Last updated on February 8th, 2025
As an adventure enthusiast with a deep fascination for ancient civilizations and breathtaking landscapes, hiking the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu had always been on my bucket list. When I finally decided to turn this dream into a reality, I chose Alpaca Expeditions as my tour company, and their 4-day, 3-night group service option was the perfect fit for me. The experience was nothing short of extraordinary, and I’m thrilled to share my Alpaca Expeditions Review below.
Click HERE to get a special rate with Alpaca Adventures!
The Journey Begins
From the moment I met our our guides, Saul and Soledad, at the briefing before the trek started, I knew I was in for a memorable experience. We started our adventure with a 4am pickup at our accommodation in Cusco on a crisp morning. From there we made our way by bus to the trailhead, but not before enjoying breakfast first.
Day 1: A Gentle Inka Trail Introduction with Alpaca Expeditions
The first day of the trek started at the kilometer 82 checkpoint and was long but not overly challenging. For most people I would highly recommend coming to spend at least three days (if not more) in Cusco to get acclimated to the altitude before beginning this trek. During the day we hiked through picturesque Andean villages and along terraced fields, crossing crystal-clear streams and saw ancient ruins. Overall, the day included 6-7 hours of trekking comprised of 14km. It wasn’t until the last hour of the day where things got a bit more difficult as we made our way up the mountain towards our first camp.
Our campsite at Ayapata was comfortable, and the meals prepared by our dedicated porters and chefs were delicious and nourishing. It was here where we got to meet each staff member individually during a welcome ceremony which included head chef Alessandro and head porter Juan. It was nice to hear that Alpaca Expeditions is a truly locally owned company and cares a lot about their staff.
It’s truly important to note that the porters are really the backbone of this company, carrying all of the supplies in between stops on the trip. We saw them speeding past us daily with packs averaging 15-20kgs.
Day 2: The Challenge of Dead Woman’s Pass
Day two brought us face-to-face with the most challenging part of the trek – the ascent to Dead Woman’s Pass. We were first awoken by the friendly porters who delivered our morning beverages of choice (I chose coffee but most went with coca tea which helps with altitude sickness.) We packed up our belongings and then headed to the breakfast tent.
The steep, winding trail tested our physical endurance, but the sense of accomplishment upon reaching the summit was completely worth it. We cheered each other on and celebrated before descending to our second campsite at Chaquicocha.
Day 3: Ruins and Scenic Beauty
Day three was a treasure trove of archaeological wonders and stunning landscapes. We explored ancient ruins like Runkurakay and Phuyupatamarca, each offering a glimpse into the ingenuity of the Inca civilization. The flora and fauna we encountered along the way added to the magical atmosphere. Saul and Soledad did a great job at every turn, explaining to us everything they could about the lands, culture, nature, and ancient history.
Our campsite at Winay Wayna was an excellent spot to reflect upon our journey. We marveled at the terraced ruins of Winay Wayna and witnessed a breathtaking sunset over the Andes Mountains. I was able to visit during the late evening with just a smaller part of the group. There was a time when I was alone and exploring the ruins in total peace. I think this might have been my favorite part of the trip as the evening light and feeling was just pristine.
We now knew our ultimate destination was within reach for the following EARLY morning.
Day 4: Machu Picchu – The Grand Finale
The pinnacle of our journey arrived on day four as we awoke at 3am, before dawn, and hiked to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku). There, we were treated to a sunrise over Machu Picchu Mountain.
Our guided tour of Machu Picchu was enlightening and inspiring. Saul’s deep knowledge and passion for Inca history enriched our experience as we explored the citadel’s remarkable structures, temples, and terraces. The views of Machu Picchu from various vantage points was nothing short of awe-inspiring. Not to mention, we got to visit a super cute family of Chinchillas who lived inside the structure.
Food Summary: An Unexpected Culinary Masterpiece
During my 4-day Classic Inca Trail Trek with Alpaca Expeditions, the food was an unexpected highlight of the journey. The skilled chef and team of porters consistently amazed us with their culinary talents, turning our trek into a delightful gastronomic experience. Each meal was delicious and also beautiful, offering a mix of flavors which catered to everyone’s tastes. It was extra exciting because there were multiple times I got to try dishes that I had never tasted before.
Two of my new friends were actually celebrating their honeymoon and chef Alessandro made them a special cake to celebrate! We all were dumbfounded how the chef baked a cake without an oven.
Accommodation
The accommodations exceeded my expectations, especially considering we were embarking on a remote hiking adventure in the Andes Mountains. The quality of the campsites and the services provided truly added to the overall experience. We stayed in comfortable and spacious tents equipped with cozy sleeping bags, mats, and air mattresses (which were rentable.)
Even with limited time for sleeping during some nights, we felt restful. The tents were set up for us by the hardworking porters, saving us the hassle of assembly and allowing us to relax after a day of hiking.
Pro Tip: We rented air mattresses from Alpaca Expeditions but personally I realized that I preferred only the sleeping pad. This is most likely due to the fact that I sleep on my back. That being said, if you’re a side-sleeper, it would probably be best to rent the air mattress as well.
Click HERE to get a special rate with Alpaca Adventures!
A feature that impressed me was the cleanliness and organization of the camp facilities. The portable toilets were well-maintained, and there was access to clean water for washing up. The dining tents were welcoming and provided a communal space for our group to gather and enjoy meals prepared by our skilled chefs. Alpaca Expedition’s commitment to responsible tourism was evident in the care they took in minimizing the environmental impact.
Conclusion: An Unforgettable Machu Picchu Adventure
My Classic Inca Trail Trek with Alpaca Expeditions was more than just a trek; it was a transformative journey filled with camaraderie, history, and beauty. Alpaca Expeditions not only provided us with an unforgettable adventure but also emphasized sustainable and responsible tourism practices.
I’d also like to mention the genuine warmth of all of the staff members that I encountered. Even though they host many customers, they didn’t treat us like numbers. Over our days together, it was very easy to bond with the staff and hikers. It was like a family and Alpaca Expeditions helped to facilitate this with a fun and relaxed atmosphere.
If you’re considering hiking the Inca Trail and experiencing the wonder of Machu Picchu, I wholeheartedly recommend Alpaca Expeditions tour company. This trek challenged me physically and mentally, but also rewarded me with memories and experiences that will last a lifetime. Standing amidst the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the opportunity to enjoy this remarkable adventure with Alpaca Expeditions. In summary, life is amazing and I hope you enjoyed my Alpaca Expeditions review! Book your experience now by clicking below.
The Nitty Gritty
Taste - 9.3
Value - 9.5
Feng Shui - 9.2
Convenience - 9.5
Service - 9.5
9.4
Bucket list trek!
Tour Company
Cusco, Peru
Phone: +51 84 254278
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