How I did it: I booked the hike through Peru Treks, which turned out to be a fantastic idea. Our guides were supremely helpful, our cooks unbelievably talented, and our porters were kind and hardworking.

Lessons & tips:
1. Don't be sick. If you are sick, just know that it's going to suck, but you'll still be able to do it. Keep putting one foot in front of the other and press on. 

2. Go with Peru Treks if you're choosing a company to go with. If you plan on hiking the trail, you have to go with a tour company, but some treat the trail and their workers better than others. On the second day, I was stopped by one of the porters for GAP Adventures, who was begging me for some of my water. He was in rough shape and being made to carry much more than one person should ever have to carry. I gave him the water and my group mates gave him some chocolate. GAP is known for being one of the worst companies out there, I now know, so please, do what I did and go with Peru Treks. They are a responsible company. 

3. Take two walking sticks. They will be a pain in the ass to carry on all the inclines, but for the 3000-step drop on the third day, your knees will thank you. I only had one stick and I desperately wish I had bought a second one. 

4. Bring gatorade powder. You will want the sugar and electrolites for themselves, but also to get rid of the horrid taste only boiled water can manage. 

5. Pack as light as is humanly possible. If you think you might not need it, you won't. Also consider buying your own ultra-light sleeping bag and foamy. You will pay for it at MEC, but at least you won't have to carry the extra 4.5 kilograms that the trek company will give you in gear. 

6. Hire a porter and tip them well. They want the money and you don't want to have to carry all that stuff up the trail. Trust me, your body will thank you and you'll have more energy to enjoy the wonderful views. 

7. Go slow. Honestly, lots of people in my group went really fast and somehow, I think that by going slow I saw a lot more than they did. At least it seemed that way after the conversations about the hummingbirds and wild orchids I saw. 

Jul 29, 2009, 09:58PM PDT | 3 comments | 2 cheers