Inca Moutain Range (Andes)

A sunny day on Machu Picchu's citadel.

The Incas were an empire that developed during the 11th and 15th century. The first settlers settled in the valley of Cusco and submitted or allied with the original settlers of the valley. They supposedly had no writing but nevertheless their civilization was quite advanced for that time.  The capital of the Inca Empire was Cusco, in this city there are still many archaeological remains of the time.

The Inca Empire covered almost two million square kilometers. To the north it arrived to Pasto (current Colombia) in the south until the river Maule (current Chile) and the West is limited with the Pacific Ocean and the Amazonian forest to the east.

Throughout the Andean Mountain Range (also called Inca Mountain range), the Incas had an important presence , this geographical phenomenon exercised a decisive influence in the expansion of the Empire of the Incas. Due to its varied and complex morphology, it still maintains characteristics that were present at that time as:

  • Multiple micro-climates and their influence on the climate of Peru's whole territory.

  • The development of large hydrographic regions that drain water.

  • Distribution of the population and various economic activities.

  • Somatic and physiological structure of the inhabitants

 

In addition to being a civilization with a polytheistic religion, the Incas had a special relationship with the mountains and snowed peaks in the mountain peaks since they knew that their existence in these inhospitable lands was possible thanks to these considered sacred beings. They called them "Apus" and the Incas offered them different types of tributes, even many human sacrifices in their honor.

Machu Picchu is located in a part of the eastern slope of the Central Cordillera of the Andes (part of the Inca mountain range), here one can observe the special care that the Incas had with the environment in which they settled, without disturbing the essence and general aspect of the site and its surroundings, achieving a masterpiece of architecture and engineering.

Machu Picchu in the Inca Mountain Range

The geography of the area also involved a complex network of roads and infrastructure such as the bridges in order to communicate with different places of the Empire, this network of roads is called Qhapaq Ñan, where the current Inca Trail tour goes through, but it is a very small part of it, however, this section is famous because it leads to Machu Picchu. However, the actual Inca Trail or Qhapaq Ñan covered the entire territory of the Inca Empire

 

One Day Inca Trail Hike to Machu Picchu - 2025

The best 1 day Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu, in one day! Ideal for nature and hiking enthusiasts, this thrilling journey includes visits to Chachabamba, Wiñaywayna, and the Sungate for breathtaking views of Machu Picchu. After an exhilarating morning hike, explore the ancient citadel with a private guided tour. Experience the magic of Machu Picchu on this unforgettable day trip. Plan your adventure now!"

More blog articles

Hike Duration: Two Days vs One Day — Which is Better?

Explore the key differences between the Short Inca Trail 2 Days and the One Day Inca Trail in terms of time, comfort, and experience.

Why Km 104 is the Key Stop on the Inca Trail: Scenic and Historical Highlights

Km 104 is a key stop on the Short Inca Trail and the See more