1.- INTRODUCTION
The Inca citadel of Machu Picchu is known as one of the seven wonders of the modern world and is part of the legacy that the Inca culture has left through time, located in the Peruvian Andes is located at 2400 m above sea level and is considered the lost city of the Incas as it remained hidden for centuries until it was found in 1911 by the American Hiram Bingham, This is undoubtedly one of the greatest architectural samples of engineering that is directly linked to the Andean belief and combines harmoniously in architecture but at the same time in nature.
2.- History of Machu Picchu
For a long time it was considered that the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu was a spiritual place where the Inca ruler of the time retired to have a spiritual healing, however with the passage of time and studies have determined that due to the strategic location that had the Inca city of Machu Picchu had a multifunctional purpose because inside you can find urban areas, military, checkpoints and even religious and agricultural areas. In this way it had a very intimate connection with the religious belief that until today subsist in the Andes, it was determined that the Citadel was abandoned in the sixteenth century as the people who lived there fled with the fear of thinking that the Spanish would also come here but this never happened, thanks to that event the city of the remained intact until today and has been considered one of the greatest architectural achievements as a contribution since pre-Columbian times and has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1983.
It is important to understand that its greatness not only comes from the incredible architecture and location that it possesses, in fact it has a direct relationship with the Andean world and the natural environment, in more than one sense the citadel was built in an organic way allowing it to adhere to the landscape without altering it in any aspect so many of the structures take advantage of the elements of the environment and at the same time were used for astronomical purposes for the appreciation of stars and cycles of the sun, This is directly related to a deep cosmovision about the relationship that man can have with the sky and through interpretations can make almost 100% accurate weather predictions, however it is also important to understand that due to its remote location before there were only traditional ways to visit it, for this reason the Trekking to Machu Picchu is considered one of the most transcendental and traditional activities when it comes to visiting the Citadel.
3.- NEVER FOUND IT
“It is incredible to know that the Inca city of Machu Picchu was never found by the Spanish conquerors because in the year 1536 it was the last ruler, Manco Inca who made the decision to destroy the access points of all the places by which you could reach this citadel, in this way prevented it from being destroyed. Currently these points have been rebuilt and are the beginning of experiences of Trekking to Machu Picchu as the popular Inca Trail.”
What makes a Trekking to Machu Picchu special vs. a traditional tour?
The most important and outstanding thing is that a Trekking to Machu Picchu allows you to enjoy a more personal connection with nature and the cultural world that surrounds the Inca citadel, by walking the ancient trails that were once used by the Inca culture you can not only appreciate incredible landscapes but you can also have an immersion into the history and be part of the Andean cosmovision, at every moment and every place you visit you can learn more about the incredible variety of geography that exists in addition to the history that lies behind it, there is no doubt that the physical effort that represents a great challenge for travelers makes reaching the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu the view is much more significant and is symbolized as a great reward after having faced a long way.
Of course the train or bus experience is more comfortable and not as challenging however in a sensory aspect it is not the same, during these traditional trips you can appreciate incredible views from the wagon but believe me the feeling of connecting with the natural environment is unique so an adventurer will experience a transforming sensation not only physically but mentally and spiritually that can even change your perception of life.
4.- PLANNING YOUR TREK
4.1.- When to go?
Most of the Machu Picchu hiking tours can be done at any time of the year, however there are times when the experience itself becomes a great challenge.
- The dry season is undoubtedly the most popular for this type of activity, it occurs between May and October each year. It is characterized by a more stable and predictable weather with clear days and skies where temperatures are ideal to enjoy the outdoors and with little presence of rain, so the trails are less slippery and safer. However, being popular also represents a season when everyone wants to travel and many of the trails are crowded with visitors so it is common to be among crowds.
- On the other hand the rainy season occurs between November and April, during this time it is more common that the presence of rain is frequent so many of the roads become slippery and dangerous which represents a great challenge for travelers and even causes some trails are closed for safety, this is what happens with the Inca Trail during the month of February. The advantage of this season is undoubtedly that the influx of visitors is less and you can better delight the trail in a more personal way.
5.- CHOOSING YOUR TREKKING TO MACHU PICCHU
Adventurers looking to disconnect from the world to participate in a Trek to Machu Picchu have several options to choose from as there are many Machu Picchu hiking tours from simple versions for beginners to others that represent a real challenge.
5.1.- Classic Inca Trail
It is considered as the most popular and traditional trekking to Machu Picchu, this adventure is a walk that is done through a path that lasts four days and allows travelers from around the world to start inside the sacred valley of the Incas and with each step they can get closer to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, this adventure is a unique experience that also allows you to know various archaeological sites that had an extremely important role and you can also appreciate unique landscapes in various ecological areas, This alternative is the traditional version since it uses the same paths that in ancient times the inhabitants of the Inca society used to get to this special place, in this way makes the experience more than just a physical effort but they look for the spiritual and historical connection with the past of this place.
During the tour you can get to know archaeological sites such as Runkuracay, Sayacmarca and Phuyupatamarca where the history behind each place is known, it is also possible to appreciate a unique landscape with the snowy Veronica. On a scale the Inca Trail has a difficult difficulty because of the distance that is traveled, with 45 kilometers it becomes a great challenge for the most adventurous and the geography of the trail can have steep sections which increases the difficulty, although it is not necessary to be a professional athlete if it is advisable to prepare adequately. Being a very popular Trek to Machu Picchu its availability is easily exhausted, there are only 500 daily spaces that are divided between passengers, support team and guides so it is advisable to have a reservation at least 6 months in advance.
5.2.- Salkantay
The Salkantay adventure is also a recognized Machu Picchu Hike as it is an alternate version to reach the Inca citadel, it is considered the most popular alternative after the Inca Trail however it has a longer duration with 5 days and allows you to travel the Salkantay valley to know unique places like the second highest place in the entire region in addition to offering unique views of mountains that are completely covered by snow and as you continue the trail you will see how the whole panorama is transformed into a tropical jungle. There is no doubt that the adventure in the valley of the sun is a complete challenge so its difficulty is also at this level, mainly because it is visited in places with very high altitudes in addition to what is perceived sudden changes in climate and temperature that are commonly felt when you advance progressively until finally I can reach the city of the Inca, during the tour without getting to overcome a new height as the Salkantay pass is considered the highest point and is located at 4600 m above sea level which for many represents a great challenge.
Unlike the Inca Trail experience, this adventure does not specifically require an entrance that you must reserve in advance and there is not a limited amount of spaces so it is considered more flexible, however it is very important to consider an advance reservation in order to prepare all the materials that are necessary during the realization of this experience such as camping equipment, support equipment and other advantages that will make the adventure unforgettable.
6.- Alternative routes
6.1.- Choquequirao Trekking
There is no doubt that this alternative is the most demanding of all since it independently allows the visit to the archaeological center of Choquequirao also considered as the sister of the Inca city of Machu Picchu for the peculiar characteristics that it possesses, however there is also an alternative that can be connected directly with the Inca citadel, but this implies that it can extend the duration of its traditional version, lasting up to 8 days, so it is recommended only for the most experienced hikers. Fortunately, there is no need for a specific entrance ticket, so you can plan it at any time of the year.
6.2.- Inca Jungle
It is one of the most exciting alternatives that you can find during your next trip since it combines different activities such as cycling, rafting, zip-lining and of course the Machu Picchu Hike, it is the perfect option for travelers looking for different emotions in a solo trip and allows you to visit different panoramas, the traditional version of this experience lasts about four days and is considered a quieter version compared to the traditional options of the Inca Trail or Salkantay.
7.- PHYSICAL PREPARATION
Being part of a Trekking to Machu Picchu is a unique experience however you must also consider that it becomes a great physical and mental demand so many of the trails leading to the Inca citadel at the top of the mountain are quite demanding and challenging as the classic Inca Trail or the Salkantay route, for this it is recommended to be prepared physically and mentally in advance so you can enjoy a special adventure.
7.1.- Physical fitness recommendations
- When it comes to overcome the Inca Trail it is important to understand that the hike is considered difficult, however you do not have to have an advanced level, you just have to be used to walk between 12 and 15 km per day because the geography is quite irregular, so you must have enough stamina and energy to climb steep slopes.
- On the other hand if you are looking to know the Salkantay valley it is important to understand that its difficulty is challenging mainly due to the heights in which its starting point is located, here it is recommended to have an advanced physical condition since it is considered more than 20 km per day and you even have to climb to a fairly high point which is the Salkantay Pass at more than 4600 m above sea level.
- There is no doubt that the Inca Jungle is one of the least physically demanding versions and although it also includes trekking versions they are calmer, on the other hand the alternate activities such as cycling and rafting also vary the type of effort so it requires a moderate physical condition and is intended for travelers looking for a more diverse adventure.
- In the alternate versions such as Choquequirao are considered as challenging and extensive routes so if you require a very advanced level of physical preparation in this way to face the geographical variety that exists and during the tours can have a peace of mind without complications in addition you must have a muscular and cardiovascular preparation constantly regulated.
7.2.- Training tips
Preparing properly for a Machu Picchu Hike is essential if you want to enjoy your trip in a unique and special way. For this there are several actions that you can consider before your trip.
- Start with simple things like light walks of 20 or 30 minutes and gradually increase it, preferably in places that have steep slopes and it is also a good idea to attach some weight as a backpack.
- It is also a good idea to practice with stairs, this way you can strengthen your leg muscles and it will be easier for you when there is some steep terrain.
- If you have the alternative of going to a nearby mountain or hills it is highly recommended to do it at least once a week, it will be opportune to increase the resistance to geographically irregular places.
- You can also consider doing leg exercises such as squats and lunges, they help to strengthen the muscles for support during walking.
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8.- FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- How difficult is the Inca Trail compared to other routes to Machu Picchu?
Completing the Inca Trail is quite difficult, however with proper preparation it can become the best adventure of your life, it is rated at a level four out of five points.
- How far in advance should I book permits for the Classic Inca Trail?
Spaces for the Inca Trail are quite popular so it sells out quite easily, it is recommended to have a reservation at least six months in advance to properly enjoy the adventure.
- Can I trek to Machu Picchu without a guide?
The classic Inca Trail is one of the few experiences that require the company of a guide at all times, in the case of other more flexible versions such as the Salkantay it is not necessary to have a guide.
- What is the best time of year to trek to Machu Picchu?
Undoubtedly the best time of the year to enjoy a trek to Machu Picchu is during the dry season since the weather is much more stable and the days are sunnier.
- How do I prevent and manage altitude sickness on the trek?
The best alternative is to stay well hydrated as this way the body can also oxygenate, eating balanced meals will help to balance the strength and energy that your body needs, finally take into consideration to arrive a few days earlier to be able to rest properly this is also very useful when it comes to adapt to the altitude.
Now you know what you need to start planning your next Machu Picchu adventure, every trip is special and only you can make it unique. Auri Peru specializes in customizing adventures with the intention of making them unique moments, contact us now to take the first step in your next adventure.
“The best trip is always the next one.”
