Every year, crowds of tourists visit Machu Picchu. They arrive by plane to Lima, Peru, then take a plan or use other local transportation to get to Cusco. From here, you can take any of the many nearby Inca trails to Machu Picchu, including the Classic Inca Trail.
The History of the Classic Inca Trek
You can ride all the way by train to Machu Picchu. A bus also makes its way within sight of the famous city. However, those who consider the trek a pilgrimage make their way via the classic route popular amongst the majority of hikers to Machu Picchu. This particular trail follows an original route to the city.
The now classic Inca trail is a path first rediscovered by the American explorer, Hiram Bingham as he carved his way to the hidden city in 1911. Further development of this route took place under Dr. Paul Fejos between 1940 and 1944. A further expedition along this route took place in June 1968 under Dr. Victor Angles Vargas. He published a book on his findings – “Machu Picchu and the Inca Road” in 1983.
Taking the Classic Inca Trail
This trek is fairly easy with only two steep passes to maneuver. It covers around 25 miles. While the journey may be arduous for some, the scenery makes up for it. Hikers pass through some of the best cloud forests Peru has to offer. You also wander subtropical jungles and damp puma grassland. Hikers can cover the trail in two to three days; however, it is possible to take as much as 4 days. Variations of this trail do exist.
Trekking along the Classic Inca Trail in Peru
For those planning to visit Machu Picchu Peru, options abound. However, many still prefer to take the popular route – the Classic Inca Trail. Restrictions for this particular trail are firmly in place. Talk to your travel agent before you make any plans.
