The Inca trail to Machu Picchu (also known
as Camino Inca or Camino Inka) consists of
three overlapping trails: Mollepata, Classic
and One Day. Mollepata is the longest of the
three routes with the highest mountain pass
and intersects with the Classic route before
crossing "Dead Woman's Pass". Located in the
Andes mountain range, the trail passes
through several types of Andean environments
including cloud forest and alpine tundra.
Settlements, tunnels, and many Incan ruins
are located along the trail before ending
the terminus at the Sun Gate on Machu Picchu
mountain. The two longer routes require an
ascent to beyond 3,660 metres (12,010 ft)
above sea level, which can result in
altitude sickness.
Concern about overuse leading to erosion has
led the Peruvian government to place a limit
on the number of people who may hike this
trail per season, and to sharply limit the
companies that can provide guides. As a
result, advance booking is mandatory. A
maximum of 500 people, including guides and
porters, are permitted to begin the trail
every day. As a result, the high season
books out very quickly.
Machu Picchu was connected with the city of Cusco and the rest of the Inca empire by amazing trails, specifically designed for the use of the Inkas in a perfect harmony with the flora and fauna of the area. It has to be said that they had an absolutely wonderful knowledge of architecture and construction. Throughout the whole trail you can locate some shelters surrounded by gorgeous country sites and great views, some of the trails lead you to a few archeologycal rests. The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is known as the most famous and tough hiking circuit all over South America, because of the conjuntion of different elements that it offers to its visitors.
The Inca Trail is approximately 32 km long . Starts at Km 88, off the railway line. It passes several archeological ruins along the route. At the same time, it crosses 9 different ecological areas which are located between 2000 and 6000 metres above the sea level.The trail is occupied by more than 400 species of orchids, begonias, trees and bushes such as the Queña (Polylepis racemosa), the Pisonay (Eritrina falcata), the Muña (Minthostachys glabrecens) and some more. It also hosts a huge fauna. Many of the 400 birds registered in the sanctuary can be found in the forests, like the Rocky Cock (Rupícola peruviana) and the Mountain Turkey ( Penelope montagnii). Along the rivers, the "river duck" (Merganetta armata) can be found , the majesctic cóndor (vultur gryphus) can be seen flying over this unique area. The cucarachero inka (Thryothorus eisenmanni) is the representative bird of this area.
