Inca Trail routes and what you should know about Machu Picchu

In its heyday, the Inca Empire extended its power over many countries in the region and thus established a huge network of pathways known as Qhapac Ñan (Royal or Inca road in Quechua), which  joined Quito (Ecuador ) to Tucuman (Argentina) through the Andes. Our Inca Trail is just a small part of this extensive circuit, known for its dramatic scenery, important archaeological sites, as well as for its great diversity in flora and fauna.

Ancestral Routes:

The Inca Trail has different routes. The most requested is the 45 km (most operators do it in 4 days / 3 nights) starting in Piscacucho (km 82), near Ollantaytambo, which is reached by train or bus. From this point begins the trek through the Cusichaca River Gorge to the heights of the village of Huayllambamba. Then ascending to the open of Huarmihuañusca (4,200 m), considered the highest point in the whole route. In this section you also visit the ruins Runkuracay circular and an impressive Inca tunnel carved in rock through a pass where you can see the Salkantay snow caped mountain and up to Puyupatamarca Veronica (cloud city), being this the most impressive Inca ruins . Finally, we traverse a cloud forest with diverse flora and fauna up to the 50 steps leading to the Intipunku (sun gate or entrance to Machu Picchu). For those with less time, there is a stretch of two days and a night known as the Royal Road of the Incas, which starts at km 104 (Chachabamba) and consists of a four-hour hike up Wiñay Wayna(2,700 masl ) and then go through the cloud forest before entering Machu Picchu. Another route demanded by visitors is the route of Qoriwayrachina (km 88), and that starts at Salkantay.

Practical Tips:

Because local authorities only allowe the entry of 500 people a day,  we strongly advisable to book with 4 or 5 months in advance with an authorised tour and travel agency. You can also visit the website in order to check availability:  www.machupicchu.gob.pe day by day.

The ideal time to hike the Inca Trail is in the  month of  May, as there is little rain and the vegetation is lush.

While the Inca Trail is considered a moderately difficult trekking, there are journeys of over 4,000 meters above sea level, so it is important to consider prior acclimatization.

All about our World Wonder:

The visit to the magnificent Machu Picchu (old mountain in English translation) is one of those trips that one should perform at least once in a life time.  Its ruins are considered a masterpieces of architecture and engineering, until today one can see the high degree of perfection attained by their creators.

Proof of this is the structure that presents the Inca citadel, which are two well-defined areas: one agricultural and one urban, in which we highlight temples such as the three windows, the sun and the condor, and a main square, the Intiwatana ceremonial rock and Inca’s primary residence.

Accesses to Machu Picchu:

The fastest and recommended to get to Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes) is by train from Poroy and Ollantaytambo stations. If you are in Cusco, it is best to take a taxi to Poroy (30 minutes from the city). The cost is about S/.30. From here trains leave Peru Rail company that takes about three hours to Machu Picchu Pueblo. It should be noted that the company Peru Rail has three services: the ultra luxury Hiram Bingham and the VISTADOME (intermediate) and Expedition (economic). For itineraries and prices visit: www.peru4x4adventures.com or www.domiruth.travel.

Unanimous Petition:

On the way to becoming a cultural heritage

On February 2   Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru formalised the request to the Unesco to make the route that forms the Qhapac Nan, which is part of our Inca trail to be considered Cultural Heritage of Humanity . The order marks a milestone as it is the first time that six countries in the region are united in one purpose of this type, which could become a global symbol to integrate these six nations.

It is estimated that the Unesco will  take a year to respond to this request.