One of the most talked-about tourist spots in South America and widely known worldwide is the famous Machu Picchu lost city, a place considered sacred and shrouded by mysteries and, without a doubt, surrounded by natural and historical beauties. Within Peru, this is the place that receives the most visitors throughout the year, being the flagship of our attractions.
Our country is highly diverse, it has activities and destinations for all tastes and profiles of travelers. From historical-cultural tourism to countless adventures through the Peruvian Andean mountains, or even luxurious or mystical experiences, all of this can be easily found in Peruvian lands.
Given Peru’s range and background, hiking the Inca trail to Machu Picchu can offer far more than you could have imagined. The key is to know what kind of experience you want to have, how long you have to spend, and how much money you have to spend. With that said, there are a few different ways to get to the Historic Sanctuary.
Taking the train, which passes through some of the most breathtaking scenery in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, on the side of the Urubamba River. However, there are other intriguing choices as well, particularly for those with an adventurous mindset! We are talking about the Inca Trail, one of the most famous trails in the world.
The Inca Trail is a challenging way to get to Machu Picchu, making the whole experience even more special. Learn more about the route of this extensive hike through the Andes’ natural features as it leads to Peru’s main destination here. Are you ready to learn more about this roadmap? Keep reading and find out!
The Highest points of the Inca Trail
The Inca Trail tour begins in the city of Cusco, from where most of the excursions to carry out this itinerary depart. Along the entire route, you will pass through fascinating panoramic views that will immerse you in the exuberance of snow-capped mountains and the cloud forest, while also approaching the history of Peru, and passing through different archaeological sites. Find out about the main stops on the Inca Trail:
Cusco to Huayllabamba
Your journey will start on the railway “kilometer 82”. The stretch between Cusco and Huayllabamba sets the context for the first day of hiking, which aims to reach the first camp. This is considered the most peaceful of the entire route since no major challenges are faced at this first moment, such as those related to the altitude and the conditions of the route.
The Huayllabamba camp is located at 3,100 meters above sea level and throughout the day, there will be stops at Biscay village for lunch and it’ll be possible to pass through the Llactapata Archaeological Site. On the way, you will also pass the bridge that crosses the strong Vilcanota River, in addition to enjoying the impressive landscapes of the Andes. Every detail along the way will shorten the distance!
Huayllabamba to Pacaymayo
After warming up for this adventure with a moderate route, and after enjoying your rest and a night’s sleep at the camp, it’s time to move on to the biggest challenge of the route: Going through the longest circuit and reaching the highest peak on the Inca Trail!
On the way from Huayllabamba to Pacaymayo, you will travel about 16 kilometers and reach 4,200 meters above sea level, where the famous “Passage of the Dead Woman” is located, which was named after the mountains scenery that surround the place.
Despite the altitude sickness you may feel, don’t worry, you’ll be well looked after by our tour operators!. We will make our camp on the banks of the Pacaymayo River once we have acclimated to the steep path and top, where we can also explore the small ruins of an ancient site around.
Pacaymayo to Wiñayhuayna
This part of the trail is quite interesting, as along the walk you will be able to visit three archaeological sites, in addition to making a stop at an Andean village and, to complement the whole experience, you will enter the famous cloud forest.
The first stop of this stretch of the third day will be the archaeological site of Runcuracay, which appears to have had ceremonial functions and also controlled the region. After some more walking time, you’ll get some rest and have lunch in Sayacmarca village.
Continuing the trek, the next stop is the archaeological site of Phuyupatamarca, the “place above the clouds”, recognized for its admirable and enchanting views. After this place, the trail enters the dense Andean forest and on the way to the Wiñayhuayna camp, it is possible to visit some agricultural terraces used by the Incas, a place called Intipata.
Wiñayhuayna to Machu Picchu
This final section of the Inca Trail will finally get you to the pinnacle of the journey—the majestic Machu Picchu fortress, which will make every step of the journey worthwhile! This final route’s major goal is to arrive at the ancient sanctuary before dawn so that you can take in this moment from Puerta del Sol, one of the site’s main entrances.
Upon your entrance to Machu Picchu, it will be possible to take a guided tour of the place, which will help you to learn in more detail how life worked in that era. If you have requested in advance and you still have enough energy, it is possible to climb Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu, which will complement your experience with otherworldly scenery.
At the end of the day, it will be necessary to return to Aguas Calientes, where you will take the train back to Cusco City, to Poroy or Ollantaytambo, if your itinerary allows for more visits to the Sacred Valley.
Curiosities of the ancient Inca Trail
The Inca Trail, or Qhapaq Ñan in Quechua, meaning “path of the king” or “path of the powerful,” is a historic route that offers a deep connection to Peruvian and Inca cultures. This ancient network of roads spanned many South American countries, including Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Chile, Argentina, and Peru. Incas connected various parts of their empire thanks to this network.
The Inca Trail presents different levels of difficulty, requiring acclimatization. There are two main routes: The 4-day Inca Trail and three nights to complete, and the Short Inca Trail, which takes two days and one night. Due to the rainy season and necessary maintenance, the trail is closed in February, so if you want to take part in this hike, consider not going at that time of the year
The trail is highly popular, however, a daily limit of 500 people was set to preserve its condition and ensure safety. Given its high demand, it’s crucial to book and buy tickets months in advance. This iconic trail not only provides a challenging hike but also immerses visitors in the rich history and culture of the Inca civilization.
We know that this process can be very stressful and even difficult for some people, so our team is always available to serve you in the best way and help you live your dream trip, so do not hesitate to contact us.
Viagens Machu Picchu is concerned with ensuring that you have quality services and always have a team ready to assist you in any situation. If you are interested, get to know our packages to Machu Picchu and many other destinations in Peru, or come build a tailor-made and quality itinerary for you!
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