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Considered one of the best hikes in the world, the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu awaits you in Peru. Starting in Cusco, the trail is 4 days of hiking through the Andes Mountains passing snowcapped peaks, cloud forests, a plethora of wildlife and Inca ruins all ending in the Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu. Make new friendships, take amazing photos all on the challenging but rewarding Inca Trail.
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is part of an extensive Inca system of trails of more than 23,000 kilometers that integrated the Inca Empire of Tahuantinsuyo that covered big part of Latin America: from Colombia, the west of Brazil, Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia, to the center of Chile and the north of Argentina. These trials were mainly on the coast or in the mountains, but sometimes even reached the tropical edge of the jungle. The ancient trails varied in size but were generally narrow. In the mountainous regions of the Andes, trails rarely exceeded 1m in width. The trails, particularly in the mountainous region, are steep, stepped and high.
The Peruvian high Andes have 2 distinct seasons, the Wet Season and the Dry Season. The Wet Season covers October to April, expect rain and cloud cover most days, the upside being that there will be less people and more time to take your wonderful photos. The Dry Season is from May to September, the skies will be clearer but there will be large crowds at all the major places in Machu Picchu. The trail is closed in the month of February for maintenance, so no Inca Trails.
Llactapata means “high town” or “town on the hill” in Quechua. The complex sits at an altitude of 9,318 feet (2,840 meters) and contains massive terraces and hundreds of housing structures. It is believed this was a common stopping point for Incas traveling from Cusco to Machu Picchu. From your vantage point across the valley, appreciate the site’s beauty and expanse.
These ruins are a small circular complex, a design not common in Inca architecture. Experts believe this site was a tambo, most likely served as an inn. Runkurakay was primarily a resting, refueling and relay station for messengers. Refueling stations like this were vital for maintaining communication across the Inca Empire. Messengers were specialized runners who dashed along Inca roads, carrying important messages.
Known as the “Inaccessible Town,” this site is barricaded on three sides by steep drop-offs. No one is sure how the Incas used this site, but it was originally built by the Colla civilization. Sayacmarca sits on the edge of a cliff, giving visitors a panoramic view of the scenic Aobamba Valley. The site is divided into two main parts: the Sun Temple and the residential section. The Incas improved upon the Colla construction by building an elaborate water canal to supply the temple and houses with water.
These ruins cling to a ravine overlooking the Urubamba Valley, surrounded by large and lush terraces. The site is often half covered in a mist that rises from the forests below, creating the impression that it is floating on top of the clouds. This mystical place is full of ceremonial baths, plaza, buildings, and bridges.
On the last day of the trail, arrive at Winay Wayna archeological site. Built on the side of a mountain, the terracing and the buildings are an impressive sight indeed. The purpose of the ruin is not known but there are several theories that your guide will explain.
After Winay Wayna walk for around an hour to the gateway to Machu Picchu, the Sun Gate or Inti Punku as it is known. The views from the gate are spectacular, seeing Machu Picchu, Huayna Picchu, the Vilcanota river and the town of Aguas Calientes.
And last but certainly not least is Machu Picchu. On your fourth and final day on the Inca Trail reach the magnificent Machu Picchu. Words cannot express the euphoria you will experience at the sight of this Inca city.
Tickets to Machu Picchu are limited and must be purchased in advance. During the peak season from May to November it is a must if you plan to do the Inca Trail, you will need to book and pay for your Inca Trail up to 6 months in advance as there are only 500 entrances a day to hike the Inca Trail, this includes porters, guides and cooks. If you plan to climb either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain you must book these tickets early as the government of Peru only releases 400 tickets a day and these sell out quickly.
Walking circuits around Machu Picchu help control foot traffic.
There are 3 walking circuits at Machu Picchu, as of the 1st June 2024. You will need to do your research to see what circuit suits your needs. Circuit 1 includes the upper viewing platforms and several hikes. Circuit 2 includes the most sites and circuit 3 is the lower parts of Machu Picchu and the hike to Huayna Picchu.
After you have finished your Inca Trail hike and your guided tour at Machu Picchu you will need to get back to Cusco. Firstly, from Machu Picchu take the bus down the zigzag road to the town of Aguas Calientes. This charming town is a great place to have lunch with many delicious restaurants from which to choose. Later take the train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo. Your tour package will include the bus, train and transfer. You have options at to what train you choose to return, tourist class or luxury class, luxury being at an extra cost. On arrival into Ollantaytambo transfer back to Cusco and arrive into Cusco early evening.
If hiking to Machu Picchu, you should be in good physical health and have a taste for adventure. The level of enjoyment that you get out of this trek depends on numerous factors, the amount of time you have had to acclimatize to the altitude, your age, your general fitness level and your previous trekking experience. We recommend you arrive to Cusco at least two to three days in advance to help with the altitude.
The classic 4-day Inca Trail is 26 miles (43 kilometers) from start to finish.
We recommend that you make a reservation for the Inca Trail as far in advance as possible.
The Inca Trail rules are designed to protect the route, limit the number of trekkers to 500 per day, including guides, porters, and cooks. As such, the trail usually gets fully booked far in advance.
No, it is not possible to hike the trail independently. Access to the Inca Trail is strictly controlled and your trek must be organized through a tour operator. Only specific licensed companies are permitted to lead groups on the 4-day Inca Trail and 2-day Inca Trail routes.
There is a toilet tent. Some campsites have public toilets you can use. All campsites also have cold showers for public use; only the last campsite at Wiñay Wayna has warm showers that can be used for an additional cost. During the day hikes, you will pass a number of sites where you will find toilet facilities available.
Each tour is accompanied by a chef who will prepare all meals for you. The food is hearty, plentiful and filling to keep you energized for the journey. Please notify us if you have any special requirements or diet restrictions, such as requiring vegetarian meals. You will enjoy breakfast, as well as a hot lunch and dinner every day. You will also be served snacks in the morning and afternoon, including hot drinks in the afternoon.
On any trekking holiday there are essential items that you will need to take with you for a comfortable and rewarding journey.
It’s very important to buy your tickets for the Inca Trail trek in advance. Early planning does always not guarantee a spot, but greatly increases your chance of securing the trekking dates you want. During high season, from April through October, permits can sell out 6 months beforehand.
We recommend spending a few days in Cusco before your trek begins to give your body plenty of time to adjust to the high-altitude region. Cusco is a city that resides at 11,120 ft (2,400 m) above sea level. The highest mountain pass along the Inca Trail is at a soaring 13,830 ft (4,214 m).
The guides, porters and chefs on the Inca Trail work very hard to give you the best Inca Trail experience. They are paid for the work but if you feel you have had a good experience it is your choice to whether you tip or not. A general guide for tipping is $50 to $70 per person, which will include all the Inca Trail staff.
If you love adventure and a challenge the Inca Trail to Machu Piccu is certainly for you. Finish at the magnificent Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu is your reward for a job well done. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary hike in the middle of the Peruvian Andes.
