25 Apr 2023
2-day Inca Trail hike is probably one of the best ways to visit MP since it includes passing through the sun gate. We had a fabulous experience overall with Happy Gringo Tours and our guide, Mauro, who turned out to be beyond excellent. To start with, Juan, who my husband and I communicated with from Toronto was always responsive and was very helpful not just with organizing the hike itself but also providing us details to plan our broader trip to Cusco. Mauro, our guide, met with us at 104 km check-point when we got off the train and spent ALOT of time with us very patiently throughout the hike. It had started to rain halfway through on the first day, with clouds FULLY covering the view by the time we got to the sun gate. Mauro waited with us patiently until the clouds cleared which added another two plus hours to an already long day. He also helped me through the very slippery rocks offering his hiking stick as I was struggling. He really made a difficult day so much better! Pick-up from hotel was on time, and lunch and dinner provided were all of excellent quality. Hike itself was definitely more difficult than I expected - long hours of uphill climb and a lot of monkey stairs. However, it was definitely worth the effort given the view throughout and specially towards the end. Good hiking shoes and walking sticks highly recommended! Remarkable and memorable experience overall!