The Inca road system was the most extensive and highly advanced transportation system in pre-Columbian South America. The network was based on two north-south roads, with numerous branches. The best known portion of the road system is the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
Main routes
The eastern route ran high in the puna and mountain valleys from Quito, Ecuador to Mendoza, Argentina. The western route followed the coastal plain except in coastal deserts where it hugged the foothills. More than twenty routes ran over the western mountains, while others traversed the eastern cordillera in the mountains and lowlands. Some of these roads reach heights of over 5,000 metres (16,000 ft) above sea level. The trails connected the regions of the Inca empire from the northern provincial capital in Quito, Ecuador past the modern city of Santiago, Chile in the south. The Inca road system linked together about 40,000 kilometres (25,000 mi) of roadway and provided access to over 3,000,000 square kilometres (1,200,000 sq mi) of territory.
Situated between 500 to 800 metres (1,600 to 2,600 ft) above sea level, this monumental road, which could reach 20 metres (66 ft) in width, connected populated areas, administrative centers, agricultural and mining zones as well as ceremonial centers and sacred spaces.
These roads provided easy, reliable and quick routes for the Empire's civilian and military communications, personnel movement, and logistical support. The prime users were imperial soldiers, porters and llama caravans, along with the nobility and individuals on official duty. Permission was required before others could walk along the roads, and tolls were charged at some bridges. Although the Inca roads varied greatly in scale, construction and appearance, for the most part they varied between about 1 to 4 metres (3.3 to 13 ft) in width.
Much of the system was the result of the Incas claiming exclusive right over numerous traditional routes, some of which had been built centuries earlier. Many new sections were built or upgraded substantially: through Chile's Atacama desert, and along the western margin of Lake Titicaca, serve as two examples.
The Qhapaq Ñan (English: Great Inca Road, or Main Andean Road, and meaning "the beautiful road") constituted the principal north-south highway of the Inca Empire traveling 6,000 kilometres (3,700 mi) along the spine of the Andes.
The Qhapaq Ñan unified this immense and heterogeneous empire through a well-organized political system of power. It allowed the Inca to control his Empire and to send troops as needed from the capital, Cusco.
The most important Inca road was the Camino Real, as it is known in Spanish, with a length of 5,200 kilometres (3,200 mi)). It began in Quito, Ecuador, passed through Cusco, and ended in what is now Tucumán, Argentina. The Camino Real traversed the mountain ranges of the Andes, with peak altitudes of more than 5,000 m (16,000 ft). El Camino de la Costa, the coastal trail, with a length of 4,000 kilometres (2,500 mi), ran parallel to the sea and was linked with the Camino Real by many smaller routes.
Itinerary
The one and only way to enjoy an original Inca trail, plus the city of Machu Picchu and also the opportunity to hike one of the mountains of the sacred city, Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu.
Day one: Trekking
We begin at 8:30 am. Driving out of Cusco headed northeast for about 3 hours to the Sacred Valley of the Incas; where we will see the Archaeological Site of the once great city of Ollantaytambo. Rom there we continue driving until reaching the kilometer 82 marker where we have lunch and prepare our kits. Here meet the local porters who will carry the gear, camping equipment and commissary. We are now at the trailhead, all set and poised to enter the National Park. From its onset, the Inca Trail is noted for its abundance of orchids and humming birds. Today’s hike lasts about hike is 4 hours in duration, including the visit of the Inca ruins of Llactapata along the way. We arrive at our first camp at 4:00 pm. Hot water hot drinks and beautiful scenery.
Day two:
Breakfast outside with the chance to see sun rise above the mountains by 6:30 to 7:30 am. Because we are –in effect- camping in the mountains. In fact we’re hemmed in by them from all sides and the sun does take a while to go over the mountains at any time of the year. Today we hike for about five hours in the midst of the marvelous scenery through the different and ever changing ecosystems. This day is mostly a beautiful climb along the original Inca Road.
Day three:
The day begins at 7:00 am. It is the longest day: we cover 10 miles through a succession of valleys and ecological levels until we attain the summit
of Warmi Wañusta pass which –at an altitude of 14000 feet-is the highest point of the trek. We visit several remarkable archaeological sites along the way and have lunch as we go. We’re in camp by 4:00 pm. It lies situated close to the aptly named ruins of Phuyupatamarca (the “place above the clouds”) at an altitude of 12000 ft). There are spectacular views of the Vilcanota Canyon and of the mountains around Machu Picchu.
Day four:
And today is the day when we finally reach Machu Picchu. Along the way we go down into what is probably the most beautiful archaeological site on the entire trail. It is known as Wiñay Wayna, which in Quechua means “forever young” and is also the name of the epiphytic orchid (Epidendrum) that is prevalent in the area. The bird population is impressive … and beautiful. We have lunch and shortly after come to the Sun gate (Intipunku), where we have our first view of Machu Picchu. It’s worth the longest view. Time to relax now, take pictures, paint pictures.
But the earth turns and time passes. So we hike down to the first approach into Machu Picchu to receive an introduction and new views, new pictures. We barely make it to the bus that will take us down to the town of Aguas Calientes for a hotel and hot springs.
Day five:
An awakening early for a tour of the city and to view the sunrise -depending of course on the time of year and the whims of weather). After the wonderful tour we will have the chance to climb one of the mountains near by or relax and enjoy Machu Picchu on your own. Later in the afternoon we take you back by train to the imperial city of Cusco.
Included
Sleeping bag.
Tents and Inflatable mattresses (all seasons).
Meals.
Lodge.
Hotels.
Equipment and gear.
Transportation.
Bus.
Train.
Tours.
Porters.
Tickets.
Admission tickets.
Guides(historical, natural)
First aid.
Radio communication.
What to bring
This is a list designed to advise you what equipment is appropriate to bring according to the weather conditions predominating at the time of your trip:
Flashlights (at least one headlamp among them).
Sun Block; Insect Repellent.
Towels (Small; cotton and hygienic).
Rain Gear (Pants and Jacket) though not necessary during the months of July and August.
A couple of pairs of socks, perhaps even an extra pair.
One pair of trousers for the evening plus two more pairs for trail use (zipp-offs).
Sandals for River use (Teva types).
Low ankle height hiking shoes or regular hiking boots (check the season).
Reading material.
Binoculars (always useful regardless of season and activity).
Bathing Suit.
Water Bottle (I liter capacity).
Good Sun glasses, perhaps two sets.
A bandana for neck protection.
A couple of sets of underwear (perhaps an extra pair).
Camera and plenty of film.
Passport (plus a couple of Xerox copies).
At least one short sleeve shirt and one or two long sleeve shirts (dark colors, depending on the place and destiny chosen).
And your regular medium to high altitude outer trekking clothes (Anorak-Wind Breaker, Pile or Down Jacket, Wool Hat, Gloves).
Any questions, consults and information, contact us at:
Mail: info@cuscomachupicchu.com
Phone: (0051 - 84) - 984764938
