The Inca Trail: What They DON’T Tell You Before Hiking to Machu Picchu (Video)

July 15, 2025

Machu Picchu: the ruins of this famous citadel, once hidden in the forest, can be found by hiking the classic Inca Trail through the Andes Mountains in Peru. When I decided to hike the Inca Trail, I knew it wouldn’t be easy. But that was kind of the point.

Eleven years ago, I fractured my spine while snowboarding in France. After two spinal surgeries, I’m lucky to be able to walk and hike, but I can’t carry a large backpack anymore. Relying on the help of porters is the only way I could dream of completing an adventure like the Inca Trail.

To prepare for the 45-kilometre trek, I trained by hiking trails around Vancouver and climbing stairs in her high-rise apartment building on English Bay. We arrived in Cusco days early to acclimatize during Inti Raymi, Peru’s Winter Solstice.

Little did I know I was embarking on one of the most challenging adventures of my life.

NOTE: The article about this adventure appeared in the Spring 2025 issue of Explore Magazine.

To read the article, you can buy a one-time, single-issue or subscribe now and never miss out!

Thank you to Alpaca Expeditions, PROMPERU, Fever Pitch, MEC and Explore Magazine for supporting this epic hiking adventure.

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Alison Karlene Hodgins

Alison Karlene Hodgins is the Editor of Explore Magazine. She's been sharing her love of adventure and writing for Explore since 2016. As a freelance writer, she has been published by The Globe and Mail, CBC, Paddling Magazine, HI Hostels, Business Insider, Fodor's and The Huffington Post. She has a Writing and Publishing Diploma, a Bachelor of Journalism and a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Nonfiction. You can find her on the top of a mountain, reading travel literature on the beach or sipping a coffee in a quirky cafe, especially if there's a band with a banjo playing. She is passionate about ethical tourism, outdoor adventure and learning to appreciate your own backyard. Follow her adventures on Instagram: @alisonkarlenehodgins