I’ve been thinking lately about the things we sign up for when we don’t feel ready. The kind of commitments that make you question your judgment at least three times before departure.
That was me, standing on the edge of a 3-month solo backpacking trip through Latin America with Machu Picchu as the finish line. I couldn’t even breathe after one flight of stairs, and here I was, about to trek through the Andes Mountains.
Why a Tour Company Mattered
I’d quit my job to travel solo across Central and South America, and Peru was the final leg. I wanted something that would test me physically, mentally, and emotionally — but with limited hiking experience, I also needed people who knew what they were doing.
My original tour company has since closed, so let me tell you about Action Peru Treks instead. They’re a local company built around the Inca trail system, and everything about their approach felt grounded in place.
Their guides come mostly from the Sacsayhuaman community and carry a minimum of five years of experience. The company even helped build a roof for the local school there. Whether you want the classic 4-day Inca Trail or something shorter, they have options tailored to different fitness levels and schedules.
The Three Trails I’d Consider
Peru is home to one of the seven wonders of the world, so you’ve probably heard of the Inca Trail. After doing the trek myself across 4 days and 3 nights, I can say that reality far exceeded my expectations.
Here are three options Action Peru Treks offers:
- Ancascocha Trek: a 5-day, 4-night tour for those who want a lesser-known but challenging route.
- Short Inca Trail: all the Machu Picchu highlights compressed into a 2-day, 1-night adventure.
- Classic Inca Trail: the original 4-day, 3-night pilgrimage through history and landscape. The one that takes your breath away — literally, at altitude.
I’ll be going back to try another trail someday. But first, let me walk you through how my own trek unfolded.
An Exciting Yet Anxious Start
Excitement and anxiety mixed together as I prepared for the 16-mile trek. I’d promised myself I’d train ahead of time. That never happened.
The night before, I stuffed my pack with liters of water and layered clothing while running through mental pep talks. Did I bring the right things? Could I keep up with the group? Why on earth did I sign up for this?
I was just relieved I wasn’t doing it alone.
When pre-hike nerves hit, having a structured group tour made all the difference. Action Peru Treks lays everything out clearly on their website: detailed descriptions of each trek, what’s included, packing guidance, and reviews from people who’ve already walked those paths. Before booking, you can check the daily itinerary, hiking altitude, average distance, and duration.
On the ground, you get a personal porter, a group porter, and a professional cook keeping meals coming. Those hot dinners after a long day on trail — trust me, they hit different.
Doubts Turned to Determination
Hiking up to 4,450 meters was daunting. Within 15 minutes at altitude, I questioned my sanity. The air was thin, my muscles were tight, and I wasn’t sure I could last three days without a mule.
The porters kept reassuring me. I took frequent breaks. I wasn’t leading the pack, but nobody left me behind.
By day two, I was actually dancing on the trail. Despite wanting to quit multiple times, I felt stronger in ways I couldn’t have predicted — both physically and mentally. I would have been lost without that team. The porters speak Spanish, English, and often Quechua, and they look out for you the entire way.
Natural Wonders Along the Way
As we moved through the Sacred Valley, I found myself marveling at cascading waterfalls, sunrises over mountain ridges, and the easy connections that form between strangers on a trail.
For three days I was free from my phone and most of my belongings. That’s rare these days. I noticed things I usually rush past: foliage underfoot, cool air on my face, snow-capped peaks in the distance, the constant sound of water, villagers going about their morning routines.
An experienced operator handles meals, navigation, gear, and transport so you can focus on actually being there — hiking included.
What the Trek Taught Me
Reaching Machu Picchu was no small feat. Three days of demanding terrain and a full range of emotions. But it was worth every step.
The journey itself proved just as transformative as arriving at the destination. I found a reserve of strength I didn’t know I had. The trek reminded me that we’re capable of more than we give ourselves credit for — especially when there’s good support around us.
This was hands down the highlight of my solo trip through Latin America. It pushed me past the limits I’d set for myself and left me with a deeper connection to nature, to the people walking beside me, and to my own patience.
My One Regret
I missed Action Peru Treks’ cultural immersion program. It lets you stay at your guide’s home the night before the trek — eat a traditional Andean meal, sleep in their house, and learn about the agricultural way of life that most tourists never see.
Next time, I’m doing that.
Tips for Your Own Trek
- Book early. Especially during peak season. You can book directly through Action Peru Treks’ website.
- Train beforehand and arrive a few days early to acclimate. The altitude is real, and being in decent shape helps. Check the daily difficulty levels on their site so you know what to prepare for.
- Pack for unpredictable weather. The Andes Mountains can shift from sun to rain quickly. Their website has a packing list that covers it well.
If you’re thinking about trekking Machu Picchu, I’d say go for it — and choose an operator who knows the terrain as well as they know themselves. The right company won’t just guide you; they’ll make sure you actually enjoy the journey instead of surviving it.
Maybe that’s the real gift of these kinds of trips: they don’t just show you new places. They remind you what you’re capable of when you stop waiting to feel ready.
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