The remote and lofty setting of Machu Picchu, perched high upon a mountainside in the Sacred Valley, makes it impossible to simply drive there. Instead, your path to or from this ancient wonder will involve taking a train to/from Aguas Calientes (also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo) – a town that has blossomed around the station at the base of the valley.
Why is the Inca Trail so Popular?
In a nutshell? Excellent. Awe-inspiring. Enjoyable. Captivating. Filled with discoveries. Exhausting, contingent upon your physical preparedness and acclimation.
Early Departure
The experience that one gets to have by hiking the ancienth Inca Trail on its full extent is really an odyssey. The inaugural day has the groups participants to meet each other, unfamiliar individuals organized by a guide, who takes the role of a leader that's supported by a team of porters and cook.
Three routes beckon their way to Machu Picchu, however, these converge in the KM 82, as the name indicates, this beginning point is 82 kilometers away from Cusco by a railway that goes along the Urubamba River.
Preserved Inca Urbanization
A stop in Ollantaytambo (another Inca architecture gem) is mandatory for the hikers to replenish their energies by having a breakfast in the locality, local legend has this place as an ancient fortress that served to protect a enamored couple that lived a prohibited love. It's also one of the few conservated inca towns that still persists to this day on it's original ancient design.
The Hike Begins
Upon reaching the KM 82, the hike goes through and the Inca Trail unveils it's magnificencies. After a plain distance you'll begin to witness breathtaking landscapes that are surrounded by the local mountains and the timid engulfing that the rainforest begins to take in this area.
It's hard to miss out the stone-paved trail that goes through several Inca ruins and tunnels.
Along the way, the hikers have the chance of visiting many archaeological places, such as: Runcuracay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, and Wiñay Wayna, all Incan ruins with varied histories but similarly impressive architecture, layouts, and flourishes.
The ascent is grueling, and if you lack physical conditioning and previous considerations, you might delay your timings a bit.
Your walking stick becomes an indispensable companion, particularly if acquired locally. They tend to be intriguingly designed and wrapped in vibrant cloth (as were most Quechua – indigenous people that we encountered).
Real life Superhumans
If you succumb to the weight of your overstuffed backpacks and wish to alleviate the altitude sickness and altitude strain, the porters can shoulder your bags. While we've got to share the beautiful scenery, these individuals are marvels of nature in their own right.
These men are akin to the Uruk-hai in The Lord of the Rings, but way better looking. They never cease running. They are completely out of this world. Some even wear flip-flops and sprint the trail. If you observe the immense loads they bear, only one word will cross your mind, unbelievable. They're all exceptionally lovely people, friendly, kind, and personable.
Also, the team includes a guide (you can't enter the Inca Trail without one) and a chef that prepares his meals taking in consideration your dietary needs. Meals take place in a communal tent at day's end (with lunch and snacks usually consumed on the go).
Cherry on Top
You already know what's the focus of this trip, getting to experience the highlight of South America in a touristic sense, Machu Picchu, the world wonder.
The history preserved this place from its possible destruction on hands of the conquerors, and now it still amazes thousands of visitors year by year.
Kenko Adventures has years of experience delivering many Inca Trail tours that will fit your traveling plans, don't hesitate and reach us out to begin with your dreamed traveling plans today, we'll be more than glad to be of assistance!
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Why Kenko Adventures?
We present our real culture life to our clients, hiring people from villages and communities of our region.
We offer unique services like: hot shower and private toilets on treks. We have a real responsibility taking care of our planet.
Experts on: Inca Trail hikes and Machu Picchu Hiking Tours. We operate small groups.
Superior Quality services and full flexibility for any changes in this pandemic
Free warm jacket for my litle friend!
Kenko Adventure Peru founder decided to add a social proyect in all Our tours that means, if you are booking a tour with Us, you automatically are donating a warm jacket for Our litle kids that have very hard living in very cold conditions near by the Andes Mountain
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