The South American continent was home to one of the world's most intriguing and complex ancient civilizations. They left behind an amazing legacy including incredible structures, intricate roadways, artwork and evidence that supports an advanced scientific knowledge. The history and mystery of this long ago empire inspires thousands of people to embark on treks to follow the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu every year.
The Inca were many things, including the engineers of over 40,000 kilometers of trails that connected the various points and farthest reaches of their realm. This was no small empire as it stretched from deep inside Ecuador to the north, inland to the center of Argentina and south into what is now Chile. They built several impressive temples and cities, of which Cuzco was the primary site.
Though the trails create quite a substantial network, it is a specific stretch of 43 kilometers in the Peruvian Andes that has become one of the most in-demand vacation spots. It winds through the mountains to connect several amazing historical sites, ending with the immensely popular Machu Picchu. This is one hiking experience that is sure to provide a lifetime of unforgettable memories.
Very popular with hikers and those with a keen interest in archeology and ancient civilizations, the requests for treks along this mountain stretch have continually increased over the last few decades. Traveling across the Peruvian Andes, visitors encounter numerous breathtaking views and experience tastes of both the wilds of the jungle and the majesty of the rain forest. These trips are in great demand though access to this area is strictly controlled.
The government of Peru is dedicated to preserving the integrity and beauty of these amazing archaeological landmarks and a large part of that is by strictly controlling the number of people allowed to enter the area at any given time. Anyone trekking the trail must be granted a permit and all guides are required to hold the appropriate licenses. Only a select few companies are actually authorized to offer this vacation option.
Preservation of this treasured trail and all the stops along it is paramount to the Peruvian government so they keep tight control on access to it. No more than 500 permits are issued on any given day and this number includes all tourists, guides and all support staff. Treks run fairly regularly all year, except the month of February which is when they tend to various conservation projects and take care of routine maintenance needs.
The treks come in packages of 2,4 and 7 days with a finite number of tours being allowed each month. The huge demand for spots on these vacations versus the limited supply of available slots causes an imbalance that requires all interested parties to begin planning and applying many months before they wish to travel. Permits are somewhat difficult to acquire and the process by which they are awarded is a bit complicated.
The tightly controlled process by which permits for the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu are granted has many steps and involves some risk. It begins with touring companies actually participating in a lottery type of procedure designed to give each one equal opportunity to gain the rights to offer this vacation option to their clients. There are passport requirements that potential trekkers must meet before being granted a permit.
The Inca were many things, including the engineers of over 40,000 kilometers of trails that connected the various points and farthest reaches of their realm. This was no small empire as it stretched from deep inside Ecuador to the north, inland to the center of Argentina and south into what is now Chile. They built several impressive temples and cities, of which Cuzco was the primary site.
Though the trails create quite a substantial network, it is a specific stretch of 43 kilometers in the Peruvian Andes that has become one of the most in-demand vacation spots. It winds through the mountains to connect several amazing historical sites, ending with the immensely popular Machu Picchu. This is one hiking experience that is sure to provide a lifetime of unforgettable memories.
Very popular with hikers and those with a keen interest in archeology and ancient civilizations, the requests for treks along this mountain stretch have continually increased over the last few decades. Traveling across the Peruvian Andes, visitors encounter numerous breathtaking views and experience tastes of both the wilds of the jungle and the majesty of the rain forest. These trips are in great demand though access to this area is strictly controlled.
The government of Peru is dedicated to preserving the integrity and beauty of these amazing archaeological landmarks and a large part of that is by strictly controlling the number of people allowed to enter the area at any given time. Anyone trekking the trail must be granted a permit and all guides are required to hold the appropriate licenses. Only a select few companies are actually authorized to offer this vacation option.
Preservation of this treasured trail and all the stops along it is paramount to the Peruvian government so they keep tight control on access to it. No more than 500 permits are issued on any given day and this number includes all tourists, guides and all support staff. Treks run fairly regularly all year, except the month of February which is when they tend to various conservation projects and take care of routine maintenance needs.
The treks come in packages of 2,4 and 7 days with a finite number of tours being allowed each month. The huge demand for spots on these vacations versus the limited supply of available slots causes an imbalance that requires all interested parties to begin planning and applying many months before they wish to travel. Permits are somewhat difficult to acquire and the process by which they are awarded is a bit complicated.
The tightly controlled process by which permits for the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu are granted has many steps and involves some risk. It begins with touring companies actually participating in a lottery type of procedure designed to give each one equal opportunity to gain the rights to offer this vacation option to their clients. There are passport requirements that potential trekkers must meet before being granted a permit.
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Check out Peruforless.com for a summary of the things to keep in mind when booking Machu Picchu tours, today. You can also find more information about a reputable tour operator at http://www.peruforless.com/hiking-to-machu-picchu.php now.
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