The Inca Trail, an iconic trekking route, is located in Peru, in the Cusco region, in the Vilcabamba mountain range of the Andes Mountains. This road leads to the ancient Inca ruins of Machu Picchu, passing through a variety of landscapes and archaeological sites along the way. The starting point is usually near the town of Ollantaytambo, and the hike culminates at the spectacular site of Machu Picchu. The classic version of the Inca Trail covers 4 days of trekking, and the second day is considered the most challenging, as you reach a high point called Dead Woman Pass, which is 4,200 meters above sea level.
The government of Peru has implemented restrictions to protect the trail from damage due to the high number of people visiting it. They only allow a certain number of visitors each season, and advance reservations are required. Daily, only 500 people can walk the path, of which 200 are tourists, while the rest are guides and equipment carriers. Due to these limitations, peak season fills up quickly, so planning ahead is recommended.
It is important to note that the Machu Picchu to Inca Trail closes throughout the month of February to perform maintenance on the bridges, terraces and roads, in addition to cleaning the trail.
The best time to undertake this exciting trekking route is from May to September, which corresponds to the dry season in the Andes. Although the trail is open during the rainy season, which runs from November to March, visibility can be limited and the experience not as pleasant due to weather conditions. Therefore, planning the trip during the dry season is advisable to fully enjoy this adventure.
