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The Incas (an indigenous people of South America) built a network of trails that stretched across the far corners of the Inca Empire, from Quito, Ecuador to Santiago, Chile, and east to Medoza, Argentina. Cusco was the historical capital of this great empire. Most of the main trails are located in the mountains surrounding Cusco. The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu consists of three routes.
However, the most important and beautiful archaeological route is only 43 km long, passing through Runcuracay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, Winay Wayna, and Machu Picchu. This is the famous Inca Trail that any adventurer would dream of.
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| The destination of the Inca Trail is the "lost city" Machu Picchu.Photo: famouswwonder. |
The route is of medium difficulty, and any traveler can undertake this journey. However, it is important to be aware of your ability to adapt to changing weather conditions, as you will experience different climates from the foot of the mountain to an altitude of 4,200 meters..
Starting from a flat plain at sea level, it's common to spend at least two days in Cusco acclimatizing to the climate before embarking on your trip, exploring the city and the Inca ruins in surrounding areas such as Sacsayhuaman, Q'enko, Pucapucara, and Tambomachay. Additionally, consider dedicating a day to exploring the Sacred Valley, with its traditional Pisac market and the charming forts of Ollantaytambo.
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| The historic city of Cusco, the starting point for the journey to the Inca Trail.Photo: cuscohistoriccenter. |
Having been developed for tourism over the past 30 years, the Inca Trail is attracting more and more visitors. To ensure the preservation of archaeological sites, local authorities have limited the number of visitors by issuing permits. All tour guides and travel companies must be licensed, and the number of "passes" per day is limited to 500. However, only 150 of these permits are for tourists, with the rest allocated to guides, transporters, chefs, etc.
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| A section of the Inca trail. Photo:Robbang. |
Before planning your trip to the Inca Trail, you should check the tour schedule and availability on the official Peruvian government website (www.machupicchu.gob.pe) to make a reservation. There is no rule about how far in advance you must book your tickets, but to be sure, it's best to do so a few months before your trip.
To book in advance, travelers must pay a fee ranging from $150 to $250 depending on the type of itinerary (2 days, 4 days, or 7 days). The total cost for a 4-day Inca trek ranges from $520 per person (including entrance and return train tickets) to $1,000, depending on the amenities requested and the number of destinations visited. Currently, all tickets for the Inca Trail are fully booked until the end of October 2013.
When booking a tour, you need to thoroughly research the travel agency you intend to use. There are many fraudulent companies that sell tours and take you on itineraries other than the Inca Trail.
