Take a hat on your trek

Protect your head from the sun with a hat, this will prevent heatstroke. Daytime conditions on the inca trail can be hot and punishing. Thanks to the ingenious incan irrigation systems there are plenty of streams to dunk a canvas hat in – a great way to keep cool.

Save the strength to climb Huayna Picchu, the mountain that forms the backdrop for most iconic Machu Picchu photos. The peak contains more Incan ruins and the route offers some great aerial views of Machu Picchu. Trekkers should register for this extra leg on the first day of the Inca Trail.