The Inca Trail in Peru is one of the most renowned trekking routes in the world. It is a 26-mile long trail that leads to the iconic Machu Picchu, an ancient citadel built by the Incas. The trek takes you through stunning landscapes, diverse flora and fauna, and rich cultural sites. It is a challenging but rewarding journey that will leave you with unforgettable memories.
In this blog post, we will delve into the history of the Inca Trail, the preparation required for the trek, the day-by-day itinerary, the highlights along the trail, and finally, the arrival at Machu Picchu. So put on your hiking boots and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime!
History of the Inca Trail
The Inca Trail was built by the Incas more than 500 years ago as a pilgrimage route to Machu Picchu. It was used by the Incas as a pathway to reach the sacred city for religious ceremonies and celebrations. The trail was also used as a trade route to transport goods and crops from the highlands to the coast.
The Incas were skilled engineers and their road-building techniques were sophisticated. They carved steps into steep mountainsides, built bridges over deep gorges, and paved the entire trail with stones. The trail was an impressive feat of engineering and it still stands strong today despite being exposed to natural elements for centuries.
After the Spanish conquest of Peru in the 16th century, the Inca civilization declined and the trail was abandoned. It remained unknown to the outside world until 1915 when explorer Hiram Bingham rediscovered Machu Picchu and the trail leading up to it. Since then, thousands of tourists have followed in the footsteps of the Incas to experience the grandeur of the Inca Trail.
Preparation for the trek
The Inca Trail is a physically demanding trek, and it is important to prepare yourself both mentally and physically. Here are some things to keep in mind before embarking on the journey:
Physical fitness
The trek requires you to walk an average of 7-9 hours each day, often on steep terrain. It is recommended to start preparing at least 2-3 months in advance by incorporating regular exercise into your routine. This can include hiking, jogging, cycling, and strength training.
Acclimatization
Machu Picchu is located at an altitude of 7,972 feet (2,430 meters) and the highest point on the trail is at 13,829 feet (4,215 meters). It is important to give your body time to acclimatize to the high altitude before starting the trek. Spending a few days in Cusco, the nearest city to Machu Picchu, will help your body adjust to the altitude.
Permits and tour companies
Only a limited number of permits are issued for the Inca Trail each day, so it is important to book your trek well in advance. You can either book through a tour company or apply for a permit directly with the Ministry of Culture in Peru. It is recommended to go with a reputable tour company as they will take care of all logistics, including permits, transportation, and meals.
Packing essentials
Packing light is key when trekking the Inca Trail. A backpack of around 35 liters is sufficient, and you should aim to keep it under 10kg. Some essential items to pack include sturdy hiking boots, rain gear, warm layers, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a first aid kit. It is also important to bring enough cash for any additional expenses along the way.
Day-by-day itinerary
The classic Inca Trail trek takes 4 days and 3 nights, covering a total distance of 26 miles. However, there are also alternative treks available that take longer or shorter routes. Here is a breakdown of the day-by-day itinerary for the classic Inca Trail trek:
Day 1: Cusco to Wayllabamba
The trek begins with an early morning pick-up from your hotel in Cusco. You will then be driven to Ollantaytambo, where you will have breakfast and meet your trekking guide and group. From here, you will continue by bus to Kilometer 82, the starting point of the trek.
The first day of the trek is relatively easy, covering a distance of 7.5 miles. The trail follows the Urubamba River, passing through small villages and offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains. You will also get the chance to visit the ancient Inca site of Llactapata before reaching your campsite at Wayllabamba.
Day 2: Wayllabamba to Pacaymayo
This is the most challenging day of the trek, covering a distance of 9 miles and reaching an altitude of 13,829 feet at Dead Woman’s Pass. The trail becomes steeper and more strenuous as you ascend towards the pass, but the breathtaking views make it worth the effort. You will then descend into the valley and reach the campsite at Pacaymayo.
Day 3: Pacaymayo to Wiñay Wayna
On day 3, you will cover a distance of 8 miles and cross two more high passes, Runquracay (12,073 feet) and Phuyupatamarca (12,073 feet). These passes offer some of the most stunning views along the entire trek. You will also get the opportunity to visit the impressive ruins of Sayacmarca and Phuyupatamarca before reaching the final campsite at Wiñay Wayna.
Day 4: Wiñay Wayna to Machu Picchu
The final day of the trek starts early in the morning as you make your way towards the Sun Gate, the entrance to Machu Picchu. This section of the trail is relatively flat and takes around 2-3 hours to complete. As you reach the Sun Gate, you will catch your first glimpse of Machu Picchu, an unforgettable sight after 3 days of trekking.
After some time to take in the stunning views, you will descend towards the citadel of Machu Picchu. Your guide will give you a tour of the ruins, explaining their significance and history. You can also hike up to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain for even more breathtaking views. Finally, you will take a bus down to Aguas Calientes, where you can relax and reflect on your incredible journey.
Highlights along the trail
The Inca Trail offers many highlights along the way, making it one of the most popular trekking routes in the world. Here are just a few:
Llactapata
Llactapata is an ancient Inca site located on the first day of the trek. It was used as a checkpoint for travelers and goods passing through the valley. The site offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and is a great place to stop for a break and take some photos.
Dead Woman’s Pass
At an altitude of 13,829 feet, Dead Woman’s Pass is the highest point on the Inca Trail. The name comes from the shape of the mountain, which resembles a woman lying on her back. It is a challenging but rewarding part of the trek, offering breathtaking views of the Andean landscape.
Sayacmarca
Located on the third day of the trek, Sayacmarca is a well-preserved Inca site that offers a glimpse into the religious and administrative practices of the Incas. The site is built on a steep hilltop, providing commanding views of the surrounding valleys.
Intipata
Intipata is another impressive Inca site located on the third day of the trek. It was used as an agricultural laboratory by the Incas to experiment with different crops and growing methods. Today, it offers stunning terraced views and a peaceful resting spot along the trail.
Sun Gate and Machu Picchu
The final highlight of the Inca Trail is the Sun Gate and the arrival at Machu Picchu. This is where you will catch your first glimpse of the iconic ancient citadel, a truly unforgettable moment. The Sun Gate also offers breathtaking views of the entire site and the surrounding mountains.
Arrival at Machu Picchu
After 3 days of trekking, reaching Machu Picchu is a surreal experience. As you enter the ancient city through the Sun Gate, you will feel a sense of awe and wonder at the magnificent ruins in front of you. Your guide will take you on a tour of the site, explaining its significance and history.
You can also choose to hike up to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain for even more spectacular views. These hikes are not for the faint-hearted, but they offer an unparalleled perspective of the citadel and the surrounding landscape.
Once you have explored the ruins, you can take a bus down to Aguas Calientes, the nearest town to Machu Picchu. Here, you can relax and reflect on your incredible journey while soaking in the natural hot springs.
Conclusion and reflections
Trekking the Inca Trail is an adventure of a lifetime. It is a physically challenging journey, but one that rewards you with stunning landscapes, rich cultural sites, and a sense of accomplishment. The trail not only takes you to the iconic Machu Picchu but also allows you to immerse yourself in the history and culture of the Incas.
As you trek along this ancient pathway, take a moment to reflect on the impressive engineering skills of the Incas, the rich history of the trail, and the natural beauty that surrounds you. The Inca Trail is truly a journey that will leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.
