How to prepare before the walk from Aguas Calientes?

If planning to trek from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu, one must be sure to prepare accordingly, especially those who take time to acclimatize. Adjusting to the altitude should be a top priority. With many travellers, the effects of altitude are solely shortness of breath and a mild headache. However, if these conditions worsen or fail to improve after several hours, they have the potential to be incredibly serious even life threatening, and should not be neglected.

We highly suggest travellers take several steps to prepare for the effects of altitude. Alternatively, adjusting to altitude gradually is the ultimate way to avoid altitude sickness. This can be done by spending at least 24 hours at every 2000ft. increase in altitude. By taking a bus rather than flying direct from Lima to Cusco is the optimal way of doing this in Peru.

You can trek from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu all year round. During the wet season (November – April) there is a higher chance of heavy rainfall and the trail and ladders may become slippery and more challenging to traverse. The region has a sub-tropical feel throughout the year with average daily temperatures of 18 °C (64 °F). During the dry season the humidity is around 40 – 45%, rising to 60 – 65% during the wet season. Early morning trekking offers cooler temperatures and better shade from the sun. Make sure that you aren’t trekking when the sun goes down (around 6pm) as it is very dangerous. Read more about the weather in Peru here.

The weather in this region of Peru can often be un-predictable any time of the year, so you must be prepared with clothing for rain and sun. A light weight rain coat or poncho and sun protection is advised. Take a bottle of water with you.

Check list:

• 1 bottle of water.
• Sun hat, sun glasses & sun block.
• Walking stick with rubber tip (if required).
• Strong insect repellent.
• Light weight rain coat or poncho.
• Camera.