This was quite simply the most challenging yet fabulous thing I have ever done! The Inca Trail has been on my bucket list since I first saw Machu Picchu on a poster behind my Geography Master's desk in about 1973. It's taken 52 years, but I finally got there! The trail is a challenge, no point in hiding that fact, especially the afternoon of day 2 and all of day 3, but I'm 63 and despite lots of stops to gather myself, we actually did it within the allocated time. The views along the way are spectacular but the view from the Sun Gate at the end of day 4 takes your breath away! It was difficult to leave to be honest. The following day we had our tour of the site and again, the views were unreal, including the 'real life' facsimile of that poster!
I have to mention the porters. What an amazing, friendly, helpful, polite and hard working group they were. I have no names, but hopefully our guide will know who they were.
Talking of our guide; Miguel (Figueroa) was wonderful. He was extremely knowledgeable, informative, and enthusiastic. What he doesn't know about the Inca's, the Spanish, the trail, Machu Picchu, and the flora and fauna of the region isn't worth knowing. He made the hike interesting as well as being the challenge we were expecting. He was also very patient with us, as we were a little slow at times! Thank you Miguel!
I'll definitely take another trip with Explore - I just have to decide where!
Finally, if anyone is reading this wondering whether to go or not, do it! You will not regret it.
