Just wanted to bump this to thank those who provided something useful. We did Rawson Lake (highly recommended) and a few others I can't remember right now. Didn't break in the boots (and paid for it) but it wasn't too bad. The poles was a great tip, didn't think it would matter much but they made life much easier on the long trek.
The altitude was no joke; I can't speak for Inca Trail but anyone who does Salkantay: take some altitude pills. They're cheap and if you aren't one of the lucky ones who aren't affected by hiking/sleeping at 4200m; it's going to be rough. We camped at 4200m and I got no sleep until I'd taken one.
The whole trek and Machu Picchu in particular was incredible! Apparently the Peruvian government is pretty concerned about the wear & tear on it since being named one of the seven new wonders, so get on it if you're planning to see it! Make sure to get there in time to climb Huayna Picchu; it's unbelievable.
Thanks everyone!
|