The Ultimate Travel Guide for Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Overview

This legendary hike to the Lost City of the Incas needs no introduction. The Inca Trail is regarded as one of the best hikes globally, serving as a pilgrimage to a sacred city and a trek that can transform one's perspective on life.

Few places in the world are as inspiring and unique as Mount Kilimanjaro Trek, the Appalachian Trek, or the Tour du Mont Blanc. The Inca Trail hike possesses an additional feature that sets it apart as one of the most remarkable treks: it leads to a world-renowned destination, the Sacred Citadel of Machu Picchu.

What is the Inca Trail?

The Incas established the largest empire in South America. Named Tawantinsuyo, meaning 'four provinces of the sun,' this civilization originated in the Peruvian highlands in the early 13th century and lasted until the arrival of the Spaniards in 1532. At its zenith, the Inca Empire extended its rule over Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina. To connect this vast territory, the Incas constructed an extensive network of trails called Qhapaq Nan, also known as the Inca Trails.

Cusco was the capital, the center, and the most important city of the empire, where the Inca kings resided. All trails radiated from Cusco to the south, north, east, and west. The Inca Trails facilitated trade, communication, food transportation, and the Inca Army's movement. The total length of the Inca Trail network is approximately 40,000 km (25,000 miles), and UNESCO has declared it a World Heritage Site.

The Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu represents just a small portion of this vast trail network in Tawantinsuyo. It spans a total length of 26 miles (42 kilometers) and was rediscovered in 1915 by the American explorer Hiram Bingham.

Why is the Inca Trail so famous?

The Classic Inca Trail Trek is famous for several reasons, including:

• Built by the Incas over 500 years ago, this trail is a living history lesson. It’s a deep dive into the life and culture of the ancient Incas.
• Expect to be wowed! You’ll encounter breathtaking mountains, lush forests, and ancient Inca sites.
• It’s no walk in the park! The trail is tough with steep climbs and high altitudes, but finishing it feels like a real achievement.
• Not everyone gets hike the Inca Trail. The government only allows 500 hikers each day, making it an exclusive adventure.

Brief History of the Inca Trail

During the height of the Inca Empire in the 15th century, Pachacuti, the 9th Inca King, built Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail. In 1532, Spanish conquistadors arrived in Peru, capturing and executing King Atahualpa in Cajamarca. The following year, Francisco Pizarro founded Cusco as a Spanish city and established Jauja as the first capital of the new colony on April 25, 1534. Later, he founded Lima, "The City of the Kings," on January 18, 1535.

The siege of Cusco, led by Manco Inca II's army against the Spanish under Hernando Pizarro, began on May 6, 1536, and lasted almost ten months but ultimately failed. In January 1537, the battle of Ollantaytambo saw Manco Inca's forces defeat the Spanish, but they eventually retreated to Vilcabamba, establishing a small, independent Inca state until 1572. During their retreat, Manco Inca ordered the destruction of trails and bridges to hinder Spanish pursuit.

In 1911, Hiram Bingham accidentally discovered Machu Picchu while searching for Vilcabamba. He believed Machu Picchu was Vilcabamba until his death. Machu Picchu was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1983 and one of the World's New Seven Wonders in 2007. The Inca Trail faced closures due to a landslide in January 2020 and the COVID-19 pandemic but fully reopened by 2023, with 2024 expected to be as busy as pre-pandemic times.

What to Expect on the Inca Trail Hike?

Trail Options and Routes

The original Classic Inca Trail 4 days is a long and challenging hike, but there is also a shorter version known as the Short Inca Trail. So, which one should you choose?

• The Classic 4-Day Inca Trail is a 26-mile (42-kilometer) long hike and takes four days to complete. It starts at Km 82, in the Sacred Valley, and ends at Machu Picchu. Trekkers will pass through beautiful scenery along the way, including alpine forests, mountain valleys, and lush jungles. The trail also crosses several high-altitude passes, reaching a maximum elevation of 13,829 feet (4,215 meters).
• The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is only 10 miles (16 kilometers) long and can be completed in just 1 day. It starts at Km 104 and ends at Machu Picchu. While this route doesn't offer the same variety of scenery as the longer Inca Trail, it still passes through some stunning landscapes, including cloud forests.

For this article, we will entirely cover the 4-DAY CLASSIC INCA TRAIL

Distance and Altitude

The Inca Trail stretches for about 26 miles (42 kilometers) from the Sacred Valley (km 82), through the Andes Mountains, to the lost city of Machu Picchu.

The Inca Trail elevation gain is around 3,000 feet (914 meters) from start to finish. The highest point on the trail is 13,828 feet (4,215 meters) at Dead Woman's Pass. Most of the elevation gain is in the first few days, with around 1,000 feet (305 meters) of ascent on Day 1 and 800 feet (244 meters) on Day 2. After that, the trial levels out somewhat, although there are still some ups and downs.

What's the highest point?

Dead Woman's Pass is a high mountain on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. It is 4,215 meters (13,829 ft) above sea level and is the highest point on the Inca Trail. The pass gets its name from its resemblance to a woman lying on her back. The pass is a challenging section of the Inca Trail, with steep ascents and descents.

Inca Trail Difficulty

How difficult is the Inca Trail? Hiking the Inca Trail can be challenging due to its length and high altitudes; however, its rewards make the experience worthwhile. Its breathtaking scenery will impress anyone while feeling great satisfaction from having accomplished something big!

Weather and Best Time to Hike

The weather in the Andes is unpredictable. You can be enjoying the sunshine, and in a matter of minutes, it can turn into rain. The Inca Trail is located in the Cloud Forest, a warm, humid, mountainous area that forms a barrier between the cold Andes and the dense Amazon. Regardless of the travel season, it's always best to be prepared for all types of weather: sun, rain, wind, cold, and even snow at Dead Women’s Pass.

What is the Best Time to Hike the Inca Trail?

Many hikers ask about the best time to hike the Inca Trail before settling on a final date. Peru has two seasons – wet and dry – and the Inca Trail is closed for maintenance in February. 

The wet or rainy season spans from November to April, with average daytime temperatures of 18 °C (64 °F) and nighttime temperatures around 9 °C (48 °F). The dry or winter season occurs from May to October. During this time, the average daytime temperature is 16 °C (61 °F), while nighttime temperatures can sometimes drop below 0 °C (32 °F). 

Here’s a breakdown to help you choose the best time for your hike:

Wet Season (November to April)

Dry Season (May to October)

Inca Trail monthly Temperatures during the year

Verdict

Based on what's mentioned, the best time to hike the Inca Trail is during the shoulder seasons, which are April to May and September to November. These times offer the best weather and fewer crowds on the trail.

Preparing for the Inca Trail

Preparing for the Machu Picchu Inca Trail can be demanding. Below are some recommendations for enjoying this amazing hike.

• After booking the tour, start training and going on regular hikes
• Increase your physical activities gradually
• Walking or running for 30 minutes three to five days a week improves health.
• Fitness requires strong legs. Untrained legs may struggle in Vietnam's hilly terrain.
• Squats and lunges at home or mountain hikes will prepare you for your holiday.

Acclimatization

Before hiking Machu Picchu, allow time to acclimate to Cusco's high altitude. The trail reaches 4,000 meters (13,000 feet). Preventing altitude sickness requires progressive acclimatization.

What to pack for the Inca Trail?

• Original passport
• Valid Student ID
• Hiking boots
• Good-quality daypack
• Camel bag or water bottle
• Trekking poles
• Sleeping bags
• Head headlamp

Inca Trail Permits

To participate in the Classic Machu Picchu Trek, you will need to secure the permits long in advance. Every day, there are only 500 permits available, including porters, chefs, tour guides, and travelers.

Tips for a Successful Hike

• Prepare your body: The Inca Trail is no joke: 26 miles in length with more than 4000 steps! Hiking it over four days requires you to be in peak physical condition.
• Be Sure to Plan in Advance: For an enjoyable hiking experience, make sure you purchase comfortable hiking shoes, rain gear, a daypack, and other essentials as soon as possible to give yourself enough time for break-in before beginning.
• Book Your Spot: As one of the world's premier treks, the Inca Trail quickly fills up. If you wish to hike this magnificent trail, book early as spots often sell out quickly.
• Be Sure to Acquire Permits Early: In order to hike the Inca Trail, permits are a necessary component. Start this process early to avoid disappointment!
• Learning some basic Spanish: When traveling the Inca Trail, you may encounter people who only speak Spanish - making your trip more enjoyable if you know some basic phrases to communicate with them and help your journey go more smoothly.

Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Classic Inca Trail 4 Days

The Classic 4-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is the most popular itinerary. To be able to participate in this tour, you must book your tour far in advance. The Treks start with pick up In Cusco city or the Sacred Valley and a bus drive until Kilometer 82 in the village of Piskacucho, where the main checkpoint of the Inca Trail is located.

You can hike the Inca Trail only with a Licensed Inca Trail tour operator like TreXperience; you can not hike on your own; you must always travel with a tour guide, chef, and porters.

Tour details

• Duration: 4 Days / 3 nights
• Depart: Km 82 – Piscacucho
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Season: March to January
• Hiking Distance: 43 km – 26 miles

Inca Trail Map and Route

Itinerary

• Day 1: Cusco – Km 82 – Llactapata – Ayapata 
• Day 2: Ayapata – Dead Women’s Pass – Chaquicocha
• Day 3: Chaquicocha – Intipata – Wiñaywayna
• Day 4: Discover Machu Picchu

Archaeological Sites

Salapunku: The first archaeological site after Km 82 is only visible from the other side of the river. The site has impressive walls and a vast gate believed to be the entrance to Machu Picchu from the Sacred Valley.	K'anabamba: Also located on the opposite side of the river from the Inca Trail, this second archaeological site was a resting place for travelers.
Llactapata: "We found evidence that some Inca chieftain had built his home here and included ten or a dozen buildings in the plan. They were made of rough stones laid in clay, with the usual symmetrical arrangement of doors and niches. It may have been built by one of Manco's captains" – Hiram Bingham, The Lost City of the Incas, 1912.	Willkarakay: Located in the upper part of Llactapata, with circular construction and a great location, it shows that it was used and inhabited by religious priests.
Runkurakay: Located in the heart of the Inca Trail, the semi-circular shaped ruins were once used as a resting stop for messengers and a religious place for the moon.	Sayakmarka: A unique archaeological site with a strategic location that controls all the cloud forest valleys below. This place was used for religious and military purposes. The main temple at Sayakmarka is dedicated to the sun god, Inti.
Conchamarka: It was located right below Sayakmarca and probably was home to a significant person or a high priest. It consists of terraces with large rectangular buildings at the top.	Phuyupatamarca: "The City Above the Clouds" is located on a mountaintop above Machu Picchu Mountain. This place was an important religious site for water and the mountains. The site is 3,700 meters (12,100 ft) above sea level.
Intipata: This place was an essential agricultural site in the thick cloud forest. The terraces are perfectly adapted to the shape of the mountain and built to provide agricultural land for the Inca people and their animals. The Intipata terraces, believed to have been made by the Inca people between the 15th and 16th centuries, are located on a mountainside.	Wiñaywayna: Wiñaywayna (Quechua: [wiɲaˈʝwana]) is an archaeological site in Peru located 6 kilometers (3.7 mi) from Machu Picchu. It is believed to be the gateway to the sacred city of the Incas and was possibly used as a Tambo or resting place for travelers.
Intipunku: Intipunku, also known as the "Sun Gate," is the main entrance to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. The name comes from the Quechua words inti (sun) and punku (door), and it is said that the Incas built this gate to align with the winter solstice sunset.	Machu Picchu: There is no greater joy than arriving at Machu Picchu from the Inca Trail. Built in the 15th century, it was abandoned shortly after the Spanish conquest of Peru in the 16th century. However, it was rediscovered in 1911 by the American explorer Hiram Bingham. Since then, it has become one of Peru's most popular tourist destinations.

Campsites

The Food

Best Alternative Inca Trail Tours To Machu Picchu

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is divided into the Classic Long Inca Trail and the Shorter Version. These tours can be booked from March to January every year, with February being closed for maintenance.

The Classic Long Inca Trail usually sells out fast, so booking far in advance is advisable; the Shorter Version sells more slowly and is an excellent alternative if the first one is sold out. Both options allow you to arrive at Machu Picchu through the Sungate or Intipunku.

See the list of the best Inca Trail tours, divided between the Long and Short versions.

Classic Long Inca Trail Tours To Machu Picchu

The long Inca Trail to Machu Picchu starts at Kilometer 82 on the railroad from Cusco to Machu Picchu. During these tours, you will be camping in the mountain, and the Inca Trail Porters must carry all the food and equipment. The best long Inca trail tours are:

1.  Slow Version Inca Trail Tour 5 days 4 nights

The 5-day Inca Trail tour follows the same route as the Inca trail for 4 days, but you will spend more time at each Inca Site. The Inca Trail slow version will allow you to explore the Inca Sites more, hike at your own pace, and camp in the less crowded campsites.

The Treks start at Kilometer 82; hike the Inca Trail with 3 nights of Camping plus one night in a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes.

Tour details:

• Duration: 5 days, 4 nights
• Depart: Km 82
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Season: Every day except February
• Destination: Lost city of Machu Picchu
• Total Distance: 43 km / 26 miles

Itinerary of Inca Trail 5 days:

• Day 1: Cusco – KM 82 – Wayllabamba
• Day 2: Wayllabamba – Dead Woman’s Pass – Pacaymayo
• Day 3: Pacaymayo – Runcu Raccay – Phuyupatamarca
• Day 4: Phuyupatamarca – Sungate – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
• Day 5: Machu Picchu (The Lost City of The Incas) – Cusco

Pros:
The 5 days tour allows you to hike the Inca Trail slower and enjoy each archaeological site more; you will be camping at exclusive campsites.

This tour allows you to arrive twice at Machu Picchu, once in the afternoon of day 4 to enjoy the sunset at Machu Picchu and once in the morning of day 5 to enjoy the sunrise.

Cons:
Fewer people are hiking this itinerary; therefore, few group tours are available. Group tour departures are guaranteed with a minimum of 2 travelers. If you are a solo traveler, contact us to join other travelers.

2. Ultimate Inca Trail Tour 5 days and 4 nights

Visit the most remote and isolated Inca Sites while traveling in small groups along the famous Inca Trail. The Ultimate Inca Trail tour will take you to places where other people don't arrive, allowing you to experience these beautiful paths with a few other travelers. 

The trek starts at Kilometer 82. Hike the Inca Trail with 3 nights of Camping plus one night in a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes.

Trip details:

• Duration: 5 days, 4 nights
• Depart: Cusco
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Season: All year round, except in February
• Destination: Machu Picchu Citadel
• Total hiking distance: 48 km – 30 miles
• Type: Adventure tour

Itinerary of Inca Trail 5 days:

• Day 1: Cusco – KM 82 – Wayllabamba
• Day 2: Wayllabamba – Dead Woman’s Pass – Pacaymayo
• Day 3: Pacaymayo – Runcu Raccay – Phuyupatamarca
• Day 4: Phuyupatamarca – Sungate – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
• Day 5: Machu Picchu (The Lost City of The Incas) – Cusco

Pros:
The Ultimate Inca Trail has one of the most challenging itineraries on days 1 and 3; you will camp with a few other travelers in isolated places. 

This itinerary allows you to arrive at Machu Picchu twice: first on the afternoon of day 4 to witness the sunset and again on the morning of day 5 to enjoy the sunrise.

Cons:
As fewer people hike this route, more occasional group tours are available. The departure of a group excursion is guaranteed with a minimum of two participants. Contact us if you are a solo traveler interested in joining other travelers.

3. Salkantay Inca Trail 6 days and 5 nights

The most remote and challenging of the Inca Trail tours. The Salkantay Inca Trail trek combines the 2 most epic hikes in South America. Salkantay Trek + Inca Trail

This trek starts with a pick-up in Cusco city, then a drive to Mollepata to start the tour, visit Humantay Lake, hike around Salkantay Mountain, and join the Classic Inca Trail to arrive at Machu Picchu through the Sungate.

Tour details:

• Duration: 6 days/5 nights
• Depart: Soraypampa
• Difficulty: Moderate – Challenging
• Season: March to December
• Destination: Machu Picchu
• Hiking Distance: 70 km – 43 miles
• Type: Adventure – Camping – History

Itinerary of Salkantay Inca Trail Expedition:

• Day 1: Soraypampa – Humantay lake – Salkantaypampa – Ichupata (15 km / 9.3 miles)
• Day 2: Ichupata – Sisaypampa – Canal Inca (13 km / 8 miles)
• Day 3: Canal Inca – Wayllabamba – Ayapata (15 km / 9.3 miles)
• Day 4: Ayapata – Warmiwañuska – Chaquicocha (16km / 9.9 miles)
• Day 5: Chaquiccocha – Phuyupatamarca – Wiñaywayna (10km / 6.2 miles)
• Day 6: Wiñaywayna – Machupicchu – Cusco (6km / 3.7 miles)

Pros:
Combine the two most popular hikes in Peru and arrive at Machu Picchu through the Sungate on the morning of day 6.

Cons:
This trek combines the two most challenging hikes to Machu Picchu. You need to be in good physical condition to complete the trek. Minimum two people to start the trek; solo travelers must contact us to see available group tours.

4. Luxury Inca trail to Machu Picchu 4 days 3 nights

The Luxury Inca Trail to Machu Picchu trek takes you through some of the most stunning scenery in Peru. The trail starts at km 82 and winds through the Andes Mountains before reaching the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. You'll also enjoy luxury camping accommodations, gourmet meals, and guided tours of Inca sites and ruins. This is an unforgettable experience for any traveler exploring one of the world's most extraordinary archaeological sites.

Trip details:

• Duration: 4 Days / 3 nights
• Depart: Km 82 – Piscacucho
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Season: March to January
• Destination: Machu Picchu
• Hiking Distance: 46 km – 28 miles
• Type: Adventure – Luxury Camping

Itinerary of Salkantay Inca Trail Expedition:

• Day 1:Cusco – Kilometer 82 – Wayllabamba ( 12km, 7.4 miles) 
• Day 2: Huayllabamba – Warmiwañusca – Pacaymay (10 km, 6.2 miles)
• Day 3: Pacaymayo – Runkuracay – Phuyupatamarca (13 km, 8 miles)
• Day 4: Phuyupatamarca – Machu Picchu – Cusco (6 km, 3.7 miles )

Pros:
Hike the Inca Trail with luxury camping equipment, massage, hot showers, and gourmet meals. 

Cons:
Available only on private tours. 

5. Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2 days 1 night

The Inca Trail Short Version 2 days and 1 night, starts with pick up in Cusco or the Sacred Valley, drive to Ollantaytambo to take the Train to Km 104, and hike the 16 kilometers of Inca Trail to Machu Picchu through the Sungate.

During the first day, you can visit the Inca sites of Chachabamba, Wiñaywayna, Sungate, and Machu Picchu and spend the night in a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes.

On the second day, you can visit Machu Picchu Citadel and Inca Bridge or participate in additional hikes such as the Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.

Tour details:

• Distance: 16 km / 9.9 miles
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel
• Considered: Moderate
• Season: March to January
• Destination: Machu Picchu

Itinerary Inca Trail 2 days:

• Day 1: Cusco – Km 104 – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
• Day 2: Explore – Machu Picchu!

Pros:
Explore the best Inca Sites on Inca Trail and Arrive at Machu Picchu through the Sungate. You can visit the great city of Machu Picchu twice, once to enjoy the sunset on the first day and once for sunrise on the second day.

Cons:
We have available tours only with the hotel option, so Camping is possible near Aguas Calientes next to the city; however, we do not recommend this option due to the noise.

6. Short Inca Trail 2 days with Camping

The Short Inca Trail, 2 days of Camping, is a great way to see Machu Picchu and experience an authentic camping experience. The trail is only 2 days long, so it's not too strenuous. You'll camp right below Machu Picchu and next to the Urubamba river, which is a great experience. The trail takes you through some stunning scenery, and you'll see some important Inca sites along the way, such as Wiñaywayna and Sungate. 

Tour details:

• Distance: 16 km / 9.9 miles
• Duration: 2 days, 1 night
• Depart: In Cusco or the Sacred Valley
• Destination: Machu Picchu
• Considered: Moderate
• Accommodation: Camping
• Type: Adventure – Cultural

Itinerary Inca Trail 2 days with Camping:

• Day 1: Cusco – Km 104 – Machu Picchu – Puente Ruinas
• Day 2: Explore – Machu Picchu!

Pros:
Hike the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in 2 days and experience an authentic camping experience with walk-in tents, camping cots, and all camping equipment. 

Cons:
Minimum 2 participants to book and guarantee departure; solo travelers must contact us to verify group availability. 

Inca Trail Frequently Asked Questions

Every year, thousands of people from around the globe come to Peru to trek the trail and see the ancient Incan ruins. You probably have many questions about taking on the Inca Trail. This article will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the Inca Trail to help you better prepare for your adventure.

Best Machu Picchu Tours

• Classic Inca Trail Hike
• Short Inca Trail 2 days
• Luxury Inca Trail 4 days
• Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu tour