Travel
- Broad Cove Mountain Trail
This 2.3 km (1.4 mile) trail goes through the forest up the side of the mountain, with a nice lookoff at the top. Fairly steep in sections, but some stairs are built into the trail. A nice view at the top, we give this trail a 6.5 out of 10. Click here...
- Jack Pine Trail
This 2.3 km (1.4 mile) trail loops through one of the few jack pine forests in the park. There are some interpretive signs along the trail. Again, not a bad trail, but nothing special. A couple of view points make it interesting. However, we give this...
- Skyline Trail
Skyline Trail in Cape Breton Highlands National Park is the most popular trail in the park. But it's not because it's a great hiking trail. I give this trail a 6.0 out of 10, and even then it's only because of the view at the end. Click here...
- Ama Africa Experiences
A Holiday You Will Truly Experience Ama Africa Experiences was founded by social entrepreneurs who are passionate about helping local communities and people in South Africa. We provide safe, responsible, high quality Inbound travel experiences...
- 10 Best Family Activity Holiday Destinations
Family activity holidays are the perfect way to get some fresh air, get a little time away and, perhaps most importantly, tire the kids out so much that you get long evenings to yourselves. Activity holidays can cover anything from a seaside escape in...
Travel
The Real Cost of Trekking the Inca Trail
The Inca Trail has always been at the very top of my favourite expeditions. Trekking through Peru’s Andes, admiring some of the world’s most beautiful and unspoilt scenery, combined with ancient ruins and the epic Machu Picchu, is every adventurers dream. However, be prepared for an emotionally and physically draining experience which will leave you nursing more than just a hole in your back pocket!
The classic Inca trail begins at Kilometre 82 of the Cusco–Machu Picchu rail track, allowing you to pass over the Abra Warmihuañusca, or “Dead Woman's Pass”, and visit the ancient ruins of Phuyupatamarca and Wiñay Wayna. You eventually arrive at the Sun Gate above Machu Picchu early in the morning after three long days of trekking.
Warmihuañusca, the highest point of the trek, is 13,900ft above sea level. Such heights bring incredibly cold temperatures and low oxygen levels, although the reward is well worth it, one of the most amazing views I have ever seen.
The classic trek is the most popular and subsequently become over-crowded and busy; around 500 people embark on this route every day. We had to camp closely alongside other groups, making lots of new friends and sharing experiences. Be warned though, the evenings are absolutely freezing – I wore three pairs of socks - on my hands - and my fingers were still cold!
The impact of such large tourism of the Inca trail brings benefits of money to the local economy and can help to improve education in local communities. However, money is not always distributed to those most in need, putting pressure on local resources and creating some difficulties.
In this respect I would recommend that you try an Inca Trail community trek, which gives you the opportunity to venture away from the overcrowded classic trails and into relatively unchartered territory, camping with local families and communities.
I camped in several beautiful villages, met local families and got involved with community work, harvesting a family’s crops and helping at local schools. A percentage of money generated from the treks goes back to the communities, paying for doctors and dentists or sponsoring new teachers. This was a really rewarding experience – remember to ask for ‘cuy’, roasted Guinea pig, an interesting local delicacy!
Our guide through Peru organised mules and horses from local villagers to help carry our equipment; this brought a real sense of authenticity to our trip; they can also offer you a ride in the event that you become exhausted, which at this high altitude is quite likely.
Both the classic and community trek will end with the reward of Machu Picchu – the famous ancient ruins which cling to a steep mountainside.
The classic trail gives you the opportunity to climb a final set of stairs towards Sun Gate, one of my most memorable parts of the Inca Trail. After such a long journey, my legs were ready to collapse from beneath me. As we approached the zenith, I was so overwhelmed by my own sense of achievement that I wasn’t ready for the humbling experience that followed. Sun Gate offers a truly breath-taking view of Machu Picchu; you really have to see it to believe it.
- Broad Cove Mountain Trail
This 2.3 km (1.4 mile) trail goes through the forest up the side of the mountain, with a nice lookoff at the top. Fairly steep in sections, but some stairs are built into the trail. A nice view at the top, we give this trail a 6.5 out of 10. Click here...
- Jack Pine Trail
This 2.3 km (1.4 mile) trail loops through one of the few jack pine forests in the park. There are some interpretive signs along the trail. Again, not a bad trail, but nothing special. A couple of view points make it interesting. However, we give this...
- Skyline Trail
Skyline Trail in Cape Breton Highlands National Park is the most popular trail in the park. But it's not because it's a great hiking trail. I give this trail a 6.0 out of 10, and even then it's only because of the view at the end. Click here...
- Ama Africa Experiences
A Holiday You Will Truly Experience Ama Africa Experiences was founded by social entrepreneurs who are passionate about helping local communities and people in South Africa. We provide safe, responsible, high quality Inbound travel experiences...
- 10 Best Family Activity Holiday Destinations
Family activity holidays are the perfect way to get some fresh air, get a little time away and, perhaps most importantly, tire the kids out so much that you get long evenings to yourselves. Activity holidays can cover anything from a seaside escape in...