The Inca Trail is by far the most famous trek in South America and thought by many to be in the top 5 treks in the world. In just 26 miles (43km) it manages to combine beautiful mountain scenery, lush cloud-forest, subtropical jungle and, of course, a stunning mix of Inca paving stones, ruins and tunnels. The final destination of the trail just cannot be beaten: Machu Picchu, the mysterious "Lost City of the Incas”.
The Inca Civilization arose from the highlands of Peru sometime in the early 13th century, and their last stronghold was conquered by the Spanish in 1572. The Incas built a highly advanced network of nearly 40,000 thousand kilometers of trails to connect the distant corners of their vast empire that stretched from Quito in Ecuador down to Santiago in Chile and east to Mendoza in Argentina. Cusco was at the heart of this great empire. Almost all of the principal trails in the mountains surrounding Cusco were built or improved upon by the Incas.
A particularly beautiful 43km section of mountain trail connecting the important Inca archaeological sites of Runcuracay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, and Machu Picchu has become popular with hikers in the last 30 years and has become known as the "Inca Trail to Machu Picchu". Access to this section of Inca Trail is strictly controlled and only authorized trekking companies are allowed to operate on this trek. All guides on the Inca Trail must be licensed and only a limited number of trekking permits are issued and must be purchased several months in advance. You can find a list of these tour companies by searching the internet. We went with www.sastravelperu.com and were happy with all aspects of our trip.
This hike is not to be taken lightly. Hiking on Inca paving stones for four days in mountainous terrain is not easy - all this as you climb to heights of 4,215 m (13,828 ft). Altitude pills are advised.
Posts from this trip.
Starting at KM 82, the trek to Machu Picchu takes four days. Each day brings its own challenges and vivid memories. The hike is grueling - no doubt about that. Anyone over the age of 60 is required to submit a letter from their doctor stating they are physically capable of strenuous activity at high altitude. For safety reasons, the guides carry spare oxygen to assist anyone who experiences breathing problems
After breakfast, around 8:00 am we re-start our walk from our camp to Ayapata valley, it takes around 1 hour followed by a soft uphill climb through woods and along a stream (3,300 m / 10,824 ft) Today is our great challenge day but with plenty of time to enjoy, it is the biggest climb of our hike, strenuous because you gain 1,200 meters in elevation planned in 2 stages, but your are rewarded with spectacular views up the mountain.
After breakfast, around 7:00 am. The path climbs very steeply from Pacaymayo camp in a well preserved paved path –Camino Inca and takes 1 hour to reach the ruins at Runcuracay, a circular structure with a rectangular outbuildings perched on the edge of the valley, an old Inca -tambo where chaskis rested, guard post, lookout point or a ritual building, the site is best viewed from higher up the path. The second pass (3,950 m / 12,956 ft) called as well as Abra de Runcuracay, is another hour up, beyond a series of false summits and at the top of a series of steep staircases.
We will get up very early -around 4:00 am -to get to Inti Punku (the Sun Gate), overlooking Machu Picchu for the first rays of the sunrise. Your hope is that it is sunny morning not foggy. Unfortunately it was fogged in for us. This will be a hike of 1-2 hours, with significant upward stretches in the last half. You will be hiking in darkness for one hour, so a head lamp is strongly recommended please follow instructions of your guides and watch out your steps.