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Revision as of 23:01, 31 August 2013
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=== Hiring an extra porter ===
=== Hiring an extra porter ===
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*(2012) With Llama Path, [http://www.tierrasvivas.com/en/tours-peru-travel/inca-trail-trekking-machu-picchu-hike-inka-trail-peru-hikking-machu-picchu-inca-trail-tours-machu-picchu Tierras Vivas] or Adventure Life, in 2012, an additional porter allowed you to carry 7 kg extra (from 7kg to 14 kg). However, the extra porter you hire is not just for you - he will carry an equal share of the whole set of gear to be transported, including everyone else's food, kitchen tent, etc etc. The tips for 'your porter' are part of the shared pool as well - so it's not really the case that you are paying for a porter for yourself.
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*(2012) With Llama Path or Adventure Life, in 2012, an additional porter allowed you to carry 7 kg extra (from 7kg to 14 kg). However, the extra porter you hire is not just for you - he will carry an equal share of the whole set of gear to be transported, including everyone else's food, kitchen tent, etc etc. The tips for 'your porter' are part of the shared pool as well - so it's not really the case that you are paying for a porter for yourself.
=== Inflatable mattresses ===
=== Inflatable mattresses ===
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*(2012, with Llama Path, [http://www.tierrasvivas.com/en/tours-peru-travel/inca-trail-trekking-machu-picchu-hike-inka-trail-peru-hikking-machu-picchu-inca-trail-tours-machu-picchu Tierras Vivas] or Adventure Life) - getting an inflatable mattress (which cost 25$ per person) meant you get two mattresses, a normal one and in addition an inflatable one on top, making it exceedingly and maybe excessively comfortable
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*(2012, with Llama Path or Adventure Life) - getting an inflatable mattress (which cost 25$ per person) meant you get two mattresses, a normal one and in addition an inflatable one on top, making it exceedingly and maybe excessively comfortable
=== Porters ===
=== Porters ===
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* The [[Salkantay trail]] is 75km over five days, via Mount Salkantay, and reaches altitude of 4600 meters so requires somewhat greater fitness than the traditional Inca trail. Salkantay was one of the trade routes for Coca and Potatoes and passes some recently discovered Incan storage facilities. The Salkantay trek is considered less 'touristy' with more cultural highlights, however some critics comment that the very reasons that saw the Inca Trail severely regulated, are now occuring on the Salkantay trail (lack of infrastructure, random camping, large tour groups, maltreatment of guides and porters, etc). Ensure that the company you travel with is aware of sustainble tourism. If you chose to travel with a dirt cheap company, tip your staff extra well!
* The [[Salkantay trail]] is 75km over five days, via Mount Salkantay, and reaches altitude of 4600 meters so requires somewhat greater fitness than the traditional Inca trail. Salkantay was one of the trade routes for Coca and Potatoes and passes some recently discovered Incan storage facilities. The Salkantay trek is considered less 'touristy' with more cultural highlights, however some critics comment that the very reasons that saw the Inca Trail severely regulated, are now occuring on the Salkantay trail (lack of infrastructure, random camping, large tour groups, maltreatment of guides and porters, etc). Ensure that the company you travel with is aware of sustainble tourism. If you chose to travel with a dirt cheap company, tip your staff extra well!
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* The Cachiccata Trek (by Adventure Life or [http://www.tierrasvivas.com/en/tours-peru-travel/inca-trail-alternative-trek-machu-picchu-cachicata-trek-hike-to-machu-picchu-peru-trail-inca-trail-alternative Tierras Vivas]) offers an alternate 3 day hike in the same region near the Inca Trail. The trail includes ruins visits in a remote area where travelers will cross paths with few other people during the 3 days. A visit to Machu Picchu is then possible by train.
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* The Cachiccata Trek (by Adventure Life) offers an alternate 3 day hike in the same region near the Inca Trail. The trail includes ruins visits in a remote area where travelers will cross paths with few other people during the 3 days. A visit to Machu Picchu is then possible by train.
* From Cachora over [[Choquequirao]] (ruins bigger and less touristic than Machu Picchu and similar location) to Machu Picchu, 8 days, with extremely few tourists enjoying the very traditional and beautiful rural area. The trail is demanding. At Chicon Expeditions (located at main plaza in Cusco) a package including entrance fees, good equipment, english speaking guide with license, transportation with bus + train, mulis and driver, cook and food 430$ per person.
* From Cachora over [[Choquequirao]] (ruins bigger and less touristic than Machu Picchu and similar location) to Machu Picchu, 8 days, with extremely few tourists enjoying the very traditional and beautiful rural area. The trail is demanding. At Chicon Expeditions (located at main plaza in Cusco) a package including entrance fees, good equipment, english speaking guide with license, transportation with bus + train, mulis and driver, cook and food 430$ per person.
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* Lares and Machu Picchu (4 days)(By [http://www.tierrasvivas.com/en/tours-peru-travel/lares-trekking-machu-picchu-cheap-lares-trek-machu-picchu-trekking-valley-lares-cuzco-adventure-treks Tierra Vivas]): The Lares Valley Trek to Machu Picchu. For trekkers wanting to get off the well beaten tourist path and escape to a part of Peru that has changed little over the last 500 years then a trek through the spectacular scenery of the Lares Valley is a must. This remote and rarely visited region offers the trekker an insight into the real lives of the Andean farmer, dressed in their traditional brightly colored ponchos. You’ll have the opportunity to see thatched stone houses surrounded by herds of llamas and alpacas. Inside the houses you’ll see guinea pigs running loose.
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* Lares (4 days)
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* Lares and Machu Picchu (4 days)
* Ancascocha (4 days)
* Ancascocha (4 days)