Tracing the Inca Footsteps: A Journey Through the Inca Trail
Peru, a land of awe-inspiring beauty and deep-rooted history, beckons travelers from across the globe. In this South American gem, the echoes of an enigmatic trail resonate through time, captivating explorers and history enthusiasts alike. Peru is a treasure trove of cultural richness and ancient marvels, with the Inca Trail standing at the forefront of its allure.
While Peru offers a multitude of ways to explore its historical and natural wonders, one distinct experience beckons those in search of adventure and enlightenment: the Inca Trail. In this blog series, we’ll delve into the unique charm of this legendary trail, helping you decide if it’s the right path for your unforgettable Peruvian journey.
The Legendary Inca Trail
The Inca Trail is a pilgrimage through history, a trek that follows the footsteps of the ancient Inca people. This legendary trail winds through breathtaking landscapes, connecting ancient archaeological sites and offering a firsthand experience of this historical route.
Embarking on the Inca Trail is a physical and spiritual journey. It’s a challenge that rewards with spectacular vistas and a profound connection to the land and its history. The trail is punctuated by awe-inspiring sites such as Wiñay Wayna and the Sun Gate, leading to the majestic grand finale at Machu Picchu. This immersive experience allows you to envision the challenges and triumphs faced by those who traversed these same paths centuries ago.
Choosing the Inca Trail
In the upcoming blog posts, we will guide you through the unique experiences offered by the Inca Trail, offering insights, tips, and tales from this extraordinary journey. We’ll showcase the remarkable places you can visit along the trail and provide the information you need to make the most of this adventure.
Whether you’re drawn to the allure of tracing the Inca’s footsteps on the Inca Trail or prefer to explore their legacy within the confines of ancient cities and cultural encounters, this path offers profound insights into Peru’s captivating past. Join us as we unravel the mysteries and choices of the Inca Trail, and embark on a journey that transcends time and place. Welcome to a world where history, culture, and adventure converge on the legendary trail!
Itinerary
Day 1 Lima: Arrival Day and Welcome Meeting with G Representative
We arrived in Lima at around 0500. The adventure begun today and we hit the ground running. We met our airport transfer and headed to the hotel. There were no planned activities so we checked into the hotel, but weren’t able to get our room yet, so we just dropped our bags. We had plenty of time to enjoy the city.
A cool morning breeze greeted us as we embarked on our day-long excursion in the charming district of Miraflores in Lima, Peru. Our first stop was Larcomar, a stunning shopping center perched on the cliff overlooking the Pacific. As we scoured for a breakfast spot, the crashing waves and surfers below captivated our senses. We settled on a quaint café, Lucio caffe, where the delicious breakfast awakened our spirits for the adventure that lay ahead.
Post breakfast, our feet led us to the iconic Love Park. The poetic ambiance, enhanced by the whimsical sculptures and mosaic benches, reminded us of Gaudi’s work in Barcelona.
Our leisurely stroll continued towards Miraflores Lighthouse, a sentinel standing tall against the vastness of the Pacific. The stroll, filled with laughter and the salty sea breeze, was invigorating, and the sight of surfers riding the morning waves added an energetic vibe to the serene landscape.
But time was of essence, and our tummies were already rumbling in anticipation of the culinary journey awaiting us; thus, we retraced our steps to the meeting point for our food tour and cooking class.
Upon arrival back to the hotel, to our pleasant surprise, we realized we were the only two attendees. Our knowledgeable and friendly guide was eager to escort us on this private gastronomic adventure. Our first halt was Terrua cafe, where the comforting aroma of coffee beans welcomed us. As hubby sipped on both of our brews, the local flavors began unfolding on our palates.
We then proceeded to meander through the bustling streets of Miraflores, absorbing the local culture and ambiance. The vibrant Mercado 1 was our next stop. Here, we were introduced to an array of exotic fruits, each with a unique flavor profile and story. Our taste buds were tingling with excitement, the perfect prelude to the cooking class awaiting us.
The restaurant that hosted the cooking segment, Maraparte Barra Pescadera, was a haven for culinary enthusiasts. Under the expert guidance of the chef, we learned to concoct Peru’s celebrated Pisco Sour and prepare delectable Ceviche with Tiger’s Milk and Causa. The process was enlightening, and the outcome, gastronomically satisfying. The sense of accomplishment, as we savored our self-made delicacies, was exhilarating.
As the eventful day neared its end, a taxi whisked us back to our hotel. Our room was a welcome sight. A warm shower washed away the fatigue, making way for a power nap that reenergized us, mentally archiving the day’s enriching experiences. The memories etched today not only satiated our wanderlust but also added a flavorful chapter to our Peruvian saga.
The anticipation of meeting our travel companions and G Representative at 1500 was tinged with an air of excitement, signifying the official kickstart to our Peruvian expedition. We ensured to rise from our brief slumber in time to join the group. At the meeting, our G Representative unraveled the itinerary.
With our minds now bustling with enthusiasm, we decided an early dinner was in order to calm our stirring excitement and also to indulge in more local flavors before embarking on the upcoming journey. Punto Azul, conveniently located across our abode, lured us in with its inviting ambiance. As we settled down, the menu showcased an array of Peruvian delicacies. Each dish we ordered was a narrative of the country’s rich culinary tradition, tantalizing our taste buds and leaving us craving for more.
Our adventure in Miraflores still had a few pages left before we could call it a day. A casual saunter led us to the heart of the district, Kennedy Park. The park was brimming with an eclectic blend of locals and tourists, each soaking in the cultural essence of the evening. The vibrant stalls scattered around offered an array of souvenirs, allowing us a chance to take a piece of Miraflores with us. A little further down, we stumbled upon a Peru Plant Show, a quaint exhibit showcasing the diverse and unique flora of Peru. Though our visit was brief, the experience was an intimate glance into the natural beauty Peru holds.
With souvenirs in our bags and myriad experiences etched in our hearts, we retraced our steps back to the hotel. The cool evening breeze carried whispers of the exciting days ahead, as we readied ourselves for an early departure to Cusco the following morning. Another shower to rinse off the day’s wanderings was revitalizing, as we bid Miraflores a sweet adieu, at least for now, with hopes of returning to explore its charm once more. As the city lights twinkled under the night sky, our hearts fluttered with anticipation for the Incan wonders that awaited us in the heart of the Andes.
Accommodation:
Our hotel room, although small, had A/C, soft beds and linens and was very clean.
Day 2: Lima to Cusco (1hr 30 min)
We took a transfer to the airport at 0620 for the flight to Cusco. Then we hopped on a flight to Cusco and spent the rest of the day relaxing and exploring the fascinating city, and getting used to the altitude.
Please note: if you pre-booked the Cusco Cooking Class you will be picked up from your hotel at approx 1230 and taken to a local market and restaurant to prepare and enjoy a traditional Peruvian meal. Return back to your hotel around 1600.
We did not book this cooking class, but it seemed to be more cooking than what we did yesterday; we did more assembly of already cooked items at the food tour/cooking class in Lima.
We had a walking tour of Cusco and then lunch at Mistura Grill.
After lunch we had some free time before our G adventures briefing for the Inca Trail. We did some shopping, wandering through Plaza de Armas and went to the Choco Museo to taste some chocolate. I recommend you to go to the bean to bar class but we just didn’t have the time to do it; it seemed very interesting and all their chocolate was delicious that we tried.
We had our briefing at G Adventures HQ in Cusco at 1600 and then headed back to the hotel.
We had to get all bags organized because from Cusco we would be leaving our bags to begin the trek to the Inca trail and Machu Picchu. Our porters only carry 6 kg per person; sleeping bag is 2.5, sleeping mat is 1 kg, so that left 2.5 kg for our personal things. There was a scale in the hotel to make sure we weren’t overweight. Our day packs have more than we wanted.
We enjoyed dinner at a Peruvian/Italian Restaurant named Local Restaurante.
Accommodation:
Our hotel room had No A/C, scratchy bed linens and towels, but a larger room than the hotel in Lima.
Meals included:
Breakfast was a boxed breakfast (provided by Ibis Budget Lima) due to our early flight to Cusco.
Day 3 Cusco to Ollantaytambo (1hr 45 min – 94 km)
We woke up before the sunrise, got ready for the day and went down for breakfast. We had to meet our tour group to get on the bus at 0730 to head to the Sacred Valley.
We enjoyed a full-day guided tour on a private vehicle of the Sacred Valley. We stopped at the G Adventures-supported women’s weaving co-op before visiting a local pottery making community. Next we took a break for lunch at the G Adventures-supported Parwa Community Restaurant in Huchuy Qosco. After lunch, we had the option to head out on a hike to the Ollantaytambo storehouses and look out over the ruins or wander around the cobblestone streets and visit a local Chicheria (corn beer bar). We chose the hike and so glad we did!
The tour made stops along the way as we passed through this gorgeous valley – the elevation descended the whole way. I’ll explain a little more about each stop below:
Ccaccaccollo Community and Women’s Weaving Co-op visit
We visited the Ccaccaccollo community centre which G Adventures travellers’ donations helped create in 2005, thereby enabling local women to sell traditional textiles to travellers. We got to see local weaving and dyeing techniques used to create garments and souvenirs and learn how the Planeterra weaving co-operative has impacted the community and those who visit it; this includes the purchase of alpacas to provide a steady supply of wool, looms, and sewing machines as well as several training courses on production, sales, and small business management.
Cuyo Chico Pottery Making Demonstration
Pisac – Urubamba
In the rural village of Cuyo Chico in the Sacred Valley, a group of families joined together to create a small business based on their traditional adobe ceramic crafts. Using clay from their surroundings, they mold bowls, plates, and all manner of decorations. We were able to learn about the ceramics process as well as the traditional adobe brick-making that forms the basis of houses throughout the valley, all while taking in a spectacular view of the Pisac Ruins. After the demonstration, we perused the items for sale directly from the artisans in their shop.
Next we ate lunch and headed to the hotel to get checked in. We were running a little late, so we quickly made it through the town to the hike to the Atorehluse Ruins
Ollantaytambo Storehouse Ruins and Hike (1 hr – 1 hr 30 min)
We got our blood flowing on a steep hike up to the Pinkuylluna Incan storehouses. Perched on the hill, these ruins provide excellent views of the Sacred Valley and the Ollantaytambo ruins below.
After the hike, we explored some around Ollantaytambo and then we all met for dinner.
Accommodation:
Hotel has beautiful courtyard but leaves a lot to desire when it comes to the rooms. Beds and linens were comfy. Size was decent. Hot water was hit or miss. Only bar soap was provided. Luckily I brought shampoo and conditioner to get in one last hair wash before the Inca Trail hike.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch
Breakfast was breads, ham, cheese, fruits, juices, coffee and yucca, pasta and sausage. Breakfast was provided by Prisma Hotel, Cusco.
Lunch
Parwa Community Restaurant the Sacred Valley is where we ate for lunch. It was provided by G Adventures. We were able to contribute to sustainable tourism in Huchuy Qosqo, a small village of 65 families in the Sacred Valley, by eating at the Parwa Community Restaurant. We learned how the resident-run restaurant was kickstarted by G Adventures and the Multilateral Investment Fund to become a successful farm-to-table program that boosts the local economy and several spin-off microenterprises.
Day 4: Ollantaytambo to Inca Trail (45 minutes)
Inca Trail Hike (11km)
We departed Ollantaytambo at 0800 by private bus to KM 82 where the Inca Trail begins. We hiked from KM 82 to Wayllabamba Camp. We covered 11 kilometers. We eased into the adventure with a straightforward day of hiking the meandering streams, stunning Andean scenery, and ancient Incan ruins.
We trekked through beautiful scenery, with a variety of flora that changes with the seasons, passing several smaller ruin sites like Llactapata.
A crew of local porters, cooks, and guides took care of all the details for the duration of the hike. Porters carry the majority of the gear so we only needed to carry a small daypack with water, rain gear, snacks, a camera, etc.
Accommodation:
Camping
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Breakfast was provided by Hotel Inka Paradisee, Ollantaytambo. Bread, scrambled eggs, fruit, juice, teas and coffee were offered.
Lunch and Dinner were provided on the trail.
Day 5: Inca Trail Wayllabamba Camp to Paqaymayu Camp (12 km)
We trekked over progressively spectacular and steeper terrain on our way to Warmiwañusca (aka Dead Woman’s Pass), the highest point of the trek at 4,198m (13,769ft). We had to be prepared to face strong Andean weather (blazing sun or cold winds) around the pass. We had to take the hike slow and drink lots of water along the way – amazing views are waiting as a reward. We enjoyed some ample time to rest and relax after reaching the camp; most campers arrive around early afternoon.
Accommodation:
Camping
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 6: Inca Trail Paqaymayu Camp – Wiñaywayna (16km)
We crossed two more passes and ruins on today’s trek. The first pass was Runquraqay at 3,950m (13,113 ft) where, on a clear day, hikers can catch a glimpse of the snow-capped Cordillera Vilcabamba. We hiked through the cloud forest on a gentle climb to the second pass of the day, walking through original Incan constructions. The highest point of the pass is 3,700m (12,136 ft). On a clear day, enjoy the spectacular views of the Urubamba Valley. At 3,650m (11,972 ft), reach the ruins of Phuyupatamarca, the “town above the clouds.” We went another 1.5 hrs to the Wiñay Wayna ruins (“forever young”) located at 2,650m (8,694 ft).
Accommodation:
Camping
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 7: Machu Picchu to Cusco
Wiñaywayna – Machu Picchu (6km)
The final day of the hike started pre-dawn at 0315 to reach the Sun Gate as early as possible. We headed to the checkpoint and join the queue to wait fore the gate to open. We caught the first views of clouds and fog covering Machu Picchu. Then we hiked to Machu Picchu for a 1 1/2 hour guided tour of the ruins.
Rise and shine – the best time to see the Lost City of the Incas is in the early morning light. We followed our guide to Machu Picchu to learn about its history at a leisurely pace. We gained local insight into the Inti Mach’ay cave, Inti Watana, the Temple of the Water, the Temple of the Condor, and the Room of the Three Windows. We were able to take time to sit and feel the energy of this 15th-century site, now both a UNESCO World Heritage site and voted one of the new Seven Wonders of the World (in a worldwide Internet poll).
We caught the bus outside the Machu Picchu gate after our visit for a 25-min downhill ride to Aguas Calientes. We ate our last meal as a group in Aguas Calientes and relaxed before the train ride. Then we caught the train back to Ollantaytambo (2-3 hr 118 km). Time to climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride. Next private bus back to Cusco (2 -2 1/2 hr 95 km). We settled in and enjoyed the scenery.
Accommodation:
Meals included:
Breakfast at campsite
Day 8: Cusco to Lima (1h 30m-2h 572km)
We flew back to Lima after a cancelled flight fiasco and enjoyed the last night in the city. We had all evening to explore on our own accord and schedule. We chose to grab some pre dinner ice cream and then dinner at Punto Azul with 5 of the original tour group that started in Lima 8 days prior.
Accommodation:
Meals included:
Breakfast
Day 9: Lima Departure Day
Our airport transfer picked us up at 0500 from the hotel. It was too early for us to get breakfast. We arrived the Lima Airport and then departed Lima at 0900. After a long day of travel we pulled into our driveway at about 0400 on 6 Oct. We quickly showered and melted into our comfy bed for a quick rest before it was time to go to work!
Meals included:
Breakfast (we left too early for breakfast)
-S&E
