The trail winds slowly uphill through cloud forest – a narrow hanging valley which harbours the Queñua tree, a rare species only found in the Andes. After a short visit you continue up the Cusichaca Valley passing adobe houses of settlers to finally reach the Andean community of Huayllabamba
The Inca ruins of Patallacta and Q’ente, where you will camp. You will have the chance to visit the surrounding archaeological remains of Q’ente and Machu Q’ente – located amidst Inca Terracing. These short walks and visits will allow you to slowly become accustomed to the altitude
Phuyupatamarca (translated from Quechua means ‘the town at the edge of the clouds’) where you camp, from here the holy snow capped mountain of Salcantay (6,271 m) lies in front
The trail ascends steeply to a large pampa below the first pass, where you camp and from here you have a breath taking view of Mt. Huayanay (5778 m). Overnight at Llulluchapampa
After a two-hour walk through a cloud forest-covered Inca Trail, you arrive at Intipunku, the door of the sun and Machu Picchu will appear. This was the same way the Incas used to come across this magnificent citadel
The reason for walking the Inca Trail is to be rewarded with the greatest Inca ruins of them all – Machu Picchu. You will spend a day and half here exploring all of its hidden corners as well as having a guided tour of the site.
Manor Cottage, Papermill Lane, South Moreton, Oxfordshire, OX11 9AH
