Originally Posted by escapefromphl

Not to dissuade you in any way, I have done this hike with a group. I don't know if it was food poisoning or altitude sickness (our flight into Cusco was delayed by a flight cancellation which shortened our acclimatization) but I may have been in a bit more of a pickle had I not been in a group hike. I made a quick recovery after descending the other side. Would recommend giving yourself 3+ days in Cusco prior to starting.