some restaurants stores shops open with some restrictions and limited hours. They ban people who don’t have vaccination cards. Peruvian laws punish those who attempt to fake vaccine cards. Tourist transportation is more flexible, traveling within Peru by air or overland requires the presentation of such cards.
Can I Travel To Peru Right Now From the USA?
Yes, U.S. citizens can now travel to Peru from the USA. No visa is required. Direct flights to Peru have resumed from certain locations in the US. The Jorge Chávez International Airport is already open and allows international travelers to come into the country.
However, while travel to the country is already allowed, travelers are expected to follow guidelines imposed by the Peruvian government.
Non-resident passengers traveling from South Africa or have been transiting there in the last 14 days should hold off traveling to Peru as of the moment as the government has suspended entrance for these passengers until October 31, 2021. Please wait for further announcements regarding this protocol. Peru does not require travelers to obtain a visa before arrival.
However, land borders are still closed in Peru, meaning traveling by land is still prohibited.
When Will Peru Open its Borders?
Peru has already opened and allowed international flights to enter the country with protocols in place. For more information regarding the country’s latest public health measures, kindly check for updates on the united states embassy website at Embassy’s Alerts and Messages.
Return Travel To The US From Peru
The Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima is open for international flights to the U.S. Travelers are still expected to follow minimum health protocols and comply with requirements before departing from Peru. This includes wearing your mask at all times upon arrival at the airport.
If you are suddenly experiencing COVID symptoms, you should not go to the airport and contact your airline immediately to reschedule your flight.
Exit Requirements
Returning passengers to the U.S. should make sure that Migraciones has properly recorded their entry to the country. An entry record is the most important thing when you are leaving Peru. If there is no entry record under your name, you are not allowed to exit the country until the Migraciones can confirm the time and date of your entry. This can be a time-consuming process so it is better to verify your entry record when you arrive in Peru.
If your passport was lost or stolen during your stay in Peru, you need to report it immediately to the local police and keep the report. You can apply for a new passport at the US embassy and you can also get a replacement of your entry record from Migraciones by presenting the police report before you depart from Peru.
Meals
Our cooks are professionally trained to provide the best high-quality meals. The menu varies with different products like pasta, rice, fruits, vegetables, grains, eggs, and different meats. If you have any dietary restrictions or allergies, please make sure to add it in your details in your We Travel Account as soon as possible.