Inka Trail Rules

Inka Trail Rules

Through a resolution published last Friday in the official newspaper El Peruano, the National Service of Natural Protected Areas (Sernanp) approved the new Regulation for Sustainable Tourism Use of the Inca Trail Network of the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, which entered valid since the last Saturday, December 31.

The Sernanp regulation states that What had updated the rule after eleven years and complied with the Master Plan of the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, 2015-20201.

“The Tourist Use Regulations of the Inca Trail Network of the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu and its Buffer Zone remained in force for 11 years, and today it has clashed with different norms of a higher hierarchical order. In addition to procedures, administrative and operational aspects of the tourist dynamics currently carried out in the Inca Road Network”, explains the document.

Sernanp also indicates that the new regulation has implied designed after a long process of consultations with the representatives of the public and private sectors linked to the management and use of the Inca Roads network. In this regard, he instructed the Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary Headquarters to implement the new regulations properly.

Recommendations to follow:

• The entry of free tourists or service providers without the respective authorization
• Displacement by rail or unauthorized routes
• The entry of minors does not list in the annex, and relatives of guides or support staff.
• Alter or contaminate the natural or cultural landscape and archaeological monuments.
• Camping or spending the night outside the assigned camp, except in situations of force majeure upon the park’s or caretaker staff’s determination
• Enter or use elements that threaten the conservation of natural and cultural heritage and the assets of public use.
• They make bonfires in the Inca Trail Network, archaeological monuments, or surrounding natural environment areas.
• Climb the walls; make strokes on the floors of earth or scratches on the archaeological monuments.
• Make any graffiti.
• Disturb or affect species of flora and fauna.
• Fly over or use airspace without prior authorization from DDC-CUSCO and JSHM-SERNANP.
• The food intake inside the archaeological monuments
• Place political and commercial ads on the Inca Trail Network.
• Transit and work in an ethyl state or under the effects of other narcotics (drugs, among others).
• Entry and transit of motor vehicles
• Make transfers of tourists from one group to another.
• The abandonment of the group of tourists by the tour guide
• Obscene acts are contrary to morality and good manners.
• Many hikers support the philosophy of Leaving No Trace

INCA TRAIL HIKING PROTOCOL

The Inca Trail tourist guide has a solid experience and understanding of the Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu in winter, summer, throughout the year, and during the rainy season conditions.

DEFINITIONS
Trekking around the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu is an outdoor activity consisting of walking in natural environments that the Incas left in time, often on longer trails than a simple walk, and, generally, in the land where they required hiking boots.

A DAY HIKE
Refers to a walk that can be completed in a single day, such as the short Inca Trail, often applied to mountain excursions or a summit, but does not require a night camp, in which case the term BACKPACK does use.

LONG-DISTANCE TRAILS Or long-distance routes, trails are the longest right-of-way recreational routes, mainly through rural and natural areas used for non-motorized recreational trips (walking, backpacking). The most outstanding trails are the classic Inca Trail, Ancascocha, Chancachuco, Socma, Salkantay, Camicancha, Lares, and Huchuy Qosqo treks.

TRAIL IDENTIFICATION
Any route named “Inca Trail” will probably be marked or identified on a map but will generally only be described as “long-distance” if the average user takes more than a day to hike from one end to the other. A “long-distance” trail will be at least 45 km / 23 miles.

The Sanctuary of Machu Picchu – Inca Trail

The Inca Trail range from strolls to challenging climbs with panoramic views of the Andes and jungles.

Help the Inca Trail Network of the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu to protect this significant landscape. Remember that you are hiking in a protected wilderness environment.

Hikers often look for beautiful natural surroundings for walking. These environments are often fragile; hikers can accidentally destroy the environment they enjoy. While the action of an individual may not strongly affect the environment, the massive effect of a large number of hikers may degrade the environment.

WE URGE YOU TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING HIKER PROTOCOL:

• Collecting or disturbing plants, animals, rocks, or cultural artifacts is illegal.
• Destruction or removal of plants, animals, and historical, prehistoric, or geological sites are prohibited.
• Wildflowers and other natural objects are beautiful indeed. Leave them intact for others to enjoy.
• What may not gather twigs, branches, bark, or deadwood for firewood
• Always stay on designated boardwalks and trails to reduce damage to soil and plants and protect fragile vegetation, particularly vegetation marked as in the rehabilitation process. Trailblazing is strictly forbidden.
• Although rugged and wild, this area can be fragile and easily damaged. Some plants can take up to 25 years to flower for the first time – and one hiker’s boot print can destroy that plant forever. Therefore, avoid putting your hands and feet anywhere you cannot see.
  It is illegal to set up cooking devices or start fires unless done so in designated areas. Do not approach, disturb, chase or harass wildlife. Enticing wildlife is unlawful.
• Do not feed wildlife. Feeding wildlife is unlawful.
• Put your food and garbage away. What may attract baboons and other animals to your food?

WE URGE YOU TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING HIKER ETIQUETTE:

• Use common sense and courtesy while on the trails.
• Announce your intentions and slow your pace when passing someone on the trails. Remember the 3 C’s: Courtesy, Communication, and Common Sense.

HIKING TECHNIQUE

• Trek slowly and evenly, swinging your arms to maintain momentum and balance and naturally allowing your legs to turn forward.
• Hiking as a group must be at the pace of the slowest member and requires planning and organization. The medical conditions or physical impairments of group members must do considered in this process.
• Try to maintain an even, steady pace that everybody in the group can keep for extended periods without getting out of breath or hurting themselves.
• When hiking over rugged or more challenging terrain, it is in the group’s interest to assist struggling members in helping one another. YOU WILL HAVE TO ADAPT YOUR HIKING STYLE TO THE TYPE OF TERRAIN TO AVOID INJURIES:
• On very steep slopes: Joining hands can be helpful to any member who slips or does not feel sure-footed.
• Inca Trail hiking uphill:
  • Shorten your stride length when going uphill, keeping the same rhythm, leaning forward, and placing your feet flat on the ground.
• Inca Trail hiking downhill:
  • Open your stride and lean back slightly. Do not try to go too fast. Descending can be hard on your knees, especially when carrying weight, such as a backpack.

BEING PREPARED is the key to having a safe and enjoyable experience on your next Machu Picchu vacation.