The Full Guide to Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in 2023

Have you ever dreamed of trekking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?

It is one of the most popular adventure experiences in the world. There are very few trails where you can walk among 500-year-old archaeological treasures and some of the most stunning mountains on the planet. But first, you need to be prepared appropriately.

In this comprehensive guide we have put together for hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, you will find everything you need to know to prepare for this world-famous trek. This guide includes historical and contextual information, route descriptions, trek logistics, and other valuable tips to help you plan your truly epic Inca Trail experience.

Can you imagine standing at the foot of one of the world’s greatest architectural wonders? Machu Picchu, built during the reign of the Inca emperor Pachucuti in the 1450s, is an enigmatic and mysterious site that still fascinates people today.

Some say it was a country estate for the emperor, while others believe it was a place of worship. Regardless of its purpose, the site is a testament to the incredible ingenuity and craftsmanship of the Inca people.

As you walk through the city, you can’t help but feel a sense of awe at the structures that restrict areas of religious and royal significance. The vast agricultural terraces surrounding the city are also a marvel to behold, providing sustenance for the inhabitants and serving as a form of drainage.

The city’s construction is a masterpiece, using the dry polished rock method known as ashlar, with stones placed with incredible precision without using mortar. Even today, we are still mystified by how the Inca managed to move and place such large rocks.

The Temple of the Sun, Astronomical Observatory, and Intihuatana are other incredible structures within the Citadel that showcase the Inca’s advanced understanding of the Sun and planetary influences.

Visiting Machu Picchu is an experience that leaves you humbled and in awe of the incredible accomplishments of the Inca civilization. It’s a reminder that there is still so much we can learn from our past and those who came before us.