The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, which is well-known around the world, begins at Kilometer 82 - Piscacucho Village, located in Ollantaytambo district, Urubamba Province, in the Sacred Valley of Cusco, Peru.

The Incas built the Iconic Classic Machu Picchu Inca Trail in the 15th century. It is thought that the same people who built Machu Picchu also built the Inca Trail. The trail was used for trading between Cusco and the area around the Amazon region.

After the Spanish conquest, this trail was lost for many years with Machu Picchu, and it was re-discovered in 1911 by an American, Hiram Bingham III, during his expeditions to Peru, searching for the Lost City of the Incas. Today, the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu are some of Peru's most famous tourist destinations.

The weather on the Inca Trail is unpredictable and variable. We have 2 seasons. However, you need to be prepared for all seasons when hiking to Machu Picchu.

• The wet season runs from November to March
• The dry season runs from April to October

The temperature during the Machu Picchu Trek varies significantly depending on the altitude and season; temperatures can reach as high as 80°F (27°C) during the day and drop below freezing at night, so hikers must come prepared for hot and cold weather conditions.

Hiking the Machu Picchu 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!

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.

The Inca Trail trek 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 is one of the most popular trekking routes in the world, but if it is sold out, you might consider alternative treks to Machu Picchu. Below, you will find a fair comparison of the most popular tours.

Inca Trail vs. Salkantay Trek

There are two main options for trekking to Machu Picchu: the Inca Trail and the Salkantay Trek. Both tours offer stunning scenery and an unforgettable experience, but they have some key differences. 
The Inca Trail hike is the classic choice for a Machu Picchu trek. It's the most popular option—it's an incredible journey through some of the most stunning scenery and through history. The Classic Machu Picchu Trek follows the ancient path of the Incas and ends with a spectacular entrance into Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate.

The Salkantay Trek is an excellent alternative to the Inca Trail. It's less crowded, more affordable, and still takes you through beautiful scenery. The highlight of the Salkantay Trek is Mount Salkantay, which, at 6,271 meters (20,549 feet), is one of the tallest mountains in Peru. The views from the summit are breathtaking! Another plus of the Salkantay Trek is that it ends with a visit to Aguas Calientes, where you can relax in the hotel before going to Machu Picchu.

Inca Trail vs. Lares Trek

Another great alternative Trek to Machu Picchu is the Lares Route, which is famous for being more cultural and less intense than the Salkantay and Inca Trails.

The Inca Trail takes you on a 4-day hike directly to the great citadel of Machu Picchu. You will be hiking through the mountains, spending the night in isolated campsites, and arriving at Machu Picchu through the Sun gate; this is the only trek that actually allows you to arrive hiking to Machu Picchu.

The Lares Trek is a shorter, 4-day option that starts in the village of Lares and ends at Machu Picchu. While it doesn't have as many Inca ruins along the route, it's a great choice if you want to avoid crowds and learn from the locals. To arrive at Machu Picchu, you need to travel by train and stay 1 night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes.

Classic Inca Trail vs. Short Inca Trail hike

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 Machu Picchu Inca Trail is a 26-mile (42-kilometer) hike that takes four days to complete. It starts at Km 82 in the Sacred Valley; and ends at Machu Picchu. Along the way, trekkers will pass through beautiful scenery, 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 hike 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.

Inca Trail vs. Quarry Trek

For those travelers searching for unique adventures, there is another amazing trek called the Cachicata Trek or Inca Quarry Trail to Machu Picchu. The Cachicata Trek to Machu Picchu is a new but amazing route to Machu Picchu that few people know about or hike.

The Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, an epic trek many travelers want to complete, but few will dare. This trek is a complete experience combining adventure, camping, hiking, challenge, history, culture, and the amazing reward of arriving at Machu Picchu hiking.

The Quarry Trek is an excellent option If you're looking for a shorter, easier trek. It's only 20 miles long and takes you to some of the best viewpoints of the Sacred Valley. The Quarry Trek is also a great option if you want to avoid the crowds of the Inca Trail.

Inca Trail vs. Choquequirao trek

The Inca Trail and Choquequirao Hike are 2 of the most epic hikes to an ancient citadel in Peru. Both treks offer stunning views of the Andes mountains and the ancient Inca ruins, but there are some critical differences between the two.

• The Inca Trail is much more popular than the Choquequirao trek.
• The Choquequirao trek is more challenging but less crowded and offers a more authentic experience.
• The Inca Trail trek takes 4 days to complete, while the Choquequirao trek can be 4,5, up to 8-10 days.

One of the most popular events in the world is the Inca Trail Marathon. This race takes place in Peru and follows the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. The marathon is considered one of the most difficult in the world due to the high altitude and rugged terrain. However, many runners find the challenge to be worth it for the once-in-a-lifetime experience.

The Inca Trail Marathon is held every May or June. The race starts at KM 82 of the Inca Trail, about 2,000 meters above sea level. Runners then pass through the jungle, mountains, and ancient ruins before finishing at Machu Picchu. The total race distance is approximately 42 kilometers.

If you plan to participate in the Classic Machu Picchu Trek, you'll need to make sure you have a reservation. This trek is one of the most popular hiking trails in the world, and it cannot be easy to get a spot.

• There is only one way to make a reservation for the trail. You need to book through an authorized tour company like TreXperience.
• When making your reservation, you must provide your passport information and choose a start date for your hike.
• It's important to note that the Inca Trail is closed in February.
• You should also try booking at least six months in advance, as spots fill up quickly.
• Once your reservation is secured, all that is left is packing for your adventure!

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.

The short Inca Trail is an excellent option for those who want to hike the trail but are short on time. The trail is only 2 days long and is a great way to see some of the most incredible views of the Andes Mountains. The trail starts at Km 104, about 1 hour from Cusco by train from Ollantaytambo. From there, you will hike for about 4-5 hours to reach the site of Wiñay Wayna. You will enjoy a box lunch and continue the final stretch of the trail to Machu Picchu to the Sun Gate (Initupunku), from where you will have the first and most amazing view of Machu Picchu.

The Inca Trail 5-day slow version is an excellent option for those who want to enjoy the scenery and take their time on the trail. The slower pace means you'll have more time to take photos, enjoy the views, and explore the ruins. This version of the trail is also a good option for those not as physically fit, as it is not as strenuous as the shorter versions. Book your tour early if you're planning on hiking the Inca Trail. Tours often fill up months in advance, especially during peak season (May-September).

Sungate, or Intipunku, is the official name for the entrance to Machu Picchu from the Inca Trail. The views from the Sun Gate are breathtaking, and it's incredible to stand at the top of Machu Picchu and take it all in.

The Inca Bridge stretches across a deep gorge, which is approximately 60 meters (200 feet) high. The Incas constructed the structure during the 15th century. It's not entirely clear what the Inca Bridge was used for, but it's believed that it could have served as a means for the Incas to traverse the gorge without having to go down into the valley beneath it.

It's possible that the bridge was built as a defensive structure to stop enemies from entering the citadel. The Inca Bridge at Machu Picchu is a remarkable engineering achievement that will impress anyone who sees it.

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.

Before hiking Machu Picchu, allow time to acclimate to Cusco's high altitude. The trail reaches 4,000 meters (13,000 feet). Progressive acclimatization is required to prevent altitude sickness.

The Inca Trail has different routes with varying numbers of stairs based on the path you choose. The number of trails changes every year due to maintenance and updates, so we can't give an exact number. However, we can share feedback from past hikers to give you an idea of what to expect on your trek.

Research on hikers who completed the Inca Trail found that they took around 5,000-7,000 steps. On average, a person takes 200 to 300 steps to walk one mile, equivalent to 120 to 190 steps for every kilometer. If you are going to hike the Inca Trail, keep in mind that you will come across many stairs! Don't be discouraged; the experience you gain here will be valuable.

• The Inca Trails are an ancient network of roads and trails spanning more than 4,000 miles through the Andes Mountains. The Classic Inca Trail connects Cusco with Machu Picchu.
• The Incas constructed it over 500 years ago and it remains one of the world's premier hiking trails today. At 13,000 feet in the Andes Mountains, the Inca Trail covers 26 miles and takes four days to complete.
• The Inca Trail is a rewarding hike with stunning panoramic views of mountains, valleys, rivers, and ancient ruins. However, its trail has many challenges for hikers, such as narrow paths with steep ascents/descents and unpredictable weather conditions.
• Trekkers typically spend four days traversing their trail, though shorter and longer options may also be available.

Both tours follow the same route, have the same campsites, and have the same number of days to complete the Inca Trail for 4 days. However, the Private Inca Trail Tour will allow you to hike at your speed with a private team of porters, chefs, and a Private Tour Guide. You will be able to customize the itinerary if needed.

The minimum number of participants required for this tour is one person, and there is no maximum since we can split the group for the checkpoints but still hike and camp together. The price for the Private Inca Trail will depend on the number of travelers in your party.

A trekking chef will prepare a fresh breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Our menu is prepared using fresh local products; every day, you will have more than one option; we provide buffet-style during the Inca Trail Tours.

We cater to special diets and restrictions, such as vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, etc. Please contact about special diets.

Scroll down on this page, find your preferred date, and press the BOOK NOW button in the lower part; if your travel date is not there, don't hesitate to get in touch with us at info@trexperienceperu.com.

To make a booking, you must make an initial payment of 200.USD per person; the remaining balance can be paid online with any credit card or in our office up to 48 hours before trip departure.

• Group Inca Trail: Perfect for solo travelers, couples, or good friends who want to join other travelers to interact and make new friends.
• Private Inca Trail Tours: perfect for couples, families with children, and groups of friends who would like to enjoy the Inca Trail only with their party, and no other travelers will be allowed.

Your backpack should be small, light, comfortable, and carry water appropriately. For Machu Picchu, you are not allowed to enter with a bag bigger than 25 liters; however, it is more about the size of your back during the last day; if your backpack is bigger than 25 liters, you must take only essentials for that day to make it look small.

The Inca Trail is open all year round except February when it is closed for maintenance. The best time to hike is during the dry season, from April to October. Find more information about the best time to visit Machu Picchu.