The Inca Trail is one of the most amazing routes on the planet. Its trails are traveled every day by about 200 visitors, approximately. The photographs of this route are one of the most popular on social networks. Thus, according to Google, it is one of the most photographed routes in the world. Learn how to get the best photos during this famous hiking trail.
Cusco is in position 81 of the 100 most photographed places on the planet of Sightsmap. This Google service locates the images using a GPS and shows them on an online world map where the most visited places are in yellow and the least frequented are shown in black. Machu Picchu, which includes the Inca Trail, is in position 106 with abundant yellow color, passing to the sites of black, purple and red. Along with New York, Barcelona, ​​Paris and other beautiful places, Cusco and Machu Picchu appear on the map of the most photographed destinations.
Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail
The Inca Trail has as its final destination Machu Picchu. To get there, you must travel about 39 kilometers of Inca trails for 4 days and 3 nights of camping.
The Inca Trail was the route used by the Incas to get to Machu Picchu. Currently, this route is protected by the Peruvian State. No person without permission can circulate on these roads. The only way to get permits is by hiring a tour through a tourism agency.
Tours to the Inca Trail must be booked online 6 or 7 months in advance. There are many tourists who seek to do this hiking route. For many it is the most adventurous way to get to Machu Picchu.
Landscapes of the Inca Trail
The Inca Trail has some of the most beautiful landscapes in Cusco. Photographs of tourists show mountains, rivers, llamas, alpacas, and more.
One of the most photographed landscapes during the route is the ‘Warmiwañusca’ pass, located 4,200 meters above sea level. This place, the highest on the route, offers an incredible view of the mountain range where Machu Picchu is located.
Another of the most emblematic landscapes of the route is Machu Picchu. In the Intipunku (Puerta del Sol) sector you have the first view of the Inca city. It is an impressive landscape, perhaps the best you can get from Machupicchu.
Flora and fauna of the Inca Trail
The Inca Trail is full of diverse flora and fauna. Among the most representative tree and flower species are: orchids, cedars, queñuales, carnations, puyas and more. Among the most representative animal and bird species are: the spectacled bear, the Andean deer, the cock of the rocks, the torrent duck, the llamas, butterflies and more.
Most tourists prefer the classic photos of llamas, a very famous domesticated animal in the Andes. Orchids, flowers of great beauty and diversity, are also highly photographed. One of its most famous species is called ‘Waqanki’, a Quechua word that means ‘tears’. An ancient legend tells that the tears of an Inca princess gave rise to these flowers.
Archaeological sites of the Inca Trail
Along the Inca Trail, several Inca cities and temples were built that today are highly photographed by visitors. Some of these archaeological sites are: Llactapata, Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca and Wiñayhuayna.
The archaeological site of Wiñayhuayna, due to its scenic beauty, is one of the most photographed sites. Just 3 kilometers away is the most photographed archaeological site on the route: Machu Picchu. What’s more, the Inca citadel ranks among the most photographed tourist attractions in the world.
More things to photograph
Group photos – The Inca Trail is an excellent option to meet new friends. Group photos, with people from other parts of the world, are preferred by many visitors. In addition, on the route you can meet people from Peru, such as tour guides, cooks or porters who will accompany you on the adventure.
Photos of Huayna Picchu – The Huayna Picchu mountain is located in the upper part of Machu Picchu. Getting there is one of the most famous adventures within the archaeological site. At its top you can get panoramic photos of the Inca city that few people have. The bad thing is that to enter you need a special ticket, which must be requested with the tourism agency that organizes the Inca Trail.
Photos in the town of Aguas Calientes – The town of Aguas Calientes is 10 kilometers from Machu Picchu. It is an obligatory place of transit before returning to the city of Cusco by train. Many tourists like to take photos in this beautiful town. The most photographed places are the artisan market, the train station and the Vilcanota river.
Inca Trail Machu Picchu
Additional Information
The authorities of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu do allow photographs by tourists. However, professional filming (with professional recording equipment) is not allowed. This requires a special permit from the Ministry of Culture of Peru, the authority in charge.
The Inca Trail remains open every day of the year except for February. During that month the rains are constant, which can cause rockfalls that are dangerous for visitors. In addition, in that month work is carried out to prepare the route.
By Inca Trail Machu Picchu - Last updated, 30-09-2021
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