Our Inca trail group!

Alot has been written and said about the Inca trail in recent years but the only real way to see what the hype is all about is to experience it yourself first hand. It can be a little bit challenging and sometimes you will wish you had taken the train like thousands of other people to reach Machu Picchu. For me however, the experience and the reward at the end more than made up for the difficulties on the classic four day trek.

Day 1: Cusco and a Relatively Easy Warm-Up Day

Early in the morning the guide collected us from the hotel in Cusco and transported us to Km 82 where it was time for everyone in the group to meet and have the picture taken under the famous ´Camino Inca´ sign. Then it was time to take the first steps of the Inca trail on the path to Machu Picchu. The first day’s walk was quite easy and the views were spectacular including the the snow-peaked Veronica Mountain and the bustling Vilcanota River.

After a hearty lunch (a common theme of the trek as the food was excellent) we made it to the first Inca ruins of Patallacta where the guide began to delve into the fascinating Inca culture.

After re-energising, we began the steady climb to Huayllabamba, where our friendly team of porters had our tents already set up and a cup of tea and popcorn waiting, just what the doctor ordered!

Day 2: The Hardest Day on the Inca Trail

After a great omlette breakfast and our introduction to the team of portsers, the hardest part of the trail was to begin. I had heard about this day and was a little bit worries about the altitude but was also very excited by the challenge.

The trek started with a steady climb up to the first meeting point about an hour away. The sun was shining which made for amazing views and scenerary but not the greatest of trekking conditions. After the first stop, things got a little more interesting as the trail became steeper and steeper. The sweat and toil was pouring out of every trekker on the trail as we all yearned to reach Warmiwañusca (Dead Woman’s Pass), at some 4200m (13,800ft) above sea level. The trail just seemed to keep going and goig however and there was no end in sight as the muscles in my legs began to feel the impact of every step harder and harder.

Finally after struggling up another steep hill I could see the top of the pass and the target was in my sights. I was re-vitalised and began to power on towards the top getting closer and closer. As I reached the top I, and many others were greeted with the applause and cheers of those trekkers who had already made it. There was a great sense of comradery and achievement from all groups doing the Inca Trail for reaching this milestone. Just to cap it off, the incredible, panoramic views of the mountains and landscape were more than worth it.

After a deserved rest it was time to descend with to our camp where the porters had again already set up our home for the night and it was time to relax and reflect on the most challenging but rewarding days of the Inca trail.

Day 3: Onward to Machu Picchu

After yesterdays exhausting day I thought this day would be a little easier but little did I know the trail started straight away with an ascent will begin to the second highest pass on the Trail, at more than 3900m above sea level. The views along the way were, once again, unbelievable and certainly makes any pain felt in the muscles very worth while. On the way up, we enjoy a guided visit to the Archaeological Complex of Runkurukay and, on the way down, the Inca Citadel of Sayacmarca before reaching our last camp where a deserved hot shower and beer was waiting. Never had a beer tasted so good! It was time for one last dinner in the camp and to thank the porters for the job they have done before getting to bed early in anticipation of tomorrow’s visit to Machu Picchu!

Day 4: Machu Picchu – Cusco

After a very early breakfast, we started the sacred walk through high rainforest to Inti Punku (Gateway of the Sun), the well-known entrance to Machu Picchu, with its unparallelled panoramic view of the Inca Citadel. Unfortunately for us the weather was not our friend this day and we could not see a thing through the thick mist. However, this made the first views of Machu Picchu very mystical with the fog lifting to make some great photo opportunities.

Machu Picchu itself also didn’t disappoint, in fact its hard to see how anyone could not be impressed by this famous Inca city. I was in awe at the sheer size of the ruins and the pristine condition it is in, which given the climate, is a miracle in itself. We then had a fascinating guided tour of the ruins and monuments, such as the Main Square, the Circular Tower and the Sacred Solar Clock. After free time it was then time to go to the town of Aguas Calientes to have lunch and a dip in the hot springs. Then we said goodbye to our wonderful tour guide and took the train back to Cusco after quite a journey.

Overall the Inca Trail is one of the must-do adventures in South America and even the world. The amazing views, fascinating history, pristine ruins and the physical challenge make it four days you will certainly remember for a long long time.

To find out more about the Inca Trail click here for further information.

Or alternatively to find out about the alternative trails or the train trip to Machu Picchu .