Rough Guides Travel Talk

Rough Guides Travel    Travel Talk    Travel Talk  Hop To Forum Categories  South America    Welcome to Peru,hiking to Machupicchu
Go
New
Find
Notify
Tools
Reply
  
-star Rating Rate It!  Login/Join 
Amazonas
Travel Guru
Posted

Question:
INKA TRAIL CIRCUIT


The wonder of Machupicchu has been well documented over the years,Equally impremssive is the centuries - old inca trail that winds its way from the Sacred Valley near Ollantaytambo,taking three to four days.

What makes this hiso so special is the stunning combination of Inca ruins,unforgettable views,magnificent mountains ,exotic vegetation and extraordinary ecological variety.The government acknowledged this uniqueness in 1981 by including the trail in a 325 square kilometres national park,the Machupicchu Historical Sanctuary.
Machupicchu itself cannot be understood without the Inca Trail.Its principal sites are ceremonial in character,apparently in ascending hierarchical order.This Inca province was a unique area of elite access.The trail is essentially a work of spiritual art.Like a gothic cathedral,and walking it was formerly an act of devotion.

The trek to the sacred site begins at Qorihuayrachina - or km 88 - at 2,600 metres.which is the disembarkation point for the intrepid trekker.The first ruin is Llaqtapata,near km 88,the utilitarian centre of a large settlement of farming terraces which probably supplied the other Inca Trail sites.From here,it is a relatively easy three hour walk to the village of Huayllabamba.

A series of gentle climbs and descents leads along the Rio Cusichaca,the ideal introduction to the trail.The village is a popular camping spot for tour groups,so its better idea to continue for about an hour up to the next site,Llulluchayoc - ( three white stones ),which is a patch of green beside a fast - flowing stream.It's a steep climb but you're pretty much guarenteed a decent pitch for the night.If you are feeling relly energetic,you can go on to the next camping spot,a perfectly flat meadow,called Llulluchapampa,this means a punishing one and a half hour ascent through cloud forest,but it does leave you with a much easier second day.There is also the advantage of relative isolation and a magnificent view back down the valley.

For most people the second day is by far the toughest,though horses can be hired en route to carry your backpack.It's a steep climb to the meadow,followed by an exhausting two and a half hour haul up to the first pass - aptly named Warmiwañusca ( Dead Woman ) at 4,200 metres. The feeling of relief on reaching the top is immense and there's
The added,sadistic pleasure of watching your fellow suffers sufferers struggling in your wake.After a well - earned break it's a sharp descent on treacherous path down to the Pacamayo valley,where there are a few flat camping spot near a stream if you're too weary to continue.

Halfway to the second pass, comes the ruin of Runkuracay,which was probably an Inca Tambo,or post - house.It is no longer permitted to camp here.A steep climb up an Inca staircase leads to the next pass ,at 3,850 metres,with spectacular views of Pumasillo ( 6,246 metre ) and the Vilcabamba range.The trail then desends to Sayacmarca ( Inaccessible town ), a spectacular site overlooking the Aobamba valley.Just below Sayacmarca lies Conchamarca ( Shell town ),a small group of buildings standing on rounded terraces - perhaps another tambo.

A blissfully gentle two hours climb on a fine stone highway,leads through an Inca tunnel and along the enchanted fringes of the cloud forest,to the third pass.This is the most rewarding part of the trail,with spectacular views of the entire Vilcabamba range,and it's down to the extensive ruins of Phuyupatamarca ( cloud - level town ),at 3,650 metres,where adjacent Inca observation plating peaks.There is a " tourist bathroom " here,where water can be collected,but purify it before drinking.

From here an Inca stairway of white granite plunges more than a thousand metres to the spectaculary - sited and impressive ruins of Wiñay - Wayna ( forever Young ),offering views of newly uncovered agricultural terraces at Intipata ( sun Place ).A trail,not easily visible,goes from Wiñay Wayna to the newly discovered terracing.There is a youth hostel at Wiñay - Wayna,with bunk beds ( F,P / P ),showers and a small restaurant,but the place is in state of disrepair and facilities are appallingly run down.Should you forego the dubious privilege of using the slleping facilities,there is enough space for a few tents.After Wiñay - Wayna there is not water,and no place to camp,until MACHUPICCHU

From here it is a gentle hour's walk through another type of forest,with larger trees and giant ferns,to a steep Inca staircase which leads up to Intipunku ( Sun gate ),where you look down at last upon Machupicchu,basking in all her reflective glory.Aching muscles are quickly forgotten and even the presence of the functional hotel building cannot detract from one of the most magical sights in all the Americas.

Further Information
Amazonas@VirtualTourist.com
engreidos@latinmail.com

Choices:
arifashton@hotmail.com

 
 
Posts: 17 | Location: Lima | Registered: May 02, 2002Reply With QuoteEdit or Delete MessageReport This Post
 Previous Topic | Next Topic powered by eve community  
 

Rough Guides Travel    Travel Talk    Travel Talk  Hop To Forum Categories  South America    Welcome to Peru,hiking to Machupicchu