This one is getting noticed a bit more so if anyone has any questions, feel free to drop one here! I'll be happy to answer, one of the best experiences of my life! Don't forget to read the description for more tips too, and subscribe if you love traveling like I do!
Hi John, thank you for making and posting this incredibly helpful guide to the Inca trail. I’ve a few questions. Is there any cellphone reception on the trail or at the campsites? If not, did your guide carry a satellite phone for emergencies? What was the temperature range during your trip in August? Do you know how much colder it would be at the end of March?
Wow! It’s changed so much. I did this 35 years ago. When I was 18. There were no porters. No checkpoints or food awaiting me. No camp sites. No hot drinks. No one to carry your stuff. You had to carry everything you needed. Food for 4 days. Just a litre of water. Tents. Sleeping stuff and any equipment. Extra water I got from the streams along the way. I slept and camped where I found myself, no phones no GPS just a map. I’m not saying this to belittle anybody’s achievement. Just to illustrate how the locals have commercialised this experience and made tourists spend their money. Fair play, but I’d prefer the solo experience. Having said all that a guy 3 days behind me died on the trail. It’s not rare. Or wasn’t back then. It was easy to slip and snakes were everywhere. With no one to help you I think that’s why things changed. Still I recomend it to all. It’s still going to be tough. If exhaustion doesn’t get you altitude sickness will. Take some coca leaves 😁
Great video of the hike! We've been to Peru 3 times and Machu Picchu twice. We didn't do the hike like you did...wish we were able to....we're in our 60's and 70's! It's truly a fantastic and amazing place. Hoping to go back in Sept!!
Hi John, thank you for the video of the trail ... it brought back quite a few memories. I walked the trail on my own back in 1977 - in those days you could - and it was great to experience it again, if only virtually. Thanks. Safe travels, Malcolm.
Fantastic video and useful information!! I'm hiking Machu Picchu May-June 2023 and very excited. Your tip s helped a lot. My last travel experiences were glacier hiking in Iceland (December 2021) and Egypt and Jordan this summer (July-August 2022).
31 years ago we ( 2 pers. ) made the Trail, then without and helpers . It was wild but will always be in my mind ❤️ Watching videos today It has been Great, just the two of us.
What an amazing video, thank you for sharing. It looks like you had great weather overall. My husband and I are heading there Sept 1st, your video just re-motivated me :)
This is so very hellpful- we are going on the journey soon. I wanted to ask- when you started in the mornings was it always dark? or just the last day?
Thank you for sharing!! Some friends and I leave from Colorado in 51 days..(but who's counting..haha) to go to Peru. We are doing the Classic Inca Trail with the Green Machines! You account of the trek will be very helpful!
I did the w-trek in Patagonia (torres del Paine in Chile) at the end of 2022. Doing research for a Peru adventure and was wondering what time of the year you went. It looks like you had super clear days on the Inca StairMaster 3000 trail.
I did the Inca Trail in 2004 and felt like I had a permanent hangover the entire time from lack of oxygen. Coca leaf didn't help anything for me. I did enjoy myself though.
Great info, John! Very cool to have an idea of what it will be like! I love that there are so many people from Colorado on your trip (I'm from Boulder!). I have one question, which is going to sound really silly-- how did your electronics last the entire trip? Are there actually places to charge when you rest at night? Or did you just bring extra batteries with you?
Hi Nicki! I brought a 10,000 mAh charger which powered my phone and my camera for the video, I even had service at the sun gate to do some video calls and post things. I think it should be fine for the trip. As far as I remember there was nowhere to charge our stuff.
@Everything Travel with John That is SUPER helpful. Thank you so much, I really appreciate your response. Did you bring that charger from home, or did you buy it somewhere in S. America? Looks like you haven't posted in a few months. Are you still planning to do some more travel videos in the future?
@@NickiPostsTravelStuff I brought it from home! I always travel with that for emergencies, and it just happened to be perfect for the Inca Trail. Right now I'm traveling again, I've been in Brazil for 3 weeks, and I hope to make videos really soon :) :) Thanks a lot!
@@EverythingTravelwithJohn Cool, thank you. I'm going to have a look around Argentina and see if I can find you.... and great, I look forward to seeing more of your Brazil videos! :)
Hi John 👋 New to your channel! We are planning our trip to Peru including an Inca Trail hike and this video is getting us so excited!! Would you suggest using Alpaca Expeditions? The main things we are wondering about is the quality of the camping gear and the food?!
Hi, Peruvian food is never bad, you can't go wrong with it, it's some of the most creative in the world so any company would probably be good. The camping gear from Alpaca was great, no issues. I loved going with them.
What month did you do the trek, and how far in advanced did you book it? Have been thinking of going in April or May of 2023 and Alpaca Expeditions permit booking availability for April 2023 start sometime this month, so was wondering how soon I would need to commit before at risk of being sold out. Also, might be a silly question, but since you bring your own toilet paper rolls, does this mean that there aren't any portapotties at the campsites? Also, which hotel did you stay at where the travel agency picked you up? I assumed it was in Cusco? Thanks a lot!
Hi! I did the trek in august. I had been in Peru for 2 months before and arrived as soon as they opened it back up. I was in an apartment on Airbnb. Unfortunately I’m not so sure about booking because I got lucky during covid in 2021 when no one was traveling. Good luck!
Question to anyone: is it a must to have a 750 usd tour and guide? I’m going to Peru in May and thinking of doing this trail or others in the area leading up to Machu Picchu.
I'd say The Inca Trail isn't too hard my man, go for it, it's an amazing experience. If not you can just do the two-day trail but you're gonna miss a lot of the journey.
@@jd5655Try by all means but if your knee is bad don’t go. My advice is to do a one day hard trek up a mountain and see how you go. I did it 35 years ago at 18, there were no porters or helpers, you just packed and carried all your food and water and equipment and went for it. 4 days it took and the altitude really gets to you too. It’s three times more exhausting trying to walk and climb there. With a bad knee….? I wouldn’t. At best you’ll be a burden to others and at worst you’ll get stuck. But see how you go somewhere else first.
This one is getting noticed a bit more so if anyone has any questions, feel free to drop one here! I'll be happy to answer, one of the best experiences of my life! Don't forget to read the description for more tips too, and subscribe if you love traveling like I do!
Which tour company you selected?? I’m trying to pick one!
@@francescristina2014 Alpaca Expeditions
Hi John, thank you for making and posting this incredibly helpful guide to the Inca trail. I’ve a few questions. Is there any cellphone reception on the trail or at the campsites? If not, did your guide carry a satellite phone for emergencies? What was the temperature range during your trip in August? Do you know how much colder it would be at the end of March?
Hello Iv been watching you video and taking some notes ,,, thanks for the many tips❤❤❤ when did you go ? What month?
Hello Iv been watching you video and taking some notes ,,, thanks for the many tips❤❤❤ when did you go ? What month?
Wow! It’s changed so much. I did this 35 years ago. When I was 18. There were no porters. No checkpoints or food awaiting me. No camp sites. No hot drinks. No one to carry your stuff. You had to carry everything you needed. Food for 4 days. Just a litre of water. Tents. Sleeping stuff and any equipment. Extra water I got from the streams along the way. I slept and camped where I found myself, no phones no GPS just a map. I’m not saying this to belittle anybody’s achievement. Just to illustrate how the locals have commercialised this experience and made tourists spend their money. Fair play, but I’d prefer the solo experience. Having said all that a guy 3 days behind me died on the trail. It’s not rare. Or wasn’t back then. It was easy to slip and snakes were everywhere. With no one to help you I think that’s why things changed. Still I recomend it to all. It’s still going to be tough. If exhaustion doesn’t get you altitude sickness will. Take some coca leaves 😁
Great video of the hike! We've been to Peru 3 times and Machu Picchu twice. We didn't do the hike like you did...wish we were able to....we're in our 60's and 70's! It's truly a fantastic and amazing place. Hoping to go back in Sept!!
Enjoyed your vlog especially the sweat that went into it. Impressive!
Hi John, thank you for the video of the trail ... it brought back quite a few memories. I walked the trail on my own back in 1977 - in those days you could - and it was great to experience it again, if only virtually. Thanks. Safe travels, Malcolm.
Thanks for the message! Would be great to do without a guide
😊
What a trek. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you too!!
This video helped me a lot. I just booked with Alpaca Adventures. I can't wait to hike the Inca trail. Thank you for making this video.
Enjoy!!
Fantastic video and useful information!! I'm hiking Machu Picchu May-June 2023 and very excited. Your tip
s helped a lot. My last travel experiences were glacier hiking in Iceland (December 2021) and Egypt and Jordan this summer (July-August 2022).
Thanks for watching! Good luck
Fantastic video!! Really nice job...I really enjoyed this!!
Awesome to capture this footage!
"Incredible!!"
Incredible indeed! Thanks pal!
31 years ago we ( 2 pers. ) made the Trail, then without and helpers .
It was wild but will always be in my mind ❤️ Watching videos today It has been Great,
just the two of us.
Me too. 35 years ago. Solo. Just with my friend. What you ate you carried with you lol. Where you slept was up to you 😍
Amazing video! I really enjoyed it! Bringes back great memories from my trip many years ago! A big thank you from Norway 🇳🇴
Thank you too!!
What an amazing video, thank you for sharing. It looks like you had great weather overall. My husband and I are heading there Sept 1st, your video just re-motivated me :)
Thank you so much! Hope the weather is great and have an amazing hike! Peru is life changing
I tackle this in October, thanks for sharing your story.
Enjoy!
Awesome video I recently booked through alpaca too and I’m so excited to go for my birthday in July, thanks for sharing
Hey man! Thanks for the comment! Let me know if you need advice.
Did this a month ago what an incredible experience
Yeah one of the best!!
This is so very hellpful- we are going on the journey soon. I wanted to ask- when you started in the mornings was it always dark? or just the last day?
Thank you for sharing!! Some friends and I leave from Colorado in 51 days..(but who's counting..haha) to go to Peru. We are doing the Classic Inca Trail with the Green Machines! You account of the trek will be very helpful!
Thanks! You'll have a great time
Really cool! Thanks 😊
Thank you!
Great!
Thanks!
Nice video. Planning my May 2024 trip.
Thanks you’ll love it!
So many people from Denver lol
Hey mate! Leaving Friday for this trip, when did you do the Inca trail? Can’t wait! Thanks for the video
August 2021! Have a blast!
Great vlog
I did this in 2011. Took us 3 days though. Might of changed since then.
I did the w-trek in Patagonia (torres del Paine in Chile) at the end of 2022. Doing research for a Peru adventure and was wondering what time of the year you went. It looks like you had super clear days on the Inca StairMaster 3000 trail.
Haha! Yeah, I went in early August, was absolutely beautiful.
amazing!
It absolutely is! Thanks for your comment!
I did the Inca Trail in 2004 and felt like I had a permanent hangover the entire time from lack of oxygen. Coca leaf didn't help anything for me. I did enjoy myself though.
Gotta get there early to acclimate! Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for your comment
Great info, John! Very cool to have an idea of what it will be like! I love that there are so many people from Colorado on your trip (I'm from Boulder!). I have one question, which is going to sound really silly-- how did your electronics last the entire trip? Are there actually places to charge when you rest at night? Or did you just bring extra batteries with you?
Hi Nicki! I brought a 10,000 mAh charger which powered my phone and my camera for the video, I even had service at the sun gate to do some video calls and post things. I think it should be fine for the trip. As far as I remember there was nowhere to charge our stuff.
@Everything Travel with John That is SUPER helpful. Thank you so much, I really appreciate your response. Did you bring that charger from home, or did you buy it somewhere in S. America? Looks like you haven't posted in a few months. Are you still planning to do some more travel videos in the future?
@@NickiPostsTravelStuff I brought it from home! I always travel with that for emergencies, and it just happened to be perfect for the Inca Trail. Right now I'm traveling again, I've been in Brazil for 3 weeks, and I hope to make videos really soon :) :) Thanks a lot!
@@EverythingTravelwithJohn Cool, thank you. I'm going to have a look around Argentina and see if I can find you.... and great, I look forward to seeing more of your Brazil videos! :)
@@NickiPostsTravelStuff thanks again! Keep traveling 😎😎😎
Hi John 👋 New to your channel! We are planning our trip to Peru including an Inca Trail hike and this video is getting us so excited!! Would you suggest using Alpaca Expeditions? The main things we are wondering about is the quality of the camping gear and the food?!
Hi, Peruvian food is never bad, you can't go wrong with it, it's some of the most creative in the world so any company would probably be good. The camping gear from Alpaca was great, no issues. I loved going with them.
@@EverythingTravelwithJohn thanks for the quick reply!! Looking forward to following along with your future adventures!!
@@explorinwithlaurin Thanks! Taking it easy living in Brazil these days but sure to start making videos again soon!
That looks so amazing 😻
How was the toilet situation up there? Is it possible to sneak some shower?
Nonexistent until the final day 🎉
lol no Chance. You won’t do it for 4 days 😀
We got the train feel like we missed out abit
There's always next time!
@@EverythingTravelwithJohn that is true
When did you do this trail? Looks like the weather was fantastic!
Hi! It was in august 2021 and the weather was spectacular!
How many miles did you hike? And which video recorder did you use? Cheers!
Hi! Forgot the number of miles but I think I mention it at the beginning of the video. Used my iPhone to record nearly the whole thing. Cheers!
Who is the best company to get local porters and group travel through?
Hi! I used alpaca expeditions. Everything is included in every tour company I believe because there are strict rules for hiking.
How do you know which way to go? Like what if you’re walking into nowhere? Is there a clear path that actually takes you to each point?
There’s a guide and the path is clearly marked, it’s run by the government and really difficult to get lost I think. Thanks!!
@@EverythingTravelwithJohn Awesome thank you very much
am I the only one who wonders how you get down? 4 days to reach this place and now what?
What month did you do the trek, and how far in advanced did you book it? Have been thinking of going in April or May of 2023 and Alpaca Expeditions permit booking availability for April 2023 start sometime this month, so was wondering how soon I would need to commit before at risk of being sold out. Also, might be a silly question, but since you bring your own toilet paper rolls, does this mean that there aren't any portapotties at the campsites?
Also, which hotel did you stay at where the travel agency picked you up? I assumed it was in Cusco? Thanks a lot!
Hi! I did the trek in august. I had been in Peru for 2 months before and arrived as soon as they opened it back up. I was in an apartment on Airbnb. Unfortunately I’m not so sure about booking because I got lucky during covid in 2021 when no one was traveling. Good luck!
When was this video taken?
Hi! I went in August of 2021
Wow. Saw Aba & Preach's video about you in Columbia. Long way from Ms. Aleski's class, huh? Hope you're doing alright.
Thanks Sean, definitely all good here in mexico 😎
Question to anyone: is it a must to have a 750 usd tour and guide?
I’m going to Peru in May and thinking of doing this trail or others in the area leading up to Machu Picchu.
🙏🙏🙏
Thanks!
when/ what months did you do this in?
Hi! Early August 2021
Νιce video
Want to do the 5 day inca trail but i m afraid no fit enough!!😐
Thanks!
What month did you do the hike? We're going with Alpaca Exp next month in mid April and wanted to see how the weather/temps will be like.
I did it in early august but I think April would be one of the best times to go!
@@EverythingTravelwithJohn awesome thanks for the reply! Really enjoyed your detailed video
@@Almundjoy Thanks again!!
Is there any easier trails to get to there?
I'd say The Inca Trail isn't too hard my man, go for it, it's an amazing experience. If not you can just do the two-day trail but you're gonna miss a lot of the journey.
@@EverythingTravelwithJohn I got a bad knee injury but I’m considering doing it b/c you only live once!
@@jd5655 Go for it! Best of luck
@@jd5655Try by all means but if your knee is bad don’t go. My advice is to do a one day hard trek up a mountain and see how you go. I did it 35 years ago at 18, there were no porters or helpers, you just packed and carried all your food and water and equipment and went for it. 4 days it took and the altitude really gets to you too. It’s three times more exhausting trying to walk and climb there. With a bad knee….? I wouldn’t. At best you’ll be a burden to others and at worst you’ll get stuck. But see how you go somewhere else first.