Treks to Machu Picchu

Treks to Machu Picchu

From all over the world, visitors come to Peru in order to walk the Inca trail which is undoubtedly the most famous hike in all of South America. The scenery and the ruins are the main attractions of this famous trail. The trail starts from a point called Kilometer 88, and spans around forty three kilometers. In order to start the trip, you must cross the narrow Kusicancha Bridge and then walk towards the left side of the Eucalyptus forest. You can either camp at Llullucha or Wayllabamba.

The second day is relatively tougher since you must climb the Warmiwañusqa Pass (Dead Woman’s pass) which is around four thousand and two hundred meters high. The third day is more interesting but it is also the longest. You get to see the remarkable ruins of Sayaqmarca and Runkuracay. Wiñayhuayna and Phuyupatamarca are the two sites available for camping. On the fourth and the final day, you can watch the sunrise over Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate. The rest of day can be spent sight-seeing the ancient city.

The Inca trail to Machu Picchu comprises of three interconnected trails. The longest of the three trails is Mollepata. It intersects with the classic route before is crosses the Dead Woman’s Pass. The trail is situated in the Andes mountain range and passes through different kinds of environments. The trail passes through several Incan ruins ending at the Sun Gate. The other two routes are more than twelve thousand feet above sea level. Taking these routes can cause altitude sickness.

The Peruvian government is worried about erosion due to increasing number of visitors so it has limited the number of hikers. Guides-providing companies have also been severely limited. Only five hundred people – which include guides and porters – can commence hiking on the trail each day. Consequently, it is imperative that you book in advance. Moreover, the trail is closed every year in the month of February for cleaning purposes.

It normally takes around three to four days in order to complete the Inca Trail. It was built by the Incas in South America and covers almost twenty three thousand kilometers. The trail begins from Cuzco. At Wayllabamba, the trail traverses Mollepata at an altitude of nine thousand and eight hundred feet.

The trail to Machu Picchu spins west at Wayllabamba and ascends towards Warmiwañusca - Dead Woman's Pass. After crossing this pass, the trail slides into Pacaymayu River drainage. The Incan tambo of Runkuraqay is situated one km along this trail at an altitude of twelve thousand three hundred feet. The trail ascends and the forest offers dramatic views of mountains. Here you can also see the valleys of Urubamba and Aobamba. A tiny spur of the trail goes towards Winay Wayna
while the main trail leads to Intipata. From Winay Wayna, the route goes towards Machu Picchu. You can reach the Sun Gate or Intipunku from here. The final section of the trail consists of a short walk downward. Overall, the treks around Cusco and

Machu Picchu are fun-filled and adventurous.

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