Inca Trail reopens in March
Wednesday, 15 Feb 2006 10:27
Trekkers admire the citadel of Machu Picchu
The historic Inca Trail is gearing up for reopening in March, following its closure for routine maintenance.
The trail, which leads to the lost Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, is closed for a set period every year in accordance with Peru's sustainable tourism aims.
Almost 500 people a day travel the 70 kilometre long Inca Trail, which follows a mountainous route more than 4,000 metres above sea level.
The shutdown takes place in February, when there is a natural lull in tourism coinciding with the rainy season in the Andes.
The closure encourages natural vegetation recovery and maintenance of the stone slabs and handrails lining the trail.
The trail is closed from the archaeological site of Piscacucho, where tourists begin their trek, until March 1st 2006.
Nearly 54,000 tourists made the four day trek to Machu Picchu along the trail last year.
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