The Inca Trail Machu Picchu is the most famous trek in South America. The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is part of an extensive Inca road system of more than 23,000 kilometers that integrated the Tahuantinsuyo Empire, this path covered Colombia, western Brazil, Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia, and came to the center of Chile and northern Argentina. These roads were usually on the coast or in the mountains but in some cases were located on the edge of the rainforest.
The Inca Trail was undoubtedly one of the wonders of Tahuantinsuyo, according to Peruvian historian José Antonio del Busto the Inca Huayna Capac ordered the construction of the roads most of the road network in order to mobilize his army quickly.
The roads varied in quality and size, they could be 6-8 meters wide at the coast, but in the mountains the roads were only a meter wide and the road was steep and came boldly to the top of the Andes Mountains.
This hike needs effort but it worth to do it. You can go to Machu Picchu by train, for those who want comfort, or hiking the Inca Trail, for adventurous people, in both of them you will see beautiful landscapes. If you like nature and adventure we recommend hiking the Inca Trail, we have some alternatives, packages from 2 days and 4 days. It is necessary to book the Inca Trail in advance, at least three months before, due to the limit number of people, 500 including porters and guides. Once in Machu Picchu you will appreciate this impressive masterpiece.
Many tourists from all over the world come to Peru to have the best experience of their life; you will hike through the same path which the Incas used to walk. Take lots of pictures, because this a unique experience that you will never forget.
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is considered one of the world’s twelve best routes to travel. This trek follows the steps of the Incas and the journey to the legendary city of Machu Picchu visitors can see a variety of archeological remains and a wide variety of flora and fauna. Different species of exotic flowers, including nearly 200 kinds of orchids, and tropical birds like the giant hummingbirds, tanagers, and the national bird of Peru. On the route are appreciated stone stairs leading to the cloud forests, until finally the clouds disappear and the Gate of the Sun reveals the incredibly preserved stone city.
During the day is usually sunny and dry in 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. This is the most difficult season because of the difficult to hike due to the rains, it makes the trek dangerous.
Heights
Wayllabamba: 3 000 m.a.s.l.
Pacaymayu: 3 500 m.a.s.l.
Wiñay Wayna: 2 650 m.a.s.l.
Machu Picchu: 2 400 m.a.s.l.
FIRST DAY: THE EASY DAY
PISCACUCHO Km.82 –HUAYLLABAMBA
This day the route starts through the beautiful Sacred Valley of the Incas. After approximately one hour and a half, we will cross the town of Ollantaytambo, then we continue the trip following a rural road that lead us to the KM 82, where we join the whole team. At this point, the passengers will have to show their passports to make the entry control and once these has been reviewed they will be able to cross a bridge that will take you to the other side of the river where they will start climbing in a parallel line to the Urubamba River, which goes from north to west across the Sacred Valley. We will visit the Community of Miskay, 2800 meters; here we will meet the natives and try the popular drink known as “chicha”, which is offered by the ladies of this place. The walk continues to the important archaeological site of Llactapata, located at 2750 meters over sea level. Then we will continue walking for two hours we will stop for lunch, after that we will continue walking until arrive to our first camping, located in the zone of Wayllabamba at 3000 meters height.
You will be able to enjoy the majesty of Veronica Mountain, 5832 meters over sea level.
Camps will be assigned depending on the availability of entrants to the Inca Trail, seasons.
SECOND DAY: THE CHALLENGE DAY
WAYLLABAMBA – PACAYMAYU
In this day we start walking through a narrow road covered by plants, across a little bridge that will take us towards a cloudy forest of a unique beauty. In this section of the trip you should climb many stairs, for which we recommend taking all the time that is needed and stopping for a break when necessary. Following the route, we will arrive to the Llulluchapampa sector, and then we will have to climb to the highest point of the walk, the famous pass Warmyhuañuska, located at 4200 meters above the sea level. These sectors include about 2 kilometers of distance and are a bit steep, for which we will recommend going slowly and stopping for a break whenever needed. This is the most difficult part of the walk, as we will be over 4200 meter height. For this day we recommend bringing some chocolates, lemon candy, a lot of water and even some coca leaves. Then we will descend by a winding valley until the point where we will stop and have lunch. During this last part it is possible to watch diverse type of wild birds.
At last we will arrive to the camp of Pacaymayo, 3600 meters above sea level, where we will spend a the night. Pacaymayo is an official camp, and that is why it has baths and showers; however, we should be aware that the water in this part is really cold.
THIRD DAY: THE UNFORGETTABLE DAY
PACAYMAYU – WIÑAYWAYNA
This is one of the longest days of the excursion, but at the same time, one of the most beautiful due to the presence of marvelous Inca buildings along the road. This day we start climbing through a steep road. Then we arrive to Runkurakay ruins, a beautiful Inca oval building which is believed to be as a Inca watchtower. After that we continue until Runkurakay pass, located at 3900 meters above sea level. After the pass, we will descend to a beautiful valley full of plants; here we will visit Sayacmarka ruins, located 3624 meters height. This is an interesting Inca construction, built over a steep slope, surrounded by marvelous mountains. After visiting Sayacmarka, we will continue descending to the cloudy forest, arriving to the Puyupatamarka ruins, composed of impressive fountains and water channels that are spectacular works of hydraulic engineering made by the Incas. We will continue down to reach one of the most beautiful Inca buildings of the place: the ruins of Wiñaywayna. After exploring every corner of Wiñaywayna we head to our last camp, which is located a few meters away.
FOURTH DAY: THE SPECIAL DAY
WIÑAYWAYNA – MACHUPICCHU
This day we will have to wake up very early, at 04:00 hrs. After breakfast, we will go and pass the control gate to enter the path that leads directly to Machu Picchu. It is advisable to bring a good flashlight, because this time it is normally dark here. After walking for about one hour and a half, we will arrive at Inti Punku or Sun Gate, a magnificent point from where you can see the city of Machu Picchu. Finally we go down to reach Machu Picchu. We will visit the places, the sacred sources, the turrets, the Agricultural and Urban sector, crossing the many steps and terraces. Machu Picchu rises to a height of 2430 meters above sea level, in the middle of a tropical forest with an extraordinary location. The guide will take you on a tour of the most impressive of this beautiful Inca city. This will take us about 2 hours, after which we have free time to explore each city on our own. Then return by bus to the town of Aguas Calientes, to take the train that will take us back to the city.
