Inca Trail/Kilimanjaro

WaxiesDargle

Hi

I am taking early retirement (58) at the end of the year and would like to go to two places I have always wanted to go to, but circumstances haven't been right...that is to do the Inca Trail and have a go at Kilimanjaro. (obviously not at the same time!)


Has anyone out there done either and able to give me any advise from your experiences? Thanks

donglemouse

Kilimajaro - yes

pm me if you have any questions, happy to help

fwiw when i was doing Kilimanjaro a couple of guys on that trip had previously been on the inca trail, they rated Kilimanjaro as the more physically demanding

dm

trolleyrun

The Inca Trail is amazing! I'd recommend doing excercise for a while before you go, as it's best to have a decent level of fitness. I didn't excercise, and I struggled a bit, and I was in my 20s. The altitude can be a bit tricky, so it's essential to go to Cuzco to acclimatise for a few days before the trail. It's a beautiful city and lots of things to see nearby. Great food too

I did the 4 day trek. There's no electricity until you reach camp 3, where you might get a warm shower if you're lucky. All other camps have cold showers, but the Sherpas bring you a bowl of hot water every morning and night to have a quick wash. Wet wipes are essential I didn't look in a mirror for 3 days, and it was quite liberating, as everyone is in the same boat.

I'd recommend taking thermal undies to sleep in as it can get quite chilly at night time. Good walking boots are essential. They don't need to be fancy/expensive, but comfortable and supporting your ankles as well as waterproof. Lightweight waterproofs are recommended, but not essential. Wear multiple layers, as you get warm whilst walking, but you take a lot of breaks, where you might want want to put another layer on. I wore those trousers where you can zip off the legs. Not the best look, but they're easy to wear.

Day 2 of the trail is the hardest, as you're climbing pretty much the whole way. It's only 7km, but going up to 14000ish feet, it's sometimes difficult to catch your breath. Just take plenty of little breaks. I did this section by walking 100 steps, then resting for a count of 50. It worked for me and I'm a smoker who at the time did no excercise whatsoever. A walking pole might help as well, you can hire those.

I had a fab time and loved every minute of it. If you learn some basic Spanish words, the Sherpas will really appreciate it, as they don't tend to speak much English.

Do let me know if you need any more info

benjus

I did the Inca trail about 15 years ago, back when you could still just turn up at the start of the trail and pay for a pass. 4 of hiked together, carrying our tents, food, cooking equipment etc. - no porters or guides. I wasn't particularly fit, although I was in my 20s and had been at altitude for about 3 months to acclimatize. So while some parts of it were quite tough, it's certainly not too hard for an average person to complete. I didn't even have walking boots - just wore shoes with a decent grip.

It's a great experience - I recommend it.

elsien

I did the Inca trail with my mother a few years back when she was in her early sixties and before the camps were set up. Because she was unfit prior to booking it up and also has asthma, we asked a couple of the companies what level of fitness was required.
One said you'd be ok if you could climb Snowdon. The other said you'd be ok if you could do a 10 mile run. My opinion is that the answer for the average person is somewhere in between. Mum climbed Snowdon but struggled on the Inca trail and had to get a horse on the highest bit as her stamina levels weren't up to the continuous upwards walking at altitude. I managed it fine, but couldn't run 10 miles to save my life. And still couldn't.
You can probably do it if your fitness isn't great but if you want to properly enjoy it, get a bit of stamina training in first. It wouldn't be a difficult walk at lower altitudes, it's the altitude that makes the difference.


And for us the waterproofs were essential - all we heard was "the weather's not normally like this at this time of year....."

WaxiesDargle

Thank you all very much for the replies, they are really appreciated. I will get back to you when I have a bit more time

alanrowell

Did Kilimanjaro a decade ago - no problems up until 15000ft, but the slog up to the top was murder. Can't remember much about it, but do remember the run down on the scree from Gilman's to Kibo Hut.

Also learn to love maize porridge :eek:

Haven't done the Inca Trail but have done the Annapurna Sanctuary - did not like long sets of steps

theEnd

I've done both.

Absolutely loved Kilimanjaro. Last 2 days to summit were tough. I wasn't fit at the time, but managed it ok. All about going slow.

Didn't enjoy Inca Trail, but was very sick (stomach). Real chore to finish, despite it being easier.

Personally, I found Africa much more interesting than Peru.

WaxiesDargle

Thanks again for your replies.

Reading your excellent stories has only made me more determined to do both of these. I am very fit for my age (as in physically rather than looks!!) So hopefully I will crack them (famous last words)

As with all travels it can be a bit of a minefield knowing how to go about this. I've looked on the internet obviously, but could anyone please tell me how they traveled, either independently or with a company and any recommendations they have, how long you stayed there and where you stayed when not on the mountain/trail, oh and the cost ?


not many questions there!!


Thank you

elsien

We did it the expensive way via an organised tour which also whizzed round other bits of Peru, as mum prefers the reassurance of knowing there's back up in case of any problems. Price - can't remember, but it was that long ago it'll be lots more now anyway.
We went with Toucan, mainly because at the time they were the only ones where you could choose not to do the trek when you got there and mum wanted to keep her options open. Other companies such as Explore, Exodus, Journey Latin America do similar. They're not cheap so if that's a route you want to look at you need to compare the itineraries to see what suits you best.

theEnd

I did both with these. Excellent.
http://www.adventurecompany.co.uk/tours/kilimanjaro-trek-machame-route

Peru, you could organise on your own, but Kilimanjaro would be difficult.