The Inka Trail to Machu Picchu is the most famous trek in South America. It starts at Km 82 of the railway to the valley of La Convencion which is situated within the limits of the Historical Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. Politically it is within the District of Machupicchu Province of Urubamba, Department of Cusco.
The climate is relatively mild during the year, with rain between the months of November and March, dry and hot between April and October, the most recommended time to come.
The minimal annual temperature varies between 8 and 11.2 degrees centigrade in the months of June, July and August. The maximum varies between 20.4 and 26.6 degrees centigrade. The geology is mostly mountainous with many streams and water courses that originate from glaciers that cross the zone forming a deep valley that enter by Vilcabamba mountain.
Is abundance and varied. The existence of species considered in danger of extinction like the Spectacled Bear (Tremarctos ornatus), The Cock of the Rock bird(Rupicola peruviana), the Dwarf Deer (Pudu Mephistopheles), etc was the main factor for the Government declaring the zone a “Unit of Conservation”
Also present are a number of other species like the Puma, Andean Fox, River Otter, Mountain Cat, Skunk etc. Numerous birds, of those that stand out we include the Cara Cara, Hummingbirds, Torrent Duck, Parrots, Wild Turkey and many more smaller species of varying colours. Lizards, frogs and enormous number of Andean and Amazonian fauna that complement the area making the Sanctuary a place where their sightings or studies make an additional attraction for tourist and scientist.
The forest vegetation is represented by timber species like the Cedar, Coral tree, Laurel etc. Beside those mentioned the dominant species include Ocotea, Pedocarpus, Guarea, Weinmania, Clusia, Cedropia, Cinchena, Eritrina or Pisonay, Ilex and many others.
It is the ornamental plants that have made Machupicchu famous with more than 300sp of orquids.
The varying conditions are what determine the characteristics for the development of a very diverse flora that are found from the thick cloud forest, to the highest parts of the Andes.
Everything mentioned above combines to make up the impressive cultural legacy left to us by the Inkas. The Inka Trail - a regal construction that crosses choking forests and deep valleys along which can be found 18 archaeological sites of monumental character that can be appreciated in all their splendor. They are made up of houses, irrigation channels, agricultural terraces, murals and places of worship. All this is considered proof of the unforgettable importance of this man made structure.
Peru Cloud Forest Adventures
Cusco - Peru
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