The Inca Trail is a four-day journey through Peru’s Andes, blending ancient history with challenging terrain, culminating at Machu Picchu. Here’s a look at our experience on Day 1, hiking through breathtaking landscapes, exploring ruins, and getting a taste of the journey that lay ahead.
Morning: Starting the Trail
Our day began at 8:35 a.m. at the official start of the Inca Trail, where we snapped photos and crossed a bridge to begin hiking. The weather was clear and cool, ideal for the day’s “moderate” difficulty level. After a brief introduction from our guide about the terrain, we set out on a flat path that allowed us to ease into the journey. We quickly learned about the area's wildlife, including pumas, white-tailed deer, and the smaller speckled bear that roams these mountains.
The First Few Kilometers
The initial part of the trail was relatively easy, with gentle inclines and clear skies. By mid-morning, temperatures rose, so we layered down and braced ourselves for the more challenging sections to come. After about 5 km, we reached our first rest stop, aptly named the Hydration Station. This was a perfect place to refresh, enjoy views of the valley, and take in Mount Veronica’s glacier-capped peak in the distance.
Midday: Pushing through Steeper Sections and First Ruins
After the Hydration Station, the hike intensified with steeper inclines, testing our endurance as the sun beat down. We crossed a river, paused for breath, and continued upward, soon reaching the first Inca site, Patallacta. Our guide shared insights on its history, explaining that the ruins along the trail, including Machu Picchu, have been partially restored to preserve their legacy. We admired the terraced structures before pushing on for another hour and a half toward our lunch spot.
Afternoon: The Uphill Challenge
After lunch, the trail took on a grueling ascent, requiring steady pacing. The heat combined with the incline was exhausting, and stops were purely for quick breaks to catch our breath. Despite the challenges, the views grew more spectacular, rewarding us with sweeping vistas of the valley and mountain peaks.
We finally spotted our campsite, marked by a line of tents and shaded areas, just after 5 p.m. Exhausted but exhilarated, we arrived to find the porters had set up our camp, complete with our sleeping pads and a warm wash basin for freshening up.
Evening at Camp: Tea, Dinner, and an Early Night
After settling in, we gathered with our group for tea and snacks, enjoying popcorn and warming soup—a much-needed comfort after the day’s exertion. Dinner was a hearty meal of chicken and rice, with options for gluten-free and vegan travelers. By 7:20 p.m., our guide encouraged us to turn in for the night to prepare for an early wake-up at 4:30 a.m.
Reflecting on Day 1 and Preparing for What’s Next
Day 1 on the Inca Trail was a challenging yet rewarding introduction to the journey. The trail will only grow tougher as we head toward the summit of Dead Woman’s Pass, the highest point on the trail, tomorrow. With four hours of intense uphill trekking ahead, we’re setting our sights on pacing ourselves and embracing the beautiful Andes.
Stay tuned for Day 2, where we face the most challenging stretch of the Inca Trail, climbing 800 meters to reach 4,200 meters in altitude.
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