"Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail" Machu Picchu by kiwigal_1

Machu Picchu Travel Guide: 647 reviews and 1,783 photos

The end goal, the amazing ruins at Machu Picchu

Hiking the Inca Trail and seeing Machu Picchu is one of the most amazing things that I have had the pleasure of experiencing during my lifetime. It is a truely unforgettable experience.

The hike was 4 days long and tough at times. It was so interesting to see lots of ruins along the way and to imagine what the area was like during the reign of the Incan Empire.

On the day we hiked into Machu Picchu itself it was cloudy so I waited quite some time for the cloud to lift so I could take this photograph. I think it was worth the wait, don't you agree?

Start of the Inca Trail

Our tour group at the start of the Inca Trail

Wiñay Wayna

Rhianon on the Inca Trail, Peru

Wiñay Wayna means Forever Young in English. The scenery was stunning as the clouds parted for the first time that day. We could even see the Veronica glacier which was amazing.

At this point in the trek (day three) I was feeling pretty tired and was sore in my calves, knees and ankles. I decided I needed to make a New Years resolution to do something about my weight and fitness!!

Pros and Cons

In a nutshell:Once in a lifetime trip through nature and history

Last visit to Machu Picchu: Dec 2006
Intro Updated Apr 21, 2009
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Reviews (16)

Wiñay Wayna ruins, Inca Trail - Machu Picchu

Day Three - Wiñay Wayna Things to Do (13)

At about 5pm we finally arrived at our campsite at Wiñay Wayna which means Forever Young in English. After a snack we... more travel advice

Day Three - Intipata Things to Do (13)

Just before we reached our campsite for the day we came across the ruins of Intipata which I was really impressed with.... more travel advice

Phuyupatamarka, Inca Trail - Machu Picchu

Day Three - Phuyupatamarka Things to Do (13)

After the Inca Tunnel it was mostly down lots and lots of stone steps to reach Phuyupatamarka. It was quite cloudy... more travel advice

Fiona walking into the Inca Tunnel - Machu Picchu

Day Three - Inca Tunnel Things to Do (13)

After our lunch stop between Sayacmarca and Phuyupatamarca there is a tunnel that was built through solid rock by the... more travel advice

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Tents on the Inca Trail
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Comments (1)

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angiebabe Jul 18, 2012 at 2:59 PM

looked at all your tips and pics the day before but didnt leave a hi or thanks for inspirational page thanks....been looking at gap adventures' trips since then - STA travel say that Gap the clothing company won a lawsuit so their website cant be called gap now, they just had to drop the d in it!! anyway i might be here in november...all the best!
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  kiwigal_1 Aug 31, 2012 at 1:32 PM
  
  Hi angiebabe, thanks for your message and so glad you enjoyed my pages. I am moving back to Chile in September so if you ever come there look me up! Cheers, Rhianon
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  angiebabe Aug 31, 2012 at 4:39 PM
  
  hi that would be so nice! what great timing! i really want to go to a conference which is in Santiago, still deciding on what my movements will be and if via USA or from London...so will drop a line if it looks like Im going to make it!