We recently dug up our photos from the Inca Trail and it brought back a lot of memories. It was our first multi-day hike and definitely tested our relationship early on. Regardless, it was well worth it!
If you plan on hiking the Inca Trail, be sure to check out our packing guide and 4-day overview.
DAY 1 OF THE INCA TRAIL: CUSCO – WAYLLABAMBA
Distance: 7.45 miles / 12km
Estimated Time: 5-6 hours
Maximum Altitude: 9,850 feet / 3,000m
What You See: Llaqtapata Ruins, Unnamed Ruins
Day one started early! After a quick stop for breakfast, we got checked in and hit the trail. It was the easiest of the 4 days and was a nice “warm up”.
We heard lots of stories of this flower that’s a hallucinogen. One of the side effects include going blind and many don’t try it a second time. In case you were curious, I looked it up and it’s jimsonweed!
Views of the snow-capped peak of Veronica (5860 m)
An elevation chart of our four-day hike to Machu Picchu. Can you tell the second day is going to be a *****?!
It was a struggle for us, but the porters were carrying over double the weight we carried and were sprinting up and down the mountains. These guys were our heroes! I’m not sure how Matthew stayed so joyful while carrying a 50+ lb pack, but he was definitely an inspiration to us all.
The people who didn’t make it to Machu Picchu (at least that’s what they told us!).
Our lunch spot! Llactapata:
Our guided tour with Info Cusco had the best food. The most gourmet camp food we’ve ever had! I can’t believe they hauled all that stuff up and down the mountains.
We passed by random unnamed ruins, but this was our first ruins in clear view – Llactapata Ruins.
If you think travel always changes you for the better and is the answer to all your problems, here is my newest favorite travel quote. “If an ass goes traveling, he does not come home a horse.” – Thomas Fuller haha
The third ruins we saw:
Day 1 and I’m already exhausted. Can you tell?
Setting up for our first night of sleep in Wayllabamba. Put on all your layers, it’s gon get cold!
Will we survive another day? We shall see!
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ESTHER + JACOB
Esther and Jacob are the founders of Eearth Travel, which is one of the top 50 travel blogs in the world. They believe that adventure can be found both near and far and hope to inspire others to explore locally. They move to a new city every year and currently live in Portland, Oregon.
