The Machu Picchu hiking trail is the most popular and well-known route among tourists. The trek has a total distance of approximately 43 kilometers and takes 4 days to complete, including a day of visit to the Archaeological Park of Machu Picchu. The surrounding nature is wonderful, with breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains, and the walk through the jungle with its amazing archaeological remains is an unforgettable experience.
It is undoubtedly one of the most popular excursions for those who seek adventure when visiting Peru, its spectacular landscapes of the chain of the Andes show a great mix of forest and mountains that you will enjoy from beginning to end. There is no other natural circuit anywhere that leads to a natural world with changing ecological floors constantly adorned with towering snows, rivers and great fauna and flora. All these natural wonders are added to Inca constructions that are worth visiting, the architectural art harmonizes perfectly with the natural environment.
This classic Inca Trail can start at km 77, km 82, and km 88. At km 77, which is the town of Chillca, you can get there by bus. Meanwhile, at km 82 or km 88, you arrive exclusively by train. It is necessary to be very careful during the trip to the kilometric points and to warn with the time that you want to get off, otherwise the train will continue its journey.
The 4 day Machu Picchu Inca Trail is considered one of the best treks in the world due to its exquisite beauty and natural environment. This includes different ecological areas from high deserts to Andean tropical forests. Following this ancient Inca Trail, we will pass through mysterious archaeological sites, and environments covered by vegetation, which create the impression that they are being discovered for the first time, to finally reach the lost city of the Incas: Machu Picchu.
Day 1
The Traditional Inca Trail begins in the city of Cusco, from where they move by bus to km 82 or Piscacucho, from the point of control begin the adventurers to load the backpacks to start their adventure to Machupicchu at a height of 2650 masl, the ascent of the first day will be gradual and simple, they will climb only up to 3000 masl passing through Miskay (2800) and finally Huayllabamba (3000).
Walk Time: 6 to 7 hours on a flat road.
Distance Traveled: approximately 11km.
Degree of difficulty: easy
Day 2
The second day will pass through narrow and steep trails (9 km) uphill to reach the top of the Warmihuañuska mountain, then begin to descend to Pacaymayo 3600 meters above sea level, the walking time will be 6 hours.
Walk Time: 8 hours approximately.
Distance Traveled: 15 km approximately.
Degree of difficulty: difficult
Day 3
This day the hike begins with a slight ascent to Pacaymayo, from where a walk through a more difficult stretch begins for 1 hour until you reach the archaeological complex Runkuracay 3,750 masl, then a descent to a lagoon called Yanacocha and another ascent to Phuyupatamarca and finally an excursion through flat ecosystems to Wiñayhuayna.
Walk Time: 7 -8 hours approx.
Distance Traveled: 10 km approximately.
Degree of difficulty: difficult
Day 4
The last day of adventure will be calm, with a slight ascent until inti punku and a descent towards the citadel of Machu Picchu.
Walk Time to Machu Picchu: 3 hours approximately.
Distance Traveled: 7 km approximately.
Degree of difficulty: moderate.