The first blind athlete that conquered Inca Trail

On past October 14, Dan Berlin from Colorado and his team of three guides (Brad Graff, Charles Scott and Alison Qualter Berna) set out at 4:30 a.m. to tackle the full distance. He completed it in 13 hours and is claiming to be the first blind runner to have done so. He has become the first visually impaired runner to have completed the entire Inca Trail in one day.

The Inca trail is the most famous trek in South America and draws visitors from around the world. Located in Peru, the Inca Trail spans 26 miles covering the infamous Machu Picchu and has an elevation gain of 14,000 feet It is also considered to be one of the most difficult marathons in the world. Those who run or hike it have to be prepared for steep climbs and loose footing from the rock. 

Berlin said that the beauty of his adventures has been the most memorable. “We live in such a visual world that it’s difficult for some people to understand the beauty of a space,” he said. “For me, the beauty is the feel of the place. It’s the people that we’re with, feeling the soft earth, the hard granite steps, the humidity in the air.”

Source: Runningmagazine.ca

For more information about Inca trail visit the next links: 

Short Inca Trail

Inca Trail Classic

Inca Trail Discovery

Inca Trail Deluxe

Beyond the Inca Trail

The Inca Trail is crossed by 500 people every day

The National Service of Natural Protected Areas (SERNANP) reported that around 500 people walk every day the Inca Trail towards Machu Picchu. According to Pedro Gamboa, Head of Sernanp, from this group only 200 are foreign people, the rest are porters that carry baggage’s and guides that help the visitors on the route towards Machu Picchu.

In this Inca trek the porters are the ones that carries the food, and supplies needed during the trek. They do not reach the citadel, only the tourists reach the final section of the trip to get to MachuPicchu.

According to the report, the age of the tourists are not an impediment for people that want to do the Inca Trail in spite of the physical effort that it requires. The route is through the Urubamba Valley, amidst beautiful natural scenery and Incan architectural remains.

The Sernamp is working so the protection rules include the whole course area so the natural area is not affected in any case. The measure includes the signposting and the maintenance of the road, sanitation facilities equipped with the latest technology ecological standards.

For more information about the Inca Trail and to have access to the diverse tours, you can enter to following link: Inca Trail

Inca Trail to close for works next month

The Inca Trail leading to the legendary lost city of Machu Picchu will be closed through February to undertake cleaning, conservation and maintenance works along the 42 kilometers of stone path built by the Incas some 500 years ago, reconfirmed officials from the Archaeological Park of Machu Picchu.

The measure, to be implemented by 60 experts and technicians from the Cusco's Regional Directorate of Culture through the Ollantaytambo district to the Inca citadel, will be achieved under the regulations of the Red de Caminos Inca (Inca Trail Network).

The restoration works include treatments in camping zones, compaction, assessment of the rainwater drainage system in affected zones, reforestation, as well as the preservation of 18 monuments and archaeological sites.

The growing vegetation will be cut, and maintenance works will be carried out in Machu Picchu terraces and sanitary areas.

This legendary road winds through Peru's Andes Mountains and along the path of the ancient royal highway. More than 75,000 people make the trek each year to get to Machu Picchu the way the ancient Inca did—on foot.

Visit Machu Picchu with the following link:

- Machu Picchu & Huayna Picchu

Source: Andina

Three alternative treks than the Inca Trail

The famous of the Inca Trail is worldwide. However, there are other wonderful routes to the magnificent Machu Picchu. Here you will find three alternative treks to challenge the height and yourself.

1.-The Salkantay Trek:

The Salkantay Trek, less known than the Inca Trail, but equally significant in religiousness, in its peak people stop to offer to Pachamama or the mother earth. The mount Salkantay, named one of the “Top 25 Treks in the world" for the National Geographic, became very popular because it has no space limitations nor permissions as the Inca Trail. Be part of Mollepata's village to walk across Cusco and the Cloud Forest, where it is possible to see wonderful landscapes.

2.-Lares Route:

Another great alternative trek is Lares. With great views of high lakes and valleys. As appreciated as Salkantay, this route has less-crowded of people than the previous one. Deep located in the mountain of Urubamba, hiking Lares will allow us to live through the meaning of the Inca history and the tradition of their people. The trek lasts approximately 2 or 3 days. Started in Lares, a town with hot springs ending in Ollantaytambo.

3.-Cachicata:

The difficulty of this route increases with regard to the previous ones. It takes 3 to 5 days to explore. On this trek appears the most impressive waterfalls and Inca ruins. It is said that the Inca Quarries of Cachicata served to carve almost perfect big rocks that can be found in the Inca fortresses.

Travel to the Inca Trail with these tours: http://www.inkanatura.com/en/inca-trail-tours 

New app helps hikers explore Inca Trail in Cusco

Hikers coming to Machu Picchu via the Inca Trail, one of the most popular tough treks on earth, can now download a new app named Camino Inca before heading out on their journey.

Users will be able to access virtual maps on their smart phones or tablets, a useful tool for those attempting the steep climbs and descents to the renowned Sun-Gate overlooking Machu Picchu.

There are several maps available in the app inducing, among others, the 4-day Traditional Trail, as well as the Salkantay and Choquequirao treks, which take 5 and 8 days, respectively.

Once downloaded, the maps can be viewed at any time without the need to be connected to the internet.

Travelers can also find information about archaeological sites, description of local birds and a photo gallery.

The Hi-Tec Camino Inca, available free of charge on iOS or Android, was created by the photographer Walter West.

Tours to Inca Trail:  Inca Trail Classic 4D/ 3N - all camping

Source: Andina

Only those with a confirmed return train ticket may be admitted to the Inca Trail

The Cusco’s National Institute of Culture (INC) reported that only those individuals with a confirmed return ticket will be admitted to the Inca Trail. This is part of the safety measures to be taken for the protection of local and foreign tourists once the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu reopen on April 1.

The decision was adopted in compliance with one of the agreements made at a Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary Management Unit (UGM) meeting on March 16, in order to avoid unrest among visitors.

Cusco’s INC pointed out that flyers and information banners have been placed at the kilometer 82 of the railroad, in Piscacucho, and at the kilometers 104 and 122, entrances to Inca Trail.

Measures aim to provide security for the Historical Sanctuary of Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail.

More info:
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Inca Trail Map