Hiking the Inca Trail is one of the most popular excursions in all of South America. Not only is the trip itself one of extraordinary beauty, the final destination to the Sun Gate of Machu Picchu is a top travel attraction on earth. The trail itself as it is known today on the classic 4-day trail only actually covers about 24 miles (39 kilometers) of a much larger and extensive Inca Trail network that stretched from modern day Quito, Ecuador to the south of Santiago, Chile. What is marvelous is that many of the original Inca stone steps, which date back over 600 years, are still used by modern trekkers to Machu Picchu. Even centuries later, evidence of the mighty Inca Empire that once ruled Peru can still be seen and felt all around the thick Andean jungle.
The Inca Trail today has 2 main options for visitors based on their time and budget constraints. A 4-day classic trip is the most popular as it provides a well rounded experience of the region and the sights to be seen along the way. This trail leaves just outside of the ancient city of Cusco, which was what the Incas once called the navel of the world and who used it as the capital of their civilization. For 3 full days, trekkers will pass stunning sceneries, old villages such as Llactapata, and archeological sites such as Phuyupatamarca left over by the Incas. The legendary Inca terraces that helped to feed the Inca people living in the mountainous areas will also be highlights, one part of which includes the beautiful ruins of Winay Wayna. On the fourth and final day of the classic trail, visitors will arrive before sunrise at the mysterious Machu Picchu site and explore the ruins the rest of the day.
For those with less time and a lower budget, a 2-day Inca Trail option may also be considered. The trip starts not too far from Machu Picchu, and the one day of hiking will still give you a great experience in the Urubamba Valley. Challengers will spend the entirety of the second day at the Machu Picchu site.
Whichever one of these trek options are you interested in, be sure to book your Inca Trail trips and Machu Picchu tours as early as possible because of their popularity. Note that the treks may only be embarked on through a licensed operator who will help to arrange all your itineraries and entrance tickets in advance to guarantee you a great Peru vacation.
This article about the Inca Trail was written by a travel expert at Peru For Less who specializes in helping you organize best value 2 day Inca Trail tours.
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