The Inca Trail To Machu Picchu
The Inca Trail is Peru's best known hike, combining a stunning mix of Inca ruins, mountain scenery, lush cloud-forest and rich subtropical jungle. Over 250 species of orchid have been counted in the Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary, as well as numerous birds such as hummingbirds, waterfowl and the majestic Andean Condor. The star of the Sanctuary is the spectacled bear, a shy, herbivorous animal that is extremely rare and close to extinction.
The real Inca Trail is a walking route that leads through the mountains above the Urubamba river, following (at least partly) the course of an old Inca roadway leading to the city of Machu Picchu.
Essentially the Inca Trail is a mountainous jungle hike leading to the sacred Inca city of Machu Picchu. The 45km trek is usually covered in 4 days, arriving at Machu Picchu at daybreak on the final day before returning to Cusco by train in the afternoon.
The trek is rated moderate and any reasonably fit person should be able to cover the route. It is fairly challenging nevertheless, and altitudes of 4200m are reached, so ensuring that you are well acclimatized is important.
In 2007 over 150 trekking companies in Cusco were awarded licenses to operate the Classic 4 day Inca Trail. Licenses are awarded only to registered Peruvian tour operators who have offices in Cusco so even if you buy your trek with a company in your own country the trek won't actually be operated by them.
Inka trail to Machu Picchu in 2008
- The government authorities have introduced minimum standards for the trekking companies. The maximum group size is now 16 persons and each company has to take basic equipment such as a kitchen tent, dining tent, first aid kit and oxygen, etc. More equipment means more porters per group. For groups of more than 9 trekkers an additional guide must accompany the group. All guides now have to be professionally qualified and licensed./li>
- The Porters Law introduced in 2003 is now being strictly implemented. Not only do porters now receive a minimum wage of about US$15 per day but their loads are also limited to a maximum of 20kg, they have to take sleeping bags, back packs back-support belts and warm clothing as well as being provided with suitable meals, access to first aid and accident insurance. Extra equipment and reduced loads leads to more porters per group. Most responsible operators now use a ratio of about 3 porters for every 2 trekkers.
- The number of trekkers allowed to start the trek has also been limited to about 200 people per day (500 people in total including guides, cooks and porters on the classic Inca Trail, the shorter Inca Trail and the Salkantay trek) making it essential to book your trek well in advance. The price of the entrance fee looks set to be increased again in March or April (we will keep you informed when it does).
- The tax authorities have clamped down pretty hard on the trekking companies in recent years. You can now expect to pay around US$40 per person in taxes. However if you buy your trek with an overseas tour operator then the trek is exempt from taxes so buying a trek directly with a local tour operator helps benefit the local economy much more than booking with a company in your own country.
Inca Trail Availability 2008
Since the number of trek permits is limited to 500 per day (about 200 tourists and 300 trekking staff) it is important to book well in advance. The trek permits are issued on a first-come-first-served basis up until all the permits have been sold out. In the low season (December & January) there are some days when there are still permits available 4 or 5 days in advance, but in the high season (May to September) it is recommended that you book at least 3 months in advance to guarantee a place. We would actually recommend making a reservation 4 or 5 months ahead.
Alternatives to the 4-day Inca Trail
The Inca Trail can be hiked year round although the months of May till October are probably more comfortable since the weather is drier. June through August is the high season when reservations must be made well in advance. There are three main alternative treks to the traditional 4-day Inca Trail that both end at Machu Picchu. The first and most popular alternative is the Short Inca Trail which can be completed in just one day. This is an easier trek and starts further along the Vilcanota River Valley closer to Machu Picchu at a place called kilometre 104 (since it is located 104 km along the railway from Cusco to Aguas Calientes). There is no need to be acclimatized before starting this trek.
The second alternative trek is a more strenuous 7 day hike via the sacred Apu Salkantay, a beautiful snow-capped mountain. (Apu = mountain god in the local Quechua language). On the fourth day this trek joins the route on the classic Inca Trail and continues to Machu Picchu. All of the above mentioned treks are subject to the Inca Trail regulations which have strictly limited the number of trekkers allowed on these trails. Trekkers can't do these treks on their own and must book through a licensed trek operator. Trek permits must be bought well in advance.
In the last year, a third trek has become a popular alternative to the Classic Inca Trail. This is the Salkantay to Santa Teresa trek. This trek is generally offered as a 5 day trek including a visit to Machu Picchu on the final day. The first three days involve a fairly long hike through mountain scenery ending at the village of Santa Teresa. The fourth day is a fairly short hike down to the Vilcanota River followed by a one-hour train ride to Aguas Calientes where you will usually spend the night in a hotel. The final day is spent visiting Machu Picchu and then returning to Cusco. Although this is a great trek in its own right, it really can't compare with the spectacular scenery and Inca ruins on the Classic 4-day trek. The Salkantay to Santa Teresa route is not currently subject to the restrictions imposed by the Inca Trail regulations and, since trek permits are not required, this trek can be arranged just a few days in advance when in Cusco. However, the lack of restrictions on this route also means that unlicensed tour operators and guides can be used.
