Best Inca Trail guide/operator

Hey BnAers,

Heading to Peru in December/January of this year. Anyone have experience with either Llama Path or Peru Treks for trekking to Macchu Picchu? Any advice?

It looks like if you go with a tour company they have porters to carry all camping/cooking gear...is that the only option? Can you carry your own stuff?

Any thoughts greatly appreciated!

Norm

I've heard good things about a company called United Mice (yes, that really is their name!). As for carrying your own gear, I believe it's allowed though you'd have to check with the tour company to make sure. But from what I've heard, doing so could greatly impact your enjoyment of the trek. So you'll need to consider whether it's really worth carrying your own gear.

I did the 4 day/3 night trek maybe 8 years ago. I think I went with a outfit called Bigfoot advertures. Not even sure if they are around any longer, but I would recommend them. I also heard good things about United Mice as well. SAS is good but travel in big groups, so a lot of personal attention is lacking. I did the trek in June. I'm not sure if Dec or Jan are prime months, but this would not be an enjoyable trek if you got caught up in the rain. As for carrying your own gear. Please re-consider. It's a long trek, much of it uphill. You will feel foolish and awkward, and they may feel offended. It's part of their culture, and they work extremely hard for the couple of extra bucks/euros you would save.

Have fun

December January would be wet months. There is a month I believe it is closed around then, YOu might check.

Well, the Inca Trail, and only the Inca Trail, is closed in February for maintenance.

Thanks all! It does seem like allowing the porters to carry gear is the norm, so I'm okay with that.

Unfortunately December/January is my timeframe, so I may just have to enjoy getting wet! I'll check out United Mice, thanks a lot!

Norm

I went about 4 years ago with my Girlfiend. We were on the 1st trip after the inca trail reopened after the february shutdown.

We carried our own gear. I assumed it would be the norm but there were very few other people doing it. Most just hired the porters. We were given the option of using a porter after the 1st day but declined. It is a real challenge to carry your own stuff and I felt a certain satisfaction from completing the trek while not using a porter. I'd suggest that if you don't use a porter that you really only take what you need as it is a long way at altitude

It is a bit of a gamble with weather. It rained most of the days were did the trek but it didn't ruin the experience. Just make sure you keep your gear as dry as possible.

I went with Peru Treks and found them to be great. They were one of the cheaper operators but the guides and food were all good. Try to avoid the international companies as they charge a premium to pay staff outside of Peru.

Just got back. Global Basecamps was our company...amazing, though because I didn't book it myself have no idea about prices. There are like 200 companies and they are vastly different in their setups and age and type of traveler as well, so consider who you want to be traveling WITH when you are looking at companies as well. Our guide was named Lobo (awesome!) and did mention the difference and slight misery trekking it in rainy season....I know that is your time frame but it is definitely important enough to consider. But either way, the trek was absolutely beautiful and amazing and I loved it and you will have the BEST time! Enjoy! Feel free to PM for any further info.
Erin

Thanks again everyone for the tips!

That feeling of satisfaction (overcoming the challenge of distance/altitude) is definitely something I enjoy, so Ill consider carrying my own gear.

Thanks also for the additional ideas on companies.

I know Cuzco is supposed to be very cool, as is Oyallatambo, did anyone do any other fun side trips from around Cuzco?