One of the main ways to get to Machu Picchu is by doing the Inca Trail, which lasts a few days. I didn’t get to do the trail, but for those who like adventure and hiking it must surely be an unforgettable experience! The company Peru Andean Path Travel is a travel agency authorized by the Peruvian government to operate the Inca Trail and gave me all the main information needed to complete the trail, follow the article below.
THE INCA TRAIL: THE PATH OF NOBILITY TO MACHU PICCHU
The Inca Trail is part of the network of ancestral paths of the INCA ROAD SYSTEM (Inca Trail of the elite) that includes all the countries that belonged to the Inca empire in the great heyday of the Inca Pachacútec. However, as we all know, Cusco was the capital of the Inca Empire and, from this beautiful city, all roads left for the important cities of ancient Peru. One of them is the citadel of Machu Picchu, considered the Inca palace. At that time this difficult and magnificent route was a path taken by the casuist , considered the messengers of the Inca empire.
However, this wonderful experience is for extreme adventure lovers, willing to transform themselves into modern 21st century chaises.
1. BEST TIME TO DO THE TRACK
This data is of great importance because it will allow you to organize your trip at the right time and to enjoy the best way, your walk to the wonder of the world, Machu Picchu. Nothing better than the appropriate time to start this route.
The best months of the year are between May and September when the sun shines all day and at night it is cold, a small detail that can be fixed with warm clothes. At this time, the entrance fees for this route are very requested and, in general, end quickly due to the maximum number of tourists on the route per day. However, if you plan on doing this magnificent route it is best to book well in advance.
Read also: Inca quarry trek to machupicchu 4 days
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (Photo from Peru Grand Travel)
Other months of the year that you can choose to travel between March and May, months with less tourists where you will find a less congested route and have a better experience.
In February the route is closed due to rain. The bodies responsible for the Inca Trail do not allow entry because of the danger caused by possible landslides that can endanger the lives of tourists. This month the place is maintained, maintained and cleaned. The deteriorated floors and terraces are repaired, the camping areas undergo maintenance, the vegetation is pruned and everything necessary is done so that it is ready and adequate when the Inca Trail reopens in March.
2. PREPARE THE PHYSICIAN WITH EXERCISES BEFORE STARTING
Before starting your adventure it is advisable to do physical exercises so that your body becomes lighter and stronger, able to withstand any challenge in your walk. Since you will pass through all kinds of reliefs, from flat to mountainous and rocky. Your body must also be able to withstand the change in altitude from 3350 to 4200msnm.
3. BOOK YOUR QUOTE FOR THE INCA TRAIL IN ADVANCE
The Inca Trail route is very popular with adventure lovers. If you are one of them we recommend to reserve your quota in advance due to high demand and because it sells out quickly due to the low amount of tickets.
In order to preserve and prevent the deterioration of this ancestral path, only 500 people per day are allowed to enter, of which only 200 are tourists and the remaining quotas are occupied by guides and porters to support the path.
This route is not allowed to enter without a tour guide as it is dangerous and risks can be taken. So prevention is better.
4. PREPARE THE BACKPACK ONLY WITH THE NECESSARY
This step is certainly one of the most important because you will need to take what you need to have the best experience. The items that cannot be missing in your backpack are:
- Sunscreen.
- Sunglasses.
- Hats or caps to protect yourself from the sun and the cold.
- Cold clothes for the night.
- Rain coats.
- Personal medications.
- Snacks for the way like chocolate, coca sweets.
- Trekking shoes.
- Sleeping bags.
- Walking poles.
5. YOUR VACANCY WARRANTY IS MADE ONLY BY AUTHORIZED AGENCIES
The best adventure on this route is to enjoy your walk. Not all Peruvian travel agencies are authorized to operate the Inca Trail. To be considered as operators, they must carry out periodic development and preservation projects on the Inca Trail route.
HOW MUCH DOES THE INCA TRAIL COST AND HOW LONG DOES IT LAST?
At the time of your search on the internet you will find that there are some price variations between travel agencies, for example, for the Classic Inca Trail 4 Days, the average price is USD 695.00 per person and for the Short Inca Trail 2 Days is USD 470.00 per person. Follow the values of Peru Grand Travel.
Short Inca Trail Machu Picchu 2 days / 1 night: USD460.00
Classic Inca Trail Machu Picchu 4 days / 3 nights: USD510.00
Now that you have all the information needed to complete this tour, just put it into practice. To make this trip a unique experience in your life and explore the country that was the birthplace of the spectacular Inca civilization, you can look for Andean Path Travel to make your dream come true.
