Inca trail is definitely or the the effort. I wanted to see Machu picchu since along time but in the end the 4 day trek was the highlight itself, surpassing my expectations by far, in many ways.
Although it was very expensive, even carrying our stuff and sleeping bags and mattresses ourselves. And it's still unclear to us how much of all the money really ends up with the porters and local people. But that's sth.not to discuss in a 100 words. Anyways, It was physically very challenging and not always easy to keep the spirit up. So once in a while it's important to lift the head and remember to enjoy.
Our guides were always there to remember us of this. It wouldn't have Been possible without them and our porters. They really made the trip unforgettable, always having a surplus and surprise in the sleeve and with their huge knowledge of the inca culture, history and nature they really worked up to our expectations to learn about Peruvian culture, past as well as present..