The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, a World Heritage Site
Last year, the Inca Trail was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was the first time that six countries (Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Colombia, Argentina and Chile) united to apply to one candidacy, but the complex 30,000km road network known as the Great Inka Trail has connected these six countries since Inca times.
During the time of the Empire, it was known
as Qhapac Ñan, or the Royal Road. It was built under the order of Inca Pachacutec in the 15th century (the same Incan ruler responsible for Machu Picchu). A main path starting in Cusco led to each of the 4 suyos, or distant regions, with roads branching off through the diverse geography of Andean peaks, coastal plains, desert, and jungle. Its infrastructure included bridges and pulleys with hanging baskets for crossing rivers and ravines, wayside inns (tambos) every 21km, warehouses (kallankas), control check-points every 7km, and sacred sites. In the mountains, one finds zones paved with stone slabs, carved stone steps, retaining walls, and tunnels. In the jungle, zones with drainage channels on either side to avoid flooding.
For the Incas, it allowed for rapid administration, trade, and military deployment. The Spanish utilized the roads as well, upon their arrival in South America in the 16th century. Now, it is popular with travelers for its ruins, lauded history, and beautiful landscapes- if you’re planning a trip to South America, it’s an unmissable stop. The honor of World Heritage Site status brings with it worldwide recognition, guaranteeing its protection and conservation. This is an important development for such a popular site.
Pirwa Travel is a certified operator for the Classic 4 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, the most famous segment of the Inca Trail network, as well as other excursions utilizing original Inca trails, such as the Inka Jungle Trek and Sanctuary Garden.