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A trip to vibrant Cusco and the four-day journey along the Inca Trail is the ideal way to get in touch with Peru's ancient cultural heritage - and a guided tour is useful if you are looking to make sure you see the best of what the country has to offer. If you have always wanted to discover ancient cultures and trek through the mountains, an Inca Trail tour could be the perfect way to spend a break. Peru's natural beauty, stunning peaks, lush agricultural valleys and fascinating Inca heritage make the country the ideal place for exploring - and there's no better way to see Peru up close than by trekking on foot. The former imperial city of Cusco is where your journey begins and you'll find it is packed with unique historic and archaeological treasures. You'll want to spend some time exploring here - you will see ancient Inca stones provide the foundations of many of the colonial-era buildings found in the city. You may also wish to take the opportunity to visit Sacsayhuaman, a former Inca fortress and a marvellous display of the construction ability of these ancient people - one of the outer stones at the fortress is thought to weigh more than 120 tonnes. Once you've had your fill of Cusco, your group will travel to the magnificent Sacred Valley, where you'll be able to choose from a range of leisure activities as you adjust to the altitude. Whether you opt for a gentle walk, a relaxing horseback ride or an adrenaline-pumping rafting trip on the Urubamba River, you're sure to find an activity to suit your interests. History buffs can even pay a visit to the traditional salt pans located in the valley. As you begin your iconic journey, you'll pass through Ollantaytambo, a traditional Inca village and one of only four remaining examples of an ancient Inca settlement laid out on a grid plan. Here, you'll be able to walk among the ruins of the legendary Ollantay fortress - the only Inca stronghold to have offered considerable resistance to repeated Spanish attacks. In Chilca, you'll meet your tour leader and the rest of the team you'll be trekking the Inca Trail with. All you'll need to carry is your day pack - the experienced porters will ensure that all other supplies and camping gear is taken care of as you travel towards the lost city of Machu Picchu. You'll spend your first night camping at Llactapata, which has an elevation of 2,850m and you'll be treated to a bracing hot drink in the morning to help you adjust to the higher altitude. Your journey continues along the Cusichaca River before ascending to Wayllabamba - the last settlement you'll encounter on the Inca Trail before you arrive at Machu Picchu. You'll have the opportunity to take a brief rest here and sample the delicious maize beer - a local delicacy that could give you the strength you need to continue your ascent to Llulluchupampa. The next day of walking will begin at an altitude of 3,680m and you are likely to find this to be the most challenging part of your Inca Trail trek. You'll travel through the highest point on the trail - known as Dead Woman's Pass - today. Although the terrain can be difficult, you'll find the journey is worthwhile for the panoramic views of the beautiful valley below - you'll want to ensure you have your camera ready. After Runkuray Pass, you'll begin your descent from the trail's peak and your group will begin to see increasing evidence of Inca life as you continue your walk. Long stretches of traditional Inca paving could provide welcome relief for your tired legs and you're sure to be fascinated by the ruins of Sayacmarca and Phuyupatamarca. Finally, your days of trekking will be rewarded as you pass through one of the most scenic sections of the trail. As you finish your descent from an estimated 2,000 ancient steps, you'll arrive at Inti Punku - also known as the Sun Gate. This offers your group the first look at the sweeping vista of Machu Picchu below. Fortunately, you'll have plenty of time to explore this fascinating lost city, which has long been considered to be one of the most significant archaeological sites ever found. This astonishingly well-preserved site was not discovered until 1911 and you'll find it offers an eye-opening look at one of the world's most mysterious cultures. Your group will spend the night enjoying hot showers and a hearty meal at the nearby village Aguas Calientes before you return to Machu Picchu early the next morning to watch the sunrise and explore the fascinating city on foot before the trains and buses of tourists from Cusco arrive. Whether you choose to remain in the ancient city and climb its numerous stairways and steps or ascend the summit at Wayna Picchu for an overhead perspective of this ancient Inca settlement, you're sure to leave Machu Picchu feeling as though you have stepped back in time. Your group will then travel by train back to Cusco - a 40-minute journey - where you'll have the opportunity to enjoy a final night in Peru. You may wish to spend your time exploring the city at a leisurely pace or picking up a few last-minute souvenirs from the local vendors before it is time for you to check out and make your departure. You're sure to have a brilliant time making your way down the Inca Trail in Peru - creating memories to last a lifetime. Start planning your adventure in South America today! Welcome to Travelling2peru.com (Leaders in Peruvian tourism, Machu Picchu and Cusco Tours) International posts, dedicated to all travellers who wish to travel around the world. 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