TripAdvisorThe Inca Trail in Peru
Discover the Unforgettable Beauty of the Inca Trail – Join Inca Trail Treks for an Adventure Like No Other!
The Inca Trail in Peru is an unparalleled historical journey, leading trekkers to the world’s highest temples, known as The Inca Temple. This path winds through the breathtaking Vilcabamba Mountain range, wrapped in dense forests and adorned with wildflowers and ferns. The Inca Trail, an expansive network of trails constructed by the Incas, was an essential connection between their significant cities and sites. Spanning an impressive 45,000 kilometers, these cobbled stone paths extended across the entire continent. When the Spaniards first arrived in South America over 500 years ago, the Incas purposefully destroyed many of these trails to protect their valuable dwellings from discovery.
Today, the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, also known as the Qhapacñan of the Incas, is considered one of the top 5 treks in the world. Covering 26 miles or 45 kilometers of meticulously paved stone trail, this route rewards hikers with stunning mountain vistas, lush cloud-forests, flourishing subtropical jungles, and fascinating remnants of Inca civilization including paving stones, ruins, and tunnels. Despite three challenging high passes, one reaching an elevation of 4,200 meters above sea level, the ultimate reward of this extraordinary journey is the enigmatic “Lost City of the Incas”: Machu Picchu.
The Inca civilization, known for their highly advanced architectural and engineering skills, left a lasting legacy in the form of the Inca Trail. This ancient network of trails not only served as a transportation route but also held significant cultural value to the Incas. The meticulous construction of these trails has stood the test of time, and today it remains as one of the greatest feats of engineering in the world. As trekkers make their way along the Inca Trail, they can’t help but marvel at the intricate stone steps and structures that were built over 500 years ago.
One of the most striking features of the Inca Trail is its location amidst stunning natural landscapes. The trek takes hikers through varying terrains ranging from high mountain passes to lush cloud forests, providing them with a diverse and immersive experience. As they pass through these different landscapes, trekkers are also treated to an array of flora and fauna native to the region. The Inca Trail is home to over 400 species of orchids, 200 species of birds, and numerous other plant and animal species.
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Aside from its natural beauty, the Inca Trail is also home to a rich cultural heritage. Along the trek, hikers will come across various archaeological sites and ruins that offer a glimpse into the daily lives of the Incas. These sites are not only impressive in their construction but also hold great historical and cultural significance.
In addition to its historical and cultural value, the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu has also become an important source of income for the local communities. The trek provides job opportunities for porters, guides, and other support staff, contributing to the economic well-being of the region. Furthermore, sustainable tourism practices have been implemented along the Inca Trail to preserve its natural and cultural heritage for generations to come.
In conclusion, the Inca Trail is not just a trek but a journey back in time. It offers a unique combination of history, culture, and nature that can’t be found anywhere else in the world. For those seeking an unforgettable adventure, the Inca Trail is a must-do experience that will leave trekkers with memories to last a lifetime. So why wait? Pack your bags and embark on this once-in-a-lifetime journey through the majestic landscapes of Peru. The Inca Trail awaits you, ready to reveal its secrets and wonders along the way. So lace up your hiking boots and get ready to step into the footsteps of ancient civilizations on this unparalleled historical adventure in the heart of South America.
The Inca Trail options
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu also known as the Camino Inca consists of three overlapping trails:
1.- Mollepata to Machu Picchu.
2.- Classic Inca Trail.
3.- One Day trail from Chachabamba zone.
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a renowned trekking route that offers a remarkable experience for adventurers. Spanning several days, the trail encompasses diverse terrains, microclimates, and stunning flora and fauna representative of the Andes highlands and the cloud forest of the Amazon. It begins at Kilometer 82 in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, passing through the community of Pisqhakucho, and concludes at the awe-inspiring ancient city of Machu Picchu, uncovered by the American Historian, Mr. Hiram Bingham.
The Inca Trail offers different routes to choose from, each with its own unique features. One of the longer routes is Mollepata, which stands out as the lengthiest path and boasts the highest mountain pass reaching an altitude of 5,200 meters (5,200 masl). This route intersects with the Classic route before navigating the challenging Warmiwañusqa pass, also known as “dead woman.” Throughout the journey, trekkers are treated to captivating landscapes, including cloud forests, alpine tundra, and historical Incan ruins. The trail encompasses settlements, tunnels, and eventually leads trekkers to the Sun Gate on Machu Picchu Mountain.
Undoubtedly, this trek necessitates a certain level of physical endurance as it includes several ascents to altitudes beyond 4,200 meters (13,800 ft) above sea level. It is important to be aware of altitude sickness that may occur at these heights. Nevertheless, it is on this challenging path that adventurers will be rewarded with majestic vistas of the snowcapped Vilcanota Mountain Range, leaving an indelible impression on their hearts and minds.
What exactly is the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?
The Inca Trail is an iconic 4-day, 3-night hike that takes travelers from km.82, just outside Ollantaytambo, to Machu Picchu via the exclusive Sun Gate. Spanning 40 kms (25 miles), this trek offers a unique experience, characterized by steep, narrow Andean mountain paths at altitude.
Constructed by the Incan Empire, the Inca Trail is part of a vast network of trails that connected significant settlements and centers of civilization across Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, Argentina, Chile, and Colombia. However, it is this specific 4-day route that has earned the distinction of being the one and only “classic Inca Trail.”
It’s worth noting that if you come across tours with fewer days offered, it means you’ll only be hiking a small section of the overall route.
How to acquire Inca Trail to Machu Picchu permits
Book your tour with a reputable agency that does not farm you out to another operator.
All operators will ask you for a deposit which is generally NON-REFUNDABLE. It is non-refundable simply because the INC does not give back the agencies any money when a passenger cancels or changes a date. The agency then has to re-apply for a new permit if passengers change dates. Agencies have different payment methods. Very few accept credit cards – Western Union Money Transfer Company is used or Peru/Foreign Banking accounts. In general if you have checked the agency is reputable with a certificate it should be safe to send your funds.
There is no such thing as a WAITLIST / CANCELLATION LIST. If any agency tells you that they can do this, they are simply not telling the truth and are operating illegally; it’s as simple as if a passenger cancels their space is not given to anybody else.
Apart from the deposit, you will be required to give your current passport details of all the people travelling with you on the trail. You will need to give your FULL NAME and
SURNAME / PASSPORT NUMBER / DATE OF BIRTH / NATIONALITY. If this information is not supplied no agency can take out permits for you/others. The important part of this information is that you give the same passport details that you will be travelling with to Peru.
There are various check points on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and they will check the agency documentation against your passport; if it does not match you will not be allowed entrance; if you are renewing your passport, you need to keep 2 x photocopies of your old passport that you are going to hand in for renewal and you can apply with this information as long as you bring the photocopies with you or if you are able to keep your old passport, then travel with your old & new passport.
The Inca Trail: A Challenging Journey towards Physical Fitness and Empowering Change.
Embarking on the Inca Trail is far from a mere leisurely stroll. While it may not be the most physically demanding hike in South America, its ascents and conditions present their own formidable challenges. However, you need not possess extensive hiking experience. Attaining a decent level of physical fitness before venturing to Peru will undoubtedly enhance your overall experience and make the entire journey more enjoyable.
If you currently find yourself lacking in regular exercise or desire to shed a few pounds, fret not. Instead, embrace the Inca Trail as your opportunity for personal growth, motivation, and a chance to enact positive transformations before you set foot in Peru. For those seeking inspiration, consider delving into this compelling account of a remarkable woman’s journey.
Prepare yourself, both physically and mentally, for the Inca Trail—where every step is a testament to your endurance, determination, and the powerful changes that lie ahead.
