Hi,
I'm planning on doing the Inca trail when I get to Peru - will prob be around the middle of December and I've just got a few questions...
What kind of footware do you need - ive spoken to people who have done it in trainers but most people say walking boots are a must??
If I book to do it when i am in Lima or Cusco, how much should I expect to pay?
Any other tips or advice are welcome!
Cheers
Reply to this You can do it in trainers (I did)... in fact some people attempt to trail run the whole thing. However, the path does get slick when wet and the second day is sheer uphill and the third day is mostly downhill. For the sake of your ankles, boots are recommended. However, if this hike is the only one you're during using boots (and you'd have to lug it around otherwise) you can hack it in runners.
Reply to this I would say definitely use good quality hiking boots because November is the beginning of the rainy season and it rains all the way through March. December can definitely be wet. We are currently booking Inca Trail treks about two months in advance. It may be difficult if not impossible to just show up there and expect to get on the trail. We usually have to book two months in advance and they close the trail down he wants to hike before that. For example, December is now closed. For more information you can check our website, www.stanfordtravel.com
Reply to this Thats another question I have...
How long in advance do you need to book?
I know you mention 2 months in the above post but is it really necessary for 2months. THere are 2 of us so will we not be able to book when we get to peru with about 2/3 weeks notice?
Cheers
Reply to this In my opinion, I'd say that walking boots are only necessary in the following situations: 1) for carrying a heavy pack (many people use porters on the Inca trail), 2) when in adverse weather (snow, etc), 3) for serious off-trail walks, and 4) for people with weaker ankles (who don't want to risk twisting an ankle). Otherwise, I always wear light-weight trail runners or something similar. That's just my experience.
I've heard you need to book the Inca trail 6 months in advance, but I don't know first hand. I chose to do a lesser-known trek in the area instead.
Have a good time!
poz
PS -- check my recent blog posts for pictures of adventures through the central Andes, the Amazon basin, the Galapagos, and Patagonia!
Reply to this 
