The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Part of the 23,000 kilometers (approximately 14,000 miles) of roads built by the Incas in South America, this is Peru’s most famous trekking route and possibly one of the most spectacular in the Americas. Every year, some 25,000 hikers from around the world walk along the extraordinary 43 kilometers of this stone-paved road built by the Incas leading to the unassailable citadel of Machu Picchu located in the depth of the Cuzco jungle.
The journey starts in the village of Qorihuayrachina, at kilometer 88 of the Cuzco-Quillabamba railway and takes three or four days of strenuous walking. The route includes an impressive variety of altitudes, climates and ecosystems that range from the high Andean plain to the cloud forest. Travelers will cross two high altitude passes (the highest being Warmiwañuska at 4,200 masl) to culminate the hike with a magical entrance to Machu Picchu through the Inti Punko or Gateway of the Sun

One of the main attractions along the route is the web of ancient settlements built in granite rock by the Incas like Wiñay Wayna and Phuyupatamarca immersed in an overpowering natural scenery. Hundreds of species of orchids, multicolored birds and dreamlike landscapes provide the ideal backstage for a route that every hiker should walk at least once. Many travel agencies sell complete packages to trek the Inca Trail that include meals, camping gear and porter services. Travelers who wish to organize themselves independently can find porters in the communities of Chillca and Wayllabamba who will charge a modest fee to help carry your gear. Drinking water and food supplies, as well as full camping gear are needed.

The Machu Picchu administration charges a US$15 per person fee to provide road maintenance. Admission to the sanctuary is included in the ticket. In Wiñay Wayna -site of some of the most impressive agricultural terraces found in Peru- travelers will find toilets and a visitor’s shelter.
 

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