Classic Inca Trail 4 Days to Machu Picchu: A Real Review

Okay, so, you’re considering hiking the Inca Trail, are you? To be honest, this walk to Machu Picchu? It’s really kind of a once-in-a-lifetime thing, that is. The Classic Inca Trail, it is, four days? It is something special, definitely. It goes through unbelievable scenery and it’s steeped in a really incredible history. Anyway, here’s what I think about it.

Booking the Inca Trail: Get Ahead of the Game

First, that permit? Book it, like, months in advance, so. It can get quite competitive. Now, you want to go during the dry season, it often starts around May to September, very probably. You will want a guide too, really. Only licensed tour operators, they, can get those permits, so in a way, it’s like, a must. The benefit? The local guides? Really, they are full of the details on Inca history, plus the area’s nature, very much so. They are a wealth of, I would say, pretty amazing info. That peace of mind that everything is, you know, really handled? I guess you can’t put a price on it.

Day 1: Easy Like Sunday Morning… or Not?

Day one? Not too bad, right? It is a good warm-up for the days ahead. You’re going to be doing the beginning part in the Urubamba River valley, arguably, anyway. It’s pretty picturesque, really. This gets your body sort of, prepared. You’ll pass by some Inca sites too, for example, that of Llactapata, you might. They are already very interesting, actually. Day one it gives you a taste, or, perhaps more appropriately, like a sneak peek of what’s next, as a matter of fact.

Day 2: The Hardest Day of the Whole Thing

Okay, so Day Two, you know, it’s Dead Woman’s Pass time. Honestly, that’s, like, the highest point in the hike at roughly 13,800 feet. Yes, the climb is, definitely, taxing, that is for certain. It’s pretty steep too, really. You are probably wondering about that view from up there, so to be honest, you’ll see some views that will probably, stop you in your tracks. When you get to the top, the feeling, that you might get? It really, makes it worth every step. When it starts to get late you come down the other side, really. Be careful now, it can be very hard on the knees.

Day 3: Cloud Forests and Inca Secrets

I’d have to say Day 3, very, is pretty much the most beautiful day, that’s it. The path it, really, goes down through that, amazing cloud forest. Seriously, those views? They are awesome. Along the way? You are gonna pass these Inca sites too, really; sites like Phuyupatamarca, so named. More Inca ruins? And they provide very stellar views. When you get to these places you will feel the spirit, basically, in the history, as a matter of fact. By the end of the day, usually you’ll get to camp near Wiñay Wayna. If you feel so inclined? You should check out the Wiñay Wayna ruins, and stuff.

Day 4: Machu Picchu!

Last day now, but it has an early start, typically, at least. You hike to the Sun Gate—that’s, Inti Punku for those of you who like the real name— so to see the sun rise, in a way, on Machu Picchu, so awesome. The feeling, in that very moment, pretty incredible. It can get very crowded later, I mean, so that very early start is, I think, a smart idea. Once you explore Machu Picchu and stuff? So, what an achievement, really. Something to really think on is it, I’m sure.

What to Pack: Lighten Your Load

Light’s the thing really; pack very lightly. Seriously though you know; you have a team helping to carry some stuff. Although your daypack? Yeah you will be dealing with that. Just a small backpack you know with the things, like what; water, camera, snacks? That’s all, mostly. It tends to be the most important. Do not, in any way, forget: that sunscreen, hat and, honestly, sunglasses, very. Because of the altitude, you can, easily, get burned. Layers are smart, honestly. Temperatures can totally swing, seriously, a lot. I think most walkers swear by good walking boots, naturally, you know? Walking sticks, they really, do take that load, basically, off the knees too.

Altitude Acclimation: Take It Easy

I guess Altitude sickness can definitely ruin that whole adventure you know. Arrive in Cusco, right? A few days early, to allow for acclimation, anyway. So the guide told me to drink a ton of water; also, not to exhaust, you know, your self out before the trail starts. So eat those light meals too, for instance, instead of heavy ones. Seriously, the coca tea? Not too bad at all. I never really drink tea but what the heck.

Is the Classic Inca Trail Worth It?

You bet! Walking the Classic Inca Trail? Oh it, really, blew away any, expectations I had really. The scenery? The ancient history? Plus that sense, as a matter of fact, of personal accomplishment. Very much worth it! The feeling, in some respects, when arriving at Machu Picchu? Hard to describe in actual words. I think that if you like challenges and really dig history so, you know, this adventure really? Probably for you.