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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