5 things I Wish I Would Have Taken Seriously before Hiking the Inca Trail

I have always loved exploring and you will never find me turning down any sort of adventurous trip. That is why I jumped at the chance when my friend asked if I would join her and a few other friends to hike the Inca Trial in Machu Picchu. I did no research before I left, I over packed, and I boarded a very long airplane and was on my way to Peru!

Hiking Machu Picchu was one of the most extraordinary experiences of my life – I would do it all over again tomorrow if I could. With that being said, I was an idiot not to research what I was getting myself into. I say this because I did not train for this hike, I did not spend money or time researching the proper clothes to wear, and I was with a group of girls who cared more about their perfect selfie than falling off a cliff.

BRING BUG REPELLANT

I say this because for some odd reason, it did not occur to me that Machu Picchu is in the middle of a rainforest. What bugs swarm to rain forests and humid weather? MOSQUITOS. Let me just say this – the airplane home was an itchy affair.

ACCIDENTS DO HAPPEN, SO BE CAREFUL

This should seem like a no brainer, but it really isn’t to some people who are too focused on capturing the perfect picture or jogging to catch up with friends. Machu Picchu is on a very steep mountain and people have fallen off and died. Crowding was a big issue when we hiked the trial and I heard many rumors about the high death rate on this hike. I found that mudslides and heavy rainfall create the most dangerous conditions in December and January- so don’t even think about hiking it then. I’m sure the number of injuries skyrocket when you add in Peruvian rain fall, slippery and jagged stairs to climb, and steep mountain sides to avoid. Although there is no definite recorded number of serious injuries and death on the Inca Trail, it is important to research weather warnings and hiking conditions before committing to do this hike because there have been people seriously injured. One of the leading causes of serious injuries are falls from height - Machu Picchu is 7,972 feet high. In addition, we had a group of women camping beside us at night who brought a few bottles of alcohol. Are you trying to be a part of that percentage who dies on this mountain?!

INVEST IN GOOD HIKING BOOTS

The Inca Trail took about 4 days to hike and I don’t know about you, but if you are walking around in uncomfortable shoes for even a few hours, blisters will form. My friends told me that I should get hiking boots, which I did, but I didn’t quite follow their direction on the type. I would recommend NOT shopping online for boots. Take an hour and go to a store where you can ask an expert to fit you and let them know your intention when purchasing the boots. This way, you can save yourself from world’s largest and most painful blisters.

TRAIN FOR THIS HIKE

I wouldn’t say I live a super active lifestyle, which is an issue when you sign up to hike up a mountain for 4 days. Not only is this a 4 day hike, it is at an elevation of 7,972 feet, which means you need to take extra good care of yourself with drinking water and taking breaks as needed. I was winded more often than my other friends who trained and I found myself at the back of the line more often than not. I would recommend that anyone who does this trek has a good amount of hiking experience. I don’t think you need to be an everyday-hiker, but it would help to be active and push yourself to work out more before embarking on this journey.

ENJOY YOURSELF

This sounds like the easiest thing to do, but when you are climbing steep stairs up a mountain, it’s difficult to observe the beauty of the experience. Hiking the Inca Trial is an experience to say the least! The experience can be scary at times where you are unsure of your physical ability but it’s breath-taking at others.

This hike is empowering, engaging, eye-opening, and magical. So, if you decide to lace up your hiking boots and hit the Inca Trial, do you research beforehand and enjoy the adventure while you’re there. It’s all worth it!