Små Grupp: 4-Day Inca Trail Trek till Machu Picchu

Far too much to share, but, in brief, I selected Ikanyi based on positive reviews and reputation for small groups. I booked for me and companion. Our guide, Julio Cesar (JC), and the team (including our cook, Ivan) were phenomenol. So kind, pleasant, attentive, accommodating, and capable. All logistics were well attended to and exuted without hiccup or delay. Great communications, and I appreciated that with just ourselves, we didn't have long delays and could set our own pace. My companion had some personal complications that Julio navigated without an indication of stress (and I expect it was more than stressful). I learned so much from Julio along the way, and believe I had the most authentic experience possible with Julio as my guide and as part of a small group. Loved it and am so thankful to Julio and the Ikanyi team for delivering so superbly on this long planned and awaited trip. Thank you!

Our guide Jonathan led us through the hikes showing us spots to swim and things to look out for. Great experience and atmosphere. Groups were very small. English of Jonathan was also really good.

The trail itself is fantastic because of the mountains, the beautiful views, nature and the historical remains from the Inca era. But the team at Inkayni made it an experience we will never forget. Our guide Juan was a real guide who took us through the challenges that the trail has and had an eye for the differences in pace and thus made it a challenge for everyone. In addition, he knew a lot about the Inca history, which made it not only a hiking adventure, but also a cultural experience. And he had a lot of humor, so he laughed with him. The team made sure that our tents were ready at the campsites and we were (of course primitive) fully equipped. They worked very hard and worked long hours, but also had a lot of fun together. And nice to see how well Inkayni takes care of their people. The chef prepared delicious food every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Bizarre what he could cook on 2 burners in a makeshift kitchen. Many a restaurant can learn something from that.

Great trip with a super organization. Our guide Juan has told us a lot and made for a great trip where they told us all about the Inca empire and history, but also advice and an eye for safety and good and fun conversations during lunch and dinner. The food was delicious. Not to realize that the team can make such good food in such remote places. Compliments to the chef and team. And then the Porters; these strong men carry all the tents, food, etc. Respect for this, because they run the same hard anyway as us. Very good service! Booking in advance also went well. All questions were answered well and quickly in English via email.

Wasn't really sure what to expect - but the hike was made very manageable by our knowledgeable guide. Well paced, excellent service, and the food was some of the best we've eaten in Peru. Loved learning about Incan culture along the way.

After the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu (with Inkayni Peru Tours, Cusco)… About 71,000 steps up and down, a highest point of 4,280 meters, four days of hiking through every kind of weather—torrential rain, hail, cold, blazing sun—everything soaked, completely exhausted, yet happy to the core. And with a deeper understanding of the Inca people’s incredible history and extraordinary skills. But the most important thing for me, personally, was balance—and how nature’s cycles mirror the way we think and live, and how easy it is to forget that everything truly is a cycle that needs to work together. There is a “before” and an “after” the Inca Trail, and we’ve had experiences and met people we will never forget. Our wise guide, Papa Freddy, shared the Inca people’s history with such humility, always striving to be a better, more достойgn (worthy) person himself. And our wonderful, strong Chasquis (Team Sabina), born into this proud and honorable tradition—literally carrying the Inca people’s history on their backs. I get teary-eyed thinking about these incredible, hard-working Chasquis, and how important they are for Peru and its traditions. When we reached the Sun Gate and could look down on Machu Picchu—so close to the end of the journey—we realized that the hike itself was the destination. It became an unexpected pilgrimage after all. We wholeheartedly recommend Inkayni Peru Tours (Cusco), with Papa Freddy as a truly valuable and genuinely knowledgeable guide. You will have experiences, insights, and care that you will never forget. And then there was Chef Sabino, who somehow created the most wonderful dishes—Michelin-star worthy—unbelievable, and yet so comforting and exactly what we needed to make it through such a demanding trek.

We had an incredible time and we're taking so well care of on our trip to Machu Picchu. We had a small group, so we had a chance to make some lifelong friends, and the crew that took care of us was absolutely amazing. The food was incredible. The accommodations were rustic, but what would you expect? You're on the trail! Our guide Papa Freddy gave us so much. Great information about the history in the culture of the people that created this incredible landscape. He knew when to push he knew when to let us rest, but mostly he just made sure we were well taken care of the entire time. He also has become a friend for life. This is a local company with local people, so just go ahead and book your trip now.

Inkayni Peru Tours made our tour a joy. From the first booking and payment (great price) to the hike itself. ​Edwin, our guide was professional, friendly and looked after everyone on the tour. He was very proactive in helping us prepare and know what was coming up. It was a much tougher hike than I expected but I felt good knowing that he was there the whole way, even while he was juggling some participants that were experiencing altitude sickness. The food was incredible, three-course meals with more than we could ever eat - and we needed it. The chef and the porters, who carry the tents and other gear, were always friendly and sought to make sure we were looked after. They were superhuman, running the trek loaded up with packs every day. ​The trek was well split up, allowing as much time as possible to admire the literal 1000's of incredible views. ​I would recommend anyone take this tour as the small group offered was a far better option, as some of the other groups were large. And, the overall experience was better than I could have imagined, both because of Edwin and the team, and because the hike is just fantastic as an achievement, and for being blown away by the trek's beauty. ​A couple of quick assessments. These would not stop me from booking again with Inkayni, but as a complete novice, they would have helped me understand what to bring better. ​A little more direction around the size of the hiking pack needed; our packs were probably too big. Additionally, some extra info to help make decisions like: packs with hip straps can distribute weight between your shoulders and back. ​A packing list with explanations of what is needed for each item. Also, a list of items that aren't essential but are helpful so you can manage your weight. For instance: Having a light long-sleeve thermal was essential for both warmth, drying after being wet and covering up as the UV index is so high. I got away with having one, but ideally two would have been best for drying, sleeping and hiking. ​Also, a general packing weight guide would have been helpful. So, for instance, "6 kilos of gear, not counting the pack, is expected." ​All this said, none of that ended up actually affecting the trip much at all. Just some small things.

One of the best travel experiences ever! Best guide, Freddy and best chef, Herminios, and the rest of the local, professional Chasquis team were all so helpful and knowledgeable. Beautiful trek, wonderful food, lots of breaks to absorb the beauty, and learn more about this once in a lifetime destination and its rich history and culture.

Beautiful places 😍, in contact with nature, it was a good experience with the agency, the guides were very attentive and accompanied throughout the journey, explaining each place 💯