Backpacking in Peru, but where (how?) to get a backpack?
December 1, 2011 9:04 AM Subscribe
Backpacking in Peru, but where (how?) to get a backpack?
Three guys who have never left the United States want to fly into Cuzco, Peru and hike Machu Picchu (from New York City).
We don't yet own the necessary supplies (ruck sacks, tents, etc). Would we be better off buying them in Peru or flying them in from the U.S.? And if the answer is Peru - how???
We also welcome any other travel/logistics advice in that part of Peru.
Three guys who have never left the United States want to fly into Cuzco, Peru and hike Machu Picchu (from New York City).
We don't yet own the necessary supplies (ruck sacks, tents, etc). Would we be better off buying them in Peru or flying them in from the U.S.? And if the answer is Peru - how???
We also welcome any other travel/logistics advice in that part of Peru.
If you're asking about where to buy camping gear, I'm going to assume that you're not an experienced backpacker. That actually makes your life much simpler.
You need a permit to enter Machu Picchu, and you can (and may even be required to) hire a guide to take you in. Most of the guide companies will provide the tents, sleeping bags, carry your gear (up to a limit), and food; all you'll need is a small daypack (20-30L) to hold what you need to walk during the day. You can hire companies when you're Cuzco, which would probably result in the best price, but you need to be flexible about your dates because there are daily quotas on the permits. I think the cost is about $300-$500 a person for 4-days/3-nights.
If you do want to buy gear, you can go to Eastern Mountain Sports or REI (a store is opening in Manhattan soon, if it isn't already).
A couple of tips: plan to spend 2-3 days in Cusco before you start your trip to acclimate to the elevation, otherwise you'll be very unhappy during the hike. When you get to Machu Picchu, there is a second site nearby (Huayna Picchu?) that only allows a limited number of visitors a day. Go there first.
posted by ikaruga at 9:20 AM on December 1, 2011 [2 favorites]
You need a permit to enter Machu Picchu, and you can (and may even be required to) hire a guide to take you in. Most of the guide companies will provide the tents, sleeping bags, carry your gear (up to a limit), and food; all you'll need is a small daypack (20-30L) to hold what you need to walk during the day. You can hire companies when you're Cuzco, which would probably result in the best price, but you need to be flexible about your dates because there are daily quotas on the permits. I think the cost is about $300-$500 a person for 4-days/3-nights.
If you do want to buy gear, you can go to Eastern Mountain Sports or REI (a store is opening in Manhattan soon, if it isn't already).
A couple of tips: plan to spend 2-3 days in Cusco before you start your trip to acclimate to the elevation, otherwise you'll be very unhappy during the hike. When you get to Machu Picchu, there is a second site nearby (Huayna Picchu?) that only allows a limited number of visitors a day. Go there first.
posted by ikaruga at 9:20 AM on December 1, 2011 [2 favorites]
Seconding REI, if they can get to one. The sales staff are really helpful--they will fit you with a pack according to your size, needs, and duration of the trip.
posted by swingbraid at 9:30 AM on December 1, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by swingbraid at 9:30 AM on December 1, 2011 [1 favorite]
Necessary Reading Material: Allen and Mike's Really Cool Backpackin' Book
posted by leigh1 at 9:39 AM on December 1, 2011
posted by leigh1 at 9:39 AM on December 1, 2011
To put things in perspective, you can get by on $25 a day in Peru for meals and hostel lodging; you could spend an extra week there and still have money for an alpacca sweater for the same amount of money you'd spend on low-mid range gear.
posted by ikaruga at 9:40 AM on December 1, 2011
posted by ikaruga at 9:40 AM on December 1, 2011
Response by poster: A brief clarification:
If we buy gear in Cuzco, where specifically would we do it?
Used is fine, and, depending on the cost, we might be willing to ditch or donate in Peru.
posted by jander03 at 10:05 AM on December 1, 2011
If we buy gear in Cuzco, where specifically would we do it?
Used is fine, and, depending on the cost, we might be willing to ditch or donate in Peru.
posted by jander03 at 10:05 AM on December 1, 2011
If you can rent then I'd definitely do that. You'll save a ton of money and aggravation. Buying camping gear is a pita and if youve never done it before you'll end up with a bunch of crappy you don't need. Especially if you go to REI!
I'd take ikaruga's advice.
posted by fshgrl at 10:14 AM on December 1, 2011 [1 favorite]
I'd take ikaruga's advice.
posted by fshgrl at 10:14 AM on December 1, 2011 [1 favorite]
You need a permit and a guide for this hike. There are a hundreds of people on the trail to Machu Picchu. SAS in Cuzco, a guide company, will do a 4 day hike to Machu Picchu. They will also rent you a tent and sleeping bag. Other companies in the Cuzco are likely to do the same.
Make sure to book a spot well in advance.
See the what to bring on this page: 4 day 3 night inca trail trip
Make sure to see Winawayna even if you are tired.
posted by bdc34 at 10:24 AM on December 1, 2011
Make sure to book a spot well in advance.
See the what to bring on this page: 4 day 3 night inca trail trip
Make sure to see Winawayna even if you are tired.
posted by bdc34 at 10:24 AM on December 1, 2011
I just moved back from living in Cusco for a while. If this is just for a hike, gear is stupidly easy and cheap to rent there. I can give some specific suggestions if you want (I don't have my notes handy, but can get them) but there are rental places everywhere. Some are better than others, but most are at least okay.
People keep saying you need a permit for this. This is really only true if you do the Inca Trail, which I don't especially recommend. There are much nicer (in my opinion) hikes that will be less crowded, less expensive, and offer more to you. Which hike kind of depends on your fitness, time constraints, and interests. Some of the other hikes do require permits, of a sort, but those permits are much cheaper and easier to obtain on short notice.
I do recommend spending some time in Cusco and the Sacred Valley to acclimatize and see some other sites. If ruins are really your thing, there are a few that are pretty stunning. My favorite is Pisac (I enjoy it more than Machu Picchu.)
Let me know if there are any questions about this in general I can answer for you, either here or via MeMail.
posted by piedmont at 11:24 AM on December 1, 2011 [2 favorites]
People keep saying you need a permit for this. This is really only true if you do the Inca Trail, which I don't especially recommend. There are much nicer (in my opinion) hikes that will be less crowded, less expensive, and offer more to you. Which hike kind of depends on your fitness, time constraints, and interests. Some of the other hikes do require permits, of a sort, but those permits are much cheaper and easier to obtain on short notice.
I do recommend spending some time in Cusco and the Sacred Valley to acclimatize and see some other sites. If ruins are really your thing, there are a few that are pretty stunning. My favorite is Pisac (I enjoy it more than Machu Picchu.)
Let me know if there are any questions about this in general I can answer for you, either here or via MeMail.
posted by piedmont at 11:24 AM on December 1, 2011 [2 favorites]
Response by poster: Yes, that is exactly what we're looking for!
Would you be willing to recommend a couple of specific places to rent decent gear cheaply as well some nicer hikes? We would like to spend 3-4 days hiking, and we are all reasonably fit hikers.
Thanks!
posted by jander03 at 1:05 PM on December 1, 2011
Would you be willing to recommend a couple of specific places to rent decent gear cheaply as well some nicer hikes? We would like to spend 3-4 days hiking, and we are all reasonably fit hikers.
Thanks!
posted by jander03 at 1:05 PM on December 1, 2011
I think bringing some supplies from the U.S. would be a good idea since either they might be hard to come by, more expensive, and/or can't translate what's on the label.
To start check out Whole Sale Backpacks. You can always check out REI/EMS and other outfitters and try on a pack to get sizing. Then check online for the make/model. Most likely you will find it for a cheaper price then what they are selling it for. REI does have a great policy on returning gear. Anything that is their brand they will take back and give you new if you are not satisfied. Even after it's used.
Another tip, I'd try to get a water filter or iodine tablets from the U.S.
Check this out for Water filters. If you choose to go that route, it will help you cut down on water weight.
Some weight/space saving tips I've learned from previous trips:
-Wear the same clothes, you can always wash them or buy something new for cheap there.
-Try finding wicking underwear. I myself never used this, but I saw it the other day in a camping store-- I think its a great idea if your backpacking/camping/hiking. Cotton underwear sucks. Especially in the temps Peru has.
-Collaborate with your friends and make sure you're not carrying the same stuff. i.e. only one of you needs to bring a knife, few rolls of TP, bug spray, sunblock...
If you have time, take a weekend and go on a short trip and really pay attention to what you use and what you don't use.
From there I'd say you'd probably find everything you need in Cuzco. I was there back in 2008 and I remember seeing backpacking stores in the downtown area near the plaza. I couldn't recall a name or even be able to search it on the internet to point you in the right direction, sorry. Cuzco overall is very tourist friendly.
You'll also find food stores there to pack up on any trail mixes, gatorade mixes, fruits, etc.
Good luck and have fun! Cuzco and Machu Picchu is amazing! Absolutely breathtaking.
If you have any other questions about Peru, feel free to memail me. I spent about 4 weeks traveling the country and was staying with a friends family.
posted by melizabeth at 1:55 PM on December 1, 2011
To start check out Whole Sale Backpacks. You can always check out REI/EMS and other outfitters and try on a pack to get sizing. Then check online for the make/model. Most likely you will find it for a cheaper price then what they are selling it for. REI does have a great policy on returning gear. Anything that is their brand they will take back and give you new if you are not satisfied. Even after it's used.
Another tip, I'd try to get a water filter or iodine tablets from the U.S.
Check this out for Water filters. If you choose to go that route, it will help you cut down on water weight.
Some weight/space saving tips I've learned from previous trips:
-Wear the same clothes, you can always wash them or buy something new for cheap there.
-Try finding wicking underwear. I myself never used this, but I saw it the other day in a camping store-- I think its a great idea if your backpacking/camping/hiking. Cotton underwear sucks. Especially in the temps Peru has.
-Collaborate with your friends and make sure you're not carrying the same stuff. i.e. only one of you needs to bring a knife, few rolls of TP, bug spray, sunblock...
If you have time, take a weekend and go on a short trip and really pay attention to what you use and what you don't use.
From there I'd say you'd probably find everything you need in Cuzco. I was there back in 2008 and I remember seeing backpacking stores in the downtown area near the plaza. I couldn't recall a name or even be able to search it on the internet to point you in the right direction, sorry. Cuzco overall is very tourist friendly.
You'll also find food stores there to pack up on any trail mixes, gatorade mixes, fruits, etc.
Good luck and have fun! Cuzco and Machu Picchu is amazing! Absolutely breathtaking.
If you have any other questions about Peru, feel free to memail me. I spent about 4 weeks traveling the country and was staying with a friends family.
posted by melizabeth at 1:55 PM on December 1, 2011
any other travel/logistics advice
I'd echo what piedmont said about ditching the Inca Trail hike to MP, and doing some other walks instead. I had a great time walking to the circular terraces of Moray & then down into the valley past the salt pans - spectacular scenery & barely another tourist in sight. Took another half-day hike on my own back into Cusco from halfway to Pisac, ending up at Sacsayhuaman right above town. Pisac is also great, and likewise I preferred it to MP.
In contrast, I caught the train to Aguas Calientes (base of MP) & saw groups of people on The Trail every...I'm not sure, but there were heaps of them hot on each other's tracks. It just seems so much The Thing To Do, that 99% of hikers want to follow the exact same path, when there are so many other great options, especially if you save 3 of those 4 days & reallocate them to something else. This also mitigates against the risk of shitty weather - not much fun being stuck on a trek for 4 days in the rain.
posted by UbuRoivas at 3:33 PM on December 1, 2011 [1 favorite]
I'd echo what piedmont said about ditching the Inca Trail hike to MP, and doing some other walks instead. I had a great time walking to the circular terraces of Moray & then down into the valley past the salt pans - spectacular scenery & barely another tourist in sight. Took another half-day hike on my own back into Cusco from halfway to Pisac, ending up at Sacsayhuaman right above town. Pisac is also great, and likewise I preferred it to MP.
In contrast, I caught the train to Aguas Calientes (base of MP) & saw groups of people on The Trail every...I'm not sure, but there were heaps of them hot on each other's tracks. It just seems so much The Thing To Do, that 99% of hikers want to follow the exact same path, when there are so many other great options, especially if you save 3 of those 4 days & reallocate them to something else. This also mitigates against the risk of shitty weather - not much fun being stuck on a trek for 4 days in the rain.
posted by UbuRoivas at 3:33 PM on December 1, 2011 [1 favorite]
I can't tell you anything about Peru or whether to buy gear in Peru vs. the US, but I can tell you that if you're in NYC, the EMS on 75th and Broadway and the Paragon on 18th and (I think) Broadway are both good bets, even if you're just going to talk to people for advice and get a feel for what you're looking for.
posted by Emms at 8:43 PM on December 1, 2011
posted by Emms at 8:43 PM on December 1, 2011
Response by poster: I love all of you. Thanks!
I think we're going to rent the bigger gear, and the other pieces of advice that you've shared are on our planning document.
This is an excerpt from a memail I received:
Best gear rental: I really like Rosly in "Gringo Alley" (Gringo Alley is officially called Procuradores). The gear is decent, the prices are decent, and the service is pretty stellar. These guys are straight shooters, and won't surprise you with any gouging like telling you you're late or trying to charge you for "damages."
Alternative hikes: try to pick up a copy of "Footprints: Cusco and the Inca Heartland" it's got the best guide to all hiking anywhere in the area. It's insanely detailed. The new edition just came out, but there's nothing wrong with the old edition for general hiking info (and it's much cheaper.) There are plenty of beautiful hikes that don't involve Machu Picchu.
posted by jander03 at 5:11 AM on December 2, 2011
I think we're going to rent the bigger gear, and the other pieces of advice that you've shared are on our planning document.
This is an excerpt from a memail I received:
Best gear rental: I really like Rosly in "Gringo Alley" (Gringo Alley is officially called Procuradores). The gear is decent, the prices are decent, and the service is pretty stellar. These guys are straight shooters, and won't surprise you with any gouging like telling you you're late or trying to charge you for "damages."
Alternative hikes: try to pick up a copy of "Footprints: Cusco and the Inca Heartland" it's got the best guide to all hiking anywhere in the area. It's insanely detailed. The new edition just came out, but there's nothing wrong with the old edition for general hiking info (and it's much cheaper.) There are plenty of beautiful hikes that don't involve Machu Picchu.
posted by jander03 at 5:11 AM on December 2, 2011
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And remember you'll be at altitude so bring as little as possible because its going to seem twice as heavy.
posted by fshgrl at 9:17 AM on December 1, 2011