"Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail" Machu Picchu by chris_i79

Machu Picchu Travel Guide: 766 reviews and 1,779 photos

The result of a long hike...and longer dream!

The Lost Inca City

Machu Picchu is a magical place hidden deep within the Andes in Peru. This ancient wonder was only discovered in 1911 by Hiram Bingham. The original name of this city is unknown. The modern name of Machu Picchu means "Old Peak" which is the name of the mountain range which it sits on. The mountain just behind is called "Huayna Picchu" or new peak. You can experience this ancient city in two ways. You can take the tourist train from Cusco and go directly to Machu Picchu by bus. Once there you can either spend the day there and return to Cusco or stay in nearby Aguas Calientes (or the expensive resort nearby) and spend more time in the area.....Thats the easy way. The alternative (and the better way) is to hike the Inca trail on either a 2 or 4 day hike.

a llama posing for the camera

To hike the Inca trail you now have to go with a licensed tour company. This rule came into place a couple years ago by the Peruvian government and is half a money grab and half a policy to ensure the trail stays in good condition, depends on how you wanna look at it. Package prices vary between $100 and $300 but generally you will get what you pay for.

I hiked the Inca trail at the end of May in 2003 with BigFoot tours and had an amazing time.

However you arive......by bus up the winding road to the ruins......or through the sungate at 530am after conquering 50km of the Inca trail. Witnessing Machu Picchu your own eyes and wandering the Inca site is an experience you will never forget.

Fresh snow on the mountain tops

Mountain scenery

Pros and Cons

Pros:Absolutly amazing experience, do the 4 day hike if you can, its a lot more satisfying
Cons:Can't think of anything.......perhaps the amount of tourism, but thats to be expected in a place like this
In a nutshell:One of those things on your "to do in my lifetime list"

Last visit to Machu Picchu: Jun 2003
Intro Updated Sep 8, 2004
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Reviews (35)

Aguas Calientes Market Shopping (1)

If you want something to remember MP this may be the place for you. The selection is similar as to that is Cusco. But if... more travel advice

Huinay Huayna Things to Do (24)

The terraces if Huinay Huayna, the ruin before you reach MP near the hostel. more travel advice

The lonely donkey in the mountains - Machu Picchu

The lonely donkey in the mountains Things to Do (24)

I think the title is enough more travel advice

significant aftifacts Things to Do (24)

more travel advice

Nightlife (1)
A typical evening
Favorites (8)
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What to Pack (1)
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Travelogues (1)

Written Jul 26, 2003

6 photos

Group photos from "Bigfoot" 4 day Inca trail hike

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Comments (28)

Tennaj70 Aug 14, 2009 at 7:25 AM Report Abuse

Great photos Chris, thank you for sharing them. I visited Machu Picchu in 1997 and your photo 'The mountain above the city' shows a great view of the road going up to the ruins. A harrowing bus trip I will never forget!
wcph Aug 10, 2005 at 5:54 AM Report Abuse

Beautiful photos, I wish I could go right now!
JetlagCity Jun 10, 2005 at 9:22 PM Report Abuse

Coca leaves = Windex, I love it, hahaha (yup, I saw the movie)! You really took spectacular pictures, very impressive. This is my #1 place to visit next year - I only wish it could be THIS year.
Jithlena Apr 11, 2005 at 10:33 PM Report Abuse

probably the best pics I have seen of the trail - showing the REAL scale of the climb. I think I can...I think I can... I think I can...
butterfly_girl Mar 18, 2005 at 6:08 AM Report Abuse

Great photos and tips on MP...I will be there in 3 weeks and I can't wait! Thanks
ugio Dec 16, 2004 at 12:17 AM Report Abuse

really amazing trip!how difficult is it to make it through? i mean i'd love to do it but i have asthma.do i stand a chance?
Biljana Sep 8, 2004 at 11:38 PM Report Abuse

The photos of Machu Picchu are really amazing....but after reading your tips I've realized that this trip is meant for the physically fit. Note to self: hit the gym for months prior to a Machu Picchu visit.
jcots Sep 8, 2004 at 2:05 AM Report Abuse

Excellent page!!! I made the inca trail this summer. It was spectacular!!! Great vision of the andes!!!
lukec Aug 2, 2004 at 3:51 PM Report Abuse

Great photos of Machu Picchu! It's high on my wish list as well. Cheers from Slovenia.
neilward Jul 26, 2004 at 5:16 AM Report Abuse

Great pages,only 45 days til I go..not that I'm counting !!!!!