CLASSIC INCA TRAIL

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If you want to hike the Classic Inca Trail, remember to book your tour at least 90 days in advance due to the government regulation. The limit number is 500 people.

The Classic Inca Trail is a trip of four or five days, it begins at Km 88 or Km 82, in the Urubamba River not far from the town of Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley. The first day is relatively easy; usually covering no more than 12 miles in an afternoon, hiker will find many indigenous Quechua-speaking peasants. However, once you begin your climb to cross the steep pitch Warmiwañusca, you will not see any native resident for the rest of your walk; this is the highest elevation in the Classic Inca Trail. Most groups camp the second night, the third day begins with the ascent of Abra de Runcurakay, the day ends with the Inca ruins of Intipata and Wiñaywayna. The fourth day and final tranche of the trek you have to up the Intipunku, where hikers can finally see the ruins of Machu Picchu, from here is an easy and pleasant walk. Throughout the trek you will see gorgeous landscapes, different types of flora and fauna.

It covers parts of what were formerly the paths used by the Incas for communicating different cities of their empire. Of the various options available, the most common is 4 days.

There are three options for the Inca trail:

The first is the longest lasting 8-7 days which is quite difficult, and the height reaches over 4,500 meters.

The second option is the most popular at tourists; it lasts 4 days and 3 nights and has a distance of 42 kilometers.

The third is the shortest only takes two days and one night, being the journey fairly simple and required little.

WEATHER

The climate is varied along the way. During the day is usually sunny and dry at the first two days and humid in the third and fourth day. At night, the first two camps are usually cold, but the third camp is temperate. The rainy season begins in late November and lasts until March. While this adds more difficulty to walk, it is also true that landscapes are benefited by the rains.

The most humid season is from December to March, when roads are often closed by landslides or flooding. The best months for visiting Machu Picchu are from April to November.

HEIGHTS

Cusco City: 3,360 m.a.s.l.
Machu Picchu: 2,400 m.a.s.l.
Urubamba Valley: 2,850 m.a.s.l.
Inca Trail highest point: 4,200 m.a.s.l.

Piscacucho Km.82 – Huayllabamba:
Maximum altitude: 3000 M
Minimum Altitude: 2650 M

Huayllabamba – Pacaymayu:
Maximum altitude: 4200 M
Minimum Altitude: 3000 M

Pacaymayu – Wiñaywayna:
Máximum Altitude: 3900 M
Minimum Altitude: 2700 M

Wiñaywayna – Machu Picchu:
Maximum altitude: 2700 M
Minimum Altitude: 2400 M

Because you are visiting Andean areas, do not forget to take precautions to avoid altitude sickness (soroche). Be sure to drink tea or coca leaf tea when you get to the city of Cusco. The first day move slowly and eat lightly.

The best time for the weather to Inka Trail runs from April to August, however the rest of the year it is possible to do this trek. In February it has been established a period of close to tourist use, for reasons of natural recovery of the Inca Trail Network.

Today the Management Unit Machu Picchu allows passengers to enter only with travel agencies that are authorized to operate the Inca Trail as these will take care of the organization of the tour and the necessary procedures for entry to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.

The Management Unit Machu Picchu has provided entry of 500 people per day Inca Trail, meaning that can only enter an average of 200 tourists and 300 between porters, cookers and guides, so we recommend you make reservations three months in advance. The high season starts in the months of May to September.

The following recommendations can be very useful during the Classic Inca Trail:

* We recommend taking infusions of coca leaves (coca tea) to get to Cuzco. This infusion is very easy to get, all public places and hotels offer it.
* Eat light, without excess fat or heavy meals for digestion.
*If you smoke, try to reduce consumption as much as possible.
* During the trek, walk slowly on the first day and avoid wasted effort.
* Drink plenty of water during the walks.
* Do not hesitate to stop and rest if you feel you lack oxygen.
* Tell your guide if you have any discomfort, he is trained and can assist or take necessary measures.
* We recommend drinking bottled water.

YOU SHOULD BRING

* Warm Jacket or Sweater
* Rain Gear (from November to April)
* T-shirt, short, long pants.
* Back pack, trekking shoes, sandals
* Sun Hat, wool hat, sun glasses
* Water bottle, flash light, hat
* Personal clothing for trek
* Insect repellent – Suncream
* Personal medication
* Water Purification Tablets
* Personal care items
* Swimwear

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