Comments on: Inca Trail Toilets – 3+ Important Things to Expect When You Are Bursting!

By: Ellen

Ellen — Fri, 29 Jul 2022 14:32:54 +0000

Is it still necessary to book a porter who brings a toilet tent, or are the conditions of the toilets changed? Our local touroperator says he never heard of it.

And when I book a toilet tent, is that toilet for the whole group, or only for me and my husband?

Thank you.

By: Mark Whitman

Mark Whitman — Wed, 04 Sep 2019 11:30:50 +0000

In reply to Karen.

Hi Karen,

1. I’m not sure what trek you are referencing, but if you mean the final section of the hike from Wiñay Wayna to the Sun Gate and into Machu Picchu, then yes, this takes around 2-3 hours. Once in Machu Picchu there are only toilets outside the entrance. It’s possible to go for a wee on the trail towards the Sun Gate, but once inside Machu Picchu I believe the only way to go to the toilet would be to exit and re-enter. One used to be able to do this, however, the rules are forever changing so I’m not 100% certain if one can exit and reenter today. It’s worth checking with your tour operator.

2. It’s important to eat a balanced diet. I wouldn’t worry about the proportions of carbohydrates to proteins and fats. Just make sure you eat healthily and get enough food intact as you will be burning 2000-3000 calories hiking each day. Personally I would limit your salt intact as it will only make you thirsty and could potentially lead to dehydration.

3. Here is a complete packing list: https://www.machupicchutrek.net/inca-trail-packing-list-machu-picchu/

4. Yes, single use plastic water bottles are not allowed in Machu Picchu. Instead just bring in a proper hiking water bottle.

By: Karen

Karen — Wed, 04 Sep 2019 00:02:52 +0000

Couple of questions please. Doing the hike from a think it’s called the Sun gate on the Inca Trail which I understand is 3 to 4 hours with a bathroom at the beginning of the week but nothing for the rest of the four hours, if my husband has colitis and I have to urinate usually once an hour and assuming we’re drinking to hydrate, I don’t think I can last 4 hrs…What options do we have?

2) I just read an article that said carbohydrates are very important to eat instead of fats and proteins and other people say carbohydrates are the worst things to eat. Others say no salt so I was going to unpack my salted peanuts but then I just read you should actually add salt to water to create a hydration drink so I am confused… Some people say salt is dehydrating… Do you think salted peanuts are a good snack food to take? What Else would you suggest bringing? Leslie, I read that plastic water bottles are now prohibited that that was a really enforcing that at Macchu Pichu or can I still bring? Thank you very much. Also do you have guys that we could hire just for our own family of three or where we could join another small group?

By: Jhon

Jhon — Wed, 17 Apr 2019 17:20:17 +0000

The Inca Trail was one of the greatest challenges I have ever faced in my life. When I went with my cousins there were moments when we wanted to leave the trek but in the end we got the reward that was the satisfaction of having achieved it and to know the wonder of the Machu Picchu world.

By: Admin

Admin — Tue, 01 Mar 2016 11:45:41 +0000

In reply to Elena. Hi Elena, as long as you can walk 5-7 hours a day for 3 days on end, you should be fine. Just make sure you build in some acclimatisation time in the Sacred Valley or Cuzco, before you hit the Inca Trail. All the best!

By: Elena

Elena — Tue, 23 Feb 2016 08:03:16 +0000

My husband and are are going to visit our daughter who is travelling in s America. I am 66 years of age, my husband 60, we are both fairly fit, not over weight, go to the gym etc. But I am worried the trail will be too much for my fitness?