If you’re interested in trekking in South America, then you’re literally spoiled for choice from the waterfalls of Brazil, to the avenue of the volcanoes in Ecuador. However, one of the most notorious areas for hiking in South America is the ‘Lost City of the Incas’. Before you go, here are some of the essential things that you need to know before trekking South America’s Inca trail.

Machu Picchu, the so called “Lost City of the Incas”, has become a classic “see before you die” sight since it was rediscovered at the beginning of the 20^th century by the American explorer Hiram Bingham. It is an unforgettable place, a set of excellently preserved Inca ruins perched on top of a mountain in the middle of the Peruvian Andes.

A million people a year enjoy trekking in South America’s Machu Picchu, and though the site is accessible by bus from the local town of Aguas Calientes, many people choose to get their via the Inca Trail. The sight of Machu Picchu is one of the most famous in the world and the trek to the ruins is equally renowned. The walk traditionally follows an ancient roadway and passes through a number of Inca ruins before you are awarded with your first mesmerising glimpse of Machu Picchu from the ‘Gateway of the Sun’.

Whilst trekking South America’s most famous route is a rewarding experience, you can also access the citadel by train and stay overnight, leaving you free to explore Machu Picchu once the daily crowds have dissipated. The train ride to the ruins is equally enthralling and you’ll definitely need to ensure that you have a window seat for the journey. The views are stunning as the train descends from the highest point in the Sacred Valley to the foothills of the Andes. It also winds around the Urubamba River, which is home to the Campa tribes, incorporating the traditional Incan beliefs and mysticism into their daily lives.

On the train journey you are likely to come across many llamas, which are indigenous to the area. The llamas were sacred to the Incan religion as they were the primary means of transportation for the empire; they also provided dung which was used as both fertiliser and fuel. Llama wool provided clothes for the Incas and when the animal died, or was sacrificed to the gods, its leather provided hide and its meat, food. The Peruvians are still grateful to the humble llama for its role in shaping their society and as a consequence they still highly revere the animal and it is a criminal offence to kill one.

Once you’ve finished trekking South America’s oldest road and reached the top of Machu Picchu, there are a couple of objects that you may want to look out for. The Temple of the Sun was once used to honour the sun god, Inti and the Sun Clock was where the Incan’s believed he was continually tethered to, in order to keep him connected to the people.

The entire sight is absolutely breathtaking and offers an incredible insight into a relatively unknown culture. So if you’re looking for one of the most unique places to take a South American hiking holiday, then look no further than Machu Picchu.

About the author

Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. Operating since 1946, Ramblers Worldwide Holidays now offer over 250 holidays in more than 70 different countries. On a South America trekking with Ramblers you can walk South America’s most scenic landscapes at the best value prices.