Inca path

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Inca road to Machu Picchu

The Inca trail (Spanish: camino inca , English: inca trail ) is a part of the Inca road system that can be used for tourists today.

Inca path in Peru to Machu Picchu

One of the most famous Inca trails today is in Peru. It begins on the banks of the Rio Urubamba at km 82 (railway line from Cuzco to Aguas Calientes ) and leads to the Inca city of Machu Picchu .

In 1942 this Inca Trail was rediscovered by a Swedish expedition and exposed in the years that followed. Over time, it became the most traveled trail in South America .

The most famous route runs through the mountains parallel to the Urubamba Valley. The tour usually takes three to four days. The route leads over three mountain passes (Abra Warmiwañusqa 4198 m, 3998 m, 3700 m) and offers a view of snow-capped mountains and gorges with tropical vegetation . There are also several Inca ruins along the Inca Trail that can only be reached via it. The better known of these are Runkurakay , Sayacmarca , Wiñay Wayna and Phuyupatamarca .

Open fires and overnight stays are only allowed on dedicated sites, many of which offer a tent site and running water as well as showers and beds. In particular, it is forbidden to stay overnight inside the ruins.

Since 2001, the path can only be walked on as part of a guided hike. In 2004, the number of tourists was also limited to 500 people per day (starts on all variants) in order to guarantee the preservation of the route and to reduce environmental problems , especially caused by waste. The Inca Trail is often booked out months in advance.

Inca Trail in Ecuador to Incapirca

The Ecuadorian Inca Trail leads from Achupallas to Ingapirca .

literature

Web links

Commons : Inca Path  - album with pictures, videos and audio files