Secret of the Incas shot in Peru before. Wendell Corey was originally announced as star. In July 1953 Paramount took over Hal Wallis' contract with Charlton Heston and announced he would make the film after he finished "The Naked Jungle". "Secret of the Incas" was filmed on location in Peru at Cuzco and Machu Picchu, the first time that a major Hollywood studio filmed at this archeological site. A sixteen person unit including Heston, producer Mel Epstein and director Jerry Hopper spent a month filming footage in Peru in 1953. Five hundred indigenous people were used as extras in the film. The film also
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu this rule, permits can only be obtained through a government registered tour operator. All permits are paired with an individual passport, and are not transferable. The government monitors the trail closely; there are several control points along the trail. The Inca Trail elevation varies quite significantly and people often struggle with altitude sickness, especially if they have not spent much time in Cusco prior to trekking the trail. Cusco stands at 3,200 metres and is already significantly higher than Machu Picchu itself, however, many sections of the Inca Trail are much higher. Starting at 2,600 metres, the trail ascends to