Many countries have mountain ranges with
beautiful scenery and Peru itself is richly
blessed in this respect with many other
areas for hiking. However the scenery is
only one of the elements responsible for the
magic of the Inca Trail. Can there be any
walk anywhere in the world with such a
combination of natural beauty, history and
sheer mystery and with such an awe-inspiring
destination? The various ruins along the way
serve to heighten the hiker's sense of
anticipation as he or she approaches what
would surely find a place in any new list of
archaeological wonders of the world - Machu
Picchu.
Walking the Inca trail can be very rewarding
and is possible for all ages as long as you
are fit. Over the course of the Trail, you
gain and lose 1000 meters several times, all
of which is over 3000 meters where oxygen is
noticeably thinner. Acclimation to the
altitude is a must, and good physical
condition advised. The journey winds through
the valleys and hills of the surrounding
area, taking you the through the scenic
landscape, from high alpine to cloud
forests.
