My Amazing Trek on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

I have climbed Kilimanjaro, Toubkal and trekking to Annapurna base camp with Ian Taylor Trekking but the classic 5 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu was the best of them all. Since watching the lost cities of gold cartoon in the 90’s I was intrigued about the Inca’s clearly, I had to go and see for myself. If you are thinking of making this journey the 5 day classic itinerary Ian has developed is the only way to go.

Challenging Terrain

I can see why people find this trek challenging. Our trek broke the dead women’s pass in two,  which makes a difference but the third day is also a long one and you need to be step strong, leg strong to cover the distances and get to experience all the Inca sites along the way. I trained on the stair master as I did for other trips and you really do need to come physically trained and prepared. This trek should not be taken lightly. There are so many steps up and down hill,  so take Ian’s advice and come prepared.

Wiñayhuayna close to Machu Picchu

Why I Always Trek with Ian Taylor Trekking

Over the past 10 years I have trekked with Ian and his teams and really enjoyed every trip. The Inca trail trek was my favorite and I will come back to Peru for more. The rich culture and scenery really blew me away. The team, staff, their passion and enthusiasm was inspiring.

The city of Machu Picchu

Inca and Quechua Culture

The Inca Trail and the journey to Machu Picchu was very uplifting and spiritual for me.  This trek was one of the greatest experience of my life, it is hard to describe.  The challenge, mixed with the history and culture really left a massive impact on me.

There are a number of reasons for this. Firstly, the people who were leading the trip including our head guide was passionate about his Quechua history. Secondly, I learning about the Inca’s showing up in Cusco and how they brought new methods of agriculture.  Thirdly, the Inca’s destroying the Inca trail so the Spanish could not find it. Finally, how the Inca’s developed their society and empire is mind blowing. I came home with 4 different books and now planning my next trip to Peru.

Returning to Peru

Firstly, I have to visit Vilcabamba. Secondly,  Choquequirao is on the list and finally, some other Incan site near Cusco.  Peru has some amazing places to visit as a result, I will be back for more Incan culture. I did visit the Machu Picchu museum while in Cusco without a doubt, you need to visit Sacsayhuaman.  I will be back and look forward to exploring more with the ITT team.

The Incan city of Machu Picchu

Thanks to the Team

I want to thank Ian Taylor and his team on the ground. The food, service, trek as well as, the over all experience was class. From the time I signed up for the trek, to the time I was dropped off at the airport I had the best experience possible. I can not recommend Ian Taylor Trekking enough for any trekking or adventure trip. They have proved to me time and time again they are the people to work with. Thank you so much.

Mandy Savino, Inca admirer, Inca Trail 2018

All you need to know about trekking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Packing for your Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu
5 reasons to pick the 5 day classic trek to Machu Picchu