{"id":1879,"date":"2021-06-23T12:10:00","date_gmt":"2021-06-23T17:10:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/millennialroad.com\/?p=1879"},"modified":"2021-08-12T12:42:42","modified_gmt":"2021-08-12T17:42:42","slug":"inca-trail-machu-picchu","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/millennialroad.com\/inca-trail-machu-picchu\/","title":{"rendered":"Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Inca<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu may be challenging, but it is one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Combining one of the most well-known treks in the world with one of the \u201cnew wonders of the world\u201d is every bit as remarkable as it sounds. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

While visiting the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu may be a bucket-list item for travelers around the world, most will not venture to make the four-day trek along the Inca Trail to arrive at this sanctuary city. And for many who do hope to make this trek, a lack of planning will count them out, with only 500 permits issued per day for visitors, guides, cooks, and porters combined. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Inca<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

This ancient citadel sits more than 2,400 meters above sea level, with altitudes during the hike reaching much higher levels. And I can tell you first hand that anyone who is not used to that much elevation will undoubtedly notice it over the four days of trekking to reach this historical treasure. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As we hiked across the Peruvian mountainside and through lush green cloud forests, we came across several other ancient ruins before arriving at the citadel of Machu Picchu. While none compare to Machu Picchu in size and elaborateness, each of these hidden gems is awe-inspiring in its own right. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Inca<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Once you\u2019ve visited Machu Picchu, you\u2019ll have a whole new appreciation for the fact that ancient and primitive are not necessarily the same thing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And the trek begins<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As a (relatively) young and fit person, I was feeling confident about the trek overall. That being said, I unquestionably felt some nerves about the elevation and the fact that this would be the longest and most strenuous hike I\u2019d ever done at this point in my life. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to our guide, most people find the second day of the hike to be the most demanding day. In my mind, that meant the first day would be no problem, and the second day would be the real test. In hindsight, that may have been an illogical conclusion. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We began the first day of our trek bright and early, taking transportation from Ollantaytambo to the starting point of the Inca Trail. The views at the trailhead were spectacular, promising an unforgettable journey from the first step. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Inca<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Stopping one final time at the most \u201cnormal\u201d bathroom we would see for four days, we enthusiastically set off with our small group. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I would be lying if I said the first day of the trek was easy. In reality, it was hard for me. Yet, the more I pushed through the moments of exhaustion and pain, the more I realized I could do it and was able to appreciate the hike itself. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The day consisted of about 6-8 hours of undulating climbs and descents. The views throughout the hike were nothing short of breathtaking. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Inca<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Jagged peaked mountains covered in beautiful green flora towered up around us in all directions for the majority of the hike. The scenery was mesmerizing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Inca<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

We followed alongside the powerful Urubamba River for a portion of the hike, with the gushing water making the view even more spectacular. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Inca<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

I was awe-struck as we caught our first glimpse of historical ruins, an ancient Incan settlement known as Patallaqta or Llactapata. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Inca<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

While seeing the grandiose Patallaqta from a bird’s eye view was fascinating, being able to walk through and see ancient ruins up close provides an entirely different perspective. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As we walked through ancient ruins known as Willka Raqay for the first time, I felt a stronger appreciation than ever for the skill, work and determination required to build these sites so long ago. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Despite being much smaller and simpler than the city of Machu Picchu, seeing these ruins amid these gorgeous backdrops was wondrous. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Inca<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Passing by several sets of ancient ruins throughout the first day of the trek was a welcomed surprise. It was becoming increasingly more clear just how special this experience would be with each step we took. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Inca<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Ancient civilization was not the only sign of life to be found in this remote area of the Andes. As we hiked along the mountainside, we came across several small communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although clearly poor and far removed from society, it was inspiring how similar they were to other communities. The indigenous people here have had to surmount remarkable feats to survive in this harsh terrain, but this has not stopped them from overcoming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Inca<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

I was also surprised by the number of cats and dogs roaming around during our hike. I could almost forget that I was in a remote location in the mountains during these familiar encounters with furry friends. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

My amazement didn’t stop there. I could hardly believe my eyes (and stomach) when we were served a flavorful and balanced trout dish for lunch. Our tour group continuously went above and beyond, providing us with snacks and refreshments multiple times throughout the day. I will never be able to say enough about the quality of food and service throughout the trip. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

After a long day of hiking, we were surprised to be greeted with a bucket of beers for sale when we made it to our campsite. Well, don’t mind if I do. We all kicked back, relaxed and enjoyed the victory of making it through the first day of the trek. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Inca<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

As I curled up in my sleeping bag in our tent after an exhausting day, I knew the next day would be challenging but couldn\u2019t help but feel accomplished and excited for what would come next. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Day 2 of the 4-day trek<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Infamously known as the most challenging day of the 4-day trek, the second day was tough, but it wasn\u2019t as bad as I had anticipated. I can’t say for sure whether that speaks to my overall fitness or my unwarranted anxiety levels. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We woke up at 5:30 in the morning and started with a delicious breakfast before heading out. As with each day of the trek, our amazing porters stayed behind to pick up the campsite and then hiked past us further along the trail, carrying all of the essential (and heavy) items on their backs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We began trekking uphill almost immediately, and this continued for the vast majority of the day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Inca<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The first part of the hike was similar to the first day of hiking, with panoramic views of jagged mountain peaks covered in green surrounding us in most directions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The scenery continued to take my breath away throughout the journey. And no, it wasn\u2019t just the elevation!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Inca<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

After a few hours of hiking, the landscape began to look more like a forest or a jungle. The lush green trees provided a welcomed escape from the sun. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Inca<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

As we hiked alongside a creek, we came across countless waterfalls hiding behind the trees. I found myself constantly blown away by the epic views that filled the journey. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Inca<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Periodically, an opening would appear through the thicket of forest, giving us a peek of the grand mountainscapes rising out of the cloud cover. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Inca<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

We crossed a couple of rest stops with indigenous locals selling snacks and drinks during the first half of the hike, but these ceased to exist at a certain point. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This would be the last semblance of society that we would see until we reached Machu Picchu in a couple of days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Inca<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

I, of course, took advantage of the last stop and bought some coca leaves, which worked wonders for helping with the altitude and providing extra energy. You may be thinking\u2014coca leaves are bad! Well, let me put that myth to bed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is customary for indigenous people in Peru to enjoy unrefined versions of this plant, which has both medicinal and spiritual significance. It is typically consumed by chewing a wad of leaves or drinking it as tea. <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The coca leaf is believed to help with headaches, fatigue, thirst, and other symptoms of altitude sickness. The feeling from consuming it does not differ much from drinking coffee. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Well, good thing I had stocked up on this magical plant because the next thing I know, I\u2019m being told the most challenging part of the entire hike would be the last section of the day, just before the summit. Come to find out, this stretch of the trek is called Dead Woman’s Pass. So that was reassuring…<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Inca<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

I felt a bit of nerves as we approached Dead Woman’s Pass, <\/em><\/strong>but once the peak finally came into sight, the adrenaline began coursing through my veins and carried me through.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the fact that the pass was so challenging, a large number of individuals from different groups congregated at the peak, applauding those who had made it and encouraging those who needed one final push to reach the top. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The sense of community at this junction almost felt tangible. Very little connects people more than overcoming united suffering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After we reached the summit, we had about an hour and a half of hiking downhill remaining. It was uneven rocky steps for most of the way, but nothing too steep. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Trekking downhill was more physically demanding on your body, with each step requiring dexterity and mental acuity, but it was not quite so exhausting as the uphill battle we had fought for most of the day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Inca<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

When we made it back to camp, our crew of porters was waiting for us with our tents and sleeping mats already set up. As was becoming the norm, we didn\u2019t have to wait long before another delicious meal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The food was not only delicious, but there was so much of it we couldn\u2019t even finish it. I was glad to know none of the leftovers would go to waste. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Inca<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

We were all so exhausted after lunch that we went back to our tents for a short nap before having the rest of the day and evening for relaxation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

My body was not complaining after the strenuous day we had, especially knowing we had the longest day of hiking ahead of us the next day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Inca<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The third day of the trek<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The third day of our trek was starkly different than the previous days. While the first two hours began similarly as we hiked uphill, we spent most of the remainder of the day trekking downhill. Most of the downhill was quite steep and required hiking poles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Inca<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

In total, we hiked for nearly 10 hours. It was rainy for much of the day. Some of the downhills were so incredibly steep that it could be a bit nerve-racking at times, especially given the slickness due to the rain. I found myself using my hands at times to balance my footing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Inca<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The day was filled with breathtaking views, as we passed by jaw-dropping mountainscapes and overlooked the winding river cutting through the lush, green valley. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Inca<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Waterfalls were abundant throughout the trek, leaving thick streams of white flowing down the rocky, green cliffsides. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Inca<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Yet, there was so much more to see than extraordinary scenery. We visited four different Inca sites during the third day of the hike, each of which was magnificent in its own way. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The ability of the Quechua people to create these incredible places so long ago is awe-inspiring. They were much larger and more intricate than I would have expected, and in such difficult areas to get to by foot. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Inca<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Inca<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

As we reached the second set of ruins, we had to climb steep, exposed rock stairs to get to it. The archaeological site expanded much further than the eye could see upon first sight. I was keenly aware of the fact that each structure we passed would have been that much more difficult to build. <\/p>\n\n\n\n