Discover Peru’s most legendary route: the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, an ancient journey that blends history, nature, and adventure. If you’re looking for an authentic and thrilling way to reach the Wonder of the World, this trail is your best choice. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your trek.
The Inca Trail is part of the Qhapaq Ñan, the vast road network of the Inca Empire (Tahuantinsuyo), which stretched over 30,000 km and connected territories that today belong to Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina. This sacred route links Cusco to Machu Picchu and is widely considered the top trekking route in Peru, and one of the most iconic hikes in the world.
Surrounded by breathtaking Andean landscapes, cloud forests, and archaeological ruins accessible only by foot, the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu offers a truly life-changing experience. Along the way, you’ll witness native flora and fauna, walk on millennia-old stone paths, and connect with the sacred energy of the Apus — the protective mountain spirits of the Andes.
The Inca Trail is located in the Andes mountain range, in southeastern Peru. It crosses diverse ecosystems ranging from 6,700 to 13,800 feet or 2,040 to 4,200 meters above sea level (m.a.s.l.), covering more than 40 kilometers from the starting point to Machu Picchu.
This ancient trail was built during the reign of Inca Pachacutec and represents just a small section of the vast Qhapaq Ñan. Rediscovered after the famous 1911 expedition to Machu Picchu, the Inca Trail stands today as a living testament to Inca engineering, spiritual worldview, and social organization. In 2014, it was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Known in Inca times as Qhapaq Ñan, this extensive road system was constructed under the leadership of Pachacutec, the great Inca emperor. It connected the entire Tahuantinsuyo territory — today’s Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina — with more than 60,000 km of roads, all converging at Cusco, the capital of the Inca Empire.
During Spanish colonization, parts of this network were used by the conquistadors to move their troops.
In 2014, UNESCO officially declared the Qhapaq Ñan a World Heritage Site, honoring its cultural and historical significance.
Here we present some facts to keep in mind if you want to trek the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
Limited Access, only 200 tourist permits are issued per day, so booking in advance is essential — ideally 3 to 6 months before your trip.
The climate along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is generally mild throughout the year, with temperatures dropping at night. The best time to travel is during the dry season (April-October), as rainfall is less frequent and the path is safer.
| Season | Climate | Min. Temp (°C) | Max. Temp (°C) | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rainy season (November - March) | Rainy and mild | 7 - 9 | 19 - 22 | 75 - 85% |
| Dry season (April - October) | Dry, cold mornings | 0 - 4 | 19 - 21 | 40 - 55% |
The segment of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu reaches altitudes ranging from 2,040 m to 4,200 m above sea level.
| Location | Altitude |
|---|---|
| Qorihuayrachina | 8,720 ft or 2658 m.a.s.l. |
| Patallaqta | 8,514 ft or 2595 m.a.s.l. |
| Llaqtapata | 8,983 ft or 2738 m.a.s.l. |
| Wayllabamba | 9,586 ft or 2922 m.a.s.l. |
| Runkuraqay | 12,625 ft or 3848 m.a.s.l. |
| Phuyupatamarca | 11,502 ft or 3506 m.a.s.l. |
| Wiñayhuayna | 7,936 ft or 2419 m.a.s.l. |
| Intipata | 9,393 ft or 2863 m.a.s.l. |
| Intipunku | 8,829 ft or 2691 m.a.s.l. |
The route of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu can only be done through an authorized agency and accompanied by specialized guides.
The Inca Trail can only be hiked with a licensed tour operator and professional guides. CuscoPeru.com offers the best tour options to experience this unforgettable journey:
| Tours | Duration | Dificultad |
|---|---|---|
| Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu | 2 days / 1 night | Easy-Moderate |
| Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu | 4 days / 3 nights | Moderate - Challenging |
This package includes trekking on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, a guided tour of Machu Picchu, and bus and train transfers. Recommended for people from 12 years of age with good physical condition and especially for adventurers.
Perfect for those who want to reach Machu Picchu on foot without hiking the full traditional route.
This tour day starts early, picking you up from your hotel and heading to the train station to KM 104, where the walking journey to Machu Picchu begins. The first arrival point is Chachabamba and we will pass by the great waterfall of Phuyuwachi, continuing until reaching Intipunku (Sun Gate), where a spectacular view of Machu Picchu can be enjoyed and the classic photo taken.
We descend to the citadel to explore the tourist attraction and finally take the bus to Aguas Calientes to check into the hotel and spend the night.
The second tour day begins early, we have breakfast at the hotel and take the bus to the Archaeological Sanctuary of Machu Picchu to start the guided tour of the World Wonder. At the end, we board the train back to Ollantaytambo and you will be picked up from the station to be taken back to your hotel in Cusco.
This hiking route is 43 Km long, has a greater difficulty than the Short 2-day Tour, therefore, a pre-tour meeting with the guide one day before starting the journey is mandatory.
The hike begins early with a pickup from the hotel to Piskacucho or Km 82. The route includes visits to small archaeological sites until reaching Patallacta, an important city for the Incas. Lunch will be at Miskay, continuing the hike until reaching the campsite in Wayllabamba.
We start after breakfast towards Pacaymayo, this being the most difficult trail with a 3-hour walk up to Warmiwañuska (Dead Woman), where we enjoy panoramic views of the landscape. After a rest, we descend to Pacaymayo , where lunch will be served and the camp is set up for the night.
After breakfast, we continue the hike to the “Runcurakay Pass”, visit the archaeological site, and walk to Sayacmarca, where we'll have lunch and rest while enjoying the wonderful view. The hike continues towards the "City in the Clouds," Puyupatamarca, and then on to Wiñayhuayna, where we'll spend the night.
On this last day of the tour, we leave very early to reach Intipunku (the Sun Gate) in time to watch the sunrise. From here, you can get a spectacular first view of Machu Picchu with the first rays of the sun and take the iconic photo.
The guide will inform you of the return train time to Ollantaytambo, where upon arrival, you will be picked up and transferred back to your hotel.
Deciding which tour to take can be quite challenging. Below is a comparative table to help make this decision easier:
| Tour | Short Inca Trail Tour To Machu Picchu 2 Days | Classic Inca Trail Tour To Machu Picchu 4 Days |
|---|---|---|
| Distance | 10.37 Km | 43 Km |
| Difficulty | Moderate | Moderate - High |
| Maximum altitude | 8,825 ft or 2690 m | 13,780 ft or 4200 m |
| Minimum altitude | 7,024 ft or 2141 m | 7,087 ft or 2160 m |
| Hiking time | 6.20 h | 25.1 h |
| Price per person | 495 USD | 755 USD |
The best time to undertake the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is during the dry season, which runs from April to October, when there is no rain, making the route less challenging. Additionally, the weather is pleasant, enhancing the enjoyment of the view upon arriving at Machu Picchu.
For the hike, it is recommended to carry light luggage, no more than a small backpack with some snacks, water, a camera, and lightweight items. One should also consider the demands of traversing the challenging inca trail cusco to machu picchu while ensuring to pack appropriately.
It is recommended to book the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (2 or 4 days) at least 3 months in advance to secure the date you wish to travel. Since the trail allows only 500 people per day (including guides, porters, and cooks), spots run out quickly.
During the high season (May, June, July, August, and September), it is advisable to book at least 6 months in advance.
The best time to undertake the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is during the dry season, from April to October, when there is no rainfall, making the route less challenging.
The route of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a moderately demanding journey, involving long stretches and high altitudes. Therefore, it is suggested to be in good physical condition to avoid difficulties along the way.
No, access to the Inca Trail is exclusively in the company of a guide throughout the journey.
Of course, when making your reservation at CuscoPeru.com, you should indicate if you have any type of dietary restriction so it can be accommodated during the trip.
Our professional chef will provide an amazing variety of dishes:
No, as the trail is surrounded by nature, there are no places to charge electronic devices. It is recommended to bring a portable charger to keep your camera battery charged and be able to take many photos of the trail.
Yes, there are bathrooms available during the hike. In the campsites and lunch spots along the way, you will find various facilities.
We have a very low rate of people turning back once on the trail. Our priority is to help you complete this journey, which is why we recommend a few days of acclimatization in Cusco before starting. All our guides are trained and carry a first aid kit and an oxygen bottle for emergencies.
Experience the magic and legacy of the Inca Trail with CuscoPeru.com and discover why thousands of travelers choose this once-in-a-lifetime journey each year. Book your spot today and get ready to walk your way to one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World.
Happy passengers
