Luxury Travel to Peru, Trekking the Inca Trail

Dinner-time conversations in several houses change to vacations: where we could go for our excursion of a very long time? My residence is no exception - but I understood that there was just one area I needed to celebrate my 50th birthday. I wanted to walk the Inca Trail in Peru.

For years I have been in shock of the hills, but never experienced the need to scale them. That changed once i noticed the Peruvian Andes. They fascinated me, and I knew I needed to trek the Inca path. Yet, I also understood I didn't need to camp. So I was delighted when Hill Hostels of Peru built four lodges over the Salkantay path towards Machu Picchu, permitting adventurers to stay in-style. Also, it is less active: the traditional Inca path sees up to 500 hikers each day; in high season the Salkantay route requires 150-200, in low season merely 80. Selection produced.

After acclimatising to Peru's levels in Lima, Arequipa and Puno, my family and I tripped on the Andean Explorer train.

I used to be worried: it had been 10 years since I have last visited - Had it been ruined by over-development? So I was pleased to discover the charm of the area complete. The city has expanded, but ordinances ensure all structures are no higher than two storeys and that the roofs remain traditional terracotta. After two fantastic days exploring the town and the surrounding Sacred area, it was the moment of truth - period to begin walking.

Led by Manolo, who is leading here for 2-3 years, we set off on a mild climb. My husband as well as the kids went on forward, our seven pack horses plodded with our bags, and I organized a corner with Manolo, who stayed patiently by my side.

After two and a half hours we reached Salkantay Lodge, amazingly place at the foundation of 6,271m Salkantay. If by not camping I had been 'cheating', then I had been the happiest cheat near - warm, comfy beds, hot showers and even a Hot Tub were all exceptionally welcome, despite our brief walk. Better yet, we'd Mario taking care of us - the greatest cook in the mountains, according to Manolo - and he whipped up a delicious banquet at every quit.

The following day I was concerned - I had been advised it was the hardest evening, climbing to 4,600m. It was tough, but I adored it - I had been realising a vision. Decreasing from the highest move, I had been hit by the seclusion - one of the privileges to be the slowest. Nevertheless, from the time we reached Wayra Hotel I was happy of the warm welcome along with the new cup of coca tea.

Our third day was easy, so I was advised (an issue of opinion, if you ask me) - a four-hour journey to the next hotel. It had snowed heavily during the night and it was still raining when we set off. Because of the climate we had to be cautious and stick together, which frustrated the children, who were driven to wait because of their decrepit mom! They eventually rushed forward with Mario, while I limped behind. But it was not about speed. If needed to stop, to take in the beauty - and, yes, to capture my breath. To finally see Colpa Lodge come into view lifted my center. Mario had already started cooking and laid-out a banquet of delicious meats prepared belowground.

On our final six-hour expanse we passed from snow-clad mountains to jungle. Channels and falls gurgled along the trail, water circulating through the pebbles. After four hours we stopped for more connoisseur joy -shallow-fried bass and chicken, stuffed with spinach and bread and served with one of Peru's 5,000 varieties of spud.

After the final part the coach and train introduced us to Aguas Calientes and the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Hotel - another really unique place to stay, and perfectly placed. With our enthusiastic information, Jorge, we investigated the ruins, understanding the meaning of almost every stone. It was actually incredible, exceeding all our expectations. As I gazed out on the ruins and surrounding mountains, I can think only one point - it was the greatest birthday present I could visualize.

Salkantay Or The Inca Trail?

We trek for distinct motives. To my knowledge, the bounded land of Nepal, whose land won't ever be lapped by the wild ocean waves, can meet 5 distinct hiking purposes of the thirsty adventurers.

1. Exotic Mountain Landscape

Where there are mountains, there are trails. With so many massive summits, and around fifty other distinguished mountains, it is no wonder Nepal is frequently regarded as the trekking capital of the world.

Needless to say, the trekking trails aforementioned don't entail scaling to the peak of those high mountains; even so, you'll find yourself at breathtaking elevations of around 5000m (so close to the heavens, huh?). Talking of high elevation hikes, there are even some small peaks in Nepal, like Gokyo Ri and Kala Patthar (offering spectacular view of Everest), the peak of which can be, and has been, touched by hikers (no demand for mountain climbing training).

2. Desert-like Landscape

Tired of the typical things, all of US wish for something different. So, in that sense, the green landscapes dominant in the majority of trekking zones of Nepal, yet lovely and natural, can become an eyesore to a regular hiker. Thus, Nepal encourages these true hikers, asking for something different, to venture beyond its white Himalayas, and attempt the Upper Mustang trail.

An ordinary Nepali is constantly shocked by this type of desert-like dry landscape possessed by a state so green. But, obviously, Mustang's close proximity to the Tibetan plateau makes its mark, not only in the topography state but also in the lifestyle of the folks there. Someplace along those barren hills of Mustang, there lies the historical city, Lo Manthang - one of the leading attractions of this windswept trail, alongside the sacred pilgrimage point, Muktinath.

3. Understand the Nepali

Hiking isn't all about exploring the wilds. It is also about finding the diverse kinds of human life and culture. Happily, Nepal offers the culturally-interested hikers an opportunity to remain as a guest in a local's house, in one of those wonderful hamlets tucked atop the hills. While the houses may not look modern enough, worry not about the lodging. It is great, although not as level to the 5 star resorts which you're used to but the cordiality of the Nepalese are constantly of "5 star" quality or so they say. Actually, they even have a conventional belief rooted inside their system that "The guest is God" or "Atithi Devo Bhavah" as the Sanskrit poetry goes.

4. Trek to the Lakes

While many of the amazing sights of the world, be it the twinkling stars or the proud snow summits, are silhouetted against the sky, you can still find jewels on the earth. Among these jewels are the emotional lakes spawned by the perspiration of the Himalayas. Simply picture a glacial lake, cool and quiet; afterward picture a lovely snow summit looming gracefully behind these lakes, and voila, it is a double "breathtaking" scenario.

5. Hiking To See the Dawn or Sunset

In Nepal, one such popular hike, strove particularly for dawn or sundown, would be the Poonhill Trekking - although, it is needless to say that each Himalayan trails are wonderful in regards to seeing the sun modeling gracefully behind the burning mountain peaks.

Interested and avid hikers are free to take a look at any trekking zones of Nepal which complement their desirable hiking dream, like

With the trek peaking at 4800 m, the hike is a particularly difficult encounter. Thus, it's important that you just spend two to three days in Cusco to acclimate before trying it. As with other treks to Machu Picchu, you'll take the train back to Cusco when you're done with your tour. You could stay at Aguas Calientes for an additional night but talk to your tour operator in advance to keep them in the loop.Salkantay Trek

Lares Trek

In this situation, nevertheless, you won't trek into Machu Picchu or into Aguas Calientes. This is not a direct path to your destination but you do get the chance to be up close and personal with some of the most famous sites in the state and this area.

This unique trail is a cultural trek as it passes through several little Andean communities. The folks that dwell there are dwelling much the way the folks in this region have done for a century or more. When you are seeing them, additionally, you will get an opportunity to learn about their traditional weaving techniques. This is a less difficult trek than Salkantay, both because there are fewer days walking as well as for the fact you will not scale quite as high.