Finally it was time for the highlight of our Peru tour – we were beginning the four-day Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu, one of the New Wonders of the World.
While “the lost city of the Incas” is undoubtably the star attraction, with options to arrive by train or take the shorter Quarry Trail, we were told by many to focus on enjoying the longer trek and all to see along the way.
On Day One our group reached the starting checkpoint, met our guides, checked our gear and started walking. 45 kilometres, three nights camping and more than 1000 metres of elevation was ahead of us.
The first day was relatively easy, with our guides mandating lots of stops and lots of water. We felt they were easing the group into the trek, particularly given the altitude we were walking in the Andes (starting at around 3000m above sea level and reaching well over 4km) can make breathing quite difficult.
Pretty quickly we knew we were in for a treat, the views across the mountains were already stunning and we had barely begun our elevation climb.
The other thing that was fast apparent was that our team of porters (20 including a chef and assistant chef) were absolute machines. These small mountain men were each carrying 25 kilogram packs (packed with tents, chairs, food, water, eating utensils, toilets etc) and were powering into camp each day hours early to set up.
We were actually a little embarrassed by the service provided by the porters – think hot water tubs each morning and evening to wash your face and feet; being woken with Coca tea every day (“tent-service” they said) and three course hot meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Surely this isn’t really roughing it?
We began Day Two psyched for a real challenge. This was universally considered the hardest day of the trek, with an unrelenting steep climb over “Dead Woman’s Pass” (4,200m above sea level) followed by a steep decline to camp (hello quad muscles).
Regardless, we powered on and got the job done in no time – our little group of speedsters self-naming ourselves ‘The A Team’. The view from the top was predictably spectacular.
Of course, upon arriving at camp our three course dinner, hot chocolate and popcorn was waiting for us.
Day three would prove the most scenic, with several impressive Inca ruins along the way. These included temples, small cities, lookouts and most impressively, enormous farming terraces built into the side of mountain. The last spot also providing the best views of the trek – huge mountains creating a deep valley which would also provide our final camping spot.
Best of all, these treasures were left only to those who braved the Inca Trail – those choosing the easy train option will have no idea what they’re missing…
Day Four included an early start (3.30am -eek!). We then climbed the final few kilometres of the inca trail as the sun rose up, and waited at the Incan Sungate as the clouds lifted, revealing Machu Picchu – the lost city of the incas built 500 years ago, abandoned shortly after and only rediscovered in 1911. This was truly a surreal moment.
What makes Macchu Picchu so special? It was never found by the Spanish conquerors and therefore 80 per cent of the site is original.
As for our few hours exploring Macchu Picchu itself, pictures say a thousand words…
All in all, these four days were deservedly the highlight of our Peru tour and we fully understand why Macchu Picchu is a bucket list destination for many travellers.
And as befitting for the “Inca Trail”, the journey would prove as stunning and inspiring as the destination.
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