Report Blog Entry
The Incas constructed a system of connections of almost 40,000 kilometers of trails to link the far off corners of their very large empire that reached from Quito in Ecuador down to Santiago in Chile and East to Mendoza in Argentina. Cusco was at the center of this important empire. Nearly all of the main trails in the mountains encircling Cusco were constructed or improved upon by the Incas. Still, an especially exquisite 43km portion of mountain trail linking Runcuracay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, Wiñay Wayna and Machu Picchu has become a favourite with trekkers over the last 30 years and is known as the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Admission to this portion of the trail is rigidly regulated and only accredited companies can sell this hike. All guides must have a license and only a restricted amount of permits are available and must be bought some months beforehand. Always book with a legitimate company and check the itinerary thoroughly. There are many immoral travel agencies in Peru who make their money from tricking tourists. People only realize when they have started the trek. This guide will make sure you are not one of them! It is probably the first adventure that springs to mind when you ponder trekking in the Andes, however it is definitely not the only one. The well- known Lares Trek to Machu Picchu presents beautiful mountain surroundings and a chance to mix with the locals. There are also options available for those who aren’t in to camping, such as the Inca jungle Trek where you get to sleep in comfy hotel beds while exploring tropical forest and ancient ruins. Or maybe you’ve already experienced Machu Picchu and you are seeking something different. We offer various hiking options in Peru, including lesser known treks. The Choquequirao and Chachapoyas hikes all offer natural marvels and ruins not often seen by tourists.
The Incas constructed a system of connections of almost 40,000 kilometers of trails to link the far off corners of their very large empire that reached from Quito in Ecuador down to Santiago in Chile and East to Mendoza in Argentina. Cusco was at the center of this important empire. Nearly all of the main trails in the mountains encircling Cusco were constructed or improved upon by the Incas. Still, an especially exquisite 43km portion of mountain trail linking Runcuracay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, Wiñay Wayna and Machu Picchu has become a favourite with trekkers over the last 30 years and is known as the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Admission to this portion of the trail is rigidly regulated and only accredited companies can sell this hike. All guides must have a license and only a restricted amount of permits are available and must be bought some months beforehand. Always book with a legitimate company and check the itinerary thoroughly. There are many immoral travel agencies in Peru who make their money from tricking tourists. People only realize when they have started the trek. This guide will make sure you are not one of them! It is probably the first adventure that springs to mind when you ponder trekking in the Andes, however it is definitely not the only one. The well- known Lares Trek to Machu Picchu presents beautiful mountain surroundings and a chance to mix with the locals. There are also options available for those who aren’t in to camping, such as the Inca jungle Trek where you get to sleep in comfy hotel beds while exploring tropical forest and ancient ruins. Or maybe you’ve already experienced Machu Picchu and you are seeking something different. We offer various hiking options in Peru, including lesser known treks. The Choquequirao and Chachapoyas hikes all offer natural marvels and ruins not often seen by tourists.
The Classic 4 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Go back in time and travel to a land talked about by many but seen only by a few. The Inca Trail is one of the world´s most famous hikes. The feeling of walking in the footsteps of the Incas is indescribable. The expanse attributed to as the Inca Trail today is actually the final, prettiest and most well -known part of the Incan path leading to Machu Picchu. A must do for visitors to Peru the Inca Trail is an arduous 4-day hike from the Sacred Valley through cloud forest and semitropical jungle, crossing high mountain passes that challenge you both physically and mentally.
The Classic Inca Trail begins at Km82 (because of its location 82 kilometers along the railway line between Cusco and Machu Picchu. It normally takes 4 days to complete this trek reaching Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate on sunrise on the fourth day, where you catch your first filmy view of the Lost City, made more significant by your effort and perseverance. The trek is rated as moderate and any fairly fit person should be able to achieve it. However it still requires a good amount of effort and you reach an altitude of 4200m, so make sure you have acclimatized before starting the trek. If you have come in from sea level hang out in Cusco for 2 days before beginning your trek. Apart from acclimatizing there are many things to see in Cusco, including nearby Inca ruins at Sacsayhuaman, Q´enko, Pucapucara and Tambomachay, and the Sacred Valley of the Incas where you can haunt the classic market town of Pisac and the spellbinding fortress at Ollantaytambo.
The Short Inca Trail (2 days without camping)
The first and most common alternative to the Classic Inca Trail is the Short Inca Trail which is completed in 2 days 1 night. This trek is not difficult and begins further along the Vilcanota River Valley nearer to Machu Picchu, a place known as kilometer 104.
The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu (5 days)
The second most popular alternative to the Classic Inca Trail is a more arduous 5 day trek by Salkantay Trek (or salcantay), a dazzling frost topped mountain. The hike is done in 5 days. It is rated amongst the 25 best Treks in the World by National Geographic Adventure Travel Magazine, it is a trek open to everyone with no restrictions on availability (yet). Linking the city of Mollepata, Cusco and Machu Picchu, the Salkantay Trek is an antique and out-of-the-way footpath situated in the same area as the Inca Trail where large frost topped summits meets with abundant tropical rain forests. The Salkantay route is even more impressive topographically than the Inca Trail
Comments
Displaying 0 of 0 comments ( View all | Add Comment )