Flip Flops through Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Against all advice, I wore my flip flops through the 2-day-1-night Inca trail trip to Machu Picchu. It is roughly 12 KMs in distance and it took me approximately five hours.

There were some expectations going into the Andes Mountain in Peru which, I thought, needs clarifications.

Weather

We went in late March, which was the perfect timing for a last minute trip through Inca trail to Machu Picchu. Late March has less rain comparing to raining months, and it is normally not booked. Trails in February are closed due to potential land slide. April to July are the dry months which are normally fully booked 3–6 months in advance.

I was slightly disappointed due to the abysmal weather forecast. In reality, it was hot and sunny for 30 minutes. Then, it became a shower with the Sun. Sometimes it may get cold with the wind and in the shades. It may also pouring rain for several minutes. There is no reason to refer to the eesther forecast.

Clothes and Footwear

There are abundant traveling blogs suggesting full-on hiking shoes and intense cloth-wears. I was being educated, though I was still doubtful. All of the links contain sponsored links. The referral links are just as discrete as Fyre Festival influencers’.

Long story short, the minute we met up with the tour guide, he thought I was about to go to the beach — T-shirt, beach shorts and flip flops. He had never seen someone hiking in those in his seven years of touring till me.

Flip flops are totally acceotable for Inca Trails.

Trail vs Final Destination

Hiking through the Inca Trail was an exceptional experience. Only 500 people are allowed on the trail each day: one rarely sees other tourists on the trip. There are many ruins, wild lives and natures to be observed.

On the second day, we further explored the Machu Picchu citadel thoroughly. The information was intriguing, though the whole experience was a complete let-down. It was full of the tourists from all over the world: they were chit-chatting loudly. We were just about rubbing shoulders to shoulders. All of the park rangers are similar to FBI agents watching over everything you do. You also lose the sight of the entire citadel view once you are inside.

In Conclusion

Being one of the seven New Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu is definitely worth the trip to take the same photos as everyone else who has already been.