Walking Among Clouds: Machu Picchu
Carlos Rivera
10 min read
The first time you see the Sun Gate after four days of hiking, you forget the blisters, the thin air, and the cold nights. The Lost City of the Incas reveals itself in the mist, and it is pure magic.
The Classic Inca Trail
This 4-day trek is the most famous for a reason. You walk on original Inca paving stones, pass minor ruins like Wiñay Wayna, and arrive at Machu Picchu directly through the Inti Punku (Sun Gate). Note: Permits sell out 6 months in advance!
Altitude is No Joke
Cusco sits at 3,400m (11,150ft). Spend at least two days there acclimatizing before you start any trek. Drink coca tea, hydrate, and take it slow.
Alternative: The Salkantay Trek
Can't get a permit? The Salkantay trek is wilder, higher, and incredibly scenic, taking you past turquoise lakes and snowy peaks before descending into the cloud forest.
Practical Tips
- Pack layers: It can be freezing at night and tropical during the day.
- Good boots: Break them in months before your trip.
- Respect the site: Stick to marked paths and do not touch the ancient walls.
Visiting Machu Picchu is a pilgrimage to the past, a test of endurance, and utterly unforgettable.