Camping Trips on Inca Trail – Enjoying the Wilderness
Taken to be not just a means of accessing Machu Picchu, but a destination in itself, the Inca Trail is a 26-meter long trek through the mountains, cloud forest, jungles and Incan ruins of the lovely country Peru. Hikers can stay in tents during the classic 4-day Inca trek. Porters carry tents, food and equipment and erect camp every night, while cooks provide meals.
Permits
Hikers are not allowed to camp independently on the Inca Trail; so, the only way to go camping is with an organized, authorized trek. The Peruvian Government restricts the number of hikers for the trail to 500 people per day, including guides and porters. And you should buy a trekking permit beforehand. It is recommended by the Inca Trail Reservations to book before two months for the off season of October to March, while before five months for the high season of June to August to make sure that you get your desired dates. Once you pay, your tour guide arranges the permit.
Designated Campgrounds
Hikers can only camp at designated campgrounds along the Trail. These campgrounds are basic. A dining tent is provided by the tour to eat with tables and chairs, and meals are prepared in the kitchen tent. Larger campgrounds have flush toilets, and chemical toilet tents are also provided. A local hostel near the campground charges a small fee for a short hot water bath on the third night of the tour; otherwise, you can wait for a shower till you reach Machu Picchu in the nearby town, Aguas Calientes.
What to Carry
Let your main luggage be left in your Cuzco hotel and take a small backpack for the Inca Trail camp. Two pairs of light pants, two tees, a pair of shorts, a long-sleeved shirt, fleece, a rain jacket, underwear and sunhat will be the clothing you should carry. Keep aside a dry set of clothes to change once you reach camp every evening. Other essentials may be toiletries, towels, insect repellent, flashlight, sunglasses, first-aid kit and a camera. Wear comfy waterproof hiking shoes. You will also need a sleeping bag, which you can rent in Cuzco.
Meals
Meals to be taken while camping on the Inca Trail should be high-energy. Simple dishes are served thrice a day. Usually breakfast contains bread, fruit, pancakes or granola. Lunch and dinner contains pasta, soups, chicken, fish, omelets and meat, and also a dessert. Vegetarians can notify the organizer beforehand. Cooks prepare coffee and tea, and also coca tea to overcome altitude sickness. Carry a 1.5-liter water bottle to get refilled at campgrounds and at mountain streams. You should also carry water purification tablets.
Ideal Season
All through February, the Inca Trail is closed for conservation work. It is comfortable to camp from April to October, when the climate is dry and days are usually sunny. January and March may be a bit wet – difficult to stay under canvas and hike every day. The high season is from June to August and is busy. Campgrounds might be disturbingly noisy and crowded. If you prefer this time of the year, don’t forget a warm sleeping bag as the nights are cold at that time.
This article is sponsored by Voyagers Travel – a travel organization dedicated to all activities including tourism in South America, like Machu Picchu tours and Peru travel tours. This is a multilingual company with very efficient and talented employees. As one of the leading destination management companies of South America, they also handle FITs, Special Interests, Groups, Cruises, Charters and Incentives.
