By far the most popular of the Inca trails for trekking is the Capaq Nan trail, which leads from the city of Cusco to Machu Picchu, the "Lost City of the Incas". There are many well-preserved ruins along the way, and hundreds of thousands of tourists from around the world make the three-day trek each year.
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is actually three routes, which all meet up short of Inti-Pata, the 'Sun Gate' and entrance to Machu Picchu. The three trails are known as the Mollepata, Classic and One Day trails, with Mollepata being the longest of the three. Passing through the Andes mountain range and sections of the Amazon rainforest, the Trail passes several well-preserved Inca ruins and settlements before ending at the Sun Gate on Machu Picchu mountain. The two longer routes require an ascent to beyond 3,660 m above sea level, which can result in AMS or Acute Mountain sickness, also known as altitude sickness. Due to recent erosion gradually wearing down the ancient stone trail, numbers of trekkers are set to be cut back significantly in the near future.
The four-day trail or Classic Trail starts from one of two points; Km 88 or Km 82, on the Urubamba River and 88km and 82km from Cuzco. The first day is a relatively-easy start to the journey, covering no more than 13 km in a few hours. Following an undulating path across bare slopes and through sections of forest, the Trail passes by the Inca ruins of Llaqtapata, a site used for crop production and which has remained well preserved.
Day two is the hardest of the four days: the ascent to Warmiwanusca or Dead Woman's Pass, which, at 4,200 m above sea level, is the highest point on the Classic Trail. After following a river along a gentle, undulating path, the trail reaches the village of Wayllabamba. From there the gradients become much steeper and the Trail enters thick jungle. From this point the Trail is composed of original Inca stonework that climbs uphill, ending just short of the actual pass.
Day three starts with the final climb to Dead Woman's Pass. The views from the top provide excellent views of nearby mountains such as Salkantay and Veronika. The Trail then descends into the valley beyond and heads to a second, lower, pass to the restored site of Runkuraqay, a small Inca watchpost. After the second pass is the site of Sayaqmarka, perched atop a sheer cliff. From here one can see the start of the massive Amazon rainforest, stretching to Brazil. After Sayaqmarka the Trail continues through thick cloud forest and jungle, filled with tropical flowers and colourful orchids. Reaching a third and final pass at Phuyupatmarka, one gets a first glimpse of Machu Picchu mountain, roughly 13 km away.
The final day is another easy day, mostly descending into the valleys and passing through more colourful jungle and cloud forest. Winay Wayna is an impressive and well-preserved Inca site, climbing a steep-sided mountain where the One Day Trail meets up with the main route. Two to three more hours' walking through cool jungle culminates at Inti-Punku, the 'Sun Gate', from where Machu Picchu city is finally visible. Although Machu Picchu is the highlight of the Inca Trail, it is not the only thing of note. Numerous other Inca sites, stunning views, wildlife and colourful flora fill the whole Trail.
Source: Wikipedia
Written by 2Machupicchu
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