One of the most complicated and intriguing ancient civilizations of all once hailed from the great South American continent. It left behind a legacy steeped in mystery and wonder including mesmerizing artwork, evidence of scientific advancement, unbelievable structures and a network of trails connecting their many cities. The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu has become one of the most sought after vacation destinations.
With over 40,000 kilometers of trails connecting the various points of their vast empire, the Inca were persistent planners. Their influence reached as far north as Ecuador, as far south as Chile and as far inland as Argentina. There were many important cities within this civilization with Cuzco being the main metropolis.
The extensive network of travel ways is interesting as a whole, but it is the 43 kilometers through Peru that has become increasingly popular as a vacation option. It connects a number of important archaeological locations as it winds over the great Andes mountains, ending at the historical site of Machu Picchu. The trek is literally one breathtaking view after another laden with historical significance.
The last 30 years has seen a steady increase in people interested in traveling the Inca Trail, especially among hikers and others who enjoy the history of ancient civilizations. It traverses the Andes mountain range through Peru, providing those who walk it unforgettable vistas from some very high points as well as the rare chance to experience the mystery and majesty of both the jungle and the rain forest. Though in great demand, only a limited amount of access is granted to this wonder annually.
In order to preserve the integrity of the land and the archaeological sites, the Peruvian government allows only a definitive number of people along the trail at a time. Treks are granted by permit only and all guides must be properly licensed. There are only a limited few companies that are legally authorized to offer these vacation adventures.
Preservation of this treasured trail and all the stops along it is paramount to the Peruvian government so they keep tight control on access to it. No more than 500 permits are issued on any given day and this number includes all tourists, guides and all support staff. Treks run fairly regularly all year, except the month of February which is when they tend to various conservation projects and take care of routine maintenance needs.
The treks come in packages of 2,4 and 7 days with a finite number of tours being allowed each month. The huge demand for spots on these vacations versus the limited supply of available slots causes an imbalance that requires all interested parties to begin planning and applying many months before they wish to travel. Permits are somewhat difficult to acquire and the process by which they are awarded is a bit complicated.
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a by-permit-only vacation destination that is only obtainable through a highly regulated process. Even the trekking organizations have to compete in a lottery type of activity if they wish to be granted access to the site throughout the year. In order to gain permission to travel this journey, applicants will first need to meet strict passport requirements.
With over 40,000 kilometers of trails connecting the various points of their vast empire, the Inca were persistent planners. Their influence reached as far north as Ecuador, as far south as Chile and as far inland as Argentina. There were many important cities within this civilization with Cuzco being the main metropolis.
The extensive network of travel ways is interesting as a whole, but it is the 43 kilometers through Peru that has become increasingly popular as a vacation option. It connects a number of important archaeological locations as it winds over the great Andes mountains, ending at the historical site of Machu Picchu. The trek is literally one breathtaking view after another laden with historical significance.
The last 30 years has seen a steady increase in people interested in traveling the Inca Trail, especially among hikers and others who enjoy the history of ancient civilizations. It traverses the Andes mountain range through Peru, providing those who walk it unforgettable vistas from some very high points as well as the rare chance to experience the mystery and majesty of both the jungle and the rain forest. Though in great demand, only a limited amount of access is granted to this wonder annually.
In order to preserve the integrity of the land and the archaeological sites, the Peruvian government allows only a definitive number of people along the trail at a time. Treks are granted by permit only and all guides must be properly licensed. There are only a limited few companies that are legally authorized to offer these vacation adventures.
Preservation of this treasured trail and all the stops along it is paramount to the Peruvian government so they keep tight control on access to it. No more than 500 permits are issued on any given day and this number includes all tourists, guides and all support staff. Treks run fairly regularly all year, except the month of February which is when they tend to various conservation projects and take care of routine maintenance needs.
The treks come in packages of 2,4 and 7 days with a finite number of tours being allowed each month. The huge demand for spots on these vacations versus the limited supply of available slots causes an imbalance that requires all interested parties to begin planning and applying many months before they wish to travel. Permits are somewhat difficult to acquire and the process by which they are awarded is a bit complicated.
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a by-permit-only vacation destination that is only obtainable through a highly regulated process. Even the trekking organizations have to compete in a lottery type of activity if they wish to be granted access to the site throughout the year. In order to gain permission to travel this journey, applicants will first need to meet strict passport requirements.
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