A Brief History of the Inca Trail
Built by the Incas over 500 years ago, the Inca Trail as we know it today, was only a small portion of a huge Andean highway that once stretched over 20,000 kilometers (14,000 miles) reaching altitudes of over 5,000 meters above sea level across the continent of South America. Historians and archaeologists suggest that the trail was once used as a road-system for messengers known as €Chasquis€ to deliver information and communications between villages by running and carrying knotted cords of varying colors, a system that took place of written language.All of the different sections of the Inca Trail Peru once converged in Cuzco,making it easy for the Spaniards to located the important Incan cities and destroy them. However, the Incas worked quickly to destroy portions of the Inca Trail leading to the most important archaeological sites like Machu Picchu before the Spaniards reached the mountains.As a result, they were never able to find it.
Today, the modern-day Inca Trail Peru Trek to Machu Picchu leads through the Andes Mountains connecting important archaeological sites all the way from the town of Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu. On Day 1,trekkers hike along the hillside of the Vilcanota River Valley overlooking small archaeological sites to reach Wayllabamba (3,000m) for the first camp. On Day 2, the trail continues steeply uphill to reach Dead Woman's Pass at a dizzying 4,200m followed by a steep descent to Pacaymayo camp (3,600m). On Day 3, trekkers climb up to Runkuracay ruins at 4,000m,the Sayacmarca ruins and the impressive Phuyupatamarca ruins.On the last night of the Inca Trail, at Winay Wayna camp, everyone celebrates their success of conquering the challenging trek and goes to sleep early.On the final day of the trek, breakfast is served early followed by a 3-hour hike to Inti Punku, the sun gate.For the hearty trekkers who made it all the way here after a tough trek through the Andes,a spiritual experience awaits.Seeing Machu Picchu unveiled as the dense fog rises in the morning sun is an experience of a lifetime.
In order to attain a space on the Inca Trail Peru you must plan ahead and book with a registered trekking operator.The Traditional Inca Trail is limited to 500 people per day with only 200 permits allocated to trekkers and 300 for guides and porters.Sometimes permits sell out up to 6 months in advance especially during the high season months of June, July and August.During the rainy month of February the Inca Trail Peru is closed for repairs.The Peruvian government established these limits to protect the conditions of the trail and prevent overcrowding on the trek and at the campsites. Although it can be frustrating having to book so far in advance, it is essential to preserve the trail.If this experience is not on your bucket list already,make sure you don't pass it up!
Today, the modern-day Inca Trail Peru Trek to Machu Picchu leads through the Andes Mountains connecting important archaeological sites all the way from the town of Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu. On Day 1,trekkers hike along the hillside of the Vilcanota River Valley overlooking small archaeological sites to reach Wayllabamba (3,000m) for the first camp. On Day 2, the trail continues steeply uphill to reach Dead Woman's Pass at a dizzying 4,200m followed by a steep descent to Pacaymayo camp (3,600m). On Day 3, trekkers climb up to Runkuracay ruins at 4,000m,the Sayacmarca ruins and the impressive Phuyupatamarca ruins.On the last night of the Inca Trail, at Winay Wayna camp, everyone celebrates their success of conquering the challenging trek and goes to sleep early.On the final day of the trek, breakfast is served early followed by a 3-hour hike to Inti Punku, the sun gate.For the hearty trekkers who made it all the way here after a tough trek through the Andes,a spiritual experience awaits.Seeing Machu Picchu unveiled as the dense fog rises in the morning sun is an experience of a lifetime.
In order to attain a space on the Inca Trail Peru you must plan ahead and book with a registered trekking operator.The Traditional Inca Trail is limited to 500 people per day with only 200 permits allocated to trekkers and 300 for guides and porters.Sometimes permits sell out up to 6 months in advance especially during the high season months of June, July and August.During the rainy month of February the Inca Trail Peru is closed for repairs.The Peruvian government established these limits to protect the conditions of the trail and prevent overcrowding on the trek and at the campsites. Although it can be frustrating having to book so far in advance, it is essential to preserve the trail.If this experience is not on your bucket list already,make sure you don't pass it up!
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