Guide to the Inca Trail

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Guide to the Inka Trail

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THE INKA TRAIL

The Inka Trail is an adventure famous amongst backpackers and has represented a right of passage for travellers to South America for decades. A 4 day trek through steep mountain passes, high in the Andes, you follow a stone path built by the Incas serving as a secret road leading to the “lost city” of Macchu Pichu. The journey is as spectacular (if not more so) than the goal, arriving through the sungate—a stone door way leading to Macchu Pichu.

Its a challenge certainly, but easy enough to complete with out good fitness levels, and with the stunning views of the mountains, valleys and rivers and ruins of long forgotten temples, combined with the people you will meet and the adventure in general you will never forget the time you trekked the Inka Trail.

URUBAMBA RIVER

A BRIEF HISTORY: MACHU PICCHU

Machu Picchu was originally built in 1450AD, at the hight of the Incan empire and then abandoned about a 100 years later once the Spanish were firmly in control. For centuries it lay undiscovered, preserving the secrets of the Incas, long after much of the cultural artefacts of the Incas had been plundered or destroyed by the Spanish.

Being in close proximity to Cuzco, the Incan Capital (80Kms away) it was the ideal place to hide out away from the Spanish conquistadors, who had been busy plundering and destroying much of the Incan treasures and culture.

It served its purpose well, as the city was never found until 1911 when an American called Hiram Bingham accidently stumbled on the ruins.

A BRIEF HISTORY: THE INKA TRAIL

The Inca Trail is a high mountain pass that leads to Machu Pitchu..

(It is also known as Camino Inca or Camino Inka). consists of three overlapping trails: Mollepata, Clas-

sic, and One Day. Mollepata is the longest of the three routes with the highest mountain pass and intersects with the Classic route before crossing

Warmiwa単usca ("Dead Woman's Pass"). Located in the Andes mountain range, the trail passes through several types of Andean environments including cloud forest and alpine tundra. Settlements, tunnels, and many Incan ruins are located along the trail before ending the terminus at the Sun Gate on Machu Picchu mountain. The two longer routes require an ascent to beyond 3,660 metres (12,010 ft) above sea level, which can result in altitude sickness.

RESTRICTIONS & PERMITS

Concern about overuse leading to erosion has led the Peruvian government to place a limit on the number of people who may hike this trail per season, and to sharply limit the companies that can provide guides. As a result, advance booking is mandatory.

A maximum of 500 people, including guides and porters, are permitted to begin the trail every day. As a result, the high season books out very quickly.

The trail is also closed every February for cleaning.

If you are not able to secure a pass for the classic trek there are a couple of great alternitives which will still give you the experience of trekking to Machu Picchu.

ALTERNITIVE TREKS

The Salktantay

Take a doable four day trek along the alternative (and less traveled) Salkantay route crossing over a 4,650 meter high pass where you can marvel at the Salkantay and Humantay peaks standing over 6,000 meters high. Pass through the villages of Soraypampa and Santa Teresa along this unspoiled trail to discover indigenous mountain communities and prepare your ascent on Machu Picchu from the town of Aguas Calientes with hot water springs that are waiting for you.

The Inca Jungle

This 4 day heart stopping adventure is the perfect combination of an adrenaline pumping 3,000 meter mountain biking descent followed by trekking into the backwoods of the Andes and passing through local villages to see the way of life in mountain communities such as Santa Teresa and Santa Maria. The ultimate ending to an excellent trip is the one and only Machu Picchu archaeological site.

CLASSIC TRAIL ITINERARY

Day 1: Hostel Pick-Up at 6:00am. Please make all of the necessary preparations one day prior to the trek. You will be taken by bus to the town of Ollantaytambo where you will have an hour to eat breakfast and purchase last minute snacks, water and walking sticks. A good hot breakfast will give you energy to start the Inca Trail off on a good foot. Then you will hop back on the bus to KM 82 where the famous Inca Trail journey will begin. Hike along rolling hills in the Urubamba River Valley passing by several small archaeological sites along the way. Lunch will be prepared half-way and you will have time to relax before reaching Wayllabamba camp (2,980m) around 17:00pm. (11 km trek; 6 hour duration).

A good hot breakfast will give you energy to start the Inca Trail off on a good foot. Then you will hop back on the bus to KM 82 where the famous Inca Trail journey will begin. Hike along rolling hills in the Urubamba River Valley passing by several small archaeological sites along the way. Lunch will be prepared half-way and you will have time to relax before reaching Wayllabamba camp (2,980m) around 17:00pm. (14 km trek; 6 hour duration).

Day 2: Today is the most challenging day along the trail with a vertical hike of approximately 5 hours to reach Dead Woman's Pass at 4,215 m followed by a 2 hour hike down stone steps to reach Pacaymayo camp at 3,600 m. You will begin with a 5:30 am wake-up call with hot coca-leaf tea in your tent. After packing up and eating breakfast at 6:00 am you will start off for the big hike.

Take your time and rest as much as you feel necessary as you ascent more than 1,200 meters over the course of the morning.

Don't miss awe-inspiring views of the valley as you reach the pass and remember to take your photograph at the top! Just after you cross Dead Woman's Pass you will be rewarded with spectacular views of nearby snow-capped mountain peaks and roaring waterfalls. Stroll slowly down to Pacaymayo Camp (3,660m) to enjoy the scenery. Arrive in time for lunch and a well-deserved nap to the sounds of the nearby waterfalls and nature. Then you will have the rest of the afternoon to enjoy the camp before dinner and an early bedtime. (10 km trek; 7 hour duration). (It may be possible to rent an extra porter on Days 2 and 3 for approximately 20 usd per day - this can be organized directly with your guide).

Day 3: An unforgettable journey along ancient Inca stairways, mountain lakes, intriguing archaeological sites and humid jungle scenery awaits you. Another early start with coca-leaf tea wake-up call at 5:30 am in your tent and breakfast at 6:00 am with get you kickstarted for this full day. Start with a one-hour hike uphill to visit the oval-shaped Pacaymayo archaeological site believed to have been either a crop-storage structure or an Inca military fortress overlooking the valley to control the region. Continue one hour to Runquracay Pass where you can climb to the tip-top of the mountain for incredible views of surrounding peaks. Visit 2 more archaeological sites with your guide and have lunch along the way.

By late afternoon you will reach Wi単ayhuayna High Jungle camp (2,700m) set above a river valley in a high jungle/ rain forest climate. Throw down your gear and grab a place in line for the hot-shower that awaits you. Then stroll over to the lodge and order a (not-so-cheap but well-worth-the-money) cold beer or hot chocolate to enjoy with friends on the balcony looking out over lush green mountains. After dinner, say a big THANK YOU to your porters and guides. (14 km, 8 hours duration).

Day 4: A unique and magnificent experience is in the cards for you today. Wake up before the sun (depending on your guide, between 3:30 - 4:30 am) for breakfast. Get on the trail before the rest of the groups and hike about an hour to reach Inti-Punku (Sun Gate). Walking through magical Inti-Punku to glimpse the first sights of Machu Picchu is truly a once-in-a-lifetime unforgettable experience. Then continue down the final length of the trail to reach the wondrous Machu Picchu archaeological complex perched delicately on the top of the sacred Machu Picchu mountain. You will have time to check your backpacks (bring water, sunblock, sunglasses, hat and sweater or rain poncho with you), grab a quick bite at the snackbar and use the restrooms before re-entering the site with your guide. (7 km; 2 hours duration).

A SELECTION OF THAILAND TRIPS

DEAD WOMANS PASS

THE SACRED VALLEY

FIND OUT MORE

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE INCA TRAIL HERE.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT PERU HERE