scott

has anyone done the inca trail recently? i have read of the new restrictions on numbers doing the trail. i was wanting to just book it when there. if i turn up in cuzco will i get to do the treck / how much cost? how long might i have to wait.will be there late november /early october.<BR><BR>any help appreciated.

Thyra

Hi There,<BR><BR>I got the information below from a very comprehensive web site that has up to date info. <BR><BR>We are planning to trek the Inca trail in May, and prebooked as we are on a tight time frame. <BR>Have a great trip. <BR><BR>"The Inca Trail is the most popular organized camping and trekking destination in South America. By the year 2000 as many as 1500 people a day were leaving Cusco to hike on the trail for an almost unrestricted trek across a fragile nature and archaeological environment. In 2001 the Peruvian government initiated restrictions to camp on the Inca Trail. For 2002 these regulations have been greatly increased. Importantly, the number of people allowed to start the hike each day has been limited. And, reservations to enter the Inca Trail are now mandatory.<BR><BR>In previous years most hikers would arrive in Cusco knowing they could deal with a number of local operators so that they could get the lowest possible price for a trek on the trail. With the advent of trail regulations there will now be at any one given time more people wanting to take the trek than the number allowed to enter the trail. Operators will undoubtedly stop competing with each other, and the price for the trail will rise. During the busiest times of the year, May to November, a hiker will find it difficult to arrange a trip on the trail unless they have guaranteed reservations well ahead of their arrival in Cusco."<BR><BR>

scott

thanks, i saw that site, but did notice that they also have their own tours, and was just a bit scepticle, although i believe the resrictions are in place, i want to know to what extent this affects the tours.do you mind me asking who is your tour through and how much?

GH

I did the trail about a month ago. I booked my trip with SAS prior to arriving in Cusco, but you're not going during the high season, so you'll have no problems booking once you're there. SAS was great - about $245, I think (extra if you want to hire a porter). I hear Andean Life is good too. Give yourself about 3 days, more or less, to acclimate to the altitude, though.

scott

great, thanks for the info!