If you are someone that enjoys hiking and camping as well as loves history, then consider visiting the Inca Trail in the Republic of Peru.  The Republic of Peru is located in the western portion of South America, bordered on the north by Columbia and Ecuador, on the south by Chile, on the east by Brazil and Bolivia, and on the west by the Pacific Ocean.

The Inca Trail is an extensive and advanced roadway system that has existed for centuries.  The network of this trail is made up of two north-south roads with numerous branches. In its entirety, the Inca Trail traverses a variety of climates, geological ranges, and altitudes.   In its entirety this roadway system links together approximately 25,000 miles and provides access to over 1 million miles and provided reliable routes for members of the Inca Empire.  In fact this legendary trail is considered one of the 10 most famous in the world.

The best known portion of the Inca Trail was the portion that was specifically built by the Inca emperor Pachacui to link his capital of Cusco to his sacred location of Machu Picchu.

 This is the trail that is most frequently traveled by hikers today.  Along this trail, hikers will view the beautiful natural terrain of Peru, numerous astounding archaeological treasures, Inca settlements, a variety of flora and fauna, native mammals, insects, and birds.  The difficulty rating of this trail is considered moderate/challenging for individuals who are relatively fit and in good physical condition though some hikers do experience a problem with the high altitude.

Just a few of the Inca settlements you will see along the trail from Cusco to Machu Picchu include:

Llaqtapata(Terrace Town) which was center of food supply for Machu Picchu and other sites along the trail.

Sayaqmarca(Inaccessible Town) that has a wonderful view of the Aobamba Valley.

Phuyupatamarca(Cloud Level Town) located where trail crosses south to north leading to Machu Piccu.

Intipata(Sun Terraces) consists of a small residential area which was mainly used as an agriculture complex to provide food to Machu Piccu.

Winay Wayna(Forever Young) has beautiful temples, maze of houses, towering waterfall, ceremonial baths, and extensive terracing.

The lovely orchid grows abundant in this area.

For those interested in making this trek should be aware this area primarily has two seasons.  The dry season runs from April to October and the rainy season runs from December to March.  There are numerous licensed trail companies that provide guided tours of this historic and fascinating trail and help you prepare with the necessary gear to hike and camp along the trail. The Government of Peru requires those hiking this trail to obtain a permit which may handled by your tour company.  Most guided tour companies offer a variety of options for hiking this trail depending the days you have available and/or the distance you wish to travel.

The Inca Trail Peru can only be traveled by a limited of people each day due to a ruling by the Peruvian National Institute of Culture.  Contact a guided tour company soon to reserve your space so you too can experience this famous trail.