Machu Pichu, memories of a great journey - Part 1: Booking and prepare
We booked our Machu Picchu hike a month prior to our trip through a company called Llama Path. We thought that would be plenty of time to reserve our space but the Inca Trial was full so we had the option of doing several alternative treks.
Read more: Pariwana hostel Cusco
We decided to do the Lares trek which is a 4 day/3 night because our trip to Peru was only 10 days and we wanted have time for other adventures so this was one of the shorter treks for Machu Picchu besides just taking the bus/train tour.
The Lares trek is also a less traveled trek so you don't see other people on the way which is nice. The Lares trek was $535 aproximately. You can rent a sleeping bag for extra if you don't have one or decide not to lug it around your trip.
Read more: Hiking the Inca Ruins in Cusco
Some advice for packing: be prepared for all four seasons: t-shirt/tank, long-sleeved, warm fleece jacket, waterproof jacket, pants, shorts, swim suit and flip flops for hot springs, lots of comfy warm socks, gloves, warm beanie, plus your feet will thank you if you invest in a good pair of waterproof hiking shoes. The weather in a day can be hot so bring a hat and sunglasses and load up on the sunscreen. In the same day it can get freezing and rainy, so just be prepared. Bring insect repellent. Face wipes and baby wipes is also a good idea to stay fresh and clean.
I bought a waterproof backpack which I carried my water, snacks, warmer set of clothes or lighter set of clothes depending on how the day starts off, sunblock, insect repellent, gloves, beanie, hat, sunglasses, ect. The porters carry the rest of your stuff and you can get it when you set up camp at the end of the hiking day.
