Quick Facts About The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Highlight of any trip to Peru, the magnificent citadel of Machu Picchu is truly a sight to behold. Standing secluded on top of a mountain in the heart of the Sacred Valley, this incredible heritage of the Incas, arguably the most impressive and recently named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, is a masterpiece.
Although most travelers choose to visit Machu Picchu on a one or two-day trip, the most adventurous take the long way to the ruins, via the Inca Trail. This 4-day long trek takes travelers back to a foregone era when the Incas had to walk along trails to reach their various outposts. With little comfort but breathtaking scenery all along the way, and the chance to arrive at Machu Picchu to admire the sun rising over the spectacular ruins, hiking the Inca Trail is a rewarding adventure. Here are some facts about the Inca Trail which every traveler to Peru should know.
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is only one in the gigantic system of roads that connected the immense Inca Empire. Inca messengers used to walk for days at a time along the many trails to deliver messages to the royalty that was established in Cusco. Messengers would usually relay one another until the message was delivered to its destination. The portion of the trail that leads to Machu Picchu, also known as the Classic Inca Trail, is most famous for its beautiful scenery and its destination.
As it is becoming ever more famous with thousands of trekkers visiting Peru to hike this famous road, the Classic Inca Trail is now strictly regulated. Only a few authorized tour companies are allowed to operate on the trail and there no independent traveling is allowed. All guides must be licensed and trekkers must be in possession of a permit to complete the hike.
The Classic trail lasts 4 days but there are some alternative options. If you are looking for the experience without the fatigue, you can choose the 2-day option which starts a bit further along the road. For the most fit, you can also hike the trail in 3 days, although this is recommended for experienced trekkers only as the high altitude can be hard to get acclimatized to.
The best time to hike the trail is from May to September when weather is mild. These are the driest and sunniest months. However, nights can get really chilly in the Andes so make sure you pack accordingly. January through March is the rainy season, and probably the worst time to hike, unless you don’t mind to get wet. In February, the peak of the wet season, the trail is closed for maintenance.
These quick facts about hiking the
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
are presented by a travel expert at Peru For Less available to help you customize your exciting
Machu Picchu tours
.
Huashan Cliffside Path (No Harness)
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