Walking by the routes of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is an experience the adventurers of the world highly recommend. The close contact with nature, far away from modern living stress and pollution, is a journey our souls desperately need.

But to undertake such a big challenge, it´s necessary for you to take some preventive measures and bring some specific equipment to the Inca trail.

Medical examination: due to the high altitudes and the extension of the routes you might find in the Inca trail, you have to take some medical examination to be sure about you health and physical capability for this trip. Ask for a blood pressure test and a stress test above all.

Sports: if you scheduled your trip to the Inca Trails with enough anticipation, a physical preparation could be made; it´s better to be in good shape. You could begin to run three days a week, for example. Or make some anaerobic exercises like lifting weights or cardiovascular routines, according with you own physical limits and your doctor´s advice.

Nutrition: What you decide to eat before your walk on the Inca Trail will help to improve your health and your capability even more. Try to avoid any kind of fat and sugar. Include vegetables, eggs, milk and cereals in your diet. Drink only water instead of soda or boxed juices. Your body will be grateful and you´ll feel the difference. You´ll find yourself more enthusiastic and ready to really enjoy the Inca trail.

Regarding the equipment, the Inca trail excursion tourist agents bring the basics, providing you with porters to carry some weights. But there are some important things and personal belongings that are recommended to include in your equipment.

Insect repellent: the Machu Picchu sanctuary is known for its astonishing variety of wildlife, birds and vegetation. But this nature´s kaleidoscope also includes mosquitoes and other biting insects. Try to bring two different repellents in your kit.

Water: it´s vital in your equipment, due to the great effort and difficult condition you may encounter on the trail. Most of water will be brought by the porters, but you must have always a full bottle in your personal kit.

Sunglasses:  there could be days when the sun shines so bright, it could blind you right in the middle of a narrow cross. That is why the use of sunglasses is needed. Be sure to include it in your set and that they have UV protection.

Cocoa butter lipstick: as you advance in the Inca trail, it goes through drastic changes. One of them is the altitude. There are high spots en route, that bring a lack of oxygen and a even drier air. The cocoa butter is recommended to protect your lips. Don´t forget it in your kit list.

Hat: like the sunglasses, a broad-brimmed hat is recommended. As the sunglasses protect your eyes from the sun, the hat protects your head, preventing insolation and sunburns. Prefer the cotton-made or the straw hat, the lighter ones, in your set.

Camera: as the Inca trail routes vary from one to seven days or more, bringing a camera or a camcorder as part of your trail set is an issue you must carefully consider. For the longer Inca Trail routes, It´s recommended to bring a traditional, not a digital camera, due to the lack of reloading spots on the route. Or you can bring both of them, using the digital one for the first days. Be sure to carry enough AA batteries. For camcorders, a heavy equipment is needed for an on-the-road reloading, so be sure you reload it fully before you begin your walk.

Light snacks: it´s optional. Most of the food is brought by the porters, but you can bring some snacks within your personal kit. Prefer the lighter and fat free ones, like cereal bars.

Comfortable boots and tennis: the Incas trail is a path full of sharp stones. It is also a road that passes through a lot of brushes and fallen branches that could hurt your legs. That is why you must include a pair of high boots or waders in your trail equipment. They also protect you from snakes that could be found in the trail.

Plastic bags: for some fragile equipment you brought to the Inca trail. They must be biodegradable and the Inca trail agents could also provide you with them. The little ones could be used as trash bags for your personal set.

Sunscreen: to protect your skin from the sun. It´s required as part of your equipment, specially in the dry season (April to September).  A 30 SPF (Solar Protection Factor) or more is recommended. If you use it in combination with the insect repellent, be sure of applying the sunscreen before it.

Lantern: It´s an essential tool of the trail kit. There are lots of models in the market, but thinking on weight, try to choose among the light ones. As we said on cameras, don´t forget the batteries.  For the average lanterns the C size is the common one.

Sleeping bag: a very thick one. The equipment experts recommend to add a plastic piece to protect the sleeping bag from soil. It´s suggested for this equipment to have a hood, for a better shelter. Always carry it with its own bag; it´ll be easier to carry and pack.

Wool sweater: specially for the highest stages of the Inca trail. A sudden cold wave could also surprise you in the middle of a shiny noon.  The wool provides you of warm and shelter, and it weight less in your equipment than a coat.

Wooden cane: the geography of the Inca trail route requires you to have this tool in your kit. It could be as tall as you, but the shorter they are the easer you could carry them. The wooden cane will help you when you get tired, or to clean the path.

Complete this equipment with a rain coat, an umbrella and a first aid cabinet set: alcohol, cotton, band-aids, ibuprofen and pain relievers.

Take a trip to Machu Picchu: you´ll get the journey of your life.