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

Machu Picchu Travel Guide: 647 reviews and 1,786 photos

Due to the magnitud of Machu Picchu, you tend to forget that Machu Picchu was not the Inca capital. We all know today that the capital was Cusco. Nevertheless, Machu Picchu is the best known Inca settlement in the world. No wonder! Machu Picchu is an amazing Inca city with amazing masonry and peculiar architectural techiques. This is one of the must-see wonders in the world.

If you have the time, try hiking in the Inca Trail. My first major trek in the Sacred Valley was the cream of the crop. After looking around for ages, I signed up with Flamencos tour and did the famous Inca Trail en route to the infamous Machu Picchu ruins. At first I was disappointed you had to hire a babysitter to take you around the historic trail, but in the end I do regret I do not regret it one bit. Guides and porters run the trail itself now so you only carry your own stuff plus your sleeping bag and mattress. The helpful porters carry the food, the supplies, and the tents. Our group size was 16 people from different countries and walks of life. Let me tell you though, we were one spoil group with 3 daily meals plus one tea time with snacks each day. The Must see tips covered the actual tips of Machu Pichu, Huayna Picchu, and Templo de la Luna. The Off-the-beaten path covers the tips on the 4 day Inca Trail.

Pros and Cons

Pros:One of the most interesting ruins in the world
Cons:Too Touristy at times, have to be babysat on the trek
In a nutshell:A must-see ruin and a must-do. Totally Amazing!

Last visit to Machu Picchu: Dec 2000
Intro Updated Jan 14, 2003
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Reviews (13)

Inca Trail to MP: Runkuracay Off The Beaten Path (7)

The third day was my favorite day of the trek. Our first stop for the day was at the ruin of Runkuracay. From here, the... more travel advice

Templo del Sol, 1st Glimpse of MP - Machu Picchu

Inca Trail to MP:Templo del Sol, 1st... Off The Beaten Path (7)

The fourth day was the most special of all. I knew this and so I didn't get much sleep in anticipation. We woke up... more travel advice

Inca Trail Hiker and Photographer - Machu Picchu

Inca Trail to MP: Vilcabamba mountain... Off The Beaten Path (7)

The view of the Vilcabamba mountain range from the third overpass is amazing. We even got to see Inca terraces. We... more travel advice

Inca Trail to MP: Phuyopatacana Off The Beaten Path (7)

The walk to Phuyopatacana was on the same amazing Inca trail through changing vegetation. We passed several tunnels and... more travel advice

Things to Do (4)
See All Macchu Picchu

Transportation (2)
See All Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Travelogues (2)

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Comments (29)

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elpariente Jun 15, 2006 at 6:59 AM

I really should like to make the Inca Trail . I will start to train myself
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LuisGuimaraes May 28, 2005 at 1:37 PM

I'm so excited with my trip down there in july that I didn't even want to see the pics, for not spoiling the surprise!!
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tiger9090a Jan 21, 2005 at 10:41 AM

Wow! Stunning photos on a great place! Keep up the good work Fernando! Greetings from Germany
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RedEaredPanda Nov 8, 2004 at 2:37 PM

Can't get over the pictures.. They're fabuloso.. Hope taking the train offers some scenery as good as hiking the trail.. Rafi
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kenyneo Nov 4, 2004 at 11:19 PM

What a brilliant page ...latin America is my next dream ...so envy of you ...cheers
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globetrott May 31, 2004 at 6:45 PM

What a great adventure ! Excellent pics again, this scenery looks even great in fog and rain...
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Paul2001 Apr 10, 2004 at 10:42 PM

Stunning photos! I looking forward to seeing Machu Picchu.
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Rinjani Feb 23, 2004 at 4:26 AM

Ohh...that's beautiful!!! I enjoy to see the beautiful pics of Machu Picchu.
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Sharrie Feb 17, 2004 at 11:01 PM

That first pix.. it's inspirational! Your hike reminded me of the one I went on 2 years ago to Huangshan, China!
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neilward Jan 27, 2004 at 2:42 AM

Fantastic pages,I hope to go there in September this year