Hiking The Inka Trail April 12, 2010

The Inka Trail between the Sacred Valley of the Urubamba River and the mysterious abandoned citadel of Machu Picchu is one of the world's classic treks. Climbing out of the river valley, crossing rugged mountain passes over 13,000 ft high, the trail winds through the Andes, passing numerous significant Inca ruins en route before descending through the Sun Gate to the silent stone city of Machu Picchu. To hike the Inka Trail is a thrilling experience and a very great priviledge. The purpose of this website is to share the thrill and privilege of the trip with those who may not hike it in person, and to help future hikers plan their coming adventure.

But the Inka Trail is much more than a great hike. It is one small portion of an incredible network of such trails crossing high stony mountain ranges, bleak deserts, and raging Andean rivers, tying the Inka Empire together. At its peak expansion, Tahuantinsuyo --"The Four Corners", as the empire was known-- extended from what is now southern Columbia in the north, to central Chile in the south, a distance of about 5500 km (3400 mi). To rule such a vast domain, the emperor, or Inka, forged a remarkable communications system of approximately 30,000 km (18,600 mi) of trails, paved through much its length, stepped where need be, through tunnels where necessary, and using gossamer suspension bridges built of straw ropes to cross rivers unfordable in the wet season. The roads served to move the conquering Inka armies, and were generally wide enough for a minimum of two warriors to travel abreast. A system of runners stationed at rest houses known as tambos sped messages along the roadways, much like the Pony Express mail of the old American West. The Inka in his empire's capital at Cusco could receive news from far away Quito as rapidly as a letter crosses between the two cities in today's mail.

As remarkable as this highway system was in the days when it was built, used and maintained, it is an astounding testimony to its construction that so many segments remain serviceable today, after half a millennium of neglect. Clearly the Inka highway system ranks as one of the greatest engineering achievements of pre-industrial man.

Trekkers of the Inka Trail, be it the well-known portion leading to Machu Picchu, or lesser-visited segments, are privileged to make use of an archeological treasure, as well as to partake of scenes of surpassing beauty. Care for the trail: don't abuse it in ways that promote loosening or erosion of the stonework. Care for the beauty of the landscape: don't leave trash or waste behind.

http://www.trilhainka.com.br

Official Website: http://www.trilhainka.com.br