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Most trips start at
88km mark (also known as (Qoriwayrachina) on Cuzco to Machu Picchu rail line. Due to over-use (and abuse), Peru's government no longer allows independent hikers on trail. You are now required to go with a licensed tour operator and reservations need to be filed with government 30 days before your arrival.
China's Great Wall: Hiking sections of China's Great Wall is a fantastic way to see and experience some of China's most significant and best-known sites. For centuries, 4,163 mile long wall served several dynasties as an efficient military defense. Now, with a history spanning over 2,000 years, many of Great Wall's sections are in ruins or have completely disappeared. Still, depending on where you start your trek, you'll pass through rugged mountain scenery, areas of unforgiving desert and glimpse traditional Chinese culture in a way most tourists will never experience.
Unless you have a friend in China that can round up all difficult to obtain, but necessary permits, you'll need to hire a guide or tour company that specializes in hiking sections of wall. Many Chinese tour companies include wall hiking in combination with other sightseeing tours or offer opportunity to hike several sections over course of a few days or weeks. In any case, each step along this ancient monument will be a hike back through China's history.
For more hiking tips, articles, as well as top quality, affordable hiking & camping supplies, visit DoHiking.com
© 2005, Kathy Burns-Millyard. This article may be freely published on any website, as long as the author, copyright, website address and link, and this notice are left intact.
