|
Country - Peru
This is deservedly the most famous footpath in South America. It has everything: gorgeous mountain scenery, cloudforest and lush sub-tropical vegetation with numerous species of flowers, a stunning destination (Machu Picchu) and, above all, the Inca remains that give the trail its name. There are Inca paving stones, Inca stairways, an Inca tunnel, and of course the ruins: Runkuracay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, Huiñay Huayna and Machu Picchu itself.
The Vilcabamba range, setting for the magnificent Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, is approximately 45km long and is a spectacular part of the Andes, located northwest of Cusco,
between the Apurímac and Urubamba rivers.
Several giant snow covered peaks rise out of the Vilcabamba massif, often clearly visible from the Lima to Cusco flight. Salcantay (6,271m / 20,575ft) is the highest peak in the area, towering above all others. This mountain was highly revered by the Incas and is still very important to the people living in the Cusco area. Its name in Quechua means wild mountain.
|
