Nothing is more important than making sure your feet are happy for the trek of a lifetime! Here are our recommendations for what boots to take on your trek in Peru:
Ankle Support: You don’t necessarily need ankle support for this hike, as you’re not carrying much weight (just your day pack), but I do recommend it. If you worry at all about hurting you ankles, or have a history of ankle injuries, bring boots with ankle support. You’re hiking on uneven rocks and Inca trails, so there will be times when you’re stepping on slanted rocks. I also think that ankle support helps for long distances, especially when you’re getting tired at the end of the day.
Soles: We recommend a stiff sole, preferably a sole with a shank. If your soles are too flexible, you’ll feel every little pebble, and your feet will become sore more quickly. With stiff soles, you won’t feel the uneven trail as much.
Waterproof or No Waterproof? You’re up high in the Andes for this whole trip, and weather is unpredictable. Even if you’re traveling in the dry season, it’s still likely that you will have some rain. I personally think it’s a good idea to have waterproof hiking boots, even though they tend to get hot. If you have boots that aren’t waterproof, I recommend bringing plenty of dry socks, just in case you do get some rain.
Type of Boot: You don’t need a heavy duty backpacking boot for this hike. I personally think that a lightweight backpacking boot, or a stiff soled hiking shoe is perfect for this hike. You want enough support for long days on uneven surfaces, but you don’t need to be weighed down by big boots.
By Far The Most Important Thing: By far the most important thing for your boots is to be well broken in by the time you do this trek, and to be comfortable walking 9+ miles. Most of your porters will be wearing rubber sandals, not because they can’t afford hiking boots, but because that is what they are comfortable walking in. If you have trusty heavy duty backpacking boots that you love, great! If you prefer a lightweight running shoe for long distances, great!
RECOMMENDED INCA TRAIL TREKS
Unique 5-day Inca Trail Trek itinerary gets you away from the crowds and gives more time to explore ruins Acclimatize for the trek with off the beaten path hikes to explore the best ruins and sites in Cusco and the Sacred Valley in this 9 day adventure Expert guides, cooks, and equipment make this a truly top-notch experience, starting and ending at the Cusco airport Trip Length: 9 Days Destinations: Machu Picchu, Inca Trail, Sacred Valley, Cusco, Peru Lodging: Comfortable camping, & boutique 3-star plus hotels Activities: Trekking, Inca ruins Dates: Trips depart every Saturday, March - December
Actively explore 3 islands in the Galapagos to see the iconic wildlife Unique 5-day Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu Hike off the beaten path to explore Cusco & the Sacred Valley Trip Length: 16 Days Destinations: Santa Cruz, Isabela, & San Cristobal Islands, Galapagos; Cusco, Sacred Valley, Inca Trail, & Machu Picchu, Peru Lodging: 3-star hotels in the Galapagos, 3-star plus hotels in Peru, & comfortable tent camping on the Inca Trail Activities: Wildlife viewing, snorkeling, hiking, optional surfing or boogie boarding, optional Scuba diving, optional kayaking, optional stand up paddle boarding, multi-day trekking, Inca ruins Dates: Trips begin every Sunday, March to December
Trek the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in ultimate luxury and comfort Gourmet meals, portable showers, even your very own massage therapist ensure your comfort Visit the best sites in Cusco and the Sacred Valley prior to trekking. Trip Length: 9 Days Destinations: Cusco, Inca Trail, Machu Picchu Lodging: 5-Star Hotels & Deluxe tent camping Activities: Challenging multi-day trekking, visiting Inca ruins Dates: This is a private trip just for you and can start on any date (as long as Inca Trail permits are available)
