If you plan to visit Peru, you cannot ignore Machu Picchu. The “Lost City of the Incas,” built around 1450 AD and situated in the Cusco region of Peru, is one of the country’s major tourist destinations. American academic, Hiram Bingham (1875-1956) in 1911, rediscovered this impressive ancient site. UNESCO named it a World Heritage Site in 1983; two years after the government of Peru declared it a Historical Sanctuary. Since then millions of tourists have visited. Some rode the train; others dared to meet the challenges of the Machu Picchu Trek.
Taking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Why not join the global melting pot arriving to hike along the famous Inca Trail. Tour groups offer various packages to those who want to walk to the famous site and experience everything it has to offer including
Dense, verdant forests
Snow-capped peaks
Glaciers
Incan ruins
Alpine Lakes
Tropical orchards
You can find a Machu Picchu Trek that suits your taste and physical abilities.
The Machu Picchu Trek
Getting there can be as simple as boarding a train. For those who want to combine trekking with speed of arrival, it is possible to take the train partway. The train stops within a day’s trek of the site. This reduces the challenge but does allow visitors to experience the impressiveness of entering into the city on foot.
However, for those who want to undergo the challenge, arranging for a 4 or 5-day hike with stays overnight is easy. It will require obtaining a trekking permit. It also means either arranging for all the details – permit, gear and related hiking equipment. Alternatively, tour groups can handle the details. Depending upon the type of tour, the tour group will provide all equipment and have porters to carry it all. This allows you to remain free to enjoy your Machu Picchu Trek– a challenging task requiring focus – even without carrying a tent and related gear.
