Inca Trail, Peru – Part 1
I think it’s common among many travelers to have a desire to get off the beaten path, away from the crowds, to find their own secret treasures. As travelers, there can be a certain pride that we did something different than the masses. I know I have definitely felt like this.
After spending four days walking in the foot steps of the ancient Inca’s, my debate whether to visit or not visit the ‘big tourist draws’ is over. Simply put, the Inca Trail was awesome. There’s a reason thousands of people flock to the ‘wonders of the world’. The paths I walked, ruins I saw, tiny stones I touched were so extraordinary, I will join the masses to experience these discoveries any chance I get.
Ironically, I find visiting first hand some of the world’s most well known places, i.e., Machu Picchu, The Grand Canyon, viewing the Mona Lisa, to hold some of the biggest surprises. Prior to going I have certain images in my head of what these places should and will look like. When I stand in the ‘classic postcard’ viewing spot, my eyes view the easily recognized image that’s smothered on cups, place mats, t-shirts, hats and every other souvenir item one could hope to buy. Yet surrounding the mainstream image there are so many tiny flowers, side trails, rock patterns and symbolism for the traveler to find. No matter how many times I have seen the classic ‘Machu Picchu postcard photo’, there is something to be said for being there in person and listening to sounds of my own foot steps as I walked across the stone terraces.
I hope you enjoy this walk with us in a two part (maybe three part) post along this ancient Inca journey.
FANTASTIC photos!!! Just looking at the pictures of the hills made my legs tired.
The hills were big. We were so lucky to have good weather for the views. Everyone was so pumped about that. It was such an awesome hike to do.
Great photos! What an experience… How many days and nights were you on that trail?
Our trek was 3 nights/ 4 days. We just couldn’t get over the mountains in Peru. Just endless mountains.