Peru trekking tours on the Inca Trail are probably the only such tours where customers willing to pay are actually turned away because it's already heavily booked. This 26-mile hike through the cloud forests and the Andes, with Inca ruins and relics littered all over the place, counts as one of the world's top five treks. A last minute booking is almost impossible because permits have to be obtained and only 500 people are allowed to enter the trail each day.
The easy way to solve all logistical issues is to book a trek with a luxury tour operator. These are officially approved companies that handle all the permitting formalities and guide people on the Inca Trail. Around 300 daily trekkers are support staff from these companies, including porters, cooks and guides.
Some people find it hard to equate luxury with tramping around on foot through forests and mountains in South America. However, it is possible and is a thoroughly enjoyable experience which includes portable hot water showers and chemical toilets, fine cuisine and wines, and experienced tour guides and porters. Some companies even include a masseuse and musicians.
None of this makes the trek any less authentic or challenging, but it does help reduce the discomforts of life in the outdoors. The luxury travel begins as soon as passengers land at the international airport in Lima. There will be stays in five star hotels and fine dining in upscale restaurants, along with a flight-class seat on a domestic flight from Lima to Cuzco.
The expedition gets underway at Qorihuayrachina, at the 88 km mark on the Cuzco-Quillabamba railway. This is the Inca Trail's starting point, with a four day hike from here to Machu Picchu. Trekkers will find themselves going through changing landscapes, as the Urubamba River banks in Cuzco give way to the sub-tropical forest and then to the incredible scenery high up in the Andes.
There are many options and variations that can be adopted to match a trekker's comfort level. The Classic Inca Trail can begin from one of many different points, including at the 82 km, 88 km and 104 km marks. This last one brings the experience down to a much easier two-day trek.
The longest trek is the Mollepata Route which takes up to seven days to reach Machu Picchu. Trekkers will need some skills to endure this particular route, but the scenery is breathtaking and hikers will get to see the snow-capped peaks of Salkantay. There are choices in terms of activities too, although most tours focus on Inca ruins and tunnels along the way in the Sacred Valley. There are excellent possibilities for biking and bird-watching.
The Inca Trail is bound to be the best Peru trekking experience available, regardless of whether it is the short trail, the classic one or Mollepata. It does help to smooth the harsh edges off with some luxury, so that hikers can meet the challenge of the trail without having to worry about daily needs. Those who do complete the trek and reach the Gateway of the Sun will have the grand prize of Machu Picchu awaiting them.
The easy way to solve all logistical issues is to book a trek with a luxury tour operator. These are officially approved companies that handle all the permitting formalities and guide people on the Inca Trail. Around 300 daily trekkers are support staff from these companies, including porters, cooks and guides.
Some people find it hard to equate luxury with tramping around on foot through forests and mountains in South America. However, it is possible and is a thoroughly enjoyable experience which includes portable hot water showers and chemical toilets, fine cuisine and wines, and experienced tour guides and porters. Some companies even include a masseuse and musicians.
None of this makes the trek any less authentic or challenging, but it does help reduce the discomforts of life in the outdoors. The luxury travel begins as soon as passengers land at the international airport in Lima. There will be stays in five star hotels and fine dining in upscale restaurants, along with a flight-class seat on a domestic flight from Lima to Cuzco.
The expedition gets underway at Qorihuayrachina, at the 88 km mark on the Cuzco-Quillabamba railway. This is the Inca Trail's starting point, with a four day hike from here to Machu Picchu. Trekkers will find themselves going through changing landscapes, as the Urubamba River banks in Cuzco give way to the sub-tropical forest and then to the incredible scenery high up in the Andes.
There are many options and variations that can be adopted to match a trekker's comfort level. The Classic Inca Trail can begin from one of many different points, including at the 82 km, 88 km and 104 km marks. This last one brings the experience down to a much easier two-day trek.
The longest trek is the Mollepata Route which takes up to seven days to reach Machu Picchu. Trekkers will need some skills to endure this particular route, but the scenery is breathtaking and hikers will get to see the snow-capped peaks of Salkantay. There are choices in terms of activities too, although most tours focus on Inca ruins and tunnels along the way in the Sacred Valley. There are excellent possibilities for biking and bird-watching.
The Inca Trail is bound to be the best Peru trekking experience available, regardless of whether it is the short trail, the classic one or Mollepata. It does help to smooth the harsh edges off with some luxury, so that hikers can meet the challenge of the trail without having to worry about daily needs. Those who do complete the trek and reach the Gateway of the Sun will have the grand prize of Machu Picchu awaiting them.
About the Author:
Check out Peruforless.com for a review of the things to keep in mind when booking Peru tours, today. You can also find more information about a reputable tour operator at peruforless.com/packages/trekking-inca-trail.php now.