A team of investigators at the Machu Picchu Archaeological Park have discovered a new stretch of the famous Inca Trail, the vast road system linking the places of the great empire of South America.
The newly discovered section is approximately one and a half kilometers long and between 1.2 and 1.4 meters wide, depending on the terrain.
The stretch begins at Wayraqtambo (or Tamblo de los Viejos) and leads up to a platform where visitors can see the Inca llaqta at Machu Picchu, from a totally different angle.
Since much of the road is covered by the thick vegetation, researchers are working to clear this new part of the trail.
Fernando Astete, director of the Machu Picchu archaeological site, noted that the new road should be restored in a short time, due to its patrimonial value.
Likewise, Astete pointed out that one of the most important findings of this new Inca road was a five-meter long tunnel at more than 2,700 meters above sea level.
"This tunnel, built with carved rocks, is one of the best examples of Inca engineering and is still intact 500 years after its construction," he added.
(END) LIT/MAO/DLG/RMB
Published: 6/4/2014