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Inca trail to Macchu Piccu

Trek the Inca Trail to Macchu in he Andes. Trekking the Inca Trail to Macchu Piccu in Peru is a dream trip for many.There are 20,000 km of Inca road in Peru, the most famous and infamous is the 42km 4 day trek to the ancient Andean citadel of the Inca Macchu Piccu. The route is guided and there is camping at altitude so the air is thin and it can be cold! Guides may offer you cacao leaves to chew too help with the altitude. An organised trip will already have arranged the permits,camping and porters. The trek is usually timed to arrive at Macchu Picchu early in the mornig before the crowds arrive. Return to Cuzco by train. April to October is the best time to go and the traul is closed in February for repairs. Macchu Piccu was brought to worlds attention when it was rediscovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911

Permits for the trail are limited (500/day) and it is normal to join an organised trek with experienced guides. Make sure you check the trek you have chosen covers the classic Inca Trail. Allow 2 days to explore Cuzco and allow for acclimatisation at higher altitudes. Cuzco has a wealth of Inca sites to explore.

The trail starts at 82km along the railway line from Cuzco in the Sacred Valley of Urubamba.The trail passes Inca ruins ar Llactapata, Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca and Wiñay Wayna which give you a taste of the spectacle to come, and shows the terracing and interlocking stone work which characterises the Incas architecture. Accomodation along the route is camping but porters will accompany your trek leaving you with a day pack. Don't feel guilty about this you are supporting the local economy just ensure your porters are employed by a reputable company. Below is a sample itinery.

Day 1:The trailhead is at the entrance of the National Park at Piscacucho and you start the trek before lunch. You continue to walk along the Urumba river and Llactapata until a gentle climb brings you to 2950m and your first nights camp.

Day 2: Today is the most strenuous climbing day.First follow the river valley of the Cusichaca River,to the village of Wayllabamba at 3000m,the trail steepens passing through cloud forest before emergiing onto grassland and the highest point of the trail Warmiwañusca or Dead Woman’s Pass, located at 4200m. You then descend to the camp at Pacaymayo (3700m)

Day 3:After a chilly mountain start you ascend to the pass at Runkuracay(3998m).If its clear you ll see glaciers,mountains and gorges. On the way down you'll walk Inca paving to the Inca ruins of Sayacmarca. Carry on through the cloud forest and a carved Inca tunnel until final camp is reached at Phuyupatamarca (town in the clouds) (3800m).

Day 4 : You 'll see Macchu Piccu today, but first 2000 Inca steps to descend to the ruins at Winay Wayna. After more steps you'll reach Inti Punku, the Sun Gate, where a spectacular view of MAcchu Piccu that is breathtaking.Exploration tommorrow but now time to head off for a good nights sleep and a shower.

Day 5: You'll probably get up early to beat the crowds fron Cuzco who will arrive on the train. Exploring the ruins eraly in the day will be far less crowded and the lght will be better for photographs. Return to Cuzco is by train.