Doing Things the Machu Picchu Way

Lately I've been going through what I'd like to call a resetting phase in my life.  This is when I just step back from what seems to be alot of chaos and get back to what makes me happy at the core, slowly letting things back into my life.  You can say it's a "getting back to the basics" kind of moment.  My choice destination for this week symbolizes that feeling as well: the Inca Trail. 

Why did this place come to mind?  Well essentially it's a roughly 55 mile path of simplicity, with unfortunate modern touches.  I say unfortunate because no longer can one trek alone; you either have to go with a sole guide or a group that would at times include porters and cookers.  In other words, one option would consist of having a professional companion who is licensed and vouched for by the government while carrying your own things and essentially fending for yourself; the other option being you have guides go with you while someone else carries your things, and another cooks for you all the while you're using already supplied equipment. 

I like to do things the old fashion way and just power thru places and take my time to enjoy the adventure that lays before me (or the mess I've gotten myself into).  However, after reading up about that part of Peru and talking to friends who have done the trail, I can understand as to why a guide is necessary and/or the other members of a team.  I haven't been able to find a solid "factual" reason, but I suspect that due to poverty, the government assigns those living there to these jobs as a way to make a living all the while protecting the natural beauty of the land and trail.  That's just all speculation on my part.

Touching on the topic of protecting the land, one thing you need to know about the trail is that you have to pay a permit fee to walk it.  Also, BOOK AHEAD!!!  This can't be more emphasized!  Only 500 people a day are permitted on the trail, 200 being trekkers and the remaining 300 being the staff that belong to the different tour groups; 2500 people a day are allowed to Machu Picchu.  So even though this trip would be fun and adventurous, there is a lot of planning involved.  Not only do you have to shell out $50 for the permit fee, but depending on if you just use a guide or a tour group, the costs go up.  Plus don't forget about having to fly Peru and arriving at Cuzco to start the trail.  The price for all of it, plane flight aside, usually hovers around $550-$650.  It honestly isn't too bad depending on what option you choose; again though, the prices do vary so please do your research on the finances of this trip.

Now I'm stubborn as a mule at times and I usually choose to push myself to do the most difficult journeys; this trip would be no different.  Even though this is a trail, there are various ways to get to Machu Picchu.  My preferred path would be to take the route that would involve going through Mollepata to Salkantay to Santa Teresa and then at the end being Machu Picchu.  All in all it's a 5 day trek that's classified as moderate-difficult.   I don't want to bore you with numbers and stats, so I'll just say this: if you want to get an idea of the trails and distances as pertaining to altitude and distance, www.incatrailperu.com offers great diagrams and tips on how to survive the trail.

Speaking about altitude, you need to watch out in avoiding altitude sickness.  Don't forget, this trail is absolutely gorgeous, but depending on what route you take, you can be as high as around 14,000 feet!!!  Personally, I don't know how to train for altitude sickness, but I do know how to train to be physically able to do something like this.  From what I've researched and been told by trekkers to Mac
hu Picchu, fitness is of the utmost importance, along with properly preparing a well set pack. 

The more I read and researched about this trail, the more it called to me.  I've known plenty of people who have done it and I've seen many a beautiful picture of the adventure; guide or tour group, this trail promises to be a great time all the while granting one the opportunity to meet others and share stories about other zany adventures.  It's a shame that the longest trek is 7 days because I'd love to stay longer to enjoy it all at my own pace, but I also understand the need to conserve the land and also help those who live on it.  If I can help it, I don't want to be another aimless trekker who unintentionally or not, would be harming such a beautiful landscape of Mother Nature. 


For the way this year has started, (not that it's been horrible) perhaps a much more basic, natural trip would be in order.  If I end up taking this voyage in 2014, I only hope to book everything in time.  Onward we go!