You’ve heard of the Inca Trail – however what concerning the Great Inca Road? Here are 5 the explanation why this uncooked and distant trek is the perfect journey for travellers who wish to see extra, delve deeper and tread new paths in Peru.
Peru is paradise when you love a protracted stroll. From the world-famous Inca Trail, ending on the (now not-so) misplaced citadel of Machu Picchu, to the hike into Colca Canyon, one of many world’s largest continental crevices, there’s a very good purpose Peru tops the ‘must travel’ lists of many trekkers.
But do you know the Inca Trail is just a tiny fraction of the huge system of historic roads travelled by the Incas that spans from Ecuador within the north to Chile within the south? This 30,000 km feat of engineering, often known as Qhapaq Ñan, was a major communication, commerce and defence route that was constructed by the Incas over centuries. It linked cities, settlements and websites of non secular significance and helped the Inca Empire create and consolidate its energy.
Today, the trail is a string of pearls dotted with lovely wild locations, historic ruins and welcoming village communities. In 2023, Intrepid is launching a Great Inca Road trekking expedition, which incorporates 5 days of mountain climbing alongside the Great Inca Road close to the journey hub of Huaraz, plus another spectacular close by day journeys.
Maritza Chacacanta, Intrepid’s Peruvian operations supervisor, lately tried out the route. She has walked the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu greater than 500 instances, however there’s one thing particular about this new route for her. “As a Quechua descendant and trekking adventure guide, I’ve always dreamed of walking some of Qhapaq Nañ,” she says. “Walking alongside llamas (considered sacred by the Incas) and resting in tambos (traditional resting places), the same places where my ancestors would have slept, made me feel privileged, blessed and proud of my culture. I’m so excited to show the world the Great Inca Road and help preserve it for future generations.”
Here are 5 causes this expedition ought to shoot to the highest of your trekking to-do record subsequent 12 months and past.
Avoid the crowds
Whether it’s your first time in Peru otherwise you’re eager for a more in-depth take care of ticking off one of many nation’s extra widespread hikes, this journey is a superb various when you like your adventures with elbow room. Take house the tales (and bragging rights) that include treading historic paths few travellers have seen. In truth, there could also be days in your journey the place your group received’t see every other individuals in any respect – a uncommon and particular deal with.
Walk by an open-air museum
Unsurprisingly, the stretch of the Great Inca Road explored on this itinerary is strewn with proof of very previous (and really wonderful) cities and outposts. Highlights embrace the traditional ruins of the Solidad de Tambo archaeological web site, and the huge, well-preserved Huánuco Pampa, with the stays of over 1000 bygone buildings and storehouses. Off the path, you’ll go to the Caral-Supe archaeological web site, an unlimited complicated constructed by a civilisation pre-dating the Incas. Intrepid’s native guides and specialists present all of the historical past and context you must perceive why these websites are so spectacular – and so vital to protect.
Marvel at pure wonders
Along with the mountainous inexperienced surroundings of the Great Inca Road, this expedition folds in day journeys to a number of the Andes’ best hits. Huaraz rests inside the Cordillera Blanca, a mountain vary with 17 peaks exceeding 6000 metres, and over 500 lagoons and 700 glaciers. The included Laguna 69 hike takes you to the bluest, clearest and brightest lake you’ll probably ever see, and also you’ll trek to the Pastoruri Glacier, a shocking physique of ice that’s sadly predicted to vanish within the subsequent decade.
Immerse your self in Peruvian tradition
Intrepid’s type of journey is all about experiencing life on the bottom. Under the steerage of your native chief, you’ll find out about (and tread frivolously by) historic landscapes, visiting small Andean villages to listen to the tales of households with generational ties to the Great Inca Road. Your baggage will even be carried by a conventional llama caravan (which is precisely what it appears like).
Practise sustainable journey
While we love Machu Picchu (and the hundreds of travellers we’ve had the privilege of taking there through the years), we’re additionally huge on easing the pressure on uber-popular spots by diversifying journey to lesser-known – however no much less spectacular – locations. Peru is house to so many unimaginable sights and scenes, and generally the trail to a extra sustainable way forward for tourism is taking the (Great Inca) Road much less travelled.
Be one of many first to discover Peru’s Great Inca Road with Intrepid on our brand-new 12-day Peru Expedition.