If you’re a lover of new experiences and you like to live intensely, the Inca Trail is for you! The beauty of its natural places and its archeological importance are insurmountable. The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is just a small part of an immense network of paths that efficiently interconnected the Inca empire 500 years ago. Becoming one with nature on this ancient trail, and arriving by foot to the surprising Inca city of Machu Picchu, can change your life. It’s not for nothing that this spectacular route is the most famous on the whole continent!
Sadly, during all of February, the Inca Trail is kept closed for maintenance, and no tourists can enter. Paths, bridges, walls and camping areas are repaired so you can enjoy them without problems the rest of the year. Besides, remember it’s a centuries-old route, and we must treat it with much care.
You don’t want to wait until March to enjoy the beauty of the Inca Trail? Well, we’ll leave you with 8 Instagram pictures which will give you an idea of the type of adventure waiting for you.
1. Amazing Ollantaytambo town
The city of Ollantaytambo tends to be the first stop to start the Inca Trail trek. Take advantage of the time to take a look at this impressive archeological site in the Sacred Valley of the Incas before leaving, and carry its energy with you along the trail. This photo belongs to @zaid_days.
Photo: @zaid_days
2. Deep valleys
Connecting with nature is one of the most beautiful experiences of the Inca Trail. The mountains are sacred beings in Andean culture. They can protect you, but they can also punish, so we recommend that you always go with respect and a good amount of affection for them. That way, you’ll feel their embrace during the trek. Pay attention to the details since Mother Earth has a lot to tell you. Do like @daisyraetravel, and open your heart to the mountains.
Photo: @daisyraetravel
3. Amazing archeological sites
The archeological importance of the Inca Trail is exceptional. On the path, you’ll be able to discover almost 20 archeological sites which will challenge your logic. Llactapata, Qoriwayrachina and Phutupatamarka are just some of them. Thanks to @abroadersight, we have this photo of the beautiful complex of Runkurakay, which could have been a storage center, a resting place or a vigilance point.
Photo: @abroadersight
4. Don’t forget to watch the sky
The Milky Way was known by the Incas as Willka Mayu, or Sacred River, and there you’ll see its principal constellations: the great black llama, the fox, the condor, the frog, and the shepherd, among others. Did you know that these constellations are formed by the dark parts of the sky and not by the alignment of the stars? Since you’ll find yourself far away from the contamination of city lights, observe the night sky, and discover your own essence in the Andean constellations. Photo thanks to @feherlolanya.
Photo: @feherlolanya
5. Beautiful llamas all along the way
People who constantly live in cities might be surprised to see llamas running free on some parts of the Inca Trail. In spite of their adorable look, llamas don’t much like human contact. They tend to have very elegant and reserved personalities. Be careful, because if they feel uncomfortable, you could receive a spit in the face. @loudreisig found this funny llama in the archeological complex of Wiñay Wayna, one of the last stops before getting to Machu Picchu.
Photo: @loudreisig
6. Magic at Machu Picchu
When you get to Machu Picchu, you’ll feel that all the effort has been worth it. The mythical Inca city surprises its visitors with its unexplainable architecture which is intimately related to nature. Machu Picchu is enveloped in mystery; few know what its exact function was, but the majority of people can feel its powerful energy as soon as they see it. Are you going to miss out on that? Photo by @g.y.o.n.g.y.i.from.budapest.
Photo: @g.y.o.n.g.y.i.from.budapest
7. Enjoy the hot springs in Aguas Calientes
The historical memory in Cusco is impressive. In this foot from @3rlan3x, we can see a monument raised in honor of the Incas in Machu Picchu Town, also known as Aguas Calientes. This place is found on the edge of the archeological site and, although it’s really small, you can find everything you need there. There are also excellent restaurants and hotels. Don’t forget to visit the hot springs just a few steps from there!
Photo: @3rlan3x
8. Enjoy also of Cocalmayo hot springs
Depending on the type of route you choose, you could also spend time at the exquisite hot springs of Cocalmayo, a place surrounded by beautiful mountains, which is ideal to relax the body and mind. There are several pools with various temperatures ranging from 38 to 44°C, as well as a series of natural, cold-water “showers.” Let yourself be wrapped up by the pleasure and relaxation in Cocalmayo just like @naiarapalacios after visiting Machu Picchu.
Photo: @naiarapalacios
We hope that you’ve enjoyed the pictures from these instagrammers. You can also find Salkantay Trekking on this social network: @salkantaytrekking. Remember that to visit the Inca Trail, you must reserve your ticket very far in advance. Do you want to do it right now and get more information? Click here. See you soon!
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