I did the 4 day (long) Inca Trail hike with Explorandes, one of the oldest and most established companies leading Inca Trail treks. There were 5 people in my group: 2 Peruvians from Lima (a mom and daughter), 2 Brits, and me, plus our guide, Harry.
There isn’t a lot to write about the trip. We hiked daily between 6 and 11 km. We started the trip at about 2650m of elevation, and ended in Machu Picchu at about 2430m of elevation. In between we ascended a total of 2300m and descended about 2400m. What a challenge!!
There were moments I didn’t know if I was up for the challenge. My joints hurt, my body was exhausted, I was burning 2500-3500 calories a day. We were up between 4 and 5 each morning to have breakfast and start hiking.
¿¿Why did I think this was a good idea??
In truth, it was PHENOMENAL! I am grateful to the friends that suggested the trip and using Explorandes. I am thankful and amazed that my body kept going, and my brain recognized the beauty and splendor of what I was experiencing. I am also grateful to my fellow hikers and Harry for making it an unforgettable adventure.
DAY 1
This was our easy day. Only 3.5 hours and 6.6km. Mostly a mild uphill grade.
DAY 2
Getting a lot more challenging. Today was almost all uphill (85%). We hiked 7 hours and 20 minutes and covered 10.5 I’m with an elevation gain of 1.4km!!
Interestingly, our trail is also a well used transport trail for people who live in this region. Everything is transported by horse or mule.
DAY 3 – the most challenging day
This was the day everyone worried about. We cross Dead Woman’s Pass (4228m), and follow that with a drop to 3600m and another pass at 3968m! Total distance 11.1 km, hiking time 10 hours and 42 minutes.
DAY 4 – Getting to Machu Picchu
Another early start. Loads more steps. A total of 11.2 km over 8 hours with an elevation drop of 1.1 km. This section is called 3000 steps. I didn’t count them. 😄 We should reach the Sun Gate and Machu Picchu mid-afternoon. 🤞
After four days, I was exhausted, sore, and THRILLED. Intellectually I knew I could do it, but this challenged me on so many levels: physically, emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually. There were times I wanted to cry, times I wanted to sing, and times I just wanted to take in the beauty, tranquility, and history. It sounds cliché, but this four days had a profound impact on me. I am forever changed for the experience. And this is why I travel.