INKA TRAIL to MACHU PICCHU

The Inka Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the most famous and popular treks in the world. The Inka archaeological sites along this trail contain some of the finest Inka stonework to be found. The environment varies from dry semi-desert to alpine to jungle, with the accompanying flora and fauna, and the mountain views are spectacular..

The Inkas constructed an estimated 15,000 miles road throughout their empire, with new roads constantly being discovered. The Royal Road from Columbia to Chile was 3,250 miles long, longer than the Romans' longest road, which stretched form Scotland to Jerusalem.The main coastal road ran for 2,520 miles along the desert. These roads were interconnected, reaching out from Cusco, running from sea level to the highest mountain passes.

To hike the Inka Trail trek usually takes four days and three nights. New laws require that every trekker go with an approved agency and guide. No longer can backpackers go alone. These laws are intended to control the thousands of people who hike the trail each year and to protect the environment and the archaeological sites.

The hike now begins at Milepost 82 on the railroad, which can be reached by bus. After registering and crossing the Urubamba River, the sacred river of the Inkas, the hike follows the river until reaching the Inka site of Llactapata. These ruins include extensive terraces where food was produced (it is estimated that the people produced three times that required for their own use), house sites and a sun temple.

From Llactapata the trail turns and follows the Llullucha river, climbing slightly. Across the river are many small farms and you often meet the local residents taking their produce to market. About 12 kilometres from Llactapata you arrive at the settlement of Wayllabamba, where there is a designated camp site.

The second day is the most difficult, with an altitude again of 3,500 feet in 9 kilometres. The trail climbs steadily along the side of a canyon, goes through a cloud forest, and then breaks out into the open to climb to Abra de Warmiwanusca or Deadwoman's Pass, at 13.700 feet. Looking back down the canyon, magnificent views of snowcapped Mt. Veronica can be had. From the pass, the trail goes down into a valley with jungle-like vegetation, streams and water falls. Here is the second camp, Paqaymayu.

The third day begins with a steep climb from Paqaymayu, On the way you can visit the oval shaped ruins of Runkurakay, possibly a lookout point to guard the trail from aggressors. Continuing past two small lakes you come to the second pass, where you see the Pumasilla range. From this pass the original Inka paving begins. The path is beautifully paved, with buttresses to hold in on the steep slopes, tunnels, and good views of the mountains, including Salkantay,

Sayakmarca is perched on top of a ridge and is accessible with 100 steps. One of the most spectacular ruins, Sayakmarca was discovered by Hiram Bingham in 1915. Sayakmarca has 21 rooms and 3 ceremonial baths where pilgrims cleansed themselves as they approached Machu Picchu. The fact that there are no terraces indicates that this was a ceremonial and not a living site.

The trail descends into a wooded ravine. The trail follows along the side of the mountain ridge, the stonework becoming increasingly fine, passes through a tunnel. This tunnel was made by enlarging a natural crack in the stone. The third pass lies just before the ruins of Phuyupatamarca. This site is located just where the clouds rising from the jungle cling to the mountainsides. The Choquesuysuy flows through the site and provides water for the six sacred baths. From here, the trail descend steeply, usually on stone steps, through jungle vegetation. It passes a rock alcove with small walls and another tunnel.

Most groups camp at Huinay Huayna, a set of ruins that many believe rivals Machu Picchu. Here are steep stone stairways, series of baths, house sites, ceremonial sites, and hundreds of terraces.

From here, the trail is fairly level as it traverses a ridge with thick vegetation. Below is the Urubamba River, rushing toward the Amazon. You climb a series of stone steps to arrive at the Intipunku, the Gate of the Sun, to see Machu Picchu below.