Camino Inka, better known as the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, is by far the most popular trek in South America. The reasons for its deep and abiding popularity among trekkers from all over the world are not hard to fathom, considering the diverse landscapes and the historical significance of the Inca paving stones, relics and tunnels scattered along the way. Not to mention the motivational aspect of reaching Machu Picchu at the end.
Jorge Chavez International Airport is the main gateway into Peru. It is located in Callao, which is just a quick drive from the city center in Lima. A connecting flight from the capital must be taken to reach Cuzco, where travelers will need to stay overnight in a hotel. A bus leaving from Cuzco at dawn takes passengers on a very nice 3 1/2 to four hour drive through the Sacred Valley. The bus ride ends at the 82 km point on the Cuzco to Aguas Calientes rail line, where the trail begins.
After the porters' bags are weighed at the weigh station alongside the river, trekkers can cross the suspension bridge across the river and begin their quest. The first hour or so through the open valley is easy. After that, the path starts snaking upwards towards the looming snow-capped peaks of Veronika Mountain.
The group will halt overnight at a campsite in Wayllabamba. At this stage, the altitude is already above 3000 feet. For those wondering if this is the only option, there are indeed multiple paths that can be taken. The trek can also be made less demanding by starting from markers further ahead.
The two main trekking paths are the Classic and Mollepata routes. The Classic option is a four-day trek starting from the aforementioned 82-km mark. From this point, trekkers follow the route into the cloud forest and high up into the Andes. It passes by several Inca ruins before reaching Machu Picchu at sunrise on the fourth morning.
If this Classic trek seems too hard, then easier choices are available by starting off from points further ahead on the trail. The 88-km point and the 104-km point are two such available options. The 104 km point trek is the shortest one, and can be completed inside of two days.
Adventurers looking for a thrill can opt for the Mollepata route, which goes even higher up into the mountains and takes up to seven days to complete. In this case, trekkers must take an early morning bus from Cuzco to the Village of Mollepata. The path gets up-close to the majestic Salkantay Mountain, with trekkers required to hike through a mountain pass well above 4,000 feet.
People can't just show up in Peru at the last minute and hop over on to the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. It has to be booked months beforehand, and a permit has to be obtained. The best way to tackle this situation is by booking a slot on a group tour. The tour operator takes responsibility for the paperwork, and will also provide the porters and tour guides. The porters also cook meals and take care of other camping logistics, leaving trekkers free to concentrate on getting to Machu Picchu on their own two feet.
Jorge Chavez International Airport is the main gateway into Peru. It is located in Callao, which is just a quick drive from the city center in Lima. A connecting flight from the capital must be taken to reach Cuzco, where travelers will need to stay overnight in a hotel. A bus leaving from Cuzco at dawn takes passengers on a very nice 3 1/2 to four hour drive through the Sacred Valley. The bus ride ends at the 82 km point on the Cuzco to Aguas Calientes rail line, where the trail begins.
After the porters' bags are weighed at the weigh station alongside the river, trekkers can cross the suspension bridge across the river and begin their quest. The first hour or so through the open valley is easy. After that, the path starts snaking upwards towards the looming snow-capped peaks of Veronika Mountain.
The group will halt overnight at a campsite in Wayllabamba. At this stage, the altitude is already above 3000 feet. For those wondering if this is the only option, there are indeed multiple paths that can be taken. The trek can also be made less demanding by starting from markers further ahead.
The two main trekking paths are the Classic and Mollepata routes. The Classic option is a four-day trek starting from the aforementioned 82-km mark. From this point, trekkers follow the route into the cloud forest and high up into the Andes. It passes by several Inca ruins before reaching Machu Picchu at sunrise on the fourth morning.
If this Classic trek seems too hard, then easier choices are available by starting off from points further ahead on the trail. The 88-km point and the 104-km point are two such available options. The 104 km point trek is the shortest one, and can be completed inside of two days.
Adventurers looking for a thrill can opt for the Mollepata route, which goes even higher up into the mountains and takes up to seven days to complete. In this case, trekkers must take an early morning bus from Cuzco to the Village of Mollepata. The path gets up-close to the majestic Salkantay Mountain, with trekkers required to hike through a mountain pass well above 4,000 feet.
People can't just show up in Peru at the last minute and hop over on to the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. It has to be booked months beforehand, and a permit has to be obtained. The best way to tackle this situation is by booking a slot on a group tour. The tour operator takes responsibility for the paperwork, and will also provide the porters and tour guides. The porters also cook meals and take care of other camping logistics, leaving trekkers free to concentrate on getting to Machu Picchu on their own two feet.
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