The Inca Trail
The highway of the great empire
The Incas built a vast network of roads to communicate with the four regions of their vast empire. The network was called Qapaq Ñan (the sovereign's highway) or Inca Road, and was made up of stone paths suitable for two or three people with trains of llamas. Rivers were crossed by hanging bridges and the steep slopes were mastered with steps and ramps. There are remains of the Qhapaq Ñan throughout Peru that are still used to this day by local villagers and farmers. One of the most impressive and best preserved roads is the trail that links Cuzco and Machu Picchu.
Today, hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu allows the visitor to step back in time and walk through a variety of eco-systems and dazzling scenery. The length of the 39 kilometers (24 miles) includes unforgettable views, archaeological remains; 400 different species of orchids and begonias, exotic trees like the pisonay, the queñual and innumerable species of fauna in their natural habitat, such as the cock-of-the-rocks, llamas and vicuñas, the white-tailed deer, the vizcacha and, if visitors are lucky, the endangered and vegetarian spectacled bear. The Inca Trail is one of the world's leading trekking and camping routes.
Altitude
Minimum: 2,600 masl - 8,528 ft; Maximum: 4,200 masl - 13,776 ft.
How to Get There
There are two options:
Four days / 3 nights. The trek starts at Kilometer 88 on the railway line, known as Qorihuayrachina. Archaeological sites along the way include Patallacta, Willkarakay, Patawasi, Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, Conchamarca, Phuyupatamarka -the highest site at 3,650 masl (11,972 ft)-- Intipata, Wiñayhuayna -an Inca site surrounded by impressive terraces and an exuberance of wild orchids-- and Machu Picchu. An interesting feature on this route is the crossing of the Urubamba River via a hanging bridge and the climb - optional-up to Warmiwaskuña pass ('where the woman died') at 4,200 masl (13,776 ft) which offers spectacular scenery.
Two days/ 1 night. This route is known as the Sacred Trail and the trek begins at Km 104 (Chachabamba), which can be reached by train. Archaeological sites along the way include Chachabamba, Wiñayhuayna and Machu Picchu. The train ride from the city of Cuzco as far as Km 104 takes around 3 hours.
There are alternative, shorter trails that are considered part of the circuit of the Inca Roads network and which join up with the last stage of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. These are the Royal Trail, a 6-hour trek, and the Road of Purification which takes 4 or 5 hours. Trekkers must make arrangements through accredited travel agencies to take these routes.
Activities
Archaeology, trekking (moderately difficult), wildlife watching.
Tourist Services
There are camping areas along the route clearly designated by the Machu Picchu Management Unit (UGM). There is an inn with basic facilties for 39 people and a restaurant for about 100 people at Wiñaywayna. Travel agencies that are licensed to operate the route are responsible for providing each visitor with the essentials, including food, tents, sleeping bags, etc.
Minimum Length of Stay Depending on the route chosen, visitors should plan for two to three additional days for connections to the city of Cuzco and their next destinations.
Recommendations
Acclimatization is necessary. Refrain from any overexertion during the first few hours. Eat easily-digestible food and drink coca tea to ward off high-altitude sickness. Trekkers will need to be in good physical condition to be able to tackle the longer Inca Trails. Follow the regulations for conservation of the trail.
Nearby Attractions
Along the trail one can find a great variety of archaeological sites such as Machu Q'ente, Huayna Q'ente, Pulpituyoc, Kusichaca, Patallacta, Torontoy, and the snow-capped peaks of Mount Veronica and Salcantay.
Season / Climate
The Inca Trail runs through a variety of eco-systems and altitudes, which makes for a wide-ranging climate. There are two seasons: the dry season, from April- October, and the rainy season, with heavy cloud cover, from November to March.
Regulations / Observations
According to the regulations established by the Machu Picchu Management Unit (UGM), there are two ways to walk the Inca Trail: One is via a duly registered travel agency authorized by the UGM to operate the circuit, and the other is to hire the services of a guide who isalso registered and authorized. Hikers are permitted to hire their own porters for the trek.
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