The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu hike starts from km 82. It is very important to bring your original passport and check in the control, then leads across the Vilcanota river. it's a good 3-hour climb to HUAYLLABAMBA, the only inhabited village on the route. This section of the valley is rich in Inca terracing among which rises an occasional ancient stone building with typical trapezoidal Windows ad niches
The next 6 hours or so to the first pass (4,200 m) is the hardest part of the walk - leave this for the second day if you want to take it fairly easily. From here the trail continues through magnificent scenery on the slopes of snow-capped Mount Salkantay (6,264m) until, about an hour after the second pass (you'll probably be Keeping) to yours a won timetable by now, a flight of stone steps leads up to the inca ruins os SAYAC MARCA. This an impressive sport to camp, near the remains of a stone aqueduct that supplied water to the ancient settlement.
Continuing, you make your way down into an increasingly dense cloud forest where delicate orchids and other exotic flora begin to appear flagstone path where at one point an astonishing tunnel, carved through solid rock by the Incas, takes you beyond an otherwise impossible climb The trail Wind down to the ruins of Puyo Patamarca - 'Town Above the Clouds' where are five small stone bath and in the wet season constant fresh running water.
The nest inca site is a citadel almost as impressive as Machu Picchu in WINAY WAYNA Forever Young Another place with fresh water Take a right fork after spending the night at this obvious spot, it's about further to INTI PUNKU, for your first sight of Machu Picchu; a mind-blowing moment, however, whacked you might be, aim to arrive at Machu Picchu well before the 10:30 am arrival of the tourists train if possible making it to the "hitching post" of the sun before dawn.
When considering a visit to Machu Picchu, it's important to note that the only month to avoid is February. During this time, the Inca Trail, the Machu Picchu sanctuary area, and other Inca archaeological sites along the route are temporarily closed for essential restoration work.
When strategizing your travel plans, here are some key factors to bear in mind:
First and foremost, booking well in advance is crucial. Many trekkers secure their reservations at least six months ahead, especially when traveling with a group. This ensures you can secure your desired dates and tour company while allowing your chosen tour provider to obtain the necessary government permits and documentation.
For solo travelers or couples, there's a better chance of finding available spots on group tours without extensive pre-planning.
The dry season in Cusco and its environs extends from May to October, making this period the most favorable time to embark on your journey. While there's no absolute guarantee against occasional fog or rain showers, the likelihood of heavy downpours is significantly reduced during these months.
However, do anticipate cooler temperatures during this season. While daytime hiking temperatures typically hover around 18-20°C (65-70°F), which feels pleasantly warm, especially in the presence of the sun, nighttime temperatures can drop to freezing levels.
The Inca Trail encapsulates the essence of Peru in a condensed form: vibrant emerald cloud forests teeming with diverse bird species, towering Andean peaks, challenging mountain passes, and a landscape adorned with age-old ruins that remain within reach exclusively for those who traverse this renowned route.
Yet, while the trek itself boasts undeniable beauty, the true allure that drives its immense popularity unfolds at the culmination of this four-day expedition: the moment you pass through the Sun Gate and lay eyes on the enchanting Machu Picchu in the distance. This ethereal vista is reserved solely for Inca Trail trekkers, offering them a sunrise spectacle that elevates this journey to a prominent position on numerous 'South America bucket lists.' It is this crescendo, set against one of the world's new seven wonders, that makes the Inca Trail an irresistible choice for adventure seekers.
Preserving the Inca Trail's ecological integrity and minimizing the effects of overuse and erosion is a priority for the Peruvian government. To achieve this, they impose strict daily limits on the number of individuals allowed on the Inca Trail. Only 500 people have the privilege of accessing the trail each day when it's open, and to secure one of these coveted permits, you must make your reservation through an authorized tour provider. Out of these 500 daily slots, approximately 200 are typically allocated to trekkers, with the remaining 300 being dedicated to guides, porters, and cooks who accompany the hikers.
In summary, due to the scarcity of permits and the high demand for this iconic experience, it is imperative to plan and book your trek well in advance, exclusively through a reputable tour company, to embark on your Inca Trail adventure.
