Hiking the Inca Trail is the hardest thing I've ever done. I knew it would be hard, but I underestimated the effects of the altitude. I wouldn't trade the experience for anything though!

I used Peru Treks, who I highly recommend. The guides were friendly and knowledgeable, and the porters are treated very well, and the price was reasonable. The food was incredible (they even baked me a birthday cake!), but the altitude killed my hunger so I didn't eat much though a few of my fellow trekkers couldn't seem to eat enough.

My advice:
**spend at least three days in Cusco to acclimatize before the trek
**read a lot of blogs and articles about the trail to get as informed as possible
**try to spend some time in higher altitudes before you go so you have an idea of how your body is affected
**definitely get in some semblance of shape as it's estimated that there are more than 10,000 steps you'll be walking up and down.
**walking sticks are very handy and you can buy them very cheap in Cusco or Ollantaytambo

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