A few days ago I received an email from a Zephyr traveler, Cathy, who was wondering about our Peru trip on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. She had questions about the camping, since she “very much dislikes camping”. I thought about this and decided I was not the person to answer her, since I enjoy backpacking and sleeping in the woods. Instead, I recruited my girlfriend Devon, who grew up on Long Island far from any camping destinations and would consider herself a “non-camper” but nevertheless loved our Peru trip this past April. Here is Devon’s email to Cathy:
Hi Cathy,
Great to hear from you! I’m so glad that Allan told you to contact me, because I can completely relate to all of your concerns. Before I went to Peru, the idea of camping seemed extremely daunting to me. My idea of a fun vacation has always included good, strenuous activity followed by a nice, hot shower and a big, clean bed with a warm blanket.
Well, I want you to know that trekking on the Inca Trail was definitely the highlight of my year! Our group was made up of about 13 Zephyr customers and 27 porters. The porters carried everything, set up our tents, and cooked and served our meals. The only things we carried were our water, snacks, and rain jacket. Our days were filled with great hiking, beautiful scenery, and interesting discussions. Each afternoon, when we arrived at the campsite, our tents were pitched and an afternoon snack was being prepared. Each tent had a tarp underneath it, a tarp inside it, and two nice pads to cushion our sleeping bags. The tents were very high-quality. There was an entrance on either side and the zippers were extremely easy to open and close.
In addition, the staff pitched a cooking tent, a dining tent, and a bathroom tent. The dining tent, which zipped closed on both sides, had a long table and chair for each of us! We would all huddle in there to play cards and chat before and after dinner, so when it was cold, we never had to stay outside. Also, there was always a variety of hot
beverages and soups to keep us warm.
The nights did get cold, so I slept in long underwear, a fleece, a down jacket, and two pairs of socks. Some nights, I even slept in my fleece hat, and gloves! Because the porters carry your bag all day, you don’t have to worry about packing too many clothes, as long as you stay within the weight restriction.
As far as sleeping is concerned, most people slept very well, since they had physically exhausted their bodies each day. I don’t remember having any problems sleeping.
Getting up in the middle of the night was not a problem. The Peruvian guides insist that you keep your shoes inside the tent, so as long as you have your headlamp or flashlight to guide you, it is quick and easy to jump out and then back in the tent. I personally prefer the woods to the bathroom tents, so I did not bother walking over to the bathroom tent. When it is dark, in the middle of the night, and no one is around, it’s safe to walk just a few feet away from your tent and find a good spot.
I can honestly say that I was pleasantly surprised when I realized that the trek involves “luxury camping.” Despite not having a shower or a real bed, I didn’t really feel that we were roughing it. The hiking and the views were so spectacular that I don’t remember missing any modern “comforts.” We were served three hot meals (and one snack) each day, we didn’t have to carry anything heavy, and the Peruvian staff was so friendly and accommodating.
I hope that helps! Please let me know if you have any other specific questions or if there is something that I forgot to address. (Definitely take diamox to prevent altitude sickness in Cuzco and on the trek!)
I would highly recommend this trip!
Devon