In the midst of a tropical mountain forest on the eastern slopes of the Peruvian Andes, Machu Picchu’s walls, terraces, stairways and ramps blend seamlessly into its natural setting. The site’s finely crafted stonework, terraced fields and sophisticated irrigation system bear witness to the Inca civilization’s architectural, agricultural and engineering prowess. Welcome to Machu Picchu. Read below for the Machu Picchu Inca Trail Description.
Designated one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007, Machu Picchu is Peru’s most visited attraction and South America’s most famous ruins. This UNESCO World Heritage Site welcomes hundreds of thousands of people per year. The site stretches over an impressive 5-mile distance, featuring more than 3,000 stone steps that link its many different levels.
Machu Picchu Inca Trail Description
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, the “Lost City of the Incas”, is a world-famous trek in Peru. It’s the best known part of the Inca road system which was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2014. The hike takes you past amazing mountain scenery and many impressive Inca ruins, through ecosystems ranging from mossy forests to snow peaks. For most of the trail, you will follow on the very stone paths laid by the Incas hundreds of years ago.
The trek consists of 4 days and 3 nights on the Inca Trail. In addition to keeping you safe, organized, and on schedule, guides have extensive knowledge of the ruins, their history, and the variety of plants and animals that can be found along the trail.
We will spend several days in Cusco and other locations outside the city to explore Inca cultural sites. The city of Cusco is at 11,152 feet above sea level so proper acclimatization will be critical for the success of the trip. We will use this time wisely to discover the past and present through archeological sites, museus, galleries, restaurants, and shops.
Why are we going in Late May?
Late May is the best season for trekking. It is the end of the rainy season with less chance of weather related issues before the busy season kicks into high gear. Our timing will not only allow us to minimize crowds, it will also put us at Machu Picchu in late May when weather tends to be at its best.
What to Pack
Here is Jorge Garzon’s full recommended Packing List. Jorge is an experienced mountain guide who will lead this expedition.