As novices to the world of multiple day trekking we naturally learnt a great deal along the way. In addition to our personal account of the Inca Trail, hopefully the below will be useful if you are planning to do the Inca Trail or taking a trip to Machu Picchu: Essentials We would list the below as absolutely essential and all are available to buy in Cusco if required. Quality isn't necessarily crucial but without the below it would not be a lot of fun: Jack...

Day 3: Pacaymayu-Winaywayna 15km 3,580 to 2,680 m (highest pass of Runkurakay at 3,970) Wake up 5.30am- Arrival at camp 5pm Given that we were again up at 5.30am the day started well with the cook whipping up an oatmeal and caramel cake in honour of Edward's birthday (day 2) and Sally's to come on day 4. Somewhat weighty on the stomach with an hour climb to start the day, but a lovely gesture all the same! Was it any coincidence that today was the day we woul...

The 4 day trek to the Inca City of Machu Picchu (Part 1) From the Sun Gate on a ridge above, you set your eyes on the Inca city of Machu Picchu for the first time. 3 hard days trekking in the Andes mountains, compounded by a 40 minute uphill slog at 5.30am are instantly rewarded. For a very special moment, there is a bewildered silence as you stare in awe at this most stunning piece of human engineering, nestled within an idyllic mountain range! There are var...

As a tourist would you be comforted or alarmed by a huge police presence on the streets of a foreign city? It isn't possible to walk down any street in Cuzco without encountering one of the numerous police patrols, with sometimes as many as 4 armed officers in one patrol. I can't help wondering if they need this police presence because crime is so likely or because security ensures no crime breaks out?.... Add in the numerous notices reminding tourists to watch t...