Ayapata Campsite

This special blog is finally here, where we've gathered some of your favorite memories. We've received hundreds (if not thousands) of your photos, and believe me, it's been quite challenging to decide which ones to share with you in this post. In this blog, you'll find the best of the best, a mix of the finest views captured by our hikers, their favorite spots to rest (and enjoy a well-deserved cold beer), the obstacles they've overcome on the journey, the shelters where they've slept comfortably at night, how the route looks in different seasons, and much more. If you've sent us your photos but they didn't make it to this blog, don't worry! There will be many more opportunities, so stay tuned and wait for the next edition. I warn you, if you keep reading this, you'll have an irresistible urge to pack your backpack and embark on the adventure. That's coming from me, writing this from the offices of Bookatrekking.com (and even though it's very nice here), what I wouldn't give for a getaway to the Balkans or an adventure in the Chilean Patagonia or an expedition in Nepal or an ascent to the roof of Africa... Well, well, I'll stop now! So, stay with me if you want to feel a little envy, it'll be worth it!

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is not just another hiking trail; it is a journey right through the heart of Inca history as well as through some of the most beautiful landscapes the Peruvian Andes have to offer. Imagine: as you make your way along ancient paths where the Incas themselves once left their footprints, you'll climb high mountain passes, dive into mysterious cloud forests, and discover hidden archaeological sites. Each of these places tells its own story and provides a new perspective on the life and culture of the Incas. And then, after all that effort, that unforgettable moment at the Sun Gate - your first glimpse of Machu Picchu. Magical! At Bookatrekking.com, we do everything we can to make your Inca Trail experience a real dream trip. Permits, tips for getting used to the altitude, and all the handy facts for a smooth adventure. All you have to do is hike and enjoy. And trust us, the satisfaction - and the cold beer at the end - taste even better than you think. Sound like your next adventure? Vamos!

If you are looking to go trekking in Peru or if you want to tackle the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu you are bound to end up in Cusco, the Peruvian center of trekking. From Cusco, you don’t only have access to doing the Classic Inca Trail, the Short Inca Trail, but also classics like the greater Salkantay Trek, the Lares Trek, and even Rainbow Mountain is around the corner. Cool, so Cusco is the trekking Mecca of Peru, but how do you get there? We get this question a lot and we want to help you on your way to find your next bucket list experience in Peru. ¡Vamos! On the Plaza de Armas in Cusco, you can see a big rainbow flag welcoming visitors. No, this flag is not there to make a stand for LGBTQ rights. It is, in fact, that flag of the city of Cusco. The flag has been in use since the late 70s and Cusqueños, the inhabitants of Cusco, are very proud of it. Indigenous populations make up about 40% of the Peruvian population and although they have had and are having a hard time in Peru, this flag constantly reminds the city and its inhabitants that solidarity and identity will prevail. There is, however, more to it. It is said that the same or a similar flag has been used by the Inca empire and although historians have disputed this, it is a widely respected symbol of Cusco and the Andean Region.