Machu Picchu Trek

We will stop for photos when we get ‘that’ view point and also when we trek across it.

We will be trekking between 6-7 hours a day most days. The itinerary gives further detail on the distances and approximate times.

Obviously, the best way to train for any expedition is to recreate the conditions of the climb as closely as possible. This is going to be difficult depending on where you are based geographically and we appreciate people have busy lives with work and family commitments.

Personal fitness is important for this trek, if you are struggling from day one then you will not enjoy the rest of the trip. Physical preparation does not have to be Herculean: concentrate on cardio-vascular exercise during the week by taking short runs when time allows and try to spend at least 2 weekends a month going on long walks (a decent six hours or 12 miles) carrying a rucksack of around 5kg in a reasonably hilly environment. Not sure what 5kg is? Put 5 one litre bottles of water into your bag!

This kind of regime will not only prepare your body for carrying minor loads but will harden your body against the big days on the trek itself. In addition, it will help break in your boots and get you used to your equipment.

We have included a training plan at the end of the trip brochure, and several excellent training plans can also be found online to prepare you for this ascent. We’d recommend the thorough advice offered by UpHill Athlete too.

On a day to day level remember that you will be camping at altitude. You are likely to be cold, washing and toilet facilities will be limited, your appetite may be affected by the altitude and as you get higher on the trek you are likely to suffer shortness of breath and many people experience difficulty sleeping.

Remember that everyone on the trek is likely to be experiencing exactly the same symptoms: physical and mental.

You’ll spend 6 nights during your itinerary in 3* hotels, which included a delicious breakfast. Rooms are allocated on a twin sharing bases so do let us know if you don’t want to share (and also see the below FAQ).

We use high quality 3 man tents to be shared between 2 people to provide extra space for your comfort.

Tent share is organised according to sex and, where possible, age groups. Obviously if trekking with a friend or partner then you will be able to share tents.

If you have joined the team by yourself then it is highly likely that you will be sharing a tent with your pre-assigned room buddy unless prior arrangements have been made.

Our local camp crew will set up the tents for you each night. We send them ahead of the group to secure the best site and to get the site prepared before you arrive. Bear in mind that these guys are also porters and when our walking days are shorter we might get to camp before them. If this occurs then have a cup of tea in the dining tent and wait for your tents to be ready.

We bring along our own toilet tents with Portaloo units. This allows us to maintain the best possible levels of hygiene without contributing to the toilet and subsequent health problems that can happen at some camps.

We can make the arrangements for you to sleep solo throughout this expedition, if that’s what you’d prefer.

If you want a single room for your hotel nights only, it will cost £150. If you’d like a single tent throughout the trek it will cost £40, and if you want single sleeping arrangements throughout it will cost £190.

Breakfast can vary from oatmeal to scramble eggs. While we trek, snacks will be provided containing fruit, dry fruits, and an energy bar. During lunch and dinner, you will always be provided with a starter  (soup), main dish, and dessert.

The underlying aim is to provide balanced, nutritional meals packed with carbohydrates to refuel hungry bodies and to replenish stores for the next day of activity. On top of well balanced meals you are provided with coffee, tea and snacks upon arrival into camp.

When camping the morning wake-up call is usually accompanied with a cup of tea or coffee in your tent.

Do bring along any of your favourite snacks and goodie bags from home if you want. Concentrate on high energy food-stuff to give you that little boost on an arduous day.

Absolutely, please inform the office of any allergies or intolerances and we will ensure that these are taken into account on the trek.

Absolutely, please inform the office of any allergies or intolerances and we will ensure that these are taken into account on the trek.

For the first day bottled drinking water will be used. At higher camps we will use locally sourced drinking water from streams or springs. These are usually fresh being topped up from melt water above or by rainfall.  We boil the water and then use water filters or purification tablets to make sure that no bacteria remain on our treatment of water. We always ensure that our drinking water is 100% bug free.

Before leaving camp in the morning you will fill your water bottles or camel bladder. If this runs low you will have ample water to replace it with. For most walking days water can be replenished at the lunchtime site – we would rather you brought reusable bottles with you, to reduce plastic use in-country!

In the vast majority of cases of emergency rescue the problems can be attributed to altitude and if so, the solution is immediate descent to lower altitudes. Our local trekking crew are all experienced in dealing with problems that could arise. Our leaders are either doctors or qualified with the highest standard of wilderness first aid qualifications and can handle an emergency to the highest level of competency, in the vast majority of cases without national park assistance.

There are different types of altitude sickness. Although our acclimatisation regime ensures that everybody enjoys the best possible chance of getting high on the mountain, altitude related problems can happen. The most common of these is acute mountain sickness (AMS).

Symptoms for this generally include headaches, nausea and vomiting.

In all this sounds quite dramatic but generally this is just the process your body naturally goes through to adjust to the higher altitudes and the reduced partial pressure of the atmosphere. For some people the acclimatisation process is a little longer and harder than others.

For our leaders this is all part and parcel of ascending high into the mountains.

We don’t recommend using Diamox as a prophylactic and if you have been prescribed it by your GP, please raise this with your expedition leader.

There are some basic measures you can take to help yourself should you start suffering from AMS. As headache is the most common symptom of AMS try taking a simple painkiller such as paracetamol or ibuprofen to relieve the headache. If the headache disappears all well and good.

Please remember to inform your 360 Leader of any altitude symptom you may have and any medication you have taken as a result so they can keep an eye on you and advise accordingly.

Should someone develop severe AMS then the only cure is descent and as safety is our priority you will be taken down appropriately.

In most cases AMS can be avoided by the following: drink plenty of water, walk slowly, stay warm and eat well – and listen and talk to your guides.

We recommend that you familiarise yourself with the various effects that altitude can cause. During your pre-climb briefing, we will describe altitude sickness to you in detail, and advise you how to cope with it.

The most important thing is not to fear it, but to respect it and to know how to deal with it and more importantly tell your guides how you feel. Our guides have seen every condition that the mountain produces, and they will always know how to deal with problems.

Although we recommend you come armed with a course of Diamox or other high-altitude drug on this expedition, we do not recommend that take you these as a prophylactic during the trek or climb. We view Diamox as a treatment drug rather than a preventative medicine. Most adventure medics give similar advice, however we do appreciate this can be confusing, as many GPs (who aren’t necessarily mountaineers) do suggest taking it as a prophylactic.

We pride ourselves on designing all our itineraries with acclimatisation very much front and centre and this expedition itinerary has been carefully designed to allow for your body to adjust to the altitude gradually, safely and comfortably.

However, if you find that you are still having problems adjusting to the altitude (see our FAQ on Altitude Sickness) then your expedition leader or expedition medic will recommend the correct course of action regarding taking Diamox.

It is far preferable to take Diamox if and when needed during the course of the expedition. If you are already taking it and then start having altitude related problems you are left with few options but to descend to a more comfortable altitude which sadly often means that the summit is not attainable.

Furthermore, Diamox is a diuretic, meaning you will have to drink a lot of fluid to prevent dehydration. Of course, the upshot of this is you’ll have to pee more which means you’ll probably be having to get up more in the night and take cover behind rocks during the day. Another quite common side-effect is that it can cause your extremities to “buzz and tingle” including your fingers, toes and lips which can feel quite unsettling.  Other side-effects can include dizziness and light headedness with loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. Although all these side-effects are manageable when you have symptoms of altitude sickness, we personally believe it is counter-intuitive to take it unless necessary.

Of course, it is totally up to you, this is just our recommendation and we’re not doctors. If you do decide to take Diamox on the advice of your doctor then please do let your leader know in situ so they are aware of this. We also suggest you take the drug for a couple of days a few weeks before travelling so you can experience the symptoms before taking them during the trek.

The malaria protozoa generally does not survive over an altitude of 1,500m so malaria should pose no threat. We recommend that you visit your doctor or travel clinic before departure to get the latest advice.

We advocate a self-help principle on this expedition for minor medical problems. If you have a blister developing, for example, then please stop, take off your boot and treat it before it becomes a problem.

We would recommend your own first aid kit should contain:

Diamox, or other high-altitude drug, enough for the duration of expedition; a basic blister kit, plasters, antiseptic, high factor sun protection, your own personal medication (sometimes the mules might get to camp after you and if one is carrying your medication you may not be able to take it according to the regime you are used to), basic pain relief (paracetamol /aspirin/ibuprofen,) a personal course of antibiotics if prone to illness – two different types are preferable, as back up, anti-diarrhoea tablets if you do have a more sensitive stomach etc. Foot powder in your socks every morning is great for preventing blisters.

Generally, the best approach to take when packing your first aid kit is to include such basic medications as if you would on a family or personal holiday.

Having said that, your 360 expedition leader and/or a member of the local crew does carry a very comprehensive first aid kit which contains a wide range of supplies, and they are fully trained to use whatever is needed for any emergency that may arise.

The following vaccinations are generally recommended:

• Hepatitis A
• Typhoid
• Diphtheria
• Tetanus
• Polio

However, this list is not absolute and it is important you see your GP or visit your nearest travel clinic for latest recommendations and to ensure you are up to date on necessary vaccinations.

Think about the time of year, and how high you are going. While you may swelter at the bottom of the mountains, it can get surprisingly nippy at altitude.

Both long sleeve tops and trekking trousers are recommended rather than shorts. Long sleeves and trousers are recommended as a deterrent to insects, scratches from bushes and to act as sun protection. Equally, if you wish to bring short sleeve tops or shorts, that’s fine, just be careful. Keep an eye on sunburn. The prevailing conditions of the day will dictate what you feel like wearing. And the layering system never fails. If you’re cold, put a layer on, if you’re hot, take one off.

Because of the huge variety of terrain encountered when ascending in these mountain environments, it is very important to wear the right footwear. Boots should be sturdy, waterproof, insulated against cold temperatures and offer adequate ankle support.

In addition, it is highly recommended that your boots are well worn in to prevent the formation of blisters. A wide range of suitable boots are on the market and further advice as to which brand names are available can be found online or at your local outdoor store. The leather / Goretex combinations are endless and each with their merits.

When in-store (we’d recommend Cotswold Outdoor – and we’ll send you a 15% discount code when you book on!) try lots of boots on, use the ramps in the shops to test their traction, make sure they are comfortable as you will be almost living in them for days on end and they are very important. Once you’ve found a pair you like, you think they’re comfortable, and will be for several hours a day, buy them. It is not necessary to buy technical boots with crampon clips as crampons are not used for climbing this mountain. But you may enjoy wearing lighter trekking shoes on more gentle days.

We would recommend a daysack of approximately 30 litres capacity to carry your personal belongings whilst trekking.

You will also need a light duffel bag or kit bag for your overnight camping gear, which will be carried by the mules.

A daysack is worn at all times during the trek. The content should include: a fleece or down jacket (for if we take a break later in the day when it has cooled down, or the weather changes), lightweight waterproof jacket and trousers (primarily to act as wind protection), sufficient water for the day, snacks, camera equipment, personal medication, sunscreen, insect repellent, a warm hat and sun hat, sunglasses, and a head torch is always handy for any nights we get into camp a bit later.

On the km104 section of the trek, there is a 5kg weight limit on the train for your daysack (anything else can be left with your overnight bag), and you will also need to carry your passport, Covid-19 vaccination card and money – your guide will remind you in situ!

Your overnight camping gear should contain warm clothes for the evening, any spare trekking clothes you wish to take for the next day, your sleeping bag and liner, and your washbag/toiletries. Plus, anything else you wish to have for the evening in camp, books or games etc.

These bags will be transported to the campsite each night by mule, and the cargo limit is 20kg, split between two trekkers; so the maximum limit is 10kg per person. This should be packed in a soft duffel bag or kit bag so that can be easily tied on to the mules, and do remember this will need to be waterproof – whether that’s the bag itself, or you put your kit in stuffsacks or plastic bin liners.

This bag will not be accessible during the day, apart from some lunchtimes when they generally overtake the group, so anything that you need for the day should be in your daysack.

Your daysack has no weight limit, but remember you will be carrying, it, so don’t overload it!

Your overnight camping gear will be transported to the campsite each night by mule. The mule’s cargo limit is 20kg and this is split between two trekkers; so the maximum limit is 10kg per person. This should be packed in a soft bag that can be easily tied on to the mules – either a light duffel or kit bag. We would recommend either waterproof bags, or lining the bags/putting your gear into stuff sacks or plastic bin liners. You can leave additional luggage at the hotel in Cusco.

Yes, if you would like a personal porter for the trekking days, this is possible – lease do let us know in advance. This will cost an additional US $150, plus any additional (and optional) gratuity you may wish to leave.

Yes, any non-trekking equipment such as heavy suitcases, travelling clothes, evening wear for your return to Cusco etc can be left in the secure store at the hotel in Cusco – though please do note that this is left at your own risk, and we would not advise leaving valuables.

They are highly recommended, our guides wear them every evening. A layer system comprising of several layer of base layers, fleeces, jumpers and a jacket will suffice on most nights but nothing beats the efficiency of a good down jacket (especially when topped with a water proof layer).

It should be rated within the -10 C comfort zone. From the first camp upwards it is not unusual to experience frosty nights and a good night’s sleep is important to giving you the best chance to complete this trek. Ensure you get a sleeping bag that has this temperature rating as its comfort zone, not extreme zone. Our guides take sleeping bags rated to well below -10C to ensure that they are warm at night. 3 season sleeping bags can be enhanced by using an inner silk sheet (or similar).

The idea is to be as comfortable and warm as possible for the night and henceforth to ensure plenty of sleep for the arduous days ahead. It is important to remember that down sleeping bags work by your own body heating the down that’s inside the bag. Once you have warmed up the bag the down will retain the heat and ensure that you sleep at a temperature that’s your own body temperature.

For best results it is best to wear as little as possible when inside your sleeping bag. Our guides will often only wear a set of thermals in their bag. It is important for the bag to trap the heat. By wearing multiple layers of clothing your clothing will trap this heat and your bag will not function properly.

(If you do wish to hire a sleeping bag, this can be rented in situ for the camping nights, for US $40 per person – though please do let the 360 office team know in advance!)

It is possible to rent kit in the UK. While we recommend the use of personal equipment whenever possible if you will be doing many more expeditions, the cost of equipping yourself can be a big deterrrent and hiring (or borrowing) is a worthwhile economy. Should you wish to rent any equipment, please take a look at Outdoor Hire and then the 360 kit lists under “Partners Kit Lists”. Peru Salkantay is listed. Sleeping bag and trekking poles can be hired in situ for a small cost, though we do need to request these in advance, so do chat to the 360 office team if you wish to hire in Peru.

Shorts and T-shirts are fine to wear during the course of the day. Evening wear generally tends to be casual with long trousers and casual shirt being appropriate for all hotels and restaurants.

Peruvians are generally quite conservative in their dress code and are generally well dressed. Your town and party clothes can be left in a safe lock up at the hotel and will not have to be taken on the trek.

When you head out on this expedition you will be guided and looked after by our highly accredited local guides. They have a wealth of local knowledge and bring the trip alive with their passion for the region.

They speak the local dialect, Spanish, and are fluent in English. All our guides have the relevant qualifications to keep you safe in the mountains.

If the group size is 8 or more, we will generally add one of our guides from the UK.

UK citizens do not currently need to obtain a visa to visit Peru (although once you visit Machu Picchu you can receive a stamp in your passport if you wish) – do check out the visa requirements for your home country, or give the 360 office a call!

If a trekker needs to leave early, arrangements can be made with the assistance of your 360 Leader. Additional costs (transport, hotels flights etc.) may be incurred by you but our guides will be able to assist in every detail of your departure.

If you would like to arrive early before the trek or stay out for a few days then let us know and we can make arrangements for you.

360 will send you a flight schedule as soon as we have booked your flights. E-Tickets will be sent to you about six weeks before departure.

In the dry season, from April to November.

During the day temperatures can be warm and can even reach the mid 20C’s. In the evening higher up, it could drop to below freezing and have a distinct chill in the air. As you will be trekking in a mountain environment, the weather can change rapidly for the worse so you need to be prepared for all conditions. Even in good weather it is not uncommon to have short heavy downpours.

You must carry individual travel insurance to take part in the expedition. We cannot take you on the mountain without proof of insurance.

Our team are insured through True Traveller, and we are part of their affiliate programme. Other recommendations can be found on our links page.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the appropriate insurance for your intended trip, to include (at a minimum) medical evacuation and coverage up to the maximum altitude of this trip.

Your insurance details are requested on the booking form; however this can be arranged at a later date if you wish, though we would always suggest having at least insurance to cover you for cancellation in place at the time of booking. 360 Expeditions will be requesting your insurance details 8 weeks before your departure if we have not received them prior to this.

Generally speaking, deposits (which are non-refundable) are due upon booking, particularly if we are handling your flight bookings. The full amount should be paid 4 months prior to departure. However, having said this, our aim is to get you into the mountains and we understand that personal financial situations can vary. Please contact our friendly office crew to discuss a suitable payment plan. We have, after all, been in your shoes and go by the motto of ‘where there’s a will there’s a way’!

If you are doing this for charity, your chosen charity may have particular requirements that they will communicate to you.

Peru uses the Peruvian Nuevo Sol ATMs are widespread in more urban areas for both US dollars and nuevo soles but don’t always offer the most favourable rates. When receiving local currency, always ask for small bills (billetes pequeñas), as $100 bills are hard to change in small towns or for small purchases.

The best places to exchange money are normally casas de cambio (foreign exchange bureaus), which are fast, have longer hours, and often give slightly better rates than banks. Do not accept torn money as it will likely not be accepted by Peruvians. It is best not to change money on the street as counterfeits are a problem.

We are proud to be enabling this expedition to be Carbon Positive – not only does our team offset the carbon emissions of the trek, including the internal flights, but we also work to make the trip carbon positive, by planting 22 trees per person. We pay this in country, so instead of adding this to your expedition cost, we ask that you bring US $44 ($22 for the carbon offsetting, and $22 for the tree planting), and this will be collected in situ.

We have done our best to be inclusive with our costs and, aside from carbon offsetting (see the previous question!), and a couple of meals in Cusco (2 lunches and 2 dinners), the amount of money you will need depends on how many presents you wish to buy or how much you wish to drink when you come off the hill. As a basic rule of thumb, US $200-$300 should be more than adequate for any post expedition spending, but don’t forget to add your tip money to this!

Peru is a relatively cheap place and when indulging in the local custom of haggling then goods can be very good value for money. Your 360 Leader will be happy to point out the relative bargains and the suitable prices, plus where to get the best value for money.

Our local crew work extremely hard to ensure that your expedition runs well. While tipping is not compulsory, it is very much ingrained in the Peruvian culture. Once someone sees the hard work the crew provides and realises the small amount of money they get paid relative to your own income, tipping will seem the least you can do to say thank you. As a guide, we suggest around £140 – £180 per trekker for the entire local crew to be shared amongst them.

Tipping the 360 Leader is entirely at your discretion, although it is their skill, effort and dedication that can make an expedition a success.

Please read our terms and conditions carefully before you depart for details on this. 360 Expeditions highly recommends trip cancellation insurance for all expeditions as we must adhere to a stringent cancellation policy.

Opportunities are limited, please bring battery packs with you to charge your phone and camera. We use PowerTraveller for our power packs and solar charges and would highly recommend them!

There will be no phone reception during the trek.

Electricity in Peru is 220V, alternating at 60 Hertz which is similar to the UK. However, you will need either a flat blade or a two round pin plug adaptor or both as Peru generally accepts these two types of plug. You can buy these adaptors quite easily in the UK or at the airport.

While we will do everything we can to provide adequate safety for the group and security for your possessions, the general rule is that if you don’t need it, don’t bring it. This includes jewellery, necklaces, rings and even watches. Your passport and money should be kept on you at all times. As with travel in any foreign country, you need to look after yourself and your possessions, and this is no different.

We’re all here to answer any questions you may have, but you will mostly likely be talking to Marni about the trek, and Helen about any flight, invoice or financial queries. If you do have any queries, whether it’s about medical concerns, you’re unsure about certain things on the kit list, or you want to add a few days onto the expedition at the end to relax a bit, we encourage you to get in touch with us! The better informed you are, the more likely you are to take on your expedition with confidence, and thus reach your objective. We will also set up a WhatsApp group for your group prior to the expedition so you can meet your fellow trekkers!