- End point: Machu Picchu
- Length: 43 km
- Max group size: 16 people
- The cost of excursions: adult - 74 dollars, students and children under 16 years - 49 dollars, children under 12 years - free of charge
The Inca Empire was, without exaggeration, enormous - and in order to tie its various ends together, more than 40,000 kilometers of roads were built, many of which have been preserved to this day. The most famous and popular among tourists is a 43 km long stretch of road leading to Machu Picchu, which is called the Inca Trail.
Route Options
The Inca trail is the best tourist route of Peru and the whole of Latin America; it is included in the TOP-5 of the best tourist excursions in the world. Interesting is the path and natural beauties, and the sights, past which the route passes. There are 4 routes in total along the Inca Trail.
- The Salkantay & Inca Trail Trek is the longest and most difficult route. It can be passed for 7, and in cases if all members of the group are sufficiently hardy - then for 6 days. It begins near the city of Mojapat; until the Inca Trail itself, there are still 3 days to go. The route will pass by Runkurakaya, Saiakmarka, Puyupatamarca and Vinay Vainy. You also have to climb the glacier Salkantai.
- A shorter classical route is the most popular; it exists in two versions - one is designed for 4 days, the other - for 5. They begin both on the 82 km of the railway leading from Cuzco to Machu Picchu. The five-day is different from the four-day visit to the ruins of Yaktapata.
- The shortest route to the main attraction of Peru takes 2 days. It begins with the 104 kilometers of the railway, much closer to Machu Picchu than all the other routes. Overnight stay at the hotel in the city of Aguas Calientas.
How to get on a tour of the Inca Trail?
Access to the Inca Trail is strictly controlled and regulated: only tourist groups can get here, and only - organized by authorized tour operators. Only the guide who received the license of the Committee for the Management of the historic landmark of Machu Picchu has the right to accompany the group; If there are more than 10 people in the group, the guide is supposed to be an assistant, and in total there can be no more than 16 people in the group. The number of tourists who can pass this route in one day is also limited: the total number of visitors - together with the staff that serves tourist groups (guides, guides, cooks, porters, etc.) should not exceed 500 people. That's why if you want to go through an amazing Inca Trail, you'll need to book an excursion for at least 5 months.
The tour is held all year round, except for February, when the Inca Trail "is closed for reconstruction". It is better not to go this route in January and March: these months in this area are the rainiest, and it is likely that you will not be able to enjoy the trip properly. The best time for such a trip is from May to October.
How to prepare for the excursion?
As the route passes at a sufficiently high altitude, it is necessary to prepare for the trip. In order to avoid mountain sickness before going on the route, you need a few days to relax properly, so that the acclimatization is more or less painless, give up cigarettes, do not eat fatty and too spicy food, drink plenty of water. There are also medicines (for example, Diamox), which relieve the symptoms of mountain sickness.
You should wear comfortable shoes that fit well with the ankle, and take warm clothes with you, because below you is a tropical heat, and at the top - a fairly low temperature. Take with you a thermal underwear, a warm sweater and a raincoat; In addition, you will need sunglasses and creams for sun protection and for protection from insects. When traveling on a long route you will need a backpack. You should also take with you a water bottle and tablets for water purification (the water itself can be purchased on the road).
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