In pre-Columbian South America, the Incas created an intricate system of roads that literally traveled up and down the continent’s west coast. However, the most extensive road system was found in Peru, and today, when one mentions the Inca Trail, it is usually assumed that they are referring to the particular trail that leads to the ruins of the ancient city of Machu Picchu.
Technically, the trail that heads to Machu Picchu is called the Capaq Nan Trail. It begins at the village of Ollantaytambo and ends at The Lost City. In actuality, however, the trail is divided into three individual trails – the One-Day, the Classic, and the Mollepata – each of different lengths.
The Classic is probably the most popular and welcomes hundreds of thousands of trekkers each year, but the One-Day is the preferred path for those who don’t have the time or stamina to handle the longer trails, which wind through the Andes and climb to an altitude of more than
3,660 meters (about 12,000 feet). Because altitude can often be a problem for inexperienced hikers, some choose the shorter, less steep path.
All three trails pass well-preserved Inca ruins and settlements before ending at Machu Picchu and the Sun Gate, so there’s much to see and photograph before reaching the final destination.
Because of concern about environmental pollution and erosion, the Peruvian government placed a cap several years ago on the number of people that can hike the trail, and they have also limited the number of outfitters that can offer guided tours. Currently, only 500 people per day are permitted to begin the hike, including guides and porters. During the peak tourist season – particular the months of May through September – spaces in guided tours fill up quickly so it’s necessary to make reservations as far in advance as possible.