Possible alternative Inca Trail to Machu Picchu reportedly discovered

[Originally published September 22, 2011] Eleven young explorers discovered what could be a new Inca trail that connects the town of Huayopata in the province of La Convencion, with the district of Machu Picchu, El Comercio reported Thursday.

Oscar Valencia, mayor of Machu Picchu Pueblo, was quoted saying that the group of local youths trekked the route for six days, during which time they encountered sections of Inca-style paved roads, vizcachas (Peruvian hares), spectacled bears and the remnants of small buildings.

“We had always heard of a road from Huayopata, we now know is reality,” Valencia said.

Valencia he will sign an agreement with the municipality to form a more formal expedition to retrace the reported Huayopata-Machu Picchu route around Oct. 2.