Peru is in fashion, perhaps the latest film starring Peru is a little to blame Maxi Iglesias and Stephanie Cayo , 'Until we meet again', a feature film for romantics set in some of the most beautiful landscapes in Peru. Both enter the Sacred Valley, where the inca trail , one of the most popular routes in the country and in South America, about 42 kilometers to reach the Macchu Picchu.
The Inca Trail was built by the Incas in the fifteenth century and rediscovered in 1911. To complete the entire trail it takes an average of four days, although they recommend preparing it three days in advance. His popularity peaked in 2020, before the Pandemic; Currently the route is not so busy, but even so, they recommend reserving a permit months in advance.
The advisable date, due to the weather, is between the months of April to November (it is not advisable to do it between January and February because it is the rainy season).
Hiking experience is not required although preparation is recommended.
HOW TO ACCESS THE INCA TRAIL
If you plan your trip to the Inca Trail you will have to reserve your permit to enter, about five months in advance, as assured by operators such as Evolution Treks Peru.
“Any person who treks through any of the four routes of the Inca trail network to Machu Picchu must have a permit. This includes tourists, tour guides, porters and cooks."
According to the 'Master Plan' or 'Master Plan' of Machu Picchu, prepared by the Ministry of Culture of Peru and the Sernanp (National Service of Natural Protected Areas) in 2003, only 500 people a day can access this place, approximately 300 of them are porters and 200 are tourists. Also, 300 people per day can enter the Short Inca Trail.
Trekking groups are limited to approximately 10 people plus two tour guides or eight people plus one guide.
And something to keep in mind is that only licensed and authorized tour operators can book a traveler's permit . Each year on October 1, permits go on sale to all tour providers who must compete for these permits on a first-come, first-served basis. To obtain a permit, they must submit the necessary personal information of their clients, along with a partial payment and those of the porters and cooks who will assist them along the way.
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Cooks and porters? Yes, this path cannot be done alone and all tours offer this service, because during the path you have to camp. Evolution Treks Peru is one of the best known for its tradition of women porters.
“April, May and some dates in June and July tend to sell out quickly. People must be 100% sure of the dates they are booking . Once the tour providers send their information to the Machu Picchu park administration, it is unlikely that changes can be made. However, due to the pandemic, some of these operators do offer refunds.
Does that mean there are no longer permits available for this year? As reported to Evolution Treks, there may still be July and August left, because the path is no longer as crowded as it was before the pandemic. You can consult the different operators.
HEALTH RESTRICTIONS
To access the country, all tourists over 12 years of age will have to provide their Covid-19 vaccination card, and if they are not vaccinated, a PCR with a negative result from the last 48 hours. These requirements are in effect until August 28, 2022.
As for the Inca Trail, it is recommended to choose the most ethical operators, even if they are somewhat more expensive. Not only for the experience offered to the traveler but also for the working conditions of its workers. It is advisable to ask the operator before making a reservation if all his workers are vaccinated and comply with the sanitary measures.
YOU HAVE ARRIVED AT MACHU PICCHU, AND NOW WHAT?
Since 2020, the conditions for entering the Sacred Valley have also changed. Before arriving you will have to have booked your ticket, which is free. "Those who want to visit the llaqta of Machupicchu They must generate the reservation and confirm it by means of the email that will be sent to the addresses they register within a period of no more than 48 hours for the issuance of the respective entrance tickets”, they explain in an official statement.
The number of people who can visit Machu Picchu is now limited to 1,116. In addition there is a maximum time of 60 minutes to visit it and they recommend always doing the visit with a guide. You can book your visit on the official tourism website.