The Inca Trail deserves a post all to itself since it was one of the main reasons for visiting Peru. To put it bluntly, it was one of the hardest, most challenging things I have ever done in my life. Before starting the hike I was more worried about getting altitude sickness than the hike itself. In hindsight, I should not have underestimated the difficulty of the hike and how much it would require from me mentally and physically. Day 2 was the hardest of the 4 days, ascending to a height of 4215m by taking what felt like a never ending set of stairs. I should point out at this point that although David found the hike challenging, he is much fitter then me and wasn’t as physically challenged as me.

Our guide Edwin were incredibly knowledgable about every part of the hike and were an amazing support during those tough parts of the hike. We would highly recommend Inca Trail Reservations as a company to do the Inca Trail with as you cannot do it on your own.

As hard as I found the Inca Trail I do not regret it one single bit. When we arrived at the Sun Gate and looked down on Macchu Picchu I gained a true appreciation of what the Incas went through and why they built such a magnificent kingdom hidden from the rest of the world. Seeing the day trippers arrive to Macchu Picchu by train made me feel sad for them (of course I realise a 4 day hike is not possible for everyone and is a good option for those pressed for time) as I felt that they had missed out on so much. Macchu Picchu far exceeded my expectations in terms of the size and ingenuity of it.

Click here for more pictures of our Peruvian adventure