For most people the idea of spending four days hiking with a pack, sleeping in a tent and not being able to shower would be a nightmare.
It’s a tiny price to pay, though, as you travel one of the world’s most ancient paths with the awesome Machu Picchu waiting at the Sun Gate on the final day.
But, such hardships haven’t put off many. In fact, if you want to experience this journey yourself the waiting list spans two months.
And, once you’re at Kilometre 82, pack on and passport stamped, you know you’re onto something big.
Trailing The Footsteps Of The Incas
Constructed in Pre-Columbian times, the Inca Trail, leading to Machu Picchu is the Inca’s most popular modern day hike.
It takes in Inca ruins on the four day journey of discovery and your guide gives you inside information on life back when the Inca towns and cities were thriving.
Not until you actually see these archaeological sites for yourself do you realise how advanced and totally ingenious the Incas were.
Messages were sent via knotted quipu (cord) and clothes were dyed by crushing the white cochineal parasite.
Supermen
Taking in the breathtaking scenery takes your mind off the walking since the altitude can make even the fittest individual struggle. Especially on day two which all up hill taking in Dead Woman’s Pass.
But, as soon as you see the porters flying up the mountainside carrying twice their body weight with a smile on their face you start to feel guilty for even thinking about complaining.
I asked our guide what the quickest time is for someone to complete the Inca Trail – the answer is under 4 hours and it was a porter that did it, not a professional athlete.
That says it all really, these guys are amazing.
The Mighty Machu Picchu
After four days of hiking up and down mountains, taking in sites such as Llaqtapata and Winay Wayna you have your earliest start yet.
To see the sun rise over the mighty Machu Picchu you have to get to the Sun Gate before dawn.
The two hour walk from camp in the dark is one of excitement and euphoria, the culmination of lots of hard work and the promise of seeing a site in the flesh that so many only ever view on a post card.
Once there, looking down onto the ancient Inca City as the sun slices in determined forks through the Sun Gate and illuminating Machu Picchu bit by bit you feel like you’re experiencing the dawn of a new era.
You are discovering a city so well hidden, nestled in between mountains that it has remained beautifully preserved and allows you to really imagine what it would have been like fully constructed as your guide gives his tour.
And if you haven’t quite had your fill of climbing up mountains then check out Wyna Picchu, located right next to Machu Picchu. It gives an alternative view from the top, and you’ll be displaying a stamina even the Incas would be proud of!
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