From ruins to fungi on the Inca Trek

Ever wondered what it’s like to walk the Inca Trek? And whether all that effort is actually worth it? Our niece Ally wondered too, so she went out and did it. Four days through amazing scenery, up and down mountains, through Inca ruins, taking in incredible birdlife, fungi that looks like something from the bottom of the ocean, and amazing meals along the way.

This is an adventure you’ll want to start training for because after reading this, you’ll want to go too.

We love hearing about the travel experiences of our friends, family and readers of  AllAbroad.

We pick up so many tips and find out new places to travel by reading about other people’s experiences. We thought you might like to hear about their adventures too.

So in this section we turn the website over to you, our travel family.

Read on for travel tips from the people that help inspire our adventures.

Who are you and what do you do for a living?

My name is Ally Collier and I am an aspiring ecologist. I am currently looking for work after completing my diploma of conservation. Previously, I worked in health research.

Where is home?

Home is in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne, Victoria, out in the Yarra Valley.

Where have you been? When did you go?

I went to Peru, South America, in August 2025. There, my fellow travellers and I tackled the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu for four days. 

Who did you travel with?

My lovely family including my brother, mother, two pairs of aunties and uncles and a family friend.

What were the highlights of your trip?

I am fascinated by flora and fauna. Our trek to Machu Picchu was just as, if not more enjoyable, than the end goal because we got to see so many beautiful flowers, trees, and bird species in the area! 

Our guide is also a birder and wildlife photographer and he was very informative and knew all of the species. It was so interesting! 

Put it this way, no matter where you’re looking, at the ground beside you, at the view over the mountains, in front of you, or behind you, it will be beautiful. From the gorgeous ruins and mountain range down to the moss and fungi growing on the rocks. The food was also a massive highlight. Kudos to the chef!

What did you least like about your trip?

I least enjoyed the effects of high altitude on the trip. During the Inca trek, I and others experienced a lot of tingling in our fingers and toes and a bit of shortness of breath. 

However, our guide was very accommodating and allowed us to take breaks when we needed. These things are minor inconveniences in the grand scheme of the trip, and well worth going through to witness the beauty of Machu Picchu and the sites along the way.

Do you have any funny stories from your travels?

In one of the campgrounds, after we had all gone to bed, one of my aunties said there was something bright flying around in their tent. My uncle said it was a firefly. Then my other aunty, who was in the tent next door calls out, ‘Dave, I want a firefly too, can you get one for our tent? For our anniversary?’

‘I’ll get you one Elyse,’ my uncle replied. ‘Happy anniversary.’

It was their wedding anniversary while we were on the trip. And we were all in our tents laughing at them.

What were the locals like?

The locals are so welcoming and friendly and were very excited to share their culture with us. We had such lovely interactions with them. Our porters would cheer us whenever we arrived at camp, it was very encouraging. And they taught us some words in their local language, Quechuan. There are a couple of markets at the start of the trek as well with locals selling handmade crafts, some lovely things that I’m sure will catch your eye!

What was the food like?

The food was incredible. Three meals a day, each with two to three courses. Lots of soups, potato, rice and meat. Very tasty and something for everyone. The chef and the porters who carry and prepare the food are so incredible.  Coincidently, I had my birthday during the trek, and the porters made a beautiful cake for me which is just beyond amazing, and it tasted so good! 

Did you learn anything about yourself or the world on this trip?

I learnt so much about the Incas and their history. We were told about their religion, communication systems, how they built Machu Picchu and other structures along the Inca Trail, why they placed certain structures where they did, etc. 

I learnt so many wonderful things however, I did also learn that the locals no longer feel sanctuary in Machu Picchu as a place of practicing their religion, due to it being a tourist hotspot and very policed in terms of when people can go and how long for. 

Tourism funds the country and keeps people in a job on the one hand, but on the other something very special was taken away from the locals. 

Would you recommend others travel here? Why/Why not

I would 100% recommend this to people who enjoy hiking, camping, history, culture, flora and fauna, and/or photography. It is all these things rolled up in one package.

Do you have any tips for people thinking of travelling here?

It is hard to be fully prepared for an experience like this without having been through something similar. However, preparing your body beforehand is essential to having a good experience. 

Namely, exercising the months leading up to the trip, consulting your doctor regarding altitude sickness medication and acclimatising in Cusco city prior to embarking on the trek. 

And keep a few coins for toilets along the way. 

I would also recommend you stop and take in your surroundings when on the trail. Many people just want to get to the destination as fast as they can. While there is nothing wrong with that, there is also so much to see along the way.  If you want to stop and look, you must. 

Other than that, being respectful of the culture and practices while you are there especially at Machu Picchu, and being considerate of others. Also, tip your porters generously (if you can)!

Been somewhere interesting lately? Drop us a line, we’d love to share your tips.

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