INCA TRAIL – MACHU PICCHU

INCA TRAIL – MACHU PICCHU

It is one of the world’s most important trekking destinations, renowned for its majesty, history, biodiversity, and incomparable landscapes. The adventure of traversing mountains and trails that connect the Andes and the dense jungle, alongside the meandering Vilcanota-Urubamba River (the Sacred River of the Incas), will undoubtedly become a privilege for anyone experiencing a natural and cultural spectacle that will captivate them from beginning to end.

The Inca Trail Network encompasses six routes with more than 60 archaeological sites and 12 ecological systems.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR YOUR TRIP ON THE INCA TRAIL

• From May to September, solar radiation is high, so it is recommended to bring sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses with UV protection.
• From November to April is the rainy season, so you should bring appropriate gear and clothing for the season.
• It is recommended to have flashlights or headlamps, a walking stick with a rubber tip, binoculars, insect repellent, and hiking boots and clothing.
• Stay only on the established and marked trails.
• Respect the instructions of the park ranger. They represent the authority in the protected natural area.
• All tourists must enter the Inca Trail Network accompanied by a tour guide (who is responsible for the group) and a travel agency duly authorized by the Head of the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu – SERNANP (National Service of Natural Protected Areas). (CUSCO ANDEAN HIKE).
• It is recommended to familiarize yourself beforehand with the content of the Regulations for Sustainable Tourism Use of the Inca Trail Network within the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu and its buffer zone.
• Travel on the Inca Trail network is only permitted from 5:00 am to 5:30 pm.

PERMITTED ACTIVITIES ON THE INCA TRAIL:

• Hiking (most sections correspond to the Inca Trail Network)
• Enjoying the scenery
• Environmental interpretation
• Visit to the Pisqak’ucho Interpretation Center of the SHMPI (Inca Museum and Archaeological Sites)
• Visit and tour of archaeological sites
• Wildlife observation (birds, mammals, etc.) and flora observation (orchids, trees, etc.)
• Overnight camping
• Photography
• Professional filming (with prior authorization).

WHEN TO GO?

The Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu can be visited year-round thanks to its diverse microclimates, allowing for better appreciation of the landscapes and a wider range of activities within this protected natural area. The entire Inca Trail network is closed during the month of February for maintenance and ecosystem restoration.

INCA TRAIL WEATHER

The climate in the Llaqta (Inca city) of Machu Picchu is temperate and humid (the average annual temperature ranges from 12° to 24°C), and the normal rainy season runs from November to March (average annual rainfall of 1000 to 2000 mm), although fog and passing rains can occur throughout the year. In the high Andean zone and much of the Inca Trail network (up to 4,000 meters), the climate is dry and cold, with an average annual temperature between 6° and 13°C and average annual rainfall of no more than 1,100 mm.

INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU SCHEDULES

• Inca Trail Network: Open Monday to Sunday from 7:00 am to 2:00 pm.
• Machu Picchu Citadel: Open Monday to Sunday from 6:00 am to 5:00 pm.

INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU ROUTES

The Inca Trail offers adventure and the opportunity to fully enjoy the incomparable natural beauty of the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. Depending on your physical condition and available time, you can choose one of the following hiking options from among the available routes of the Inca Trail Network:

• Route 1

(4 days and 3 nights).- Pisqak’uchu

(km 82), Wayllabamba, Warmiwañuscca,

Runkuraq’ay, Phuyupatamarka,

Wiñaywayna, Intipunku and Llaqta de

Machupicchu.

• Route 2

(4 days and 3 nights).-Q’oriwayrachina (Km 88), Wayllabamba, Wiñaywayna and Llaqta de Machupcchu.

• Route 3

(5 days and 4 nights).-Soraypampa, Salkantay, Wayllabamba, Abra de

Warmiwañuscca, Runkuraq’ay,

Phuyupatamarka, Wiñaywayna, Intipunku and Llaqta of Machupicchu.

• Route 4

(3 days and 2 nights) Pisqak’uchu (Km 82) Salapunku, Q’anabamba Q’oriwayrachina (Km 88), Patallacta, Torontoy, Q’ente, Pacaymayu Bajo, Chachabamba (Km 104), Wiñaywayna, Intipunku and Llaqta de Machupicchu:

• Route 5

(2 days).- Chachabamba (Km 104), Wiñaywayna and Llaqta de Machupicchu.

• Route 6

(4 days and 3 nights), Soraypampa, Salkantay, Pampacahuana, Wayllabamba,

Q’oriwayrachina or Km 82.