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19 Posts |
Posted - 08/11/2009 : 11:20 AM
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Hi ClubTreaders,
This may be a stupid question, but I can't seem to find the answer. Can't you do the usual "self-supported" type of hiking on the Inca Trail (i.e. without a guide, porters, etc)? I can't see any reason why not, but it doesn't seem like anybody does it that way, and I'm assuming there's probably a good reason for that. Are there regulations that say you have to have a guide?
Thanks!
Cheryl |
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Jasper, ab
Canada
1028 Posts |
Posted - 08/11/2009 : 11:33 AM
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here's some info
ndependent Trekkers: Since June 2002 trekking independently on the Inca Trail has been prohibited. Regulations state that each trekker must be accompanied on the Inca Trail by a professionally qualified guide. Trying to organize a guide in advance is difficult since tour agencies just aren't interested in hiring out their guides. If you wait until you arrive in Cusco to arrange a guide then you are liable to be left with only the worst guides and the very high probability that all the spaces on the trail are fully booked. If you want to get away from it all and trek on your own then there are some excellent alternative treks such as Lares Valley, Choquequirao or Ausangate. If you do manage to organize a guide for the Inca Trail in advance you cannot have a group greater than 7 persons and you can't employ the services of other trekking staff such as cooks or porters.
Also they limit the amount of permits to 200 a day, so you really have to book in advance
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Burnaby, BC
Canada
93 Posts |
Posted - 08/11/2009 : 1:29 PM
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We were in Cusco in mid January this year with plans to hike to Choquequirao without a guide.
We were told that although entirely possible, success was not guaranteed as there are a couple rivers that need to be crossed (via suspension bridge) and the water levels might be too high at that time of year.
Though we really didn't want to deal with the crowds, we ended up doing Machu Pichu as a day trip from Cusco on the train. . .$$$$$
If you've got the time, head to Lake Titicaca and then into Bolivia.
We hired a guide (and mule) for 3 days, 2 nights in Sorata Bolivia, camping at 4300 meters and day hiking to 5000 meters. I think it cost us $ 70.00 USD (all inclusive) or something rediculous like that.
Though beautiful, we found Cusco to be very busy, touristy, and overpriced. . .complete with McDonald's.
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Inca Trail - do you need a guide?
