Guatemala Tips 2 Volcanoes

There are many volcanoes to climb in Guatemala and some have had a history of bandit attacks. Bandits are looking to rob you and possibly harm you. It’s very easy to avoid such treks. Just listen to the advice from tour agencies and hike volcanoes that are national parks. The tour agencies are always trying to request the government convert more volcanoes into national parks, but it’s a slow process. Once a national park, rangers patrol the area for your safety.

Armed Guards
It may take some time getting used to seeing armed guards patrol everything from gas stations to jewelry stores. These aren’t your everyday mall cops, these guys all carry shotguns. It’s a bit intimidating, however that is what they are going for.

People
The people of Guatemala are kind, the country is explored by few and the adventures are endless. You won’t find roped walkways and concrete steps on your hike to Semuc Champey. You will find yourself saying, “This wouldn’t be legal in my country.” But, this is what makes it so exciting.
Jason Castellani (to be continued) 

Guatemala Tips

Antigua

is the backpacking mecca of Guatemala. All the amenities you are used to exist here including WiFi, bars, dance clubs, laundry facilities, cafes, fast food chains, restaurants and major banks. If you can’t find something ask another traveler or the Tourist Police. I think Antigua is the perfect place to get your feet wet as a backpacker.

Transportation

Antigua is usually the base camp for visiting other nearby attractions such as Lake Atitlan, Xela, Monterrico Beach, Semuc Champey or even Tikal. Tourists usually take shuttle buses around the country, but Chicken Buses (old American school buses) are available for the more daring. More daring in the sense that you really need to speak Spanish, be willing to travel slower and hope that you can figure out how to get from one destination to the other. The shuttle buses will take you directly to your destination, but it will be cramped.

Jason Castellani (to be continued)

Inca Trail 5. GENERAL ADVICE

• Bring our own daypack. Remember to pack camera, water, snacks, gloves and extra clothes as you won’t see the porters and your extra bag until night.
• Dress in layers. I wore base layers and loved it. It was easy to roll up the sleeves and breathe in these clothes. Highly recommended for trekking and other physical adventures.
• Be positive – as our guide said again and again. It will be hard, so you’ll need a positive attitude.
• Tips are expected. Be aware that the guide, cook and porters expect to be paid a tip each.
• Rent hiking poles. Your knees will thank you.
• Go with a well known tour company. Hiking the Inca Trail is a once in a lifetime experience, so you’d want it to be special. The most popular companies are Wayki Trek, Llama Path, Enigma and SAS Travel.
• (to be continued)

Hiking The Inca Trail, 4 WHICH COMPANY TO CHOOSE

I went with Wayki Trek and really liked them. 

The only note I have was about day two. We got breakfast at 6am, walked uphill all day and didn’t get anything to eat before 3pm when we reached base camp.

Their explanation was that we’d get sick by eating in the altitude since we were walking up all day. But personally, I’d rather feel nauseate than hungry and disoriented when walking up a mountain in 30 degrees.  All the other groups got dinner halfway up.

This is the only less positive thing I have to say about Wayki, though. Apart from that, they were wonderful and they even put up a private toilet for us at the base camp. Overall, they were all very nice, considerate and hardworking people. I will highly recommend them, but make sure to ask them about meals on day two – or at least bring your own food or snacks.

(to be continued) 

Hiking The Inca Trail 3 – What Did It Cost?

I went with Wayki Trek and really liked them.

They were professional, and our guide Jose was very attentive and fun.
Plus, the food was the best we had in Peru and Bolivia together.
I was quite surprised the chef was able to make such great meals. He certainly knew was he was doing!

Wayki trek

$565 - 4 days trek with everything included + train back to Cusco

Pers. porter - $65 For 8 kg. (Sleeping matress and bag takes up 3kg)

Tips - $55 In total. Porters, cook and guide are tipped seperately

Walk. sticks - $15 Rent two walking sticks. One is not enough

In total, I paid $700 for my 4 day Inca trail trek.

(to be continued)

Inca Trail 2. Prepare Yourself – It’s Genuinely Difficult

I’m no athlete, but I consider myself in decent shape… and seriously I’ve never been so psychically challenged in my life. It’s not only challenging to walk uphill, but the thin air makes it harder to breathe. I had to stop every five steps to catch my breath and eventually just accept the fact that I felt like an 80-year-old with asthma.

Here are some basic hiking tips I picked up along the way:

Walk in zig zag when going up the steps. Head for the small stones!

Take small steps. Deep breaths.

In rain, take it easy down the steps. They’re steep, and you can hurt yourself badly.

Stay positive.

Drink coca tea or chew coca leaves. They help you adjust to the altitude.

Rent hiking poles. End of discussion.

Bring snacks for heaven’s sake.

The porters expect to get tipped 75 soles in addition to the price you already paid.

(to be continued)

Tips for hiking the Inca Trail, Peru

Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu has always been on my to-do list. Not because I’m a huge fan of hiking or pressuring myself psychically, but because I wanted to walk in the footsteps of the Incas, enjoy the view – and obviously: to see if I could.

We hiked the Inca Trail with Wayki Trek. While the high season is from June to August, you can also hike in the low season, except from February where they restore the trails. Just be prepared that the weather might not cooperate. We booked three months in advance, but the recommendation is six months in the high season.

1. How To Prevent Altitude Sickness

While a lucky few wont feel a thing, most people experience the altitude one way or the other. Maybe you find it hard to breathe, your heart is beating harder, or you get sick with headaches and nausea. Personally, I felt like I was hangover and car sick at the same time. 

You should allow yourself to acclimatize in Cusco for at least 2 days before hiking the Inca Trail. Sleep a lot, drink coca tea and bring some medicine. I brought Diamox and it took the edge off.

(to be continued)