Start of Inca Trail
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Map of the Inca Trail
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The Inca Trail is a classic trek. The Peru government, recognizing the importance of the trail,
imposed regulations to protect it. The trail travels 42 km (26
miles) from the start at the railroad KM82 point to Machu Picchu. Depending on your trekking company, you may
start at an alternative point.
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Urubamba River - From the Trail
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Treker group at start of Inca Trail
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You
can no longer travel the trail as an independent backpacker. You must go with a guide. That seems like an imposition, but having
your meals fixed, tents erected, and most gear carried by porters, is a good
tradeoff. |
Entry Point to Inca Trail
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Sign pointing the way on Inca Trail
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You start by walking down the tracks to the entrance
kiosk. It guards the bridge across the
Urubamba River.
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Bridge over Urubamba River - Start of the Inca Trail
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First Steps on the Inca Trail
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After a check of passports
to ensure that you are the person who registered for the trek, you cross the
bridge across the river. |
Train to Machu Picchu - The easy way to get there
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Cactus, Inca Trail
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There is no road to the city of Machu Picchu (formerly Aquas Calientes) |
Flora on the Inca Trail
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Urubamba River from the Inca Trail
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The trail follows the Urubamba River for the first 4 kilometers. |
Hiker on the first day of the Inca Trail
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Porters on the Inca Trail
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Residence on the Inca Trail
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Happy Hikers on the Inca Trail
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You pass by several residences, including the vaillage of Miskay. |
Porters taking a break
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Stone Residence Inca Trail
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You carry your own equipment. The porters carry the food, tents, and cooking gear. f |
Porters on the first uphill
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Snack shop on the trail to feed the hungry
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On the first two days, you can pick up a snack from the local residences. |
View of the Inca Trail on first day
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Water channel Inca Trail
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The Incas built water channels to transport water and carry away wastes. |
Flora on Inca Trail
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Huillcaraccay, Inca Trail
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The Incas built a fort at Huillca Raccay. It commands the entrance to the valley. |
Llactapata Inca Trail
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Llactapata Inca Trail
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Lllactapata (also known as Patallacta) is
an agricultural station. It supplied Machu Picchu with maize.
Probably built around 1450. |
View on first day of Inca Trail
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View on first day of Inca Trail
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Traffic on Inca Trail
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Kusichaca River Inca Trail
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Trekers are not the only users of the trail. You share it with the local residents.
You turn south, leaving the Urubamba River and head along the Kusichaca (Cusichaca) River. |
Porter on the Inca Trail
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Kusichaca River Inca Trail
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Visa and Mastercard accepted at snack shop Inca Trail
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Flora on the Inca Trail
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Some of the snack shops accept plastic, in case you don't have enough cash. This one is in Hualyllabamba. |
Campsites on first day Inca Trail
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Looking toward Dead Woman's Pass Inca Trail
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The first day ends soon after turning to the west and heading toward Dead Woman's Pass. |
First night camping on Inca Trail
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Map of Inca Trail
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