2013 Nov. Inca Trail Trek (4 Days) to Machu Picchu.

Inca Trail is one of the most well known sacred pilgrimages around the world. This 4-day trek through the Urubamba Valley towards the citadel of Machu Picchu is definitely an unique once-in-a-lifetime experience. I was really blessed to have awesome local guides and wonderful hiking companions, which made the trek so fun and memorable.

Day 1

Inca Trail starts at Piscacucho/KM82 where we began our hike to Wayllabamba.

Day 1 – Hike distance: 7.5 miles (12km)
Minimum altitude: 8,860ft (2,700m)
Maximum altitude: 9,840ft (3,000m)
Approximate time: 5 to 6 hrs
Gradient: Moderate

equipment collection — Collect and pack equipment for our 4-day trek

Edgar and Jessica — Briefing by our guides Edgar & Jessica

Start of Inca Trail — Getting ready at the start of the Inca Trail, looking fresh and excited about the adventure

weigh station — Weigh station for porters’ load

The heroes who carried heavy loads to make our camping trip so comfortable

checkpoint entrance — Checkpoint entrance before crossing the suspension bridge

First lunch stop. Our group was very happy but I saw 2 ladies from another group tearing, probably mentally unprepared for this trek. 🙂

porters turned chefs — Our waykis transformed as chefs to prepare our lunch

lunch table — Lunch table nicely set up under a teenage waiting for us

Well fed with local and international dishes cooked by our porters, who carried everything and ran ahead of us to prepare our meal.

flat terrain for day one — Day 1 is mostly flat terrain

local hut along Inca Trail — Local hut along the trail where we camped for the first night

rustic and simple place — Rustic and simple place to set up our tents

Tents and washing basins awaiting us upon arrival

camping — Everything thoughtfully taken care off by our porters who ran ahead despite carrying heavy loads

tea time — Popcorn, cookies and drinks served for late afternoon tea

amazing spread for dinner — Dinner served shortly after. Amazing spread whipped up using simple equipment and limited resources

Day 2

Day 2 was a tough day starting by zigzagging up the mountain. The weather took a bad turn and started to rain. After passing over the highest peak of Abra de Warmiwañusca, known as “Dead Woman’s Pass” in the rain, we continued to hike down a steep descent to Pacaymayo Valley.

Day 2 – Hike distance: 5.6 miles (9 km)
Minimum altitude: 9,840 ft (3,000m)
Maximum altitude: 13,780 ft (4,200m)
Approximate time: 6 to 7 hrs
Gradient: Challenging

Our guide Edgar, briefing and preparing us mentally for the uphill climb on the second day

bad weather — Bad weather and rain made the uphill climb even tougher

dead woman pass — We conquered the Dead Woman’s Pass

appreciation night for waykis — Appreciation night for our wonderful waykis who took care of everything and made our trek so comfortable

group photo with waykis — Group photo with our waykis, who carried our equipment, prepared our tents, cooked and served us wonderful meals.

Flambe chocolate pudding as dinner dessert

Day 3

For Day 3, we passed through numerous Inca ruins, including Inca lodge Runkurakay; cliff-side Sayacmarca with panoramic views of Aobamba Valley; and Phuyupatamarca, one of the most distinctive sites on the trail. The cloud forest part of the trail was particularly pretty, but the trek downhill was tough on the knees. We spent the night at final campsite Wiñaywayna. Btw, don’t let any guidebook or website fool you in believing that there will be hot shower and beer available at the final campsite. 🙂 It was long closed for years when we arrived.

Day 3 – Hike distance: 9.3 miles (15km)
Minimum altitude: 8,860 ft (2,700m)
Maximum altitude: 12,960 ft (3,950m)
Approximate time: 8 to 9 hrs
Gradient: Moderate