This 5-day trek takes you through towering mountains, pristine lakes, lush rainforests, and sweeping plains. The weather is as diverse as the landscapes, ranging from rainy and snowy conditions to bright sunshine. Altitudes fluctuate dramatically, from 4,600 meters down to 2,000 meters, with temperatures varying between 0°C and 23°C.
**Day 3**
We start the day early with breakfast at 5:30 AM and set off at 6:00 AM, arriving at our campsite by noon. The trail winds along the mountainside, following the flow of streams and rivers. From today onward, the altitude begins to drop steadily, bringing warmer temperatures. Our campsite feels more like a slice of the Amazon, complete with dense greenery—and, unfortunately, venomous mosquitoes 🦟 Be sure to pack your repellent!
**Day 4**
The original plan included a longer hike that would have taken us along a section of the iconic Inca Trail. However, since the best tickets for Machu Picchu must be purchased in person, the group decided unanimously to splurge on a chartered vehicle (35 soles per person). This allowed us to skip the long trek and head directly to the railway route’s starting point.
We walked alongside the train tracks, making our way to Aguas Calientes. The journey began around 7:30 AM and wrapped up by 9:30 AM.
Here’s how we secured our tickets for Route 2 (the premium option):
1) Arrive at the Aguas Calientes ticket office before 9:00 AM to collect a numbered slip (bring your passport).
2) Later in the afternoon, return to the ticket office at the time indicated on your slip, using your passport to purchase the tickets. I received number 71, meaning there were 70 people ahead of me—but it was worth the wait!
**Day 5 – The Big Day! Machu Picchu!**
Everyone opted to climb to the ancient citadel on foot, though a bus option was available. It takes about 30+ minutes to walk from the hotel to the trailhead, followed by an hour-long ascent along stone staircases. While challenging, the climb leaves you with a profound sense of accomplishment.
A guide is essential for truly appreciating Machu Picchu. Our guide, Fred, provided an insightful and educational tour [thumbs up], sparking a desire in me to return someday and explore other routes or even the full Inca Trail. We entered at 8:00 AM and followed Fred until about 11:00 AM when we exited. By then, the site was bustling with visitors. Despite my initially modest expectations, the experience far exceeded them.
The final image showcases the comprehensive route map of our incredible journey.
