Machu Picchu of Peru
Discover the Inca Trail
Hikers and travelers from around the globe flock to Peru’s Inca Trail to Machu Picchu because of the many wonders and mysteries this trail reveals. A glimpse of Peru’s rich Inca history is possible through this trail because the roads date back to the 14th century. As part of the Inca Trail, the route to Machu Picchu was used as an important transportation system when relaying messages or transporting food and farming supplies to and from the other parts of the Inca Empire.
The Hidden Jewels Of The Inca Trail To Machu Picchu
A popular hiking and trekking site within the Inca Trail is the route leading to Machu Picchu. This hiking site boasts numerous well-preserved ruins that serve as proofs of the Inca Empire’s great power during its reign. The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu consists of three major routes that converge near the Sun Gate or the “Inti-pata” which serves as the entrance to Machu Picchu — known as the “Lost City of the Incas.” These three routes are known as the One Day, Classic, and Mollepata trails.
The Classic Trail
The Classic Trail is a four-day trek that allows hikers to experience the best of Peru. On the first day, hikers start their journey from either of these two points — Ollantaytambo and Urubamba River. During the first day, travelers can marvel at the Llaqtapata ruins, an area that was originally used for farming and crop production by the Incas. On the second day, hikers ascend to the Dead Woman’s Pass which is the highest place within the trail. The third day of the journey usually starts with the last ascend to the Dead Woman’s Pass although some hikers choose to finish the entire ascend to the pass within the second day. On the fourth and final day, hikers climb down past Winay Wayna which is a well-preserved site that tells many stories regarding the glorious empire of the Incas.
The popularity of the Classic Trail attracted plenty of hikers from around the globe. However, the commercialization of this part of the Inca Trail contributed to the gradual destruction of the ancient trail. To prevent further damage, the Peruvian government has enforced a strict limit on the number of hikers that can trek the trail each day. According to New York Times, hikers who wish to enjoy the Classic Trail should book in advance because hiking permits are now required for the Inca trail.
As a response to the new hiking laws stated by the Peruvian government, the New York Times reports that several tour operators based in the US are devising other routes that can still offer travelers a glimpse of well-preserved Inca ruins.
Accommodation in Machu Picchu
The city of Cusco, located ca. 120 kilometers from Inca city of Machu Picchu, offers travellers many accommodation possibilities from hotels to hostels. The Machu Picchu can be reached by the train. There are also some hotels in the little town of Aguas Calientes, which is only 1,5 hour walk from the ruins of Macchu Picchu.
Accommodation example: The Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge, Machu Picchu, Cuzco (Cusco), Peru
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How to get to Machu Picchu
The Machu Piccu and the city of Cusco can be reached by first flying to Lima, the capital of Peru. The easiest way to get from Lima to Cusco is to fly. Mountains between these two cities mean a long detour for those who want to travel by other means than flying.
Sources:
Machu Picchu Orient Express
Machu Picchu Orient Express
New York Times
Wikipedia
Wikipedia