Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
I was out hiking in Peru in 2022 – the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
It was a place that had been on my “to go” list for a while, but the opportunity never presented itself. In 2022 we were still in COVID-recovery and my hiking clubs were not yet ready to go on international trips. I decided to travel with a tour organization – they would arrange everything about the Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu, and I was even able to do a short add-on to the Amazon jungle. Best part – my daughter was coming too!
At the time, I was working a lot and didn’t have the time to research the trip as I should have. I had hiked in South America before, so I knew what clothes to take and I made sure I had my strongest hiking boots. I knew we would be hiking in altitude, so I got medication for that, just in case. Other than that, I just had to be ready for an outdoor adventure.
We met up with our group and our amazing guide in Cuzco. As we started to get to know each other, I was feeling that perhaps I was underprepared. Some had followed special diets in anticipation, others had strict exercise routines. Uh oh – I had just done my normal runs around the neighbourhood and I had thought that was preparation enough. Our maximum hiking distance was 16K (10M) which was not horribly long and we would have all day to do it. I was puzzled.
Seeing the Sacred Valley
Our first day was through the Sacred Valley. This was a tour day – travelling by bus and then exploring the ruins. We walked about and listened as our guide told us about the importance of the area for agriculture and how the Incas sculpted the area to maximize planting and irrigation. In the afternoon we visited a local community to learn about traditional Andean life, having lunch at one woman’s home and working with others to create our own woven souvenir. Of course, what we did was nothing in comparison to their large, complex and brightly coloured textile creations. I recall thinking about how expert they were at what they do, and contrasting them to the experts I worked with at home in a business setting. All are experts with deep knowledge and expertise – different product, different setting. But so many similarities. I remember feeling so grateful that I had the opportunity to meet experts like this, so far from home.
Hiking the Inca Trail, Peru – Successive Days of “wow!”
The next day was the start of the 4-day trek of the Inca Trail. Definitely a route that ticks the “active travel” category.
Keeping our packs light was critical for the porters who would be assisting us in our journey. I was a bit nervous – 3 nights of camping. I am not a camper, however if you want to hike the Inca Trek there is no other option.
Day 1 was manageable – our longest in terms of distance, but not too much of an elevation gain and by then I was acclimatized to the altitude. A day of “wow” – amazing views, incredible ancient architecture, learning about local flora, spending the day with new friends.
Day 2 was an early start heading to Pacaymayu. On this day I was glad that I had not done research, as I might not have signed up. It was “only” 10K (6M) – however I think it was the hardest hiking I have ever done. We had a steep ascent in the morning, and in the afternoon continued to the Dead Woman’s Pass, the highest point of the Inca Trail. I was really doubting that I could finish – but there was no other option than to press forward. I remember thinking that all that I had to do was to keep putting one foot in front of the other, and then I would get to the top. Our amazing experienced guide led us, she knew we would make it – the rest of us were still wondering if we could. And then – we were done – we had summited! What euphoria – the same feeling was shared by all. It was such an accomplishment – overcoming the physical challenge and self-doubt, staying connected and encouraging others. That’s why I love travelling with groups – the bonds created through shared experiences are so strong.
On Day 3 of our trek I had more time and energy to contemplate the incredible accomplishments of the Incas. They left us with so much more than Machu Picchu, and likely there are still undiscovered ruins. We walked along marvelously constructed stone trails and stairways and through tunnels created by human hands and 14th century tools. The Incan “royal road” was 40,000KM (25,000M) long. How could they have done this? How long did it take? How many people have walked these same steps?
Our final camping night was in a place called Phuyopatamarka, which means “City Above the Clouds” in the local Quechua language. We were in such a magical place – all you see wherever you look is nature.
Into Machu Picchu
Day 4 of our trek takes us to the Machu Picchu ruins, and a hotel tonight. I still didn’t love camping, but I did it!!! Another out of the ordinary accomplishment for me on this trip.
We passed through another Inca site (Inti Pata) and up the “monkey steps” on our way to the famed Gate of the Sun which overlooks Machu Picchu, again being continuously struck by the enormity of what the Incas built 500 years ago, and the incredible engineering feats. We reached the Machu Picchu site late in the afternoon – in time for moments of celebration and lots of photos. We would be returning the following day to tour the site itself.
I think everyone has seen the “classic” pictures of Machu Picchu – we took lots ourselves. The tour of the site was even more rewarding, learning about the complex planning necessary to build the site, and the extent of natural, spiritual and artistic integration. Our guide showed us where there are views of sacred mountains framed in doorways. Elsewhere, carved rocks mimic the shape of the mountains in the background. One is left to wonder how they got the rocks to that location – there are so many unknowns about Incan times.
This had been an amazing journey. I realize now that I should have researched more about Inca civilization before I went. I learned lots while I was there, but what I learned is only an introduction to a fascinating culture.
I would go back to Peru – there is so much I didn’t see that awaits another outdoor adventure.
Where else can my feet take me?
Please contact me if you are interested in discovering wonderful places with a new travel community!
3 highlights:
Our amazing Quechan guide – so patient, so knowledgeable, so kind and sharing
- The porters on our trip – they have hiked these trails since they were young children – now they do it with heavy gear for all the tourists
- The sense of accomplishment after Day 2 of our trek – my most challenging hiking day ever
3 things for the next time:
- Experience other treks that could take you to Machu Picchu or other destinations in Peru e.g. Salkantay Trail, Choquequirao Trail
- Visit Rainbow Mountain near Cusco
- Explore some of the hot springs near Machu Picchu or elsewhere in Peru
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Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
I was out hiking in Peru in 2022 – the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
It was a place that had been on my “to go” list for a while, but the opportunity never presented itself. In 2022 we were still in COVID-recovery and my hiking clubs were not yet ready to go on international trips. I decided to travel with a tour organization – they would arrange everything about the Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu, and I was even able to do a short add-on to the Amazon jungle. Best part – my daughter was coming too!
At the time, I was working a lot and didn’t have the time to research the trip as I should have. I had hiked in South America before, so I knew what clothes to take and I made sure I had my strongest hiking boots. I knew we would be hiking in altitude, so I got medication for that, just in case. Other than that, I just had to be ready for an outdoor adventure.
We met up with our group and our amazing guide in Cuzco. As we started to get to know each other, I was feeling that perhaps I was underprepared. Some had followed special diets in anticipation, others had strict exercise routines. Uh oh – I had just done my normal runs around the neighbourhood and I had thought that was preparation enough. Our maximum hiking distance was 16K (10M) which was not horribly long and we would have all day to do it. I was puzzled.
Seeing the Sacred Valley
Our first day was through the Sacred Valley. This was a tour day – travelling by bus and then exploring the ruins. We walked about and listened as our guide told us about the importance of the area for agriculture and how the Incas sculpted the area to maximize planting and irrigation. In the afternoon we visited a local community to learn about traditional Andean life, having lunch at one woman’s home and working with others to create our own woven souvenir. Of course, what we did was nothing in comparison to their large, complex and brightly coloured textile creations. I recall thinking about how expert they were at what they do, and contrasting them to the experts I worked with at home in a business setting. All are experts with deep knowledge and expertise – different product, different setting. But so many similarities. I remember feeling so grateful that I had the opportunity to meet experts like this, so far from home.
Hiking the Inca Trail, Peru – Successive Days of “wow!”
The next day was the start of the 4-day trek of the Inca Trail. Definitely a route that ticks the “active travel” category.
Keeping our packs light was critical for the porters who would be assisting us in our journey. I was a bit nervous – 3 nights of camping. I am not a camper, however if you want to hike the Inca Trek there is no other option.
Day 1 was manageable – our longest in terms of distance, but not too much of an elevation gain and by then I was acclimatized to the altitude. A day of “wow” – amazing views, incredible ancient architecture, learning about local flora, spending the day with new friends.
Day 2 was an early start heading to Pacaymayu. On this day I was glad that I had not done research, as I might not have signed up. It was “only” 10K (6M) – however I think it was the hardest hiking I have ever done. We had a steep ascent in the morning, and in the afternoon continued to the Dead Woman’s Pass, the highest point of the Inca Trail. I was really doubting that I could finish – but there was no other option than to press forward. I remember thinking that all that I had to do was to keep putting one foot in front of the other, and then I would get to the top. Our amazing experienced guide led us, she knew we would make it – the rest of us were still wondering if we could. And then – we were done – we had summited! What euphoria – the same feeling was shared by all. It was such an accomplishment – overcoming the physical challenge and self-doubt, staying connected and encouraging others. That’s why I love travelling with groups – the bonds created through shared experiences are so strong.
On Day 3 of our trek I had more time and energy to contemplate the incredible accomplishments of the Incas. They left us with so much more than Machu Picchu, and likely there are still undiscovered ruins. We walked along marvelously constructed stone trails and stairways and through tunnels created by human hands and 14th century tools. The Incan “royal road” was 40,000KM (25,000M) long. How could they have done this? How long did it take? How many people have walked these same steps?
Our final camping night was in a place called Phuyopatamarka, which means “City Above the Clouds” in the local Quechua language. We were in such a magical place – all you see wherever you look is nature.
Into Machu Picchu
Day 4 of our trek takes us to the Machu Picchu ruins, and a hotel tonight. I still didn’t love camping, but I did it!!! Another out of the ordinary accomplishment for me on this trip.
We passed through another Inca site (Inti Pata) and up the “monkey steps” on our way to the famed Gate of the Sun which overlooks Machu Picchu, again being continuously struck by the enormity of what the Incas built 500 years ago, and the incredible engineering feats. We reached the Machu Picchu site late in the afternoon – in time for moments of celebration and lots of photos. We would be returning the following day to tour the site itself.
I think everyone has seen the “classic” pictures of Machu Picchu – we took lots ourselves. The tour of the site was even more rewarding, learning about the complex planning necessary to build the site, and the extent of natural, spiritual and artistic integration. Our guide showed us where there are views of sacred mountains framed in doorways. Elsewhere, carved rocks mimic the shape of the mountains in the background. One is left to wonder how they got the rocks to that location – there are so many unknowns about Incan times.
This had been an amazing journey. I realize now that I should have researched more about Inca civilization before I went. I learned lots while I was there, but what I learned is only an introduction to a fascinating culture.
I would go back to Peru – there is so much I didn’t see that awaits another outdoor adventure.
Where else can my feet take me?
Please contact me if you are interested in discovering wonderful places with a new travel community!
3 highlights:
Our amazing Quechan guide – so patient, so knowledgeable, so kind and sharing
- The porters on our trip – they have hiked these trails since they were young children – now they do it with heavy gear for all the tourists
- The sense of accomplishment after Day 2 of our trek – my most challenging hiking day ever
3 things for the next time:
- Experience other treks that could take you to Machu Picchu or other destinations in Peru e.g. Salkantay Trail, Choquequirao Trail
- Visit Rainbow Mountain near Cusco
- Explore some of the hot springs near Machu Picchu or elsewhere in Peru