Inca Trail in Peru - It's Not a Race to the Finish There are hundreds of Inca 'trails' scattered across Peru, relics of the impressive network of roads connecting the Inca Empire. Then there's the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu - El Camino Inka in Spanish, the iconic four day trek to Machu Picchu. Of course the crowning glory of taking on the gruelling challenge of the Inca Trail in Peru is arriving at the lost city of the Incas, Machu Picchu. There's a great sense of accomplishment, finally arriving at the iconic complex just as the Incas did - on foot along the stone paths and steps they carved into the mountainside to access the site. But this is a journey that's not just about getting to the finish line. It's four days of discovery and exploration, with many surprises along the way. I recently completed the classic four-day trek, and here are my unexpected highlights of the Inca Trail in Peru.  1. The food: Gastronomy Trail to Machu Picchu You’re hiking for four days, away from civilisation, refrigeration, and electricity. And yet, your Inca Trail chef with the support of a team of porters, whips up the most incredible gourmet Peruvian food three times a day. So in addition to a journey on foot, it really is like an incredible Culinary Tour Peru. Using locally sourced ingredients, freshly pressed organic Peruvian coffee, and experienced chefs, the diversity and quality of what is served up on the Inca Trail is truly impressive. Menus will vary, but the highlights from my recent trip included freshly baked quinoa bread, yuca (cassava) fritters, warming Andean vegetable soup, llomo saltado - a kind of Peruvian-Asian fusion beef stir-fry, and an incredible iced celebration cake on our last night! 2. The flowers: Delicate Orchids on the Mountainside Along the Inca Trail,