Inca Trail
Very Interesting Places in Peru
- General Information about the Inca Trail
- Useful Information
- Nature
- Frecuently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Regulations
- Map
- 1st Day - Cusco - Km 82 - Huayllabamba
- 2nd Day - Huayllabamba - Pacaymayu
- 3rd Day - Pacaymayu - Wiñaywayna
- 4th Day - Wiñaywayna - Machu Picchu - Cusco
INCA TRAIL : Inca Trail
The Inca Trail in Peru, South America has around 14,000 miles (23,000 Kilometers) and is Peru’s most famous trekking route, Inca trail is 43km long, and this stone paved route is the only Inca trail that leads to the awesome gates of Machu Picchu, the ultimate climax to any trekking experience.
The Inca Trail journey begins in the village of Qorihuayrachina at km 88 of the Cusco Quillabamba railway and takes between three and four days of walking. The various ruins along the way serve to heighten the anticipation of the hiker as they approaches what would surely will be one of the new archaeological wonders of the world - Machu Picchu, The Inca trail routes includes an impressive variety of altitudes, climates and ecosystems that range from the high Andean plain to the cloud forrest.
This world-famous trail is part of the Santuario Histórico de Machu Picchu, an area of over 32,000 hectares set aside by the Peruvian state to protect the flora and fauna that flourish here. In 2001, in an attempt to restrict the number of hikers and avoid damage the trail, the Peruvian government established new regulations requiring all Inca Trail hikers to be accompanied by a licensed guide.
General Information
One of the most interesting, short and accessible treks in the region is the one leading to the enigmatic Inkan City of Machupicchu.
The best time to do the Inka Trail is during our dry season between May to September; however, this does not mean that there is no possibility of getting rains or showers because they simply are unforeseeable even by this season.
The first thing when getting ready is to get the necessary camping equipment. When dealing with organized excursions, normally the tour operators supply all that is necessary except for the personal equipment that may also be rented in the several specialized agencies by the Qosqo's downtown area.
The elementary equipment items are a tent, a backpack, sleeping bag or blanket, insulating pad, rain gear, trekking boots, food for the 3 or 4 walking days, etc.
If the trek is carried out by the traveler's own, then he must be very careful about the equipment to be carried. Besides the items already indicated he must get the following elements: canteen, flashlight, matches, knife, cooking gear with stove, pots, jars, fork and spoon, candles. Food consisting of light products such as instant soups, noodles or spaghetti, fish cans, cheese, ham, rice, semolina, salt, pepper; dry fruits, oats, powdered milk, instant tea, coffee or chocolate; refreshment packs, jam, butter, candies, bread (kept in plastic bags it will be O.K. till the last day). Even more, it will be necessary to take a small personal first aid kit containing a bandage, sterile cotton, gauze, adhesive bandages, analgesics, antiseptic ointment or liquid, diamox or coramina for those who suffer altitude effects, insect repellent, sun screen, Vaseline. Coca leaves are also very useful since that they are used to make infusions or they could be chewed in order help people get adjusted to the altitude, as well as for mitigating tiredness, thirst or hunger.
Normally, water is found in all the spots described in this book as campsites. However, it is always commendable to boil the water, or otherwise to use chlorine or any other purification device or tablets to make it drinkable. It is recommended to take light clothing for the sunny days as well as warm ones because in certain sectors the nights may be cold with temperatures under 0° C (32° F). Do not forget a sun hat or cap, towel, toilet paper; shoes must be preferably waterproof hiking boots with ankle protectors. Depending on your interests also carry a photo or film camera, binoculars, sun glasses, compass, a good trail handbook, etc.
All the equipment including the food should have a light or moderate weight for the hiker; some few extra grams become heavy and unbearable on the hike. In order to sleep do not leave your belongings outside your tent since in some sectors, especially during the first hiking days some nighttime robberies were reported.
It is not recommended to hike all alone, do it always along with some other hikers; there is a Safety Committee in order to grant help to travelers but which is seldom effective. Moreover, it is recommended not to move away from the trail or the signaled way; if you ever have doubts ask the other travelers coming after you.
Info obtained from www.qosqo.com
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