In the Inca Empire of Tahuantinsuyo, a network of roads extending over 30,000 km was built, connecting the entire territory. Within this immense chain of paths is the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, a route that links Cusco with the citadel of Machu Picchu.
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is considered the best hiking route in Peru, surrounded by beautiful Andean and tropical landscapes with lush vegetation, archaeological sites that can only be accessed through this route, and the chance to encounter local wildlife along the way.
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is located in the Andes mountain range with elevations ranging from 2,040 m to 4,200 m and a length of over 40 km from the starting point to the arrival at the citadel of Machu Picchu.
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu represents only a small portion of the extensive network of paths that is the Qhapaq Ñan. It was unearthed with the discovery of the World Wonder in 1911.
The Inca Trail or Qhapaq Ñan (as it was known in the time of the Incas) was built in the empire of Inca Pachacutec, the main expander of the Incan empire. This system of roads connected the entire territory of the Tahuantinsuyo (Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina) with its more than 60,000 km in length, all of which converged in the city of Cusco, the capital of the Incan empire.
With the arrival of Spanish colonization, these roads were used in some sections to facilitate the movement of conquering troops.
In 2014, the Qhapaq Ñan was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, thus recognizing its historical and cultural importance.
Here we present some facts to keep in mind if you want to trek the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
The Inca Trail has only 200 spaces available per day for tourists, so spots tend to sell out very quickly. It is recommended to purchase the tour several months in advance to choose the date that suits you best.
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.
| Seasons | Climate | Min. Temp (°C) | Max. Temp (°C) | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rainy season (November - March) | Rainy | 7 | 21 | 80% |
| Dry season (April - October) | Dry | 5 | 20 | 56% |
The segment of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu reaches altitudes ranging from 2,040 m to 4,200 m above sea level.
Here we present a table considering the altitude of the most notable places along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu:
| Location | Altitude |
|---|---|
| Qorihuayrachina | 2658 m.a.s.l. |
| Patallaqta | 2595 m.a.s.l. |
| Llaqtapata | 2738 m.a.s.l. |
| Wayllabamba | 2922 m.a.s.l. |
| Runkuraqay | 3848 m.a.s.l. |
| Phuyupatamarca | 3506 m.a.s.l. |
| Wiñayhuayna | 2419 m.a.s.l. |
| Intipata | 2863 m.a.s.l. |
| Intipunku | 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.
CuscoPeru offers deals for the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, so you can choose the one that best suits your preferences:
| Tours | Duration | Dificultad |
|---|---|---|
| Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu | 2 days and 1 night | Easy-Moderate |
| Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu | 4 days and 3 nights | Moderate |
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.
This short tour is for those who do not wish to undertake the traditional 4-day hike, but still want to reach Machu Picchu on foot.
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 view of Machu Picchu with the first rays of the sun and take the iconic photo.
We descend to Machu Picchu for the guided tour and exploration of the Inca citadel. 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 | 2690 m | 4200 m |
| Minimum altitude | 2141 m | 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.
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.
Additionally, it is recommended to arrive in Cusco 2 or 3 days in advance to acclimatize and avoid altitude sickness.
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.
