Hiking the Inca Trail

hiking the inca trail For those that have about 4 exclusive days for the visit to Machu Picchu Inca City and also are adventure lovers, the walk through the “Inca trail” is recommended. This route has become the favorite of many tourists and only last year, more than 15 thousand people followed these roads to arrive to Machu Picchu Town.

This hiking begins in the 82 kilometer of the railroad Cuzco – Machu Picchu Town, in Ollantaytambo. Leaded by guides and in groups not smaller than 10; you arrive to Machu Picchu after 4 days, after traveling 40 kms. (24.85 miles) by the old Inca stone road, on the edge of the Urubamba canyon. The road crosses the Inca ruins of Patallacta, Huallabamba, Runku Rakay, Sayacmarca, Phuyu Pata Marca and Wiñaywayna. Besides captivating natural landscapes, water falls, tunnels, abundant flora and fauna, amid the exuberant vegetation for being near the forest, with view to the snowy mountains, and with pure air free of any vestige of contamination; ideal for birdwatching. The service of mountain guides, includes all the equipment, feeding, tents, carriers, etc.

Exist routes for hiking of smaller duration; one that leaves from the 104 km. of the railroad crosses the ruins of Wiñaywayna and after few hours you arrive to Machu Picchu.

In all these routes lodgings of “Instituto Nacional de Cultura” (National Institute of Culture) exist where you can spend the night, and the roads are signaled, in spite of it, it is recommended to hire the services of experienced mountain guides.

The acces to Machu Picchu Inca City is limited to 2,500 people per day, is recommendable to make a reserve ahead of time, especially in high season (June – Julio – August). Reservations for Inca Trail are only processed with 30 days of anticipation, to be able to obtain the corresponding permission