Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Vegetarian Tour: The Inca Trail between Cusco and Machu Picchu in Peru.

During Inca times, all roads led to the capital of the Empire, Cusco (which in Quechua means "navel of the world ').

Most roads were inherited from pre-Inca cultures of Peru, Ecuador, Chile and parts of Bolivia. Inca roads were used most frequently by messengers, "chasquis”. Some are still in use and others have been replaced or abandoned.

Cusco is one of the greatest archaeological cities in the world, and even their simple ways are majestic. It has been appointed as the Archaeological Capital of South America. In Cusco, Inca walls have been top by Spanish architecture (from the colony), and put together it adds up to centuries of civilization. The City of Cusco in Peru has excellent vegetarian restaurants offering typical vegetarian and vegan meals, delicious fruits and vegetables.

The most important road was the Capac Ñan with a length of 5,200 kilometers, which opened in Quito (Ecuador), passed through Cusco, and ended in what is now Tucuman, Argentina, across mountains and hills, with peaks over 5,000 meters.

The Inca Trail between Cusco and Machu Picchu has become one of the best recognized treks worldwide and is now a unique tourist attraction of Peru. Thousands of travelers, including many vegetarian groups from all over the world undertake the journey to the Inca Trail from Cusco to access the jungle mountains of Peru, and the ancient mysteries that are still inherent in the stones of the awe inspiring Machu Picchu. Inca Trail between Cusco and Machu Picchu can be done with vegetarian or vegan meals including fresh fruits and vegetables.

Along the way there are several ruins of various forts in relatively good condition, visually dominating the amazing Sacred Valley.

The trail starts at kilometer 88 of the Cusco-Quillabamba railway and takes four days of trekking in order to arrive to Machu Picchu.

The Inca Trail is an ideal tour for vegetarian tourists, they will find exuberant nature, hundreds of species of orchids and colorful birds.

The trail runs through an impressive altitudinal slope, with varied climates and ecosystems such as the high Andean plateau and the cloud forests ending at the entrance to Machu Picchu through the Inti Puncu or "Puerta del Sol".

The weather in the area of the Inca Trail is generally mild throughout the year. The best time for trekking is during the dry season (April-October). June is the coldest month and August offers a more temperate climate and stable. During November, December, January and March the rains are frequent and the road can become muddy. During February the trail is closed for maintenance.


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