INCA TRAIL TO MACHUPICCHU – TRAVEL GUIDE
Discover the spirituality that encloses this magical sacred space, which is composed of history and nature, diverse archaeological monuments articulated by the Inca Trail peru network and immersed in ecologically important areas for humanity, because it possesses varied ecosystems with a diversity of endemic flora and fauna species.
Because of its majesty, history, biodiversity and incomparable scenery, it is one of the touristic destinations that integrates what every visitor could wish. A place to learn from the millenary history of a great civilization and discover fascinating types of life that coexist in harmonious relationship.
Finally the adventure of overcoming mountains or roads that connect the mountains range and the thickness of the forest hand in hand with the winding river Vilcanota-Urubamba or Sacred River of the Inkas. Without a doubt, it is a privilege for the visitors of a natural scenery that will captivate you beginning to end. Forests, numerous species of trees, ferns, herbs, mosses, scrub plants and colorful orchids and birds will parade before your eyes.
WHAT IS THE INCA TRAIL IN PERU?
The Machupicchu Historic Sanctuary represents 0.03% of the Peruvian territory; however, it contains a great biological and ecosystem diversity of our country.
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE
Archaeological investigations have confirmed the presence of ceremonial spaces or sectors in each archaeological site registered along the Inka trail Network. These demonstrates the sacredness in relation to the surrounding geographical environment, but in a lower hierarchy compared to the Llagta (Inka city) of Machupicchu. It was organized from the space-time perspective of sacred andean thought, becoming the best archaeological evidence of the Inka’s time all over the country.
The Inka Trail Network of the Machupicchu Historical Sanctuary exceeds 300 kilometers in length, which main section is the Route 01 with a length of 33 km. (approx.). It is possible to see bridges, platforms systems and drainages articulated to multifunctional archaeological sites built with lithic material typical of the area.
In this context, the Llaqta (Inka city) of Machu Picchu, represented a sacred space where offerings were made to the Pachamama (Land) and the surrounding Apus (Gods) such as Machupicchu, Waynapicchu, among others, as well as some of a higher category, Tutelary Apus, such as Wakaywillki (Veronica), Pumasillu and Salqantay. The surrounding lands were sacred and were destined for production, for worship, sacrifices and rites.
WHEN TO GO TO THE INCA TRAIL?
Machupicchu Historic Sanctuary can be visited throughout the year for its diversity of microclimates; however, the recommended months are from May to October, corresponding to the dry season (low rainfall). Then you can better appreciate the scenery and make more activities in this natural protected area. February, the Inca Trail are closed for maintenance and recovery of ecosystems works.
WHAT IS THE WEATHER ON THE INCA TRAIL?
The climate in the Llaqta (Inka city) of Machupicchu is temperate and humid.
The average annual temperature varies between 12° to 24 ° c. Rainy season goes from November to March with average annual rainfall of 1000 to 2000 mm. Although there may be mists and passing rains all year round. In the high Andean zone and a large part of the inka Trail Network (up to 4,000 meters above sea level) the climate is dry and cold. The average annual temperature is between 6 ° to 13 ° C with an average annual precipitation not greater than 1,100 mm.
TYPES OF INCA TRAIL TO MACHUPICCHU
Different types of Inca Trail travel for different travelers.
- SHORT INCA TRAIL HIKE FULL DAY
- SHORT TINCA TRAIL 2D-1N
- CLASSIC INCA TRAIL 4D-3N
- PREMIUM INCA TRAIL 5D-4N
INCA TRAIL RECOMMENDATIONS:
- From May to September, the solar radiation is high so it is recommended to wear sunscreen, hats and sunglasses with UV protection.
- From November to April, the rainy season comes, so implements and clothing suitable for the station must be carried.
- It is recommended to have hand or front lantern, hiking poles with rubber tip, binoculars, insect repellent, trekking shoes and clothes.
- Walk only through established and marked trails.
- Respect the park ranger’s instructions.
- All visitors must enter the Inka Trail Network with a tour guide and a travel agency duly authorized like Cusco Andean Hike by Machupicchu Historic Sanctuary – SERNANP.