Adventure Calls Inca Trail Hikers

Posted by sungatetours on November 27th, 2012

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu consists of three overlapping trails: Mollepata, Classic, and One Day. Mollepata is the longest with the highest mountain pass and intersects with the Classic route. For those interested to hike in Machu Picchu, the trail passes through Andean environments including cloud forest and alpine tundra. Settlements, tunnels, and many Incan ruins are located along the trail. The two longer routes require an ascent to beyond 3,660 meters above sea level.

Peru places a limit on people who may hike this trail per season. Always do an advanced booking, as there is a limit on guides too. If you are hiking Inca Trail, it takes four or five days to complete the Classic Trail, but a shorter trail a two day trek from Km 104 is also available. It has two starting points, from 88 km and the second from 82 km from Cuzco. These points are at high altitudes, and the hikers should prepare accordingly.

The most important point in the Inca Trail Hike is the meeting of these trail segments meet above the Inca ruins of Patallacta. Patallacta had been historically used for religious and ceremonial functions, crop production, and housing for soldiers. The trail intersects with the "Mollepata Trail" at 3,000 meters village of Wayllabamba.

Wayllabamba has approximately 400 inhabitants in small settlements. The authorities allow some animals such as horses, mules, donkeys, and llamas to ferry luggage. There are limitations as where these pack animals can go, and they are not allowed in certain areas. One kilometer along the trail is the heavily restored site Incan tambo of Runkuraqay. The trail ascends passing a small lake named Laguna, which is the site of deer habitat, and is used as a camp site in the past, but no longer allowed due to being degraded.

At an altitude of 3650 m another high point with extensive ruins named Phuyupatamarka. Hiram Bingham III discovered the site and the Fejos team named it and uncovered the remainder from the vegetation. The ancient structures include five fountains and an altar. It is not clear whether this structure was used for sacrifice of beasts or humans. There are views down to the Urubamba River even before passing through the tunnel, the first since leaving the river at Patallacta. After the tunnel, comes the town of Aguas Calientes, where noise of trains running along the river is common. Further on the trail are views of the "Two Day" Inca Trail.

Intipata is a recently uncovered extensive set of agricultural terraces, which follows the convex shape of the terrain. Potatoes, maize, fruit, and sweet potato were grown here.

About The Author:

Doris Gonzales is been working with Sun Gate Tours from a long time and specialize in Peru adventure tours for groups and individual trips. With his past touring experience he is able to serve their customer to their needs. Sun Gate Tours is one of the most experienced Peruvian travel companies with highly positive industry reputation.