Because Cusco sits at an elevation just above 11,000 feet, many travelers wonder why they shouldn’t move on directly to the Sacred Valley on their first night. The easy answer is that in Cusco you can explore by foot from your hotel – on flat, even ground. You won’t ever be more than a few minutes from your hotel, and a quick …

On the second day of the actual Inca Trail hike, one climbs to nearly 14,000 feet of elevation to reach Warmiwanuska, or “Dead Woman Pass” (named for the outline of the mountain – not for any misfortune befalling an ill-prepared hiker). For folks who have not built in the appropriate acclimatization days in Cusco and the Sacred …

If one was to drive from Cusco to Ollantaytambo, at the far end of the Sacred Valley, it might take 2.5 hours. But this would require putting on blinders to all the amazing spots along the way. In reality, there are probably two full days of exploration to be had along this route. To make the best of one’s time in what is normally one day in …

In the latter half of the 20th century, the Inca Trail was unregulated and in many ways over-run. You can hear horror stories of the overcrowded campsites, the trash and human waste lining the trail, and the general misuse of the historical resource. Just as with Machu Picchu itself, though, the Peruvian government has recognized the importance of …

Besides being pleasantly surprised by the overall state of the trail, I was even more pleased to learn there were literally dozens of other highlights along the four-day hike. I had figured that walking into Machu Picchu by way of the Sun Gate would be a great moment, but I did not realize there would be so many other great moments along the …

Some providers actually build on foreign travelers’ assumptions that the Inca Trail is just a means to an end and try to get folks through as quickly as possible. They sell “sunrise at the sun gate” as a goal, with the knowledge that in actuality this allows them to get their guides and porters home the same day and their …

The little-known option of trekking the last part of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in a single day is an excellent option if you aren't up to a multi-day hike or weren't able to reserve a spot on the full-length trek.

The Inca Trail is open all year, with the exception of February. During February, the local authorities arrange for trail improvements and campsite restorations.

The best time of year to hike the Inca Trail is during the dry season – generally April 15th to November. The rainy season comes on slowly in November and December and is at its …

One question a lot of Machu Picchu visitors have to consider is whether they want to visit Huaynapicchu. This is the steep, triangular mountain in the background of most Machu Picchu photos. There are a few ruins at the top and incredible views of the main citadel below. This is a specific entrance permit that must be purchased well in advance, as …