The Inca Trail is the network of roads or paths that linked the main cities of the Tahuantinsuyo. It was known in the Inca Empire as “Qhapac Ñan”, Quechua words meaning “roads of the king” or “roads of the powerful”.
These roads were so extensive that they covered part of the current territories of Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Colombia, Chile and Argentina. However, the most famous section of this network is the Inca Trail leading to Machu Picchu.
While traveling and discovering new spots in Peru you may need to use one of our mobile phone plans for tourists to have a tourist SIM card. In order to understand and find new adventures, here in PeruSIM. The following is an article about the Inca Trail.
What is the Inca Trail?
The Inca Trail is the network of roads or paths that linked the main cities of the Tahuantinsuyo. It was known in the Inca Empire as “Qhapac Ñan”, Quechua words meaning “roads of the king” or “roads of the powerful”.
These roads were so extensive that they covered part of the current territories of Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Colombia, Chile and Argentina. However, the most famous section of this network is the Inca Trail leading to Machu Picchu.
How much does it cost to enter the Inca Trail?
To enter the Inca Trail leading to Machu Picchu, you will have to hire an authorized tourist agency. You can only enter with a permit that is issued by these agencies.
The Inca Trail tour to Machu Picchu for 4 days costs 620 USD, approximately and is booked 6 or 7 months in advance. The tour can include transportation, guide, entrance fees, camping, porters and utensils.
How long does it take to do the Inca Trail?
The classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu takes 4 days to cover almost 40 kilometers. On this route you will visit archaeological sites such as: LLactapata, Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca and Wiñaywayna and Intipunku (Sun Gate) which gives the entrance to Machu Picchu.
The short Inca trail takes 2 days, because it covers the last kilometers of the classic route. Like the classic trail, this route can only be done by hiring an authorized agency.
What is the best time to do the Inca Trail?
It is recommended as the best time to do the Inca Trail in the dry season that goes from April to September, because there is less chance of rain.
What are the characteristics of the Inca Trail?
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu has the characteristics of the Andean trails:
- They are on the slopes of the mountains.
- They are made up of several layers of stone and earth
- They have a drainage system
How important were the roads for the Incas?
The Inca Roads or Qhapac Ñan, were very important because they communicated the Inca imperial capital of Cusco with the rest of the Tahuantinsuyo. For the Inca they were important because they symbolized political, cultural, social and administrative domination in the expansionist stage of his empire.
Steps to walk the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
There are many roads leading to Machu Picchu, but none like the Inca Trail. The most popular among travelers and the most famous pedestrian street in the Americas. From Cusco, it is approximately 43 kilometers of road through forests and thick fog, stairs of millenary stones and incomparable views.
At the end is the reward: the famous Sun Gate and its breathtaking views of the ruins of Machu Picchu. Walking the Inca Trail is a rite of passage for the traveler and a unique adventure, but it is necessary to plan it well before leaving. For this reason we offer you 5 steps to enjoy this millenary adventure to the fullest.
- Choose the best time of the year
- Be physically well
- Make reservations in advance
- Choose the best agency
- Choose the right route
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