Let me preface this post by saying there are absolutely way more than just 10 reasons to hike the Inca Trail. However, below I will briefly discuss the 10 main reasons why I found the Inca trail to be so spell binding and inspiring.

1- The Views

I still can't believe it was real. The nature surrounding the trail is so diverse and expansive. The trees and mountains truly seem to be infinite. I can promise you will never get bored with your surroundings while on the Inca Trail. Everywhere you look, there are just continuous mountain ranges dense with greenery.

It is important to remember to stop every once in a while, and take in your atmosphere. After my trip, I sadly realized how much time I spent looking down, to pay attention to where I was walking. Although I thoroughly absorbed the landscape around me, I do wish I had paused more often to just enjoy the beauty around me.

2- Connecting with Nature

The Inca Trail is quiet and peaceful. Of course you may be with other hikers in your own group (if you do not choose a private trek), and you may pass other groups on the trail and at the camp sites, but this does not interfere with your connection to your surroundings.

I found the trail to be exhilarating. The soft tranquil nature of the trail allows you to self reflect, and be with your own thoughts. Many times during the trek, your group will take breaks from hiking. I encourage using these breaks as a chance to absorb the beauty of the nature of the trail. The endless scenery truly evokes a sense of connection to the setting around you.

If you love nature as much as I do, the Inca Trail is a must.

3- Meeting New People

One of the coolest things about our Inca Trail adventure was meeting new people, and making new friends. You can meet people from all over the world! There is something special about being with a group of strangers, who share one common goal; to hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

Having others to share this journey with makes it even that more exciting. To this day, I still keep in touch with some of the people from our group.

4- More Inca Ruins

Most people have heard of Machu Picchu, and when they hear "Peru" or "Incas", this is what immediately comes to mind. But did you know that there are several other Inca ruins along the Inca Trail? This is one of the many benefits of actually hiking the Inca Trail (as opposed to taking the train straight to Machu Picchu).

Here you can read more about the various sites along the trail, from Alyssa Ramos at "My Life's A Travel Movie".

5- Diversity in Nature

While hiking the Inca Trail, you will experience the vast and unique landscapes offered by the Andes Mountains. Machu Picchu has a rich environment and varied climate. The trail has over 400 species of flora, in which 10-20% are actually endangered. Every step along the trail will introduce you to a new flower or plant, and of course the constant, endless views of the rich and lush mountainsides. If you are a nature lover, the views and nature along this trail with intrigue you.

6- Challenging Yourself

While the Inca Trail does not require experience, or a technical hiking skill set, the trail certainly presents various challenges, both mentally and physically. People of all ages and fitness levels complete this trail every day, however it is is certainly far from "a walk in the park". There are rocks, stairs, uneven paths, narrow passageways, and of course the climb to Dead Woman's Pass (at 13,828 ft, the highest point on the Inca Trail).

If you are like me, you probably enjoy tackling and overcoming a challenge. Especially one such as this, that results in such an accomplished ending!

7- The Feeling of Accomplishment

The idea of the trail being a challenge leads me to my next point. If anything, the trail will certainly provide you with a feeling of accomplishment. Arriving at the Sun Gate as the sun is rising, on your final day of your trek, with the view to Machu Picchu down below, is an extraordinary feeling. It makes the last few days spent on the trail worth every second. You have finally arrived to your destination, this is the moment you have been waiting and working for!

I also have to add, once you arrive at the site of Machu Picchu, it will be crowded. Personally, I felt even more proud of myself after seeing how many came in directly from the train. The idea that I had hiked and camped my way along the Inca Trail to get here made me feel good. Of course, there is nothing wrong with taking the train! Hiking isn't for everyone, or maybe you are short on time, or physically limited. BUT if you are able and have the chance to travel along the beautiful Inca Trail, I 100% recommend it. It truly is an experience of a lifetime.

Plus, how cool is it to be able to go home to your family and friends, and be able to say that you hiked the Inca Trail!

8- Education From Your Personal Guides

One of the most beneficial parts of this trip is the educational experience. Along the way, you will learn everything you ever needed to know about that Inca Trail. Your guides aren't there just to simply walk next to you, but to teach you about the history and the nature of the trail. The most interesting part of this for me was learning about each of the other ruins that we stopped at along the way. The learning aspect of this trip makes you feel more connected to the trail, and helps you to understand this unique civilization. The guides are full of knowledge, so don't be afraid to ask questions. If you're inclined to do some research on your own beforehand, you may even want to bring a list of questions ready to go!

9- The Food!

The food is a unique part of this trip, and totally amazing. From mid day snacks, to full meals, I never had a bad experience with the food on this trek. Being a vegetarian, I was a little concerned at first. But they adjusted my meals as needed with no problem, and they were delicious. Meals are served at a long table, and your trekking group eats together. This is a great time to relax, bond, and develop new friendships. The crazy thing about the meals is where they come from. The porters in your group carry this food for the whole trek, along with all of the necessary cooking equipment. However, the meals they served made it seem like you had just ordered from a restaurant! And of course, there was an endless supply of coca tea.

10- The Connection to Machu Picchu

I found one of the most inspiring aspects of hiking the Inca Trail to be the story it told. As you begin your journey and make your way to the Sun Gate (over several days), you are following a path that many Incas traveled before you, hundreds of years ago. At each stop and each historic sight along the way, you learn about a new piece of the historical story, leading you to the amazing Machu Picchu.

Hiking the Inca Trail was a magical experience, and very inspiring for me. From the intricate beauty of the trail, to the perfectly planned structures (now in ruins) of the people who used this trail many years ago, the learning and visual experience overall was just outstanding. To this day, the trail is one of the most beautiful places I have been to, and I would recommend this to anyone.

Have a question about the trail? Drop me a message here!