The Inca Trail is one of the most remarkable achievements of the golden age of the Inca and Pre-Inca civilization and perhaps its greatest mystery is Machu Picchu. Each year it is the goal for an increasing number of visitors but few make the journey along the ancient Inca Trail which is a part of a network of at least 30,000 km. of main paved highways that the Inca built along the Empire. The roads were tremendous feats of engineering and so well constructed that large sections still survive despite centuries of neglect.
One of the best-known stretches of this imperial highway system remaining today is the route known as the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
The Inca Trail trek begins at Kilometer 82 near Ollantaytambo in the Urubamba Valley and goes through small woods, bamboo forests, subtropical vegetation and wild orchards.
The trail runs about 43 km, beginning at Qoriwayrachina, popularly known as km 88 on the Cuzco route climbing steadily up to Huallabamba, there it continues to the Llullucha Pampa until it reaches the pass of Warmiwañusca at 4,200 ms. Then the trail drops into the Pacaymayo Valley and you go across two more high passes before finally reaching the ruin of Machu Picchu
The trail goes through several Inca ruins such as Llaqtapata, Runkuraqay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, and Wiñay Wayna; traveler's camping areas, tunnels and winds throughout some of the most beautiful scenery.
The trek to Machu Picchu is completed when you arrive at Inti Punku, the Sun Gate. It is the entrance from the Inca Trail and overlooks this ancient citadel. A chance to visit the lost city of the Incas along the ancient trail.
Inca Trail trek to the Sacred Valley site begins either at km 82, Piscacucho, or at km 88, Qorihuayrachina, at 2600 m. In order to reach Km 82 hikers are transported by their tour operator in a minibus on the road that goes to Quillabamba. From Piri onward the road follows the riverbank and ends at km 82, where there is a bridge. You can depart as early as you like and arrive at km 82 faster than going by train. The Inca Trail equipment, food, fuel and field personnel reach km 82 (depending on the tour operator's logistics) for the Sernarp staff to weigh each bundle before the group arrives. When several groups are leaving on the same day, it is more convenient to arrive early. Km 88 can only be reached by train , subject to schedule and baggage limitations. The train is slower than bus, but you start your walk nearer to Llaptapata and Huayllabamba.
The walk to Huayllabamba, following the Cusichaca river, needs about 3 hours. Beyond Huayllabamba, a popular camping spot for Inca Trail tour groups, there is a camping place about an hour ahead, at Llulluchayoc (3,200 m). A punishing 1hr 30 min climb further is Llulluchapampa, is an ideal meadow for camping. If you have the energy to reach this point, it will make the second day easier because the next stage, the ascent to the first pass, Warmiwañusca (Dead Woman's Pass) at 4200 m. is exhausting 2 hrs 30 min.
Afterwards there is a steep path dowhill to the Pacamayo valley. Beware of slipping on the Inca steps after rain. You could camp by a stream at the bottom (1 hr 30 min from the first pass). It is no longer permited to camp at Runkuracay, on the way up to the second pass (a much easier climb 3,850 m). Magnificent views near the summit in clear weather. A good overnight place is about 30 min past the Inca Ruins at Sayacmarca (3,500 m), about an hour on after the top of the second pass.
A gentle 2 hrs climn on a fine stone highway leads through an Inca tunnel to the third pass. Near the top there's a spectacular view of the entire Vilcabamba range.
You descend to Inca ruins at Phuyupatamarca (3,650 m), well worth a long visit, even camping overnight. There is a 'bathroom' here where water can be collected (but purify it before drinking).
From there steps go downhill to the ruins of WiñayWayna (2,700 m), with views of the recently cleared terraces of Intipata. Access is possible, but the trail is not easily visible. There is a small campsite. After WiñayWayna there is no water and no camping till Machu Picchu.
The Inca Path from this point goes more or less level through jungle until the steep staircase up to the Inti Punku (2 hrs), where there's a magnificent view Machu Picchu, especially at dawn, with the sun alternately in and out, clouds sometimes obscurring the ruins, sometimes leaving them clear.
Get to Machu Picchu as early as possible, preferably before 08:30 for best views but in any case before the tourist train arrives at 10.30.
Daily departures Inca Trail are available along the year. However, as previously stated the high season (June-September), bookings need to be 4-6 months ahead of your travel dates. The exception is one-month closing period of all Inca Trail routes in February.This is the month for total maintenance of the trail. All Inca Trail departures are subject to government space availability, please check the following website: Ministerio de Cultura > Consultas > Centro Arqueológico: please select Camino Inca > Please select year and month. The Inca Trail books up quickly, so when you decide on checking this adventure off your list, get online at the official website www.machupicchu.gob.pe
These are companies that have received official authorization and the only allowed to operate the Inca Trail. An authorization has to be renewed each year. The authorization is granted by goverment institutions: Ministerio de Cultura, GERCETUR It´s strongly recommend you to check your Inca Trail operator authorization prior to do a booking.
