Chat on WhatsAppAfter months of worrying about whether or not I would be able to complete the trek, it is now over and done with and I am happy to say I completed it with no problems.
My time during the trek was a mixture of things there were times I found it hard as it was quite steep in areas but I was prepared for it to be hard in places and I was able to take my time and do it at my own pace (which I found helped a lot). The rain was a little disappointing but I think that I would prefer that than the hot sun.
Our guide Ramiro was great as he was very informative about all the places and he made sure for the trekkers who were fast walkers they knew where to wait or how to find the camp, that way the slower walkers could take their time.The porters were amazing, they carried so much stuff and were able to fly past us with all the gear on their back. They are awesome at how they get in front and get set up so by the time we arrive everything like tents etc is set up so we can put our stuff in them and relax, while they keep going and help the chef with the food. The food was amazing. I never expected the food to be such great variety and different on a camping trek. I never felt hungry and had way too many snacks left over as they made sure we were fed appropriately.
I would suggest that the orientation to be done at lunchtime or earlier the day before to allow the guests time to shop around and make sure they have the right attire for the trek.
Maybe have a sample of a backpack to show guests, Ramiro´s bag was ideal size but or day bag was to small but our clothes backpack to big. Also inform guest to make sure their backpacks are either waterproof or have a poncho to cover them as once wet, they are pointless. Maybe give the guests the mattresses at orientation so they can make sure the poncho or covers will go over them. Although it is written down, also tell guests they head a torch or headlamp for the last morning (few people on or tour didn't have them and I think its cause they thought they were just for around the camp).
My overall experience of Machupicchu was amazing. The views were amazing, and its great to see its all in great condition and I hope it stays that way for generations to come.
I have recommended this company to friends. I was a little worried when there were only 6 of us on the tour, but we all agreed at the end that it was a better experience as we had such a small group and we all got along apposed to a big group with lots of rowdy people.
Amazing time, great experience and recommend anyone to do it .
We had a great time on our Classic Inca Trail 4 day and 3 night tour. we had a group of 6 of us with 1 guide and 6 porters. The views along the trek were amazing and although we had a little rain on the 2nd and 3rd days it was easy for your clothes to dry out from more hiking. The food was amazing with 3 courses, 3 times a day, you wont realise that you are in the wilderness with some of the dishes the chef cooks.
Some things that I would recommend would be to pack light with a smallish to medium day bag, you will be wearing mostly short or cut off pants and the same pair for all 4 days are fine, only a new daily pair of socks, underwear and shirts are needed. A few snacks but not too many as you are fed relly well. Good hiking shoes are a must as well with a hat, sunscreen and insect repellent. A torch and headlamp with good working batteries. A sleeping bag that is warm is a good idea or if you only have a light one you can rent one for a small amount at the office, the company provides you with a sleeping mat that you must carry yourself. If you would like you can pay a porter to carry your bag for you for the 3 days or only just for the 2nd or 3rd day which will be the hardest days of the trek.Day 2 is hard as you are hiking very high up to dead womans pass and day 3 is long as you hike 16kms. Day 4 is an early start and you only hike for approx 1 hour to get to machu pichu and there you see the most amazing views and you can appreiciate the last 3 days of hiking.
You don't have to be an extreme hiker to do this trek like some people think you can go at your own pace with no rushing the guide will let people that want to hike faster to go ahead and will stay with the more slower relaxed hikers. Our porters treated us like royalty and we all thought that we were the luckier groups as others groups had 12 or more people and you could see that each person didnt get the treatment or personal experience that we did. Overall I would definetly recommend this tour with this tour agency, I would only sugesst booking in advance to get your desired dates and also arrive in Cusco a day or 2 before your hike to adjust to the altitude and also a day or 2 after to relax and re energise after such a physical achievement.
If you have any other further questions you can email the office before your trek or when you get to cusco go see the staff at the office to further discuss questions.
