A site that tells you the story of civilizations that lived here long ago, set amidst mountains, green tropical forests, Andean Valleys and the ruins of the Inca… all this and more at the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, are sure to delight the lovers of history.
The 43 kilometer stretch of Machu Picchu Inca Trail tour is one of the most popular attractions in the South American Country of Peru. Not only is this place great for historians and history lovers, adventurers from all across the world come here to enjoy the terrain and the stretch that this hike offers.
Cusco is the closest city and the access point to the Inca Trail. You can explore the trail on the train or if you are up for an adventure, go for a 4-day hike of the area. The City of Cusco is well connected to other cities of Peru by flights, buses and trains and hence easily accessible.
Except in the month of February, the trial is open to visitors through out the year. However, the months between May to September are the best time when you should explore the train. Rest of the years, it is wet.
The Chilca Village is where your trail will start from. Between this and your first Inca ruin here – the 2700 meters high Llactapata, you will cross plants like fushcia, cactuses etc. Also in sight here is the over 5000 meters snow-capped mount Nevado Veronica.
Your next halt will be at the Village of Huallabamba, where you can see lots of Llamas. Hiking the next 400 meters will take you to the Llulluchapampa, standing 3,760 meters above the sea. After a 500-meters further hike, you will be at the Dead Woman’s Pass, the Trial’s highest point- measuring 4,200 meters. It has been named so because one side of the mountain of this pass seems like a reclining woman.
Some descending and some ascending hike will take you to the Runcuracay ruin and next is the ruin of Sataqmarca. By the morning of your fourth and finale day of hike, you will be at the Nevado Salcantay Mountain – 6,700 meters high. Some 900 meters down here is a rainforest and the Winay Wayna or the “Forever Young” orchid ruins. The skills of Inca are well reflected her through terrace cultivations, descending pools and the dwellings.
By the same noon, you will reach Intipunku (Sun Gate) and by the evenings, you can relax at the open air-hot pool in the town of Aguas Calientes. Next will be your final destination of the Inca Trail – the City of Machu Picchu. Attractions here include stone works, the hike to Huayna Picchu’s Peak and ancient temples.
For the sake of the environment though, there are some restrictions on hiking here. Only 500 hikers in a day are allowed here, certified guides are a must, there are permanent toilets here, and you strictly have to follow the pack-in and pack-out policy so that there is no litter around.
Ethel Jones has been to over 100 countries, has a penchant for all things food, and is also an experienced mountaineer. She loves nothing more than exploring the world on her own terms.
