Advertisement
Published: September 22nd 2008
Edit Blog Post
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 trek itself was challenging in some parts, but was rewarding all the way through. There were defiantly times when we both wished hills were none existent in the world and our legs hurt and our lungs were screaming out for oxygen amongst the thinnest air at 4200m above sea level. Though here is some proof that despite all the pain we made it and loved it!
For those who have time or are bludging at work, here is a lengthy over view about the trek itself and what it entailed ......
Our group consisted of 14 trekkers, 2 guides and 16 porters and 2 cooks.
Day 1 (12km): We travelled by bus, through the picturesque villages of Chinchero, Urubamba and Ollantaytambo, for the 3½ hour scenic trip to kilometre 82 (the start of the trail).
We crossed the Vilcanota River and followed the trail to
the right as it climbed steeply up from the river. After passing through a small village, the ruins of the Inca hillfort of Huillca Raccay we came into view high above the mouth of the river Cusichaca ('happy bridge'). We then descended down to the Cusichaca river.
For a further 7 km the path followed the left bank of the river up to the village of Wayllabamba (3,000m). The name in Quechua means 'grassy plain'.
Day 2 (11km): Climbing up from Wayllabamba for about 3 hours through steepening woods and increasingly spectacular terrain we arrived to the treeline and a meadow known as Llulluchapampa (3,680m). After another 1½ hours climb to the first and highest pass of the trail (Abra de Huarmihuañusca or 'Dead Woman's Pass) at 4,200m we stopped and caught our breath with the view. During this part of the trail we were exposed to the Andean elements: first sun and then, closer to the pass, freezing winds. Once at the top we celebrated having completed the most difficult section of the trail!
The decent from the pass was steep although not difficult, following the trail on the left side of the valley to the valley
floor and to the 2nd night's campsite at Pacamayo (3,600m).
Day 3 (16km): From Pacamayo it took about an hour to climb up to the ruins of Runkuracay. These small circular ruins occupy a commanding position overlooking the Pacamayo valley below. Another 45 minute hike brought us to the top of the second pass: Abra de Runkuracay (4,000m). At last we felt that we were walking along the trail of the Incas with paving, for the most part, being original. The descent down the steps from the pass was steep. This section of the trail, up till the 3rd pass, was particularly beautiful as the path crossed high stone embankments. After about 1 hour from the 2nd pass we arrived at Sayacmarca by way of a superbly designed stone staircase. The name Sayacmarca means 'Inaccessible Town' and describes the position of the ruins perfectly, protected on three sides by sheer cliffs. No one knows the exact purpose of these ruins.
We backtracked a little to rejoin the trail as it passed Conchamarca, a small Inca dwelling situated in the shadows of Sayacmarca.
From then on the path descended into magnificent cloudforest full of orchids, hanging mosses, tree ferns
and flowers, passing through an impressive Inca tunnel, carved into the rock, on the way.
The trail then climbed up to the 3rd pass (3,700m). The view from the pass was excellent. Views of several snow-capped peaks including Salkantay (6,271m) and Veronica (5,750m). A few minutes after the pass was Phuyupatamarca, the most impressive Inca ruin so far. The name means 'Town in the Clouds'.
After about 2 hours more of walking through cloudforest we may arrived at the Trekkers Hostal at Wiñay Wayna.
After some much needed showers we took a further short trail from the southern end of the hostal to the ruins of Wiñay Wayna. The name in Quechua means 'forever young' and is named after a variety of pink orchid which grows here. The ruins comprise magnificent agricultural terraces set in an impressive location. There were also many buildings of good quality stonework and a sequence of 10 baths, suggesting that the site was probably a religious center associated with the worship of water. Ritual cleansing may have taken place here for pilgrims on the final leg of the trail to Machu Picchu.
Day 4 (6km): The trail from the hostal to Machu
Picchu took about 1½ hours. We rose at 3:45am so that we could leave Wiñay Wayna by 5.30am to get to Machu Picchu before sunrise. The sky started getting light by 5:30am. The trail contoured a mountainside and droped into cloudforest before coming to an almost vertical flight of 50 steps leading up to the final pass at Intipunku (Sun Gate). Suddenly the whole of Machu Picchu was spread out before us in all its glory - a fantastic sight for all.
Advertisement
Tot: 0.089s; Tpl: 0.013s; cc: 7; qc: 55; dbt: 0.0508s; 1; m:domysql w:travelblog (10.17.0.13); sld: 1;
; mem: 1.1mb
Robshack
Robin J Shackell
Cool trip
I just did this trip myself and it was great to read about your own adventures. Which company did you go with? How did they work out?