INCA TRAIL

INTRODUCTION TO THE INCA TRAIL

If you’re after travel bucket list musts, there are not many destinations that will get a bigger tick than one of the new Seven Wonders of the World - The Inca Trail. Based in the dizzy heights of Peru, Inca tours will have you exploring the enchanting Lost City which the Incas once inhabited, also known as Machu Picchu. The 26 mile uphill hike combines the region’s jaw-droppingly beautiful scenery, subtropical jungle, lush forests, and let’s not forget the main event - the ancient Inca ruins, tunnels and paving stones. The 4-day/3-night hike will have you trekking through the Andes, accompanied by porters who will have all your camping essentials to hand. Looking for a taste of the trail without the hiking intensity? Opt for a less intense 1-day trip which will have you hopping on a train to KM104 where a much less strenuous 3.5 hour/6-kilometer hike will lead you to Machu Picchu. However you get there, one thing is for sure - the sight that greets you at the Sun Gate (the main entrance to Machu Picchu) will be something truly special.

The Sacred Valley journey begins in Cusco, where you have the chance to hop straight into local life by exploring food markets, colonial architecture, artisan shops and boutiques. Looking to experience the cultural side of the region? Get stuck into local life with festivals full of dance, color and even a 3-day beer festival. Or maybe the the many museums dotted around Cusco will give you your dose of Inca knowledge. Of course, one of the highlights of an Inca Trail tour is undoubtedly the food. You’d think being in the middle of the Inca Trail would mean pretty basic food, but you couldn't be more wrong. With three course meals for lunch and dinner plus a big breakfast, the food is seriously next level.

The main event here if of course the Inca Trail. Trekking through the Valley of Wayllamba, Yunca Chimpa, Llulluchapampa, Warmiwañusca, the Ruins of Runkurakay at Runkurakay Pass and the Wiñay Wayna ruins will reward you with all manner if sights and experiences. You can expect to come across llamas, alpacas, lakes, waterfalls, rolling hills and a fair few inca steps over the course of your journey. Magnificent as the Inca Trail is, nothing compares to Machu Picchu, a sight that photographs, videos and second hand stories simple cannot do justice to. Get your walking boots at the ready, you’re in for one hell of a climb...

FAST FACTS
Language: Spanish, Aymara, Quechua
Currency: Nuevos Soles
Electricity: 220V
Visas: Click here to see if you need a visa to enter Peru.
Dialing Code: +51
Time Zone: (GMT -05:00)

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Explore the ancient Incan architecture of Cusco with a guided walking tour

Standing at a whopping 12,000ft above sea level, Cusco lies at a surprisingly higher elevation point than the peaks of Machu Picchu. Visiting here, expect to be transported to a world of skilled artisans, amazing architecture and ancient culture as this Peruvian city takes you straight back into ancient Andean culture with cobbled streets, restored Inca temples and beautiful courtyards just ripe for exploring. The gateway to the Sacred Valley and the road to Machu Picchu and surrounded by Inca architecture, Cusco is home to heaps of ruins and trails dotted around the ancient Andean countryside.
Camp under the stars at Wiñay Wayna ruins (Forever Young), located at 2,650m

If you fancy one more night to marvel in all that ancient Inca life has to offer, why not spend a final evening under the stars? Wiñay Wayna ruins are a unique set of structures which make up the ancient foundations of this uncovered area, and the views here are something special. This paved out area will give you some awesome final Inca Trail shots before making your way back down to civilization. Be sure to spend your final evening star gazing, in the midst of darkness, the flurry of white stars which crowd the sky are like nothing else.
Learn the difference between a Llama, Vicuna and Alpaca at a Llama Farm

If you’re all architectured out, it may well be time to get some lama action in your life. No trip to Peru would be complete without getting up close and personal with the fluffy resident animals - alpacas, llamas and vicuna. Used throughout the country for their wool, as sources of meat, as modes of transport and of course for a mandatory #llamaselfie, you can visit these slightly grumpy furry friends at a Llama farm located just outside of Cusco.
Witness the ancient Incan art of weaving being practised by a group of local artisans

Head to the Chinchero Weavers Center, located 45 minutes outside of Cusco, where you’ll find all types of textiles made using cotton or llama, alpaca, and vicuña wool. Here you’ll be treated to a demonstration on the weaving process and even have the chance to get involved with dying the materials used. The center, sponsored by TreadRight, is a place that enables the Peruvian tradition of weaving to be continued, whilst also educating visitors about the techniques and promoting the sales of textiles. Expect to find plenty of exceptionally fine and vibrant garments, rugs and clothing to choose from.
Explore the Incan ruins of Pisac and Ollantaytambo

Sunny Pisac is a Peruvian village situated in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. This place has a whole heap of charm and is well known for its Inca ruins. Based at the foot of the Inca fortress, the colonial village is full of markets, weaving villages, yoga retreats and some pretty incredible Incan ruins, including the Ollantaytambo ruins. The ancient Inca fortress dates all the way back to the middle of the 15th century and is the second most well-preserved ruin in Peru. With 4 separate districts, there's plenty to see and explore in this charming village.
Take on the world’s most famous hike, the Inca Trail

This one really needs no introduction. The bucket list must consists of a 26 mile uphill hike to reach one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Hiking the Inca Trail will have you ascending through the region’s jaw-droppingly beautiful scenery, subtropical jungle and lush forests, not to mention ancient Inca ruins, tunnels and paving stones everywhere you look. Once you get to the top it's time to explore the enchanting Lost City which the Incas once inhabited, also known as Machu Picchu. Grab your walking boots and prepare for a 4-day hike you’ll never forget.
Experience the Valley of Wayllabamba and the archaeological complex area of Llactapata

You’ll come across many an incredible view whilst hiking the Inca trail, and the Valley of Wayllabamba is up there with the best! The valley, meandering around the hills and the lush, green mountainous backdrop, is unbelievably beautiful and proves one of the top photo ops on this incredible journey. Plus, let’s not forget the archaeological site of Llactapata, which sits around 5 km from Machu Picchu. The ruins and well structured walls are one of the most visual representations of the entire trek, believed to have been built in the mid-15th century by the Incan Emperor.
Trek through Yunca Chimpa, Llulluchapampa, and Warmiwañusca

Walking the Inca trail is a journey like no other. You’ll come across all types of wildlife, landscapes, terrain and climates, with the nature and ecology changing from region to region. Yunca Chimpa, near the base of the Sacred Valley, is where the climb commences. You’ll then head to a height of 12,303 ft to reach Llulluchapampa, before making your way all the way up to the 13,799 ft, where Warmiwañusca mountain, also known as “Dead woman”, lies. Expect to pass through cloud forests, waterfalls, wildlife, and ancient ruins on your monumental journey.
See the Ruins of Runkurakay at Runkurakay Pass, then gaze on Phuyupatamarca, the ”Town Above the Cloud”

The journey gets steeper as we get that bit closer to the almighty unveiling of the Inca Trail trek. The third day of hiking will see you pass through the Ruins of Runkurakay as we climb Runkurakay Pass (which sits a whooping 3,860m above sea level), making our way up to Phuyupatamarca, aka. the ”Town Above the Cloud”. Get ready to be even more enchanted and in utter awe at what the Lost City has in store for you. You may be feeling the burn but the incredible surroundings will soon distract you from any day-3 aches and pains.
Catch your first glimpse of Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate

After days of hiking, it’s one final push to get to the point we’ve all been waiting for. With an early sunrise start you’ll hike the final 6-km to the Sun Gate - the guardhouse that marks one of the pinnacle entrances into Machu Picchu. The incredible views and ancient architecture of this place will fade away any aches or pains as you’re taken over with that overwhelming feeling of achievement. And the views are just next level! It’s all smiles and selfies as you tick off one almighty bucket list must - hiking the Inca Trail!

Things to do on the Inca Trail

Cusqueña International Beer Festival
Cusco

Visiting Cusco during the month of June? Get ready for an annual 3-day beer festival - music to your ears, right? Whilst sipping on different types of beer, chill out and enjoy an array of local and international music performances. That’s right, this is basically a beer and music festival all rolled into one - we’re in!
Cusco Carnival and Inti Raymi
Cusco
Cusco’s most famous festival, also known as the ‘Inca Festival of the Sun’ or the ‘Festival of colors’, is not to be missed! Expect the city to come alight in a flurry of color as hundreds of locals dress up as elaborate characters including emperors, Inca priests, nobles and soldiers. Masks, music, dancing and plenty of food also bring the streets to life, ensuring there ain’t no carnival like a Cusco carnival.
Adoración de los Reyes
Cusco

Also called ‘Three Wise Men’ festival or ‘Adoration of the Kings’, this festival takes place annually, around the 20th January beginning in San Blas. Commencing at the Iglesia San Blas temple in Cusco, you’ll be sure to find decorative parades passing through the streets of Cusco, accompanied with fireworks and a brass band.
Andean New Year
Cusco

If you’re looking to bring the New Year in twice, make sure you’re in the Andes on August 1st. This is a ceremony which involves collecting ‘pagos’ to give to mother earth, which can be in the shape of anything from coca leaves, sweets, incense, cigarettes and wine, all given as an offerings to the Pachamama.
Warachikuy
Cusco
If you’re looking for a traditional Inca inspired event, look no further. Warachikuy is a ceremony which dates back to Inca times and is full of color, dances, games, fire and unforgettable experiences. The ceremony remembers the Inca tradition of when young men underwent various skills and tests in order to receive the official status of being an adult.

Top 5 Festivals on the Inca Trail

Looking to let loose after a few hardcore days hiking the Inca Trail? Cusco festivals could be just your answer. Food, culture, music - the array of festivals this region has to offer cover all things Peruvian and are a great way to really get involved in the local traditions and way of life.

Casa Concha Museum
Cusco
Looking to up your IQ before hiking the Inca Trail? Caca Concha museum will be right up your street. With 366 Incan artifact objects displayed in the colonial building, this collection will give you an insight into the daily life of Incas. A must see before commencing your Machu Picchu adventures.
Museo de Arte Pre-Colombino
Cusco
Dedicated to the display of archaeological artifacts and pre-Columbian art works, this art museum in Cusco holds a permanent display of some 450 artifacts dated between 1250 BC and AD 1532, drawing on all things pre-Columbian Peru. And to get even more historial, the museum was originally an Inca ceremonial courthouse.
Centro de Textiles Tradicionales del Cusco
Cusco
Weaving has been and is a huge form of income in Cusco and the Centro de Textiles Tradicionales, a TreadRight supported initiative, is a great testament to that that. Officially established in 1996, the not-for profit organization includes workshops, opportunities, and textile arts to ensure the artisans who work here maintain their identity for many generations to come.
Museo Histórico Regional de Cusco
Cusco
This eclectic museum was once the original house of colonial-era poet Garcilaso de la Vega, and showcases pre-Inca, Incan, and colonial artifacts. See ceramics, ornaments, weavings, jewelry, textiles, tools, paintings, musical instruments, and even a well-preserved mummy from the Nazca culture.
Contemporary Art Museum
Cusco
This museum, situated in the midst of Cusco city, is a small collection of Andean art providing a great representation of all things cultural and contemporary art. With more than 280 works by locals, Peruvian and foreign artists, the array of works is an exhibition must whilst in Cusco.

Top 5 Museums on the Inca Trail

If you’re looking to brush up your knowledge pre Inca Trail hike, or want to dig a little deeper into the culture of the region pre Machu Picchu reveal, the Cusco museums are where it’s at. Arts, history, textiles and all things ancient Inca can all be found here. Prepare to have your brain thoroughly impressed...

Chicharrones
This dish may look a little peculiar, but it sure does taste good. Consisting of fried pork, chicken, mutton or beef, the meat is deep fried to crispy perfection. This dribble worthy snack, street side food or appetizer, is full of flavors and low in carbs, so basically guilt free, right?

_{Best eaten at
Pachapapa, Plaza San Blas 120, San Blas, Cusco}
Adobo
Another meaty must, adobo is chicken or pork marinated in garlic, soy sauce, vinegar and paprika flavors, then simmered to perfection. The final result is a hearty, homely meal, often served with rice. Head to Chicha for a taste of adobo done right.

_{Best eaten at
Chicha, Heladeros 261, Cusco}
Ceviche
You can’t go to Peru or take an Inca tour without trying this one. Ceviche is a seafood dish which originates from Latin America, and s healthy, fresh, vibrant and delicious. Expect a zingy dish consisting of raw fish marinated in citrus juice and spices, for a feel good foodie health kick.

_{Best eaten at}
_{Uchu Restaurant, Calle Palacio 135, Cusco}
Huatia
Taking it way back to ancient Inca times, Huatia is the earth oven Incas once used to cook potatoes in the ground. This Peruvian style of cooking may be a little old school but if you’re looking for an authentic Inca Trail tour experience, this sure will add to the traditional ambiance of your evening meal!

_{Best eaten at}
_{Pachapapa, Plaza San Blas 120, San Blas, Cusco}
Rocoto relleno
Stuffed peppers never tasted so good! Why? Because they're filled with meat and potato. Oh and beware, they're also fiery AF. Seasoned with vinegar, cumin, salt and oregano, this is one of Peru’s most famous dishes and a serious dose of culture with a culinary kick.

_{Best eaten at}
_{Chicha, Heladeros 261, Cusco}

Food on the Inca Trail

With influences from Japan, China, Italy, Spain, West Africa and of course the Incas, Peru’s modern day cuisine is quite the treat. With such a variety of indigenous ingredients, Peru is full of dishes and flavors you won't find anywhere else, and no Inca Trail tour would be complete without trying some of these…

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