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The New 7 Wonder of the World
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 m.a.s.l.) 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.
Description of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu rout
Based on a 4 days / 3 nights tour.
The total distance of the trail is approximately 39.6 Km. and begins at
Km. 88 at a place called Q'oriwayrachina. To begin the trail, you must
cross the Kusichaca bridge, (an important Inca bridge which using Inca
techniques, has been built with steel cables which allow visitors to
cross the Urubamba River). Then you head over to the left bank through a
Eucalyptus grove and start the day calmly.
Almost immediately, you will come across the archaeological complexes of
Q'ente, Pulpituyoc, Kusichaca and Patallaca. From this last spot, follow
the trail along the left side of the Kusichaca River in the area with
the same name where you will not only see the bridge but also you will
find tombs, aqueducts, terraces. roads and a canyon. Continue until you
reach the small peasant village of Wayllabamba and Inca aqueducts. It
takes around four hours to cover the 9 Km up to this spot. One can camp
here for the first night, but for comfort we recommend staying in
Llullucha 1.6 Km further on.
The second day is more difficult as the hiker will have to climb up to
4,200 meters, crossing the Warmiwañusqa pass, the first and the highest.
If you suffer from "soroche" (altitude sickness) it is best not to stop
and descend quickly to the valley of the Pakaymayu River, where you can
camp. This spot is 7 Km away and an approximate eight-hour walk. Inca
trail
The third day is the longest but most interesting. You will be able to
visit impressive archaeological complexes such as Runkuraqay, the second
pass, at 3,800 meters above sea level. This is a walled complex with
interior niches that perhaps was a small place for rest, guard post and
worship place. After crossing the second pass, descend to Yanacocha (the
black lagoon), to then climb up a path with stone steps until you reach
another cluster of buildings which attracts the attention of visitors.
This spot is called Sayaqmarka a pre Hispanic complex with narrow
streets, buildings erected on different levels; shrines, patios, canals
and a protecting outer wall. At the top of the buttress one can see many
constructions which lead one to suppose they once were a temple and an
astronomic observatory which had a permanent supply of water and
excellent food storehouses.
Sayaqmarka is a place filled with mystery and enchantment. The
approximate distance to Runkuraqay is 5 Km, which takes 2 hours. This
complex lies at 3,600 meters above sea level. There are excellent paths
and a tunnel through this complex. We recommend you camp near the
Phuyupatamarca ruins or 3 Km further on at the Wiñay Wayna Visitors
Center, where one can buy food and drinks or use the bathrooms. The
Phuyupatamarca ruins are better preserved than those seen before now.
It has a solid base built down to several meters in some cases. The
Wiñay Wayna ruins were given the name possibly because of the abundance
of a beautiful type of orchid which flowers nearly year-round in the
whole area. The Peruvian government and the Viking Fund signed an
agreement in 1940 to investigate the area, and sent the Wenner Gren
expedition led by Professor Paul Fejos. But despite the expedition,
there is no precise information about the specific function of six
groups of dwellings near Machu Picchu. They are divided up into four
well-defined sectors which are: the agricultural sector with many
terraces, the religious sector, the fountain sector and the residential
sector where the houses are located.
On the fourth day, which starts around 8 A.M., the walker arrives at
Machu Picchu at around 11 A.M. after 8 Km of hiking through the jungle.
Follow the signaled route and drink some water at the Wiñay Wayna
Visitors Center. The path is clearly marked but try to avoid getting too
close to the cliff edge.
It is forbidden to camp in Inti Punko. Leave your equipment at the
control gate and enjoy getting to know the most important monument in
this part of ; the continent. You have time to walk around Machu Picchu
until mid-after-noon. Check train timetables to return to Cuzco.
If you plan to stay in the town of Machu Picchu (Last called "Aguas
Calientes"), the distance from the station of Puente Ruinas to Machu
Picchu is 2 Km. It takes around 20 minutes to walk down a narrow path
which runs parallel to the train line.
We recommend you check for trains before walking the path.
Courtesy: PromPeru Inca trail Peru
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Climate and Environment
The climate is relatively mild all year- round, with heavy rains from
November to March, and dry and hot weather from April to October, which
is a recommendable time to visit. The annual minimal temperature runs
from 8° to 11.2°C. In the months of June, July and August the
temperature can often fall below zero. I
nca trail Peru
The annual maximum temperature varies from 20.4° to 26.6°C. The terrain
is fairly jagged, with many gullies and streams fed by glaciers which
eventually pour into the Urubamba river, which crosses the area forming
a deep valley which runs through the granite base of Vilcabamba for more
than 40 km through a variety of eco-systems.
Landscape
The natural surroundings are impressive and the balance achieved between
nature and Inca architecture is striking.
The Vilcabamba mountain range boasts peaks higher than 6,000 meters such
as Salcantay and Huamantay among others. The blend of mountains, jungles
and valleys create a fantasy world where the spectacular dawn and sunset
are shrouded in mystery.
Fauna
This is abundant and varied. The existence of species in danger of
extinction such as the spectacled bear (Tremarctos omatus), the Andean
Cock-of-the-Rocks (Rupicola peruviana), the dwarf deer (Pudu
mephistopheles), etc. was one of the reasons why the government decided
to declare it a Conservation Unit.
The park includes species like the puma, Andean fox, river otter, Taruka
(Huemul deer), wildcat, ferret, etc. There are birds like the Mountain
Caracara, hummingbirds, torrent duck, parrot, wild turkey, and many
other colorful smaller birds. There are also reptiles like the Jergon
Bothrops and the coral micrurus snake (lethal for its venom), lizards,
frogs, and numerous Andean and jungle fauna which inhabit the Sanctuary.
This abundant wildlife makes the Sanctuary ideal for tourists and
researchers who wish to watch or study the animals.
Flora
The large natural areas are filled with a variety of forest species
which vary according to the habitat. The forest vegetation is
represented by trees such as cedar, romerillo or intimpa, laurel, etc.
There are also species like Ocotea, Pedocarpus, Guarea, Weinmania,
Clusia, Cedropia, Cinchena, Eritrina or Pisonay, and Ilex among others.
The decorative plants have made the Sanctuary famous. Experts have
identified more than 90 species of orchids, and many species of begonias
and puya cacti. Most of the area is covered by herbaceous, shrub like
and arboreal plants. The varied conditions have created an ideal
environment for the growth of diverse plant life that runs from thick
jungle like the cloud forest to the sparsely covered mountain tops.
Archaeology
Apart from everything that has been mentioned, there is also the Incas
cultural heritage. The Inca Trail which was well built, crosses dense
forests and deep canyons. There are 18 archaeological complexes dotted
along the trail which can be seen in all their splendor. These are made
up of housing, irrigation canals, agricultural terracing, walls and
shrines, which are irrefutable proof of the existence of important human
settlements.
Tourist Facilities - Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Lodging in Machu Picchu - Hotels in Machu Picchu
There are some alternatives, a 3 stars hotel located in Machu Picchu's
citadel, in the high part of the mountain. Also in the town of Machu
Picchu (last called Aguas Calientes), located in the valley, from where
we start our climbing to Machu Picchu, has services of 4 stars hotels
and lodgings.
Hot Springs
At a distance of 800 m East of the town of Machu Picchu, there are under
ground hot sulfur springs which bubble up from the rocky under ground at
varying temperatures. The especially-built pools at this resort are the
basis of its use as hot mineral baths. The average temperature of the
water runs from 38° to 46°C. There are also changing rooms, bathroom
sand a small snack bar.
Train to Machu Picchu
In order to get to Kilometer 88 one can go by train from Cuzco or
Ollantaytambo. Another alternative to get to Kilometer 88 is to go by
automotive transportation to Chilca at Km. 77 and down by car to Km. 88.
Road Transport
The only way to return from Machu Picchu or Aguas Calientes to Cuzco is
by train. Check all timetables.
Tourist Transportation
There is a fleet of mini-buses that link the Puente Ruinas station via a
narrow, winding road to the top of hill - Machu Picchu complex. The
drive takes approximately 20 minutes to get there and another 20 minutes
back.
The service runs all day, though the frequency depends on the amount of
tourists.
There is a trail between Puente de Ruinas and the Machu Picchu complex.
The walk takes approximately 1 hour.
Signposting
There are signposts located in different parts of the trail using a
series of words and international symbols. In the majority of places,
these signs give the walker the necessary information about a certain
spot, its climate, distances and services.
These signs are classified into information, prevention and restriction. |
