Machu Pichuu What to pack, what to rent

I made it to Cuzco yesterday afternoon flying in with LAN Airlines.   I didn't have any issues with the flight.   They were on time and flight service was pretty good.  In this post, I'll discuss what you should plan for ahead of time and what you can hold off until you arrive.

Which Trek to Choose

There are a few trails to choose from when planning your trip.   There is the traditional Inca Trail hike that is typically 3 days/2 nights.   This trek will follow the old Inca trails.   You will run into old ruins and get some fantastic views of the terrain.   This is the most popular trek and usually sells out months in advance.  

The Salkantay Trail is probably the second most popular trail.   This one is typically 5 days/4 nights.   I chose to do this one because I heard the views are even better than the Inca Trail.   But to be honest, it's half the cost of the Inca Trail and you can book it as early as one week before your arrival.

Packing

If you plan to travel for 2 weeks or less, get yourself a 50L backpack.  Most airlines will allow you to use it as carry-on luggage and therefore prevent the need to check in a bag.   I purchased a Kelty Redwing 50 from REI.  The prices for this pack range from $90 to $125.  I got lucky and got it for $90 during an REI sale.   I won't get into details on the pack but you can go to YouTube and find plenty of positive reviews. Below is a list of must brings for your trek.

Buy/bring for the trip

Hiking socks (3 or 4 pairs, depending on how long your hike is)
Medical kit
Hiking boots (you can rent them in Cusco but would you really?)
Water bladder (recommend 3L capacity)
Camera
Dry fit underwear
Dry fit hiking shirts and light jackets
Hiking pants (one should do)
Gloves
Luggage cube (to help organize your pack)

Rent if you don't own already

Waterproof hiking jacket
Hiking poles
Head lamp
Sleeping bag

Buy when you arrive in Cusco

Toilet paper
Sunblock
Insect repellent
Snacks
Water (for first day)
Diamox (for altitude sickness)

In addition to the items listed above, you'll also need to make room for your toiletries, electronics, and any souvenirs you plan to bring back.  I also suggest bringing a towel and a bathing suit to jump into the hot springs if your trek includes it.

Choosing a tour company

The best way to book is by looking up reviews.   TripAdvisor would be a great place to start.   There are plenty of tour company sites you can visit online.   Be sure to pay attention to what's included in the Tour.  We chose to work with Salkantay Trekking as they specialize on the Salkantay trail.   I will follow up with a review later.   All companies will ask for a deposit in advance.   This trek is approximately $400 but can vary depending on the time of year you go.

We'll that's it for now.   I'm about to start the trek this morning so I'll be off the grid for the next few days.   I'll promise to catch up on Cusco for my next blog.

I Quit Part 2

So it's been a few years since my last post.  I haven't really done a lot of traveling internationally other than the occasional trip to Baja and a one week trip to Taiwan August of last year.  Well its Déjà vu time.  From what you can tell from the title of the post, yes I'm quitting my current job and traveling right after, again.  However, this time I have a new job waiting for me when I get back.  The funny thing is I had this vacation planned months ago...just wasn't planning on switching companies. The timing is just a coincidence.  Anyhow, the destination this time is South America, specifically Peru and Chile.

Peru is not new to me.  I did a quick visit to Cuzco spring of 2009 in route to an international residential in South America sponsored by my grad school.  I took some time off from work early and since I was heading down south anyway, it made sense to spend a few days in Peru.  I spent about 4 days exploring the city and nearby areas.  I also visited Machu Picchu in one day by taking the train roundtrip.  I have to say Machu Picchu is one of the most amazing places I've ever been in my life and since my visit, I knew I would return some day.  I just didn't think it would be this quickly.

After returning to Asia, I began dating my current girlfriend soon after.  We've done quite a few road trips during our time together and did our first major trip to Taiwan to visit her family.  I've also taken her on short trips into Mexico which she has enjoyed.  She's well traveled herself including a stint living in Germany but has never set foot in South America.  It was actually her idea to do this as a summer trip.  She's an avid hiker and has dreamed of hiking to Machu Picchu.  I've never really taken up hiking and remembering from the last time I was in Cuzco, having iron lungs is a must if you plan to be active.  My preference would have been to head over to a more relaxing destination such as Cancun or Havana.  She is not the type that vegges out on vacation as it turns out.  So it came down to this.  Go on vacation to somewhere designed to be relaxing but only one of us relaxes or go on vacation to somewhere designed to be active and both of us are active.  So there you have it.  Peru and Chile it is.

I'll continue documenting my prep work and travels to South America over the next couple of weeks as I depart on Friday.  Unlike my Asia trip from a few years ago, this is a short trip concentrated on a 5 day hike to Machu Picchu and exploring the Atacama desert of Chile.  I expect a lot of challenges, excitement, and sense of achievement.  I'll do my best to describe my experiences with different hotels, tour companies, equipment, and anything of importance that can be valuable to anyone traveling to these countries.  Stay tuned!