Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Peru 2015

After spending a few days in the Sacred Valley, we were ready for our 4 Day trek to Machu Picchu. We started at the 82 km marker. Only 200 trekkers (plus 300 porters, & staff) are allowed to start the trail each day, so it books out months ahead of time. The trail starts at about 8,500 ft with the highest pass at 13,800 ft. and for the most part, it is the original trail that Quechua people (Inca Empire) built from the 1100's - 1500's. The Inca trails weave throughout the area now known as Peru, Columbia, Ecuador, Chile, Bolivia and parts of Brazil. Each day provided fantastic views of the natural beauty along with historical ruins from Inca Empire. On the 4th day, we arrived at Machu Picchu and were very happy there was not a 5th day of hiking! While you expect to be impressed with Machu Picchu, nothing can prepare you for the awesome site, incredible natural surroundings and wonderfully preserved citadel.