Please read carefully this important information.
Pre-Trek Acclimation:
So that your body has sufficient time to acclimate prior
to starting the trek, we strongly recommend that you arrive
in Cusco or similar elevation a minimum of two days prior
to the trek.
Climate:
Cusco has well-defined seasons. From June to August, while
winter days are typically sunny and warm, the temperature
can drop to below freezing (27°F/-3°C) at night
in our high camps. Rain seldom falls during winter. From
January to March, the summer months offer daytime temperatures
to 85°F/30°C, milder nights (typically to 45°F/8°C)
and plenty of rain. Despite some rain, December and April
are among our favorite months for trekking, since the mountains
are lush with summer flowers and you enjoy plenty of sunshine.
Departures during Andean spring and fall offer weather patterns
intermediate between these seasonal extremes.
Clothing:
Expect a wide range of temperature and precipitation on
your program. In high mountain environments, you must be
prepared for inclement weather at any time. Even at mid-day,
if clouds obscure the sun the apparent temperature cools
dramatically. By packing a system of thin, independent layers,
you can easily add or remove layers to remain comfortable
as conditions change throughout the day.
Most trekkers leave camp in the morning wearing a cold-weather
layer over T-shirt and shorts. At the first rest stop, after
you have warmed up a bit, remove a layer and continue in
hot-weather clothing until the temperature cools off later
in the day. At all times, carry rain-gear in your day-pack.
Basic clothing list: underwear, thermalunderwear (tops
and bottoms,) socks, lightweight hiking boots, sneakers
for around camp, loose-fitting long pants or wind-pants,
shorts, T-shirts, long-sleeved shirt, Polarfleece jacket,
full rain gear, sun hat, bathing suit, gloves and ski-type
hat.
Other Gear
Essential: Day pack, water bottle, flashlight,
sunglasses, sunscreen, toilet kit, insect repellent.
Optional: sewing kit, pocket knife, camera
and film, binoculars, paperback book, snacks and/or energy
bars. Your outfitter provides: a heavy-duty, 4,100-cubic-inch
trail duffel, Thermarest sleeping pad, tents and communal
camping gear.
Vaccinations: While no vaccinations are
mandatory for entering Peru, and no official is likely to
demand to see proof of your vaccination against any disease,
some protection is prudent. Consult your physician or local
travelers' clinic for the latest recommendations. For general
travel, the most common recommended vaccinations or boosters
are for tetanus, typhoid/diphtheria, Hepatitis A, and polio.
The World Health Organization does not recommend vaccination
against cholera. If you're visiting the Amazon before or
after your trek, ask about yellow fever and chloroquine-resistant
malaria. Some countries (notably Brazil) require travelers
to show proof of a valid Yellow Fever vaccination when arriving
from Peru.
Important Notice for Vegetarians, Passengers with
Allergies and Other Restricted Diets
In the cities, you will find sufficient vegetarian choices
in most restaurants. We serve a variety of freshly-prepared
foods in our camps. While our trek meals are designed for
omnivores, we are able to satisfy most restricted-diet passengers.
Strict vegetarians will have to bring many food supplements
from home, as specialty items are unavailable in South America.
If you have food allergies you must detail these on your
trip application when you register for your trek. Review
these with our guide and operations staff during the trek
orientation meeting.
Our approach in meeting the needs of restricted-diet passengers
is the same: while our cooks concentrate on providing the
main meal, they can heat and serve food supplied by the
passengers that the passengers deem safe.
If you have a restricted diet, please ask for our memo
detailing our approach to food service on the trek.
Inca
Trail to Machupicchu
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