THE INCA TRAIL

 Considered one of the most fascinating trekking routes in the world, this route connects the city of Cusco (Peru) with Machu Picchu, one of the wonders of the world. In reality, it is a small section that is now traveled by visitors who go to the lost city of the Incas, since the true Inca Trail or Capaq Ñan (as the Incas called it in ancient times) was an extensive road network of roads that covered much of South America, having as its center the imperial city of Cusco. According to some estimates, it covered about 30,000 kilometers. Today, tourists only walk 42 kilometers in 4 incredible and unforgettable days.

 

 There are two routes for trekking the Inca Trail: THE LONG ROUTE, which covers 42 kilometers (26 miles), begins at kilometer 82 of the railroad line and takes 4 days to complete. THE SHORT ROUTE, which covers 12 kilometers (7.5 miles), takes a single day and begins at kilometer 104 of the railroad line.

 During the 4-day trek, the most intrepid adventurers who love adventure visit various archaeological sites that were once pre-Columbian shrines before the arrival of the Spanish. This beautiful trail practically crosses a part of the Andes, covering in four days diverse landscapes and ecosystems from the cold Andean tundras to humid forests or cloud forests until finally reaching Machu Picchu, not without first passing some obstacles such as rivers, tunnels, high mountains, intense cold or stifling heat ... but on the third day of walking we will finally be able to see in the distance the majestic lost city of the Incas where the next day we will enter Machu Picchu through the mystical Gate of the Sun. It is believed that this Inca trail was commissioned by the Inca Pachacutec in the 15th century AD and that it was actually a ceremonial road to unite the sacred city with Cusco.

 

 

In total, the hike lasts approximately 18 to 24 hours over the four days, typically between 6 and 8 hours a day. The hike reaches an altitude of 4,200 meters. It's best to do this route during the dry season, which runs from May to December, when there is no rain. It's also important to book this trek in advance, as there is a limited capacity of 500 visitors per day. Only 200 of these are foreign tourists, and the rest are guides, porters, cooks, etc.

 

         

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