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The Inca Trail is undoubtedly Peru’s most popular trekking route. Recommended for the physical fit only, it runs for more than 40km and reaches 4,200 m.a.s.l. at its highest point, the Warmiwañuska or Dead Woman’s Pass.

The stone-paved trail, discovered in 1960 and part of the more than 23,000 km of roads built by the Incas across South America, crosses a remarkable range of natural landscapes and eco-systems, from thick tropical jungle to the bear, unwelcoming rocks of the Andean mountains. All in all it’s probably the most beautiful walk in South America.

The Trail takes three to four days of tough hiking, and can be commenced at Chillca (Kilometre 76 of the Cusco-Machu Picchu railway) or, most frequently, at Qorihuayrachina, Kilometre 88 of the railway.

The first day is relatively easy, and includes along the route the Inca ruins of Cusichaca, Q’ente, Pulpituyoc, and Llaqtapata, a site used for crop production remained well preserved. The second day is the hardest of all, mainly because the ascent becomes increasingly steep. The trail follows original Inca stonework that climbs uphill, ending just short of the actual Warmiwañuska or Dead Woman’s pass, at 4,200 m.a.s.l.

The crossing of the pass opens day three, after camping in the Pacaymayo valley. From here it’s downhill. The Trail descends into the valley and heads to the restored site of Runkuraqay, a small Inca watch post, and then to Sayaqmarka, perched atop a sheer cliff, from where one can see the start of the massive Amazon rainforest, stretching to Brazil. The final day is another easy day, mostly descending and passing through lush jungles and cloud forests before reaching Machu Picchu, Peru’s most important tourist site, through the Inti Punku or Gateway of the Sun.

Before going for the trail, you should spend at least 48 hours in Cusco acclimatising, as it features some tough hiking, including several hours above 3,500 m.a.s.l. Otherwise, Acute Mountain sickness (altitude sickness) could make your first few days pretty uncomfortable.

During the high season, from June to August, you should book well in advance -at least 3 months-, as the number of trek permits issued is limited to 500 per day (including tour guides and porters).

Other trekking routes: The Royal or Sacred Path
Just before arriving to Aguas Calientes, at km. 104 of the train rails, this path takes the direction to Phuyupatamarca, climbing up terraces and stone stairs. After 2 hours of hiking you arrive to the recently discovered and beautifully Wiñay Wayna ruins.

Located on a steep mountain slope and looking over the Urubamba river, Wiñay Wayna is a nice example of Inca terrace architecture. The name means “forever young” in Quechua but experts still disagree upon the meaning: some consider it refers to the colourful orchids that populate the surroundings, while others say the name alludes to the Inca rites and ceremonies celebrated in the complex.
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People are afraid of skydiving mainly because there are a lot of myths related to it in the popular culture. These several inaccuracies that have been propagated are the biggest reason for skydiving fear. Here are four of these myths along with the real explanation.

Myth 1: During free fall you can’t breathe
Fact: Breathing during free fall is possible, contrary to the way people tend to think. If breathing wouldn’t be possible the skydiver wouldn’t be able to open the parachute because they would be unconscious.

Myth 2:A conversation can be held during free fall.
Fact: This might be doable in movies but it is strictly Hollywood. The reality is that while free falling you can’t hear anything because the wind screaming through your ears is too loud. Trying to have a conversation in that conditions is impossible.
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If you are a skydiving beginner you’ll need to read this article to learn which novice skydiving method to choose. There are three ways you can experience the thrill of skydiving and the only requirement is that you are at least eighteen years old and have a weight of under 250 pounds. You also have to be free of any heart disease or severe medical conditions. If you have had problems with your health you should discuss them with the drop zone officials

Skydiving courses, in most cases, work the same way. A certified instructor will get you trained and he’ll try to scare you and make you not jump. That’s because the only thing he doesn’t want is a student that panics while free falling. You’ll then have to fill a lot of papers that you must go through if you want to jump. These documents make sure that if you get hurt the company will not be responsible. These are very scary but you’ll have to sign them if you want to jump.
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Don’t ask. The answer is a resounding “Yes”! You should tip. When you go on a chartered and chaperoned dive through a commercial diving shop, it is customary to tip both the Captain and the DiveMaster. Gratuities are voluntary, incumbent on your generosity. Even so, it is appropriate to offer a tip for your scuba crew.

If you are going out for one day, it is important to bring some cash on the boat for tipping. If you are diving with the same DiveMaster and Captain for an entire week, it is acceptable to offer a tip at the end of the week.

If you are arranging a variety of dives through a dive shop, you may not have the same Captain or DiveMaster on each dive, so daily tipping is a better idea unless you are certain that your crew will be consistent for the entire duration of your stay.

One perspective is to compare the roles of Captain and DiveMaster to other industries where tipping is expected. Your Captain is analogous to a taxi driver, transporting you safely to and from your scuba destination.

An acceptable tip for a taxi driver is 10% to 15% of the fare; a similar rate for the Captain is appropriate. On a single-tank dive for $65, your tip to the Captain should be between $6 and $9 USD.

Your DiveMaster should be more generously tipped with 15% – or more, if the service was exceptional. On a $65 single-tank dive, tip your DiveMaster between $8 and $12 USD. (more…)