September 4, 2013 Read time - 1 minute No other trek can compete with the Inca Trail for its sense of history, as you tread the ancient road network of the Incas. As for starting the trail, it's hard to beat the Amazon Rainforest. You will immediately be struck by the heat and humidity of the rainforest. The most refreshing way to travel is to be on the river, heading upstream to the tranquility of the Tambopata Jungle reserve. Amazon Rainforest Here you have the afternoon to relax, taking in the sights and sounds of the Reserve. You spend two full days exploring the jungle by walking and boat cruising at both day and night. The guides are excellent and certainly know the secrets of seeking out all the wildlife. We saw caimans, frogs, spiders, birds and monkeys to name a few - there’s even time for some piranha fishing. Exploring Cuzco The next stop on this adventure is to the Inca city of Cuzco. At 3300m, you feel short of breath on arrival, and we spent two nights here to acclimatise and prepare ourselves for the Inca Trail itself. It’s a great city with lots of character and if you’re up for trying the local delicacy of guinea pig this is the place to do it! On a free day in Cuzco, you can choose to explore the city or visit the impressive Ollantaytambo ruins. Inca Trail Inca Trail Trek So on to the Inca Trail. The first and fourth days of walking are relatively straight forward. The second and third days will definitely get your heart beating faster as you climb up and over Dead Woman’s Pass at 4200m. The service from the guides and porters is excellent as you get all your camping chores done for you. You finally get to see the wonderful sight of Machu Picchu as you look down from the Sun Gate on day 4 of the trek - its definitely worth the walk as the mountain views and Inca ruins are pretty special. You get plenty of time to walk around the ancient site the following morning and to say hello to the llamas. Llamas on the Inca Trail The final stop on the holiday is a visit to Lake Titicaca - the highest navigable lake in the world. You visit the bizarre Uros islands, built out of reeds, before heading to Amantani Island to spend a night with a local family. We ate dinner with them before going to a traditional party to finish the night off! Browse our trips below and go trekking the Inca Trail.
Inca Trail & the Amazon Rainforest 91 reviews Trekking, jungle and indigenous culture - the best Peru has to offer Walking & Trekking Suitable for: Age 16+ Activity level: Moderate 15 Days from £2,649 Guided (Excl. Flights) View More Details
The Inca Trail 160 reviews Follow in the footsteps of the Peruvian Incas as you trek the classic Inca Trail Walking & Trekking Suitable for: Age 16+ Activity level: Moderate 8 Days from £1,299 Guided (Excl. Flights) View More Details
The Salkantay Trek 44 reviews Trek amidst Peru's Cordillera Vilcabamba, then join the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Walking & Trekking Suitable for: Age 16+ Activity level: Challenging 14 Days from £1,699 Guided (Excl. Flights) View More Details
The Inca Trail in Comfort 29 reviews Enjoy a little extra comfort as you follow in the footsteps of the Peruvian Incas Walking & Trekking Suitable for: Age 16+ Activity level: Moderate 8 Days from £1,699 £1,549 Guided (Excl. Flights) View More Details