I have trekked all over the world and in my opinion the greatest trekking experience is the classic Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu. Read some reviews from our trips.
The Greatest Trekking Experience
I have just returned from the greatest trekking experience on the famous Inca trail to Machu Picchu. I have trekked to Annapurna base Camp, Everest Base Camp, Patagonia and Kilimanjaro with Ian Taylor Trekking. Their classic 5-day Inca Trail trekking itinerary is out of this world. Check out our upcoming trips.
Do Your Research
Do your own research. A friend of mine decided to sign us up to an Inca Trail trek and I trusted she had done the research on the best way to trek to Machu Picchu. After my horrible experience I started to research other companies and found Ian Taylor Trekking. This company is fantastic and far more professional in their approach to trekking adventures. Read some reviews.
My First Inca Trail Trek
My first trek was not the experience I was looking for and here are 10 reasons not to pick the cheap operators.
1). No prior support, training advice and attention to detail.
2). We were let loose on the trail.
3). The lunches, food and tents were poor. We were only allowed 6kg on our duffle bags.
4). We had 1 Guide for 8 trekkers, and we rarely saw the guide.
5). The was no first aid kit.
6). We had plastic seats and small dining tent.
7). The food was average.
8). The Guide did not manage the group correctly.
9). We had to wake at 3am to pack up our gear and then stand at an entry gate until 5am and rushed to the sun gate and Machu Picchu.
10). This was a rushed trip on challenging terrain with no prior advice or information prior to the trip.
Most People are trekking the Inca Trail the Wrong way
90% of people trekking to Machu Picchu are doing this the wrong way. I know because 11 years ago I signed to a trek to Machu Picchu on the 4-day traditional route. This trek is really a 3-day itinerary covering most of the Inca trail in 3 long days. You need to be fast and extremely fit and strong for this trekking option.
The Classic itinerary is 10 times better. On this trek I was able to experience every Inca site on the way to Machu Picchu and on the 4th day we hiked into Machu Picchu at 4:30pm. This offers you more time to experience this amazing place.
The Famous Inca Trail
There are thousands of Inca Trails, but there is only one trail hikes into Machu Picchu. This is the famous route that leads you into Machu Picchu. We got to see the Inca site in Tarayoc, spent a lot of time in Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, Intipata and Winaywayna Inca sites. The classic Inca trail itinerary was much better way to experience this amazing trail.
Go With Ian Taylor Trekking
This was the greatest trekking experience and the experience I was looking for. Ian gave me the time of day and explained the differences in the classic itinerary. The classic itinerary, advice, service and trek exceeded all my expectations. I even got to hike up Huayna Picchu because we had an additional day to visit Machu Picchu after hiking in the previous day. Follow them on Facebook.
We had unbelievable food, high quality tents, 4 star hotel in Cusco, 2 guides for 8 trekkers. The guides kept the group together and paced the trek for maximum safety. Everything was much better than my previous experience on the same trail.
The Best Guides
Ian Taylor Trekking employ a full time staff member on the ground in Cusco and Percy is his name. Percy is amazing and of the other guides Robinson and Elber were also great sources of information on the Sacred valley tour and Inca trail trek.
Susan Grimes, Inca Trail June 2023