When visiting South America for the first time, I didn’t imagine embarking on a wellness journey involving a 26-mile hike to the famous historical sanctuary known as Machu Picchu.
The stunning 15th century fortress built in Peru’s Andes Mountains is now one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Many of the more than 1.5 million yearly visitors take a scenic train ride from Cusco to the UNESCO icon.
But here’s why your mind, body, and soul might need the 26-mile trek…
1. Mental Reset & Stillness
First, I highly recommend that you have a strong ‘why’ before you begin your journey along the path to Machu Picchu. This experience isn’t for the faint of heart but rewarding, and life changing if you’re mentally and physically prepared for a long and challenging adventure.
You’ll focus on the gorgeous scenery, the sweet alpaca encounters, and simply putting one foot in front of the other along the well-known Inca Trail. You’re not alone, one of Peru’s top tour operators, Alpaca Expeditions (www.alpacaexpeditions.com) organizes and escorts hikers past several ancient ruins to the highly anticipated Sun Gate, which is the breathtaking entrance to Machu Picchu.
For 4 days and 3 nights, you are disconnected from the world because there’s no phone or internet service during the journey, but you’re deeply connected to the quiet moments between the miles.
2. Nature’s Therapy
Your breathing, hiking shoes, and trekking poles carry you up and down the trail while you’re surrounded by vibrant vegetation in the Andean mountains. Yes, the attitude is extremely high (coca leaves help) especially as you ascend 13,828 feet to Dead Woman’s Pass, which is the highest point of the Inca Trail. Your shortness of breath with every step allows you to dig deep from within while at the same time embracing the mountain landscapes and nature’s natural dopamine.
Yes, this experience is an emotional roller coaster ride. I cried at times when it was tough, even tears flowed when I was happy to make it to a different campsite and especially to Machu Picchu.
Either way, experiencing the ancient Inca sites gave me a sense of ‘awe’ and a therapeutic release.
3. Community, Connection & Cultural Wellness
One night when our guide, Raul with Alpaca Expeditions asked our group to describe the experience in one word, I said ‘spiritual’. That’s because, the journey provides a powerful space for reflection, gratitude and a deep inner connection to the universe.
Also, a strong bond is developed with your group over the same steep climbs, rough downhills, altitude struggles, and early-morning starts. This experience might be more for advanced hikers, but I’m a beginner who finished. Thanks to the guides and fellow hikers who continued to offer support throughout the entire journey.
One hiker stated the adventure was ‘humbling’, not just because of the individual hurdles but watching the local porters carry our duffle bags, camp equipment, and food on their backs to each campsite.
The food was superb! The tour company provides professional chefs who hike ahead of you to each site to prepare delicious Peruvian meals.
Now spending three nights in a tent along the 26-mile hike to Machu Picchu was a fully immersive cultural experience. This by far is one of the hardest challenges I’ve ever taken on.
Finishing is the reward, but stepping onto sacred ground makes every mile worth it.
If you’re interested in this experience or another adventure in Peru, check out https://www.alpacaexpeditions.com/.
For more travel stories follow Tomeka on Instagram at @travelinstylewithtomeka.