Chat on WhatsAppJust came back from the four-day Inca Trail trek and had an amazing time! Other than some porter issues in the morning that resulted in some delays on the start of our trek, everything else went well. The trail was definitely more strenuous than I had expected and the altitude didn´t make it any easier. However, all of our guides on the tour were very enthusiastic and very supportive.
I enjoyed the trek very much. It was tough, but I don´t regret it at all. The scenery during each of the four days were different, beautiful and simply breathtaking. There were several stops at various Inca ruins and our main guide, Carlos, did a great job explaining the historical significance of each archaelogical site. I loved how enthusiastic he was!
Other than the trek itself, what exceeded my expectations were the service and food that was received during the four days. It was probably the best meals I´ve had in Peru. The soups were especially amazing and I loved the spicy salsa! I enjoyed every meal I had during the trek and will miss it when I return home.
I went with a group of six and there were a total of 14 in the trekking group. Everyone was from different places and were very nice. We rented the camping gears (hiking poles and sleeping bags) and thought they were in good condition. The tents and sleeping bags kept us warm at night.
The most rewarding part of the trek is of course day four, when we arrived at Machu Picchu. The site is just overwhelmingly beautiful. It definitely felt like a mysterious and mystical place. It´s mind boggling to think that it was built hundreds of years again and still remains intact today. Even though we started day four with a bit of rain, seeing Machu Picchu made it all worthwhile. Luckily, it cleared up by early afternoon for us to get some really pretty pictures...just like the ones you see on postcards! Although I feel that pictures don´t do the Machu Picchu justice...you just have to be there to appreciate its beauty and wonder.
Overall, I would definitely recommend this trek to anyone looking for some great outdoor experience, even if you´re a beginner hiker like myself! I´ve never done outdoor camping before and this was quite the experience, in a positive way of course! The guides and staff (porters and chef) were all amazing! I´ve done quite a bit of traveling and this was definitely one of my most memorable and favorite trips! Thank you Inca Trail Reservations for this unforgettable experience!!!
Cindy Li
California, USA
My friends & I did the 4 day Inca Trail hike with a group of 14 people from around the world. The hikes were split up for a different experience each day. Day 1 was the shortest but also the most difficult for me personally because I was not adjusted to hiking in such high altitude. Day 2 was all uphill to Dead Woman´s Pass, which was really challenging but very rewarding when you reach the top. Day 3 was the longest & mostly downhill with many treacherous steps. Along the way, there were always fantastic views of mountain ranges & lush vegetation. The views were amazing & hard to believe it was real! Finally, on day 4, we made the last trek to Machu Picchu before sunrise in the rain. Fortunately, the rain cleared up & we were able to enjoy the fantastic views and wonders of Machu picchu. Machu picchu is one of the most beautiful sites I have ever experienced. You really have to be there to appreciate it. Having hiked to Machu picchu made me appreciate it even more.
The tour guides and porters provided much more service than I had expected. When things didn´t go as planned, I felt everyone tried their best to make things work. Our main guide, Carlos, was very passionate about explaining the sites to us & motivated us every day. The campsites were always set up for us by the time we arrived. The tents & sleeping bags provided were warm enough for some of the chilly nights. The camp food was delicious; it gave me a chance to try Peruvian homecooking. We were provided 3 meals per day plus tea time. I was really impressed by what the cooks were able to make with limited resources at the campsite.
Overall, the Inca Trail was an experience of a lifetime. I consider it one of my biggest accomplishments. You will be surprised by what your body can handle & how little you need. Just do it!
Lindy Li
California, USA
The Inka Trail experience was amazing. I have to admit that I did not have the highest expectations of the hike and service to be provided to me. In turn I was blown away. The tour guides were extremely nice, polite, knowledgeable about Inca culture and sites, and made the experience extremely fun. I am so glad that I was able to conquer one of the wonders of the world with my group of 14 hikers. It was a very eye opening adventure. I learned to appreciate days without technology and I witnessed the monumental strength of human determination and will power. The porters appeared super human as they carried 50 or more pounds on their backs and hiked the trail faster than any of us. They set up the tents, made our food, greeted us with beverages, and cleaned up after us to make our hiking experience extremely enjoyable. Wake up calls were early, but hot tea and bowls of warm water were waiting outside our tents for drinking and brushing our teeth. I am very appreciative of what the entire crew has done for me and how they have helped me and allowed me to see the beauty that is Machu Picchu. With respect to the trail itself, the hike is not easy. Day 2 was treacherous and I had to stay focused to make it though. During the trail you hike alongside beautiful mountains that create an epic and most grand environment of an adventure to the mystical place of Machu Picchu. You will not get the same scenery anywhere else. When you finally reach Machu Picchu it is so surreal. The city is surrounded by mountains as though it is completely hidden from the rest of the world. I felt like I really was in a magical place in a fairyland. I will never forget this experience. It was one in a life time kind of thing. Everyone should do it.
David Nghe
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu hike is probably the best outdoor adventure that I have ever experienced. I rarely hike in my current lifestyle, but the Machu Picchu experience has inspired me to do more hiking in my hometown of Los Angeles. This experience has taught me many things about hiking, including:
1. Pushing myself mentally and physically regardless of my fatigue level.
2. Using my arm and leg muscles wisely in order to maintain a consistent hiking speed, both uphill and downhill.
3. Control my breathing and maintaining a good air flow; having good mental focus.
4. Learning how to hike through the rain. When the rocks were wet, I stepped on the dirt and pointy rocks to avoid slipping.
I recommend the Machu Picchu experience to anyone who enjoys outdoor activities and is ready for a physical challenge. In general, I have pretty good health but the hike took me by surprise. It was more difficult than I expected, primarily due to the high altitude and also because I do not hike on a consistent basis. However, I learned all of my hiking tips (mentioned above) during my climb to Wayllabamba on day 2. It was grueling and insanely difficulty, but I was hiking alongside with my friend which made the sweaty and tiring process more fun and enjoyable.
During the hike and at the top of each mountain, I never could have imagined the scenery to be so beautiful and postcard-picture perfect. The gorgeous views of the mountains and skys, the sounds of waterfalls and birds and the fresh clean air were absolutely amazing. The scenic views made the hike all worthwhile.
In summary, Machu Picchu is the one experience that has made me appreciate nature more than ever before. Whenever I do another hike or outdoor adventure in Los angeles, I will always think of Machu Picchu. Thank you for everything Inca Trail Reservations .
Regards,
Johnson Thai, USA
