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The Inca Trail is a mountain road built by the Inca Empire along the Andes Mountains. It is two to three thousand kilometers long and was the transportation artery for the rulers at that time to convey their orders and for the Incas to produce, live and conduct trade. Most of the ancient road is located in Peru. Retracing the Inca Trail is the best way to explore the Inca civilization.
Location: In the Andes Mountains in southern Peru
Highlights: Spectacular views of the Andes Mountains; ruins of the Inca Empire
Best Hiking Time: January and February are the rainiest and most humid seasons here. The Inca Trail closes early, and the road is often closed in February. Therefore, late April to early May and late September to early October are the best times to hike Machu Picchu. These months offer dry weather and less rain, and are significantly quieter than the bustling peak tourist season (June to August). If you don't mind traveling during peak season, the dry season from May to September is also suitable for travel.
Mileage: Approximately 43 kilometers
The original name of the Inca Empire was "Tawantin Sulong," meaning "the land of the four directions." Its capital was Cusco. The country was divided into four geographically distinct administrative regions, called "Sulongs." These regions were: Chincha Sulong to the northwest, encompassing Ecuador, northern and central Peru; Kuti Sulong to the southwest, encompassing southern Peru and northern Chile; Anti Sulong to the northeast, encompassing the eastern forests and the Ucayali River area; and Coya Sulong to the southeast, the largest region, encompassing most of present-day Bolivia, the northwestern mountains of Argentina, and half of Chile.
The word "Inca" originally meant "chief" or "king," referring to the supreme ruler of Tawantinsuron. After the arrival of the Spanish, the term "Inca" was simply used to refer to the country and its inhabitants, and this has become a common practice.
The Inca Empire, known as the "Rome of the Americas," was renowned for its comprehensive state system. The Inca Empire was a slave state, with the slave-owning class consisting of the Inca king, royal nobles, high-ranking officials, and priests. They engaged in no productive labor and lived a life of luxury. The Inca king, known as the Son of the Sun and the incarnation of a god, possessed supreme power, monopolizing all political, military, and religious authority. To maintain his rule, the Inca king established a centralized political system, centered around Sco, and through various levels of officials, he exercised tight control over the country. In addition to the political institutions, the Inca slave owners maintained a well-trained standing army of 200,000 men, which they used for external expansion and to suppress rebellion within the country. The Inca Empire also established a strict judicial system to safeguard the interests of the slave-owning class. To consolidate their rule, the Inca kings also implemented cultural and economic measures, such as the forced promotion of the Quechua language in newly conquered areas. Furthermore, roads and post stations were built throughout the country, with Cusco as the center, and a transportation network was built with all roads leading to the capital to facilitate control over remote areas.
The Inca, originally a branch of the Quechua Indians, inhabited the southern Peruvian highlands, subsisting on hunting. Their earliest ruler, Manco Capac, is said to have led his tribe northward from the Lake Titicaca region around 1000 AD (some say 1200), eventually settling in the Cusco region. From this base, they gradually expanded, conquering the entire Cusco Valley. Legend has it that the Inca dynasty lasted for 12 years before its fall. In the early 15th century, under the eighth king, Viracocha (reigned ?–1437), the Inca gained increasing power in the Andes. The ninth king, Pachacuti (reigned 1438–1471), conquered much of the Peruvian highlands. His son, Topa Inca Yupanqui (reigned 1471–1493), conquered the Chimú culture (present-day Ecuador) and later expanded into the southern coastal areas of Peru. During the reign of the eleventh king, Huayna Capac (reigned 1493–1525), the Inca conquered the entire Andean region and established a powerful state. Under his rule, the empire reached its peak. Following Huayna Capac's death in 1531, a civil war erupted between his eldest son, Huascar, and his half-brother, Atahualpa, for the throne. Both sides suffered heavy casualties, and plague, coupled with the spread of the Inca plague, severely damaged the empire. In 1532, Spanish colonialist Francisco Pizarro invaded the Inca Empire, captured and executed King Atahualpa, and installed Manco Capac II as Inca king. In November of the following year, he captured the capital, Cusco. In 1536, Manco Capac II launched an uprising against the Spanish, which was suppressed in 1537. However, other rebels continued their resistance until 1572, marking the end of the Inca Empire. The earliest expansion of the Inca Empire began with Tupac Yupanqui, who expanded the empire from less than two million square kilometers to include Pasto, Colombia, Tucumán, Argentina, and the Maure River in Chile. However, his descendants, vying for the throne, sparked numerous civil wars, leading to political unrest in the Inca Empire and providing opportunities for subsequent Spanish colonizers to sow discord.
However, by the mid-16th century, after the Spanish conquistadors had ravaged and pillaged their land, the Inca were virtually exterminated. Destroyed but not forgotten, the Inca left behind a significant legacy.
Today, their exquisite stone carvings still permeate much of Peru's Sacred Valley; their paved paths still radiate through the region. The Spanish conquistadors never discovered Machu Picchu. Long after their departure, American explorer Hiram Bingham stumbled upon the Inca Trail in 1911 (he was actually photographing Vilcabamba), and it captured the world's attention. Retracing the Inca Trail has become the best way to experience Inca civilization.
In 1911, American archaeologist Hiram Bingham learned from local villagers that a large area of ancient Inca ruins were waiting to be discovered on the mountain ridge.
After a difficult journey, Bingham finally found this hidden gem in the Andes Mountains. This Inca Trail ruin, perched high on a mountain ridge, is Machu Picchu, known as one of the "Seven Wonders of the World." That mysterious city is the end point of the Inca Trail hike.
In fact, the Inca Trail hiking route is not the true Inca Trail. It starts at Piskacucho KM82 and ends at Machu Picchu, covering a total distance of 43 kilometers. The true Inca Trail passes through six South American countries: Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, Chile, Argentina, and Bolivia. It is approximately 30,000 kilometers long, with ancient ruins on 7,000 kilometers of the route.
At the initiative of Peru, six South American countries jointly submitted an application for the "Inca Trail" World Heritage Site. This is the first time in more than 40 years since the promulgation of the World Heritage Convention that six countries have jointly applied for a World Heritage Site. It was approved for inclusion in the World Heritage List on June 21, 2014.
The four-day, three-night hike isn't particularly challenging. Besides breathtaking views of the Andes Mountains, you'll also traverse a mountain path carved by ancient Indians using irregularly shaped and sized stones, passing through numerous Inca ruins and primitive tribes. The presence of these ancient civilizations, reflected in every plant, brick, and stone along the trail, tells a story spanning centuries.
Vallabamba is a must-see destination for hikers following the Inca Trail. For centuries, a village has existed here amidst the winding terraces on the hillside, where you can meet local villagers and see how the ancient Incas lived.
Along the ancient trail, you can see one of the most beautiful ruins, Vinayvina, which is built on a hillside overlooking the Urubamba River. This site is also a manifestation of the wisdom of the Incas.
In addition to ancient houses and temples, it also boasts a complex system of terraces once used for agriculture. Seeing the ruins allows you to imagine the farming life of the Inca people back then, which is truly immersive and spectacular. Its name roughly translates to "eternal youth," reflecting the Inca's hope for a better agricultural life.
To protect the site, the Peruvian government limits the number of people entering the ancient trail, with only 500 places allowed per day. Therefore, visitors entering and leaving the ancient trail must apply for a permit in advance and "check in" at the checkpoints when entering and leaving the ancient trail.
Hiking the Inca Trail allows you to capture the best of what this country has to offer. From the towering peaks of the Andes to the humid depths of the Amazon jungle, a hike is a must-do in this land of some of the most iconic landscapes and cultures.
Hiking the Inca Trail typically involves joining a local group, which includes a guide and porters. The porters are responsible for the group's daily gear. At the campsite, they'll set up the tents, cook, and provide a generous meal. Hikers are only responsible for carrying their sleeping bags, clothing, personal items, and essential drinking water.
2. Completing the Inca Trail hike is not difficult for most people, even children can participate, but it is often accompanied by varying degrees of altitude sickness, so be sure to prepare medicine to prevent altitude sickness.
3. Piskacucho KM82 is the real starting point of the Inca Trail hike. After departure, you will arrive at the first checkpoint on the Inca Trail. Bring your passport for inspection. You can get your first stamp here.
4. Part of the Inca Trail is a gravel road, which is inconvenient to walk on. If it is raining or has just rained, the road will be slippery, so it is best to equip professional trekking poles to assist in walking.
5. The biggest climb during the hike is to the highest pass on the route, Dead Woman Pass. Reaching the summit requires tremendous strength and endurance. Although there is a stone path paved by the Incas, it is still a difficult journey.
6. We recommend setting up camp in Vinayvina for the third night of the hike, as there's a large service point nearby where you can buy snacks and drinks. Even better, you can take a hot shower there (for a fee).
7. On the last day of the hike, it is recommended to get up at 3:30 am. The local checkpoint opens at 5:30 am and you can reach it. After the final check, you can set off for the Sun Gate. Getting up early in the morning is to catch the beautiful view of Machu Picchu as the sun rises.
Machu Picchucheck the details
Machu Picchu, meaning "old mountain" in Quechua, is also known as the "Lost City of the Incas." It is a well-preserved pre-Columbian Inca ruin. Machu Picchu is South America's most important archaeological excavation center and, consequently, Peru's most popular tourist attraction. Due to its unique location, geographical features, and relatively late discovery, Machu Picchu has become the most recognizable symbol of the Inca Empire. Located in present-day Peru, the site sits atop a ridge approximately 2,350 meters above sea level, overlooking the Urubamba River Valley and surrounded by tropical jungle. It is a remnant of Peru's renowned pre-Columbian Inca Empire, established around 1500 AD, and is considered one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. The ancient city boasts narrow, orderly streets, housing unique palaces, temples, workshops, and fortresses. These structures are largely constructed of massive stones, built without mortar or other bonding materials. The joints between the large and small stones are so tightly fitted that not even a blade can penetrate.
Recommended months: August to October
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1. In several larger villages in the Sacred Valley, there are markets every Sunday that attract a large number of tourists, so there are relatively fewer tourists coming to Machu Picchu every Sunday.
2. Canes are not allowed in the scenic area.
3. After entering Machu Picchu from the scenic area ticket gate, climb up from the left. The highest point is the Funeral Stone Guardian Shed, which is the best place to take panoramic photos of Machu Picchu.
4. There are no restrooms or restaurants within the Machu Picchu complex. You must leave the complex to relieve yourself or eat. Passport and ticket holders are allowed to enter and exit the complex multiple times within the same day. Restroom use costs 1 Sol.
5. It is recommended to bring some food with you so that you don’t have to run around (food in the scenic area is not cheap). There are almost no trash cans in the entire scenic area, so it is best to bring trash bags.
6. Machu Picchu Opening Hours: 6:00 AM - 5:30 PM. Ticket Prices: Machu Picchu: 126 soles, Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu: 150 soles, Machu Picchu + Museum: 148 soles. Please note: There is no ticket booth at the entrance, so tickets must be purchased before the hike.
1. Hiking on the Inca Trail requires a hiking permit, which is usually prepared for you when you book a hiking tour. However, during the peak season, you often need to apply for it several months in advance.
2. Prepare the necessary clothing and equipment for mountain hiking. If you suddenly decide to hike the ancient trail, you should be able to buy or rent hiking equipment at the Plaza de Armas in Cusco.
3. Prepare a rain jacket. This is very important. You might encounter rain when crossing a mountain pass or camping at night, especially during the rainy season. If you don't have a professional rain jacket, please bring a raincoat as a backup.
4. When camping in the Andes Mountains, the temperature at night and in the early morning is very low, so be careful to keep warm.
5. There are 4 days of hiking and 3 days of camping. The campsites are all in the wild, so there is no place to charge. Be sure to bring enough camera batteries and power banks. Don’t miss the opportunity to record the beautiful scenery because the camera is out of power.
6. Plastic bags are essential for your equipment. They protect your luggage and equipment from rain and can also be used to store trash. All trash must be taken out by yourself during the trip.
