Machu Picchu needs no introduction and for mountain enthusiasts the Inca Trail is one of the treks at the top of every once-in-a-lifetime list of things to do. Here is a short guide on how to walk the ancient Inca paths and reach the secret city.
Inca Trail
The Inca Trail begins not far from Cusco and is a path that crosses the Sacred Valley, mysterious ruins, panoramic points to enter Machu Picchu from the ancient entrance door. To travel the old road that connected the capital of the empire with the citadel, however, it takes some time and preparation. The Peruvian government has prohibited entry to independent trekkers and can only be accompanied by licensed guides.
The path starts at km 88 of the railway line that connects Cusco with Aguas Calientes, the village at the foot of Machu Picchu. So first of all you have to take the train and get to the departure station, cross the Urubamba river and enter the path. The first day ends on arrival at the small campsite of Hatunchaca or at the bivouac of Huayllabamba. The best prepared trekkers can continue to Llulluchapampa. On the second day the trek is a difficult one and involves the passage of the Passo della Donna Morta at 4200 meters above sea level, the highest point of the path but only the first of three passes that must be overcome. To sleep you can stop in Pacamayo, or go through the ruins of Runcu Raccay and stop there, but most trekkers prefer to continue and stop in Chaquicocha and Phuyupatamarca,
On the third day, you walk for the third step at 3650 masl and pass an Inca tunnel. Usually we stop in Huinay Huayna. The fourth and last day we finally see Machu Picchu from above, we pass the
Door of the people Sole and we are in the citadel.
Salcantay Trail
This route provides excellent technical preparation but has the charm of being one of the least popular among the possible treks. You follow a rather difficult path that includes the pass of the Inca Chiriasq’ua pass at 5000 meters above sea level to join the Short Inca Trail in Huayllabamba. The first part of the route offers spectacular views including a special panoramic view of the imposing Salcantay (6,270m).
Camino Real Trail (aka Santa Teresa Trek)
This path is less frequented than the classic Inca Trail and allows you to lodge the lodges along the way. The first lodge can be reached by car or by bus and is located in the heart of the mountains from where a climb to Salcantay begins and then descends into the woods. The route can be done solo without an escort.
From Choquequirao to Machu Picchu
This route will allow you to get to know two important Inca archaeological sites that are only accessible on foot. It starts from the village of Cachora, 60km south-east of Machu Picchu. During the first few days there are numerous ups and downs in the beautiful and calm historic site of Choquequirao. The path then heads north-east and crosses plains, cloud forests and high pastures per lama. It passes through the San Juan pass at 4400 meters above sea level and still climbs along the Rio Yanama where you can begin to see Machu Picchu before going down the Santa Teresa valley and ending in the Camino Real.
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Mini Inca Trail & Royal Trail
If you want to walk to Machu Picchu but don’t have too much time there are a couple of short options. The easiest option is to go down to km 104 (Chachabamba) and walk for three hours to join the classic path at the Huinay Huayna campsite. Another alternative is the Royal Trail, a trail used only by the highest castes of the Incas for ceremonial purposes. You must follow the path to Choquesuysuy before entering Huinay Huayna.