The network of Inca roads is a system of roads that linked the most important points of the immense empire of the Incas. This network of trails was called ‘qhapac’, words in the Quechua language that mean ‘way of the king or of the powerful’. Many sections of these roads continue in good condition and preserved by several countries in South America. It is considered Cultural Heritage of Humanity by Unesco. Today, a part of these sections is the famous route that ends in Machu Picchu.
What is the Inca trail network?
The network of Inca roads, known in the Quechua language as ‘qhapac’ (main road or path of the powerful), is an immense connection of Inca trails built for the most part by Emperor Pachacutec in the 15th century.
These roads linked the main cities of the empire with Cusco, the capital of the empire. The Inca himself was led from the ‘sacred city’ to the various points of the empire through the qhapac ñan.
The network of Inca roads covered part of the territories of the current countries of Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Colombia, Chile and Argentina. Due to their historical importance, they are currently considered ‘Cultural Heritage of Humanity’ by Unesco. Because of this they are protected and preserved for the future.
What was the importance of the Qhapac Ñan?
The qhapaq ñan is the word that defines the road system of the Inca civilization. It is the best proof of the development reached by the Incas in civil engineering. It is worth mentioning that this network of roads was built on one of the most rugged territories in the world. He managed to cross the rugged Andes Mountains and the arid deserts of the South American coast.
This network of roads crossed the empire of the Incas by routes drawn from north to south (from end to end) along the coast and through the Andes Mountains. There were small sections for the common population. There were also wide sections dedicated to Inca royalty. The roads of the mountains had completely paved sections while those of the coast were built simply of earth.
The world famous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is just one part of this complex network of roads. Go up the Urubamba river basin to the Inca city, after winding difficult mountains. At present it is considered the best hiking route in Peru. You can visit it in four days through a perfectly planned tour.
What is the length of these roads?
At present, more than 60 thousand kilometers of roads that formed this enormous network have been identified. But studies carried out reveal that the qhapaq ñan would be made up of more than double that identified throughout the South American territory.
What was its function?
The route of the roads, in addition to connecting one town with another, served to connect the culture of the towns of the time. Likewise, its function was that of a trade route and strategic routes of cultural connection between the different towns of the immense Inca empire. This is how Inca cities were integrated such as: Vilcashuaman, Pumpu, Hatun Xauxa, Huánuco Pampa, Cajamarca, Quito, etc.
The qhapaq ñan shows many sections in which there are two parallel roads in a trunk route. It is known that the Inca, his court and his armies would go through one of them, while the other was destined for the people.
How is it designed?
The qhapac ñan are designed in response to the coastal and mountain geography. There are stretches in immense arid plains up to the most rugged mountains of the Andes mountain range. There are also countless slopes, cliffs, mountains, pampas, swamps, gorges, and canyons. In many cases, the most difficult sections were solved with bridges and uneven roads.
Constructions along the roads
The difficult South American geography and the immense distances that the Qhapac ñan traveled forced the Incas to build certain structures necessary for the proper functioning of the roads.
• Bridges: There were several bridges that allowed crossing rivers or spaces with abysses. These bridges could be woven of straw (the icchu or wild straw of the Andes) and were characterized by being hanging. And there were other bridges that were built of tree trunks, supported by abutments of huge stone blocks. Also noteworthy are the "oroyas", wooden rafts that were used to flow the lakes. Currently the Queswachaka bridge in Cusco is an example of the tradition of the Andean peoples in the construction and maintenance of Inca bridges.
• The tambos: These constructions had the function of shelters and warehouses for food, wool, firewood, clothing. These products were stored both for people who traveled and for emergencies. It is estimated that on the main roads there were dairy farms every 20 or 30 kilometers. These housed the "chasquis" or emissaries who were young runners who went from tambo to tambo carrying the Inca's messages through a relay system. Through this system it is said that a message could reach from Cusco to Ecuador in 10 days (approximately 2,000 kilometers).
The roads to Machu Picchu
The Inca Trail is the small network of roads that connects the towns of Cusco with the Inca city of Machu Picchu. With the discovery of this archaeological site in 1911, part of this section of the Qhapac ñan was unearthed. Since then these trails have been valued.
Due to its location on the slopes of mountain ranges, this section of the Inca Trail was built following the characteristics of the mountain roads. The Incas first made the layout of the road, then the foundation of the soil with several layers of stone and earth. Next the paving and the drainage system were made. Due to their complex construction, these trails are kept in good condition.
This section of the Inca Trail was not discovered by the Spanish. It is also believed that they did not give it the necessary importance. In any case, the Spanish did not reach Machu Picchu, which, after being abandoned, was hidden in the thick vegetation over the years. The section from qhapac ñan to the Inca city also suffered the same fate.
Frequently Asked Questions before the Inca Trail
Do you need to book the Inca Trail in advance?
YES! It is recommended that you make a reservation for the Inca Trail, check the available spaces online, and pay your entrance fee well in advance.
Book the Inca Trail:
It is very important to book this hike well in advance!
A general recommendation on how long before booking is:
- If you want to walk in December, January, March: 3 to 5 weeks in advance
- If you want to walk in April, October, November: between 6 and 8 weeks in advance
- If you want to walk in May, September: 2 - 3 months in advance
- If you want to walk in June, July, August: 3 to 4 months in advance
In February, the Inca Trail trail is closed due to rain. You can still visit Machu Picchu, by train or alternative excursions.
How long is the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is 42 km (26 miles) long. The campsites along the Inca Trail are assigned by the Ministry of Culture (INC) and for this reason it is difficult to determine the distance that must be covered in a day, but they are expected to walk 6 to 9 hours per day.
Will I be affected by altitude sickness?
Altitude sickness or mountain sickness usually occurs very few to our visitors, since previously we recommend acclimatizing 2 days before trekking.
They should avoid drinking alcoholic beverages and drink plenty of water or some pills for altitude sickness pre-registered by their doctor. If the evil is more serious we must return to a point of care to be treated the evil.
Is it possible to do without an agency to do the Inca Trail?
Since June 2002, independent trekking has been prohibited on the Inca Trail. Regulations state that each hiker must be accompanied by a qualified professional guide. The MINISTRY OF CULTURE OF MACHU PICCHU is the regulatory body responsible for controlling access to Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail.
Businesses must meet certain basic requirements that demonstrate that they have professional guides and good camping equipment, radio communicators, and knowledge of emergency first aid, including oxygen. Your license is renewed every year in early March.
Is it possible to enter with another name?
No, you must carry your valid identification (passport or DNI) to enter the Inca Trail Circuit to Machu Picchu. Be sure to take your passport with you and get the Machu Picchu stamp at the entrance.
Where to sleep during the Inca Trail?
During the Inca Trail our team of porters set up camping tents, where only you need a sleeping bag or mattress / inflatable mattress. The porters carry all the camping equipment for you to enjoy an excellent adventure during the Inca Trail.
Are there alternative routes to the Inca Trail?
Yes, we also have the following:
- Road to Salkantay and Machu Picchu 5 Days
- Road to Sallkantay and Machu Picchu 4 days
- Lares Trek to Machu Picchu
- Inca Jungle Trek to Machu Picchu
Is the number of one-day visitors to Machu Picchu also limited, such as those who do an Inca trek?
Yes, there is a limit to the number of visitors to Machu Picchu 3000 per day and the Inca Trail 500 per day, everyone can visit the ruins.
Our staff always thinking about the environment will bring the necessary water for the 3 days of excursion, therefore we recommend that you bring bottled water. Our team will provide you with boiled water for breakfast and lunch. They will also have water to wash their hands. You can take water from rivers or streams but it is necessary to use purifying tablets, although this practice is not highly recommended.
What is the cost of an extra porter and how much should I tip?
Porters to carry your personal items can be hired separately between US $ 130 and US $ 150 for the 4-day trek. In general, if the entire group is satisfied with the service, try to make sure each porter takes home an extra $ 10, the cook $ 15, the guide $ 25, and the assistant guide about $ 15.
A group of 14 people with 18 porters (18 x 10 = $ 180), 1 cook ($ 15), 1 guide ($ 25) and 1 assistant $ 15) would receive a total of $ 122, which equates to a tip of approximately $ 9 per person.
When is the best time to travel the Inca Trail?
Climate in Cusco: The mountainous region of Cusco has well-defined winter and summer seasons. Winter days (June to August) are very sunny and warm, but the temperature drops to almost zero at night. The rainy season is from January to March. December and January are two of the most pleasant months for trekking
How difficult is it? How fit do you have to be one for the Inca Trail?
You have to be in shape. It is a common misconception that because many people do the Inca Trail, then it must be easy ... it is not. The trail is 45 km (26 miles) long and takes a lot of physical effort to complete. On the second day you climb almost 1200m (about 4000ft). Combined with the high altitude (lack of oxygen) and extreme weather (you can easily burn in the sun from the high altitude during the day and temperatures can drop below zero at night) the hike can be hard work.
However, all this suffering can make the final arrival at Machu Picchu even more enjoyable.
How many people are in the groups?
The maximum allowed group size is 16 people. Normally group tours are between 12 and 16 people.
What does the trail look like in peak season?
It can get a bit crowded, but with current regulations, you have plenty of room to walk.
Are there Baths along the Inca Trail?
There are bathrooms but they are very basic with little running water. Sernanp, the entity in charge of regulating the Inca Trail, does not have staff to clean and care for the bathrooms, so it is a deficit during the Inca Trail. In case there are no bathrooms in the camps, our staff will install a bathroom tent just for the Group.
