The Inca Trail was built by the Inca Empire to connect important citadels and tambos (rest stops) where travelers could rest. The trail also allowed messengers, known as chasquis, to deliver messages to the Inka emperor.
The Inca Trail is the most famous trek to Machu Picchu and offers 6, 4 or 2 day treks to reach the citadel. These treks include a professional guide, trekking cook and super porters. The porters are local people from different communities in the Cusco region who join the trek at kilometer 82 to carry camping equipment and personal belongings. Porter services are usually included in 4 or 6 day treks.
The most popular Inca Trail trek is the 4-day trek. It leads to the famous Inca citadel of Machu Picchu and is one of the most famous excursions in Peru. Advance booking is highly recommended.
Another popular but more challenging option is the 6-day Salkantay to Inca Trail trek. This route differs from the traditional Inca Trail in that it involves three days of hiking with horses, followed by four days with porters.
The walk from Kilometer 82 to Machu Picchu passes through a series of remarkably well-preserved Inca archaeological sites. Along the route, the natural landscape is stunning, offering breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains and the cloud forest. Travelers from around the world visit Peru not only to explore Machu Picchu—one of the Seven New Wonders of the World—but also to experience the famous Inca Trail.
Permits for the Inca Trail are in high demand due to the limited number of daily entries. These permits can be difficult to secure, especially as availability decreases during the high season (May–August). This comes as no surprise, given that the Inca Trail is considered one of the best treks of its kind.
The Inca Trail starts from a point in the Sacred Valley, called "Kilometer 82". To begin the journey, cross a narrow bridge in Kusicancha, and then go to the left side of a eucalyptus forest. This trip is not suitable for people with heart disease, since it goes above 4600 masl. The path winds up, down, and around the mountains on the ancient stone carved stairs, and then follows three steps of high Andean mountains, one of them with a disturbing name, "Dead Women High pass". Once at the top, when it is possible to catch your breath, you will surely be amazed again by the truly spectacular views of the snow-capped mountains of the Cordillera del Vilcanota. On the way, visitors can experience a series of microclimates and observe the changes in flora and fauna, typical of the high Andes and the cloud forest as well as the enormous biological diversity of the Amazon.
Four days later, hikers will arrive in the magnificent city of Machu Picchu, discovered more than 100 years ago by an American professor by the name of Hiram Bingham. Arriving at Inca Machu Picchu in the morning and seeing the sunrise is a worthy sight to be appreciated and completing the Camino del Inca is one of the best sensations in the world! Once in the Machu Picchu hike, you will climb to the top of Huayna Picchu for an incomparable view of the Historical Sanctuary, the neighboring town of Aguas Calientes and the Urubamba Valley.
One of the most remarkable achievements of the golden age of the Inca and Pre-Inca civilization and perphaps its greatest mystery is Inca Trail in Peru. Each year it is the goal for an ever increasing numer of visitors but few make the journeys along the ancient Inca Trail which is a part of a network of at least 30,000 km of main paved highways the Inca built along the Empire. The roads were tremendous feats of engineering and so well construted that large sections still survive despide centuries of neglect.
One of the most famous sections of this imperial highway system that remains today is the route known as the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. A fascinating four day trek on foot with porters, experienced biligual guides, chef, quality camping gear and nutritious, high energy food or you can do the top seller hike 3 day Inca Trail, you can enjoy your in the short hike.
The classic Inca Trail starts at kilometer 82 near Ollantaytambo in the Urubamba Valley and goes through small woods, bamboo forests, subtropical vegetation and wild orchirds. When the trail reaches two high passes on day 2, the views are nothing short of spectacular.
The Inca Trail Peru is about 43 km long and starts at Qoriwayrachina, popularly known as km 88 on the Cusco route, and climbs steadily to Huayllabamba, where it continues into the Llullucha Pampa until it reaches the spectacular Warmiwañusca Pass at 4,200 m. The trail then descends into the Pacaymayo Valley and crosses two more high passes before reaching the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.
The trail passes through several Inca ruins such as Llaqtapata, Runkuraqay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, Wiñay Wayna, traveler's campsites, tunnels and winds through some of the most beautiful scenery.
The Machu Picchu trek is complete when you arrive at Inti Punku, the Sun Gate. It is the high entrance from the Inca Trail and overlooks this ancient citadel. A chance to visit the most famous lost city of all, not in the usual tourist way, but along the path taken by the Incas when their civilization was at its height. If you don't have a lot of time, the short Inca Trail is best for you.
There are two long trails that include the Inca Trail, the first is the Salkantay to Inca Trail, this trail starts from Soraypampa and connects to the Ayapata. During the 3 days you will see the sacred mountain of Salkantay and the lost trail of the Incas. On the last day you will continue the trek to the classic Inca Trail.
The other popular Inca Trail, though less known to trekkers, is the Choquequirao to Machu Picchu route. This trail is not part of the classic Inca Trail and is not directly connected to it. However, along this route you will discover sections of ancient Inca routes lost to time and explore remarkable archaeological sites, including Choquequirao, Llactapata and Machu Picchu.
Warmiwanusca (Quechua) = Dead woman.
The path meanders through the magical mountain cloud forest. Small streams gush between moss-covered trees. Again and again, we catch a glimpse of the cloud-covered peaks.
The last stretch to the pass is tough. Stone steps of varying heights lead steeply up. The air is getting thinner. Try to catch your breath during breaks. You will reach the highest point of the Inca Trail after four hours. Warmiwanusqa at 4,215 meters.
It's cold on the high pass. A sharp wind whistles around your ears. you will barely see a few meters through the low-hanging clouds. So you will quickly descend to the Pacaymayu campsite
After about four hours you will reach the impressive Inca ruins of Wiñay Wayna, which are terraced on a steep mountainside and surrounded by dense greenery.
Short Inca Trail (2 days)
You only have a little time, the permits for the entire trail are already sold out or your feet need a break? Then this version is ideal.
Take the train from Ollantaytambo up to kilometer 104 and enjoy the scenic route through the Sacred Valley. Continue on foot to Aguas Calientes. On the second day you have the opportunity to explore Machu Picchu before taking the train back to Cusco in the evening.
3 Day Inca Trail
This 3-day Inca Trail is the most popular hike among intrepid adventurous. This Machu Picchu hike starts on km 82 and finished in the lost city of the Incas, but you will walk quicker to complete this challenge. During the hike, you will always be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and the Urubamba River, which meanders through the valley in the distance. Gigantic trees, tropical plants, and a variety of bright orchids grow along the way.
Compared to the 4-day version, the 5-day version is slower and allows more time to enjoy the sights along the way. If you have enough time, we recommend planning 5 days. So you can enjoy your adventure even more.
6 Day Inca Trail
This trail is a challenge that you should face in your life, The Salkantay to Inca Trail is not popular among the Inca Trail tours, but it is the most beautiful and complex trail to Machu Picchu. We recommend taking a break and thinking about what you would like to discover in Peru. Prepare your daypack, hiking boots, and book this Machu Picchu trek.
All the high-season/low-season-trade-off are here. Winter (June through August) means drier weather and easier traveling, but it's prime vacation time for those in the northern hemisphere. Don't forget that three major observances - Inti Raymi (June 24). Peru's Independence day (July 28) and Santa Rosa de Lima (August 30) - fall during this time, and translate into exceptionally heavy crowds of Peruvian traveler. The result is higher winter lodging prices and larger crowds. Prices and visitor numbers drop dramatically during the summer rainy season (October through April). For near-ideal weather and mangeable crowds, consider it a spring or fall trip.
The wet season from November to April has a tropical downpour feel to it. Heavy, but the rain showers don't usually last long or the rain is often at night. The Inca Trail is closed for maintanace all February. The low season can be a time when you can enjoy Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Salkantay Trek, Lares Trek, Inca Quarry trail, Inka Jungle to Machu Picchu without the crowds. Mudslides are an occasional problem It's rare, but visitors have been stranded at Inca Machu Picchu or between Aguas Calientes and Cusco if the slider blocks the way, usually the earth and mud is cleared away quickly and travel continues unimpeded.
Cusco’s climate is divided into two seasons: the rainy season, from November to April (the heaviest rainfalls occurring usually between January – March); and the dry season, from May to October. The dry season is colder, so temperatures can drop to below 0 degrees at night.
Along the Inca Trail, temperatures range from 15-20ºC during the day if it’s sunny, to 05-10ºC during the day if not sunny or 0-05ºC at night in the first 2 campsites. At Wiñaywayna and Machu Picchu mountain, at lower altitude, temperatures are usually warmer though warm clothes are still recommended at night.
Daily departures Inca trail are available along the year. However, as previously stated the high season(June-September), bookings need to be 4-6 months ahead of your travel dates. The exception is one-month closing period of all Inca Trail routes in February. This is the month for total maintenance of the trail. Please contact us to check departures to alternative routes. All Inca Trail departures are subject to government space availability, please check the following website: Ministerio de Cultura > Consultas > Centro Arqueológico: please select Camino Inca Trail > Please select year and month. The Inca Trail books up quickly, so when you decide on checking this adventure off your list, get online and reserve your place.
For a Inca Trail private trek either solo or small friends or family group, departure dates are adapted to your request.
Only 500 persons are allowed to hike the Inca Trail a day. This includes about 200 trekkers and 300 trekking staff such as tour guides, super porters and Trekking chefs.
Although, it is not much known, the Inca Trail is still possible to do without contracting a tour operator. You can hire a Tour Guide only, if your group is under 8 persons. Such a Tour Guide has to hold an official Inca Trail authorization, carry a first aid kit and oxygen bottle. The Guide will purchase your Inca Trail permits and accept responsibility for the entire group. The disadvantage of hiring a Tour Guide instead of a tour operator is that you are not allowed to hire additional hiking staff such as Cooks and Porters so that you need to carry all your camping equipment (e.g. tents, matts, sleeping bags, food, cooking equipment, etc.) as well as you need to cook for yourself. Also, to find an independent Tour Guide might be difficult since most of really good Tour Guides are contracted by tour operators that do not allow them to be hired independently.
Maximum size of a group is 16 participants. A group over 10 participants receives an Assistant Guide in addition to a Tour Guide.
The Inca Trail is a part of the Machu Picchu Sanctuary, a protected area of 32,592 hectares that is controlled by SERNANP (Natural Resources National Institute). Inca Trail hikers cannot camp wherever they want on the trail, only authorized campsites can be used. It is not permitted to litter, hikers must use plastic bags and carry rubbish until the end of the Inca Trail trek. It is prohibited to cut or damage trees, pick plants, remove or damage stones of Inca ruins or the Inca path, kill animals, light open fires or camp in archeological sites. Horses, donkeys, mules or llamas cannot be used either.
It is very important to book the trail well beforehand. In general, it is recommended to book 4-6 months in advance, if you like to hike during high season (May to October) and 2-3 months in advance if you like to trek during low season (November to March).
If the Inca Trail is still available for your requested date, we confirm you that and ask you to pay a deposit and provide us with these personal information:
These are companies that have received official authorization and the only allowed to operate the Inca Trail. An authorization has to be renewed each year. The authorization is granted by three institutions: Ministerio de Cultura, GECETUR (Regional Direction on Exterior Commerce and Tourism of Cusco) and SERNANP (Natural Resources National Institute). There are 225 operators approved for the 2024. We strongly recommend you to check your Inca Trail operator authorization prior to do a booking. Please note: the Inca Trail Machu is fully authorized and tour operator the Inca Trail.
