Peruvian archaeologists have discovered a new section of the Inca Trail, the extensive road system that connected different parts of the great South American empire. This newly found segment, which is just under two meters wide (about 1.7 feet) and 4.3 kilometers long, links the main trail to the archaeological site of Kantupata. The section is in good condition, although some parts were damaged by landslides. Consequently, it will be closed to tourists and hikers for at least two years, allowing archaeologists to work in the best possible conditions.
The Inca Trail is considered one of the top five most beautiful trekking routes in the world. The vast road network built by the Incas can be confusing, with the term “Inca Trail” generally referring to two specific routes: one that typically takes four days and runs from Cusco to Machu Picchu, and another shorter route that lasts two days and both starts and ends at Machu Picchu.
However, there are adventurers like Serena who choose to hike for seven days, making the Inca Trail part of a longer journey to explore the ancient paths of the Incas.
The Salkantay trek, for instance, officially begins at the village of Mollepata, a small and somewhat isolated place situated at an elevation of 3,200 meters. Time seems to stand still there. Getting to Mollepata from Cusco by minibus is an adventure in itself, involving nearly four hours of travel on narrow, steep, and rugged dirt roads that hug dizzying cliff edges.