Whatsapp
Inca Trail Machu
Enjoy the best Inca Trails to Machu Picchu
+51 997 434 941

Piscacucho, learn more about the starting point of the Inca trail

Home / Travel Blog / Piscacucho, learn more about the starting point of the Inca trail
Piscacucho, learn more about the starting point of the Inca trail

There is a huge network of miles of paths built by the Incas that stretches across South America. These were made to help the Inca Empire and were used by its people and runners (called Chaskis) to send messages. But, if you want to walk the famous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, you have to start at Piscacucho, also called km 82. From here, the walk takes you through different kinds of environments, amazing Inca ruins, and places with lots of plants and animals, until you reach the beautiful city of Machu Picchu.

 

Where is Piscacucho?

Surely you are wondering where is Piscacucho? The community of Piscacucho km 82, is located in the district of Ollantaytambo, province of Urubamba in the City of Cusco, at an altitude of 2709 meters above sea level, on the edge of the Machu Picchu National Park, and Where visitors start the Inca Trai l, you can get there by bus in about 3 hours from the city of Cusco.

 

Piscacucho Main Data

  • Piscacucho has an ecosystem that corresponds to the alpine or mountain range, its climate is temperate, ranging between 15 and 20 degrees Celsius in the morning and 6 to 10 degrees Celsius at night.
  • The rainy season covers the period from November to March while the rest of the year is relatively dry.
  • It has wonderful Andean landscapes, the snow-capped mountains, and the Urubamba river that adorn the landscape of this community.
  • You can see Inca archaeological centers and bridle paths, being at the beginning of the Inca trail.
  • In 2011 the "Regional Directorate of Culture" made important findings in this area, they were skulls and long bones, and it was not ruled out that they could be mummified since they were in good condition.

 

Piscacucho Peru

 

The Historical Interpretation Center of Machupicchu

It is a space that seeks to make its visitors aware of the majesty of the place, it was inaugurated in June 2013, and is located in the community of Piskacucho, it was built thinking of generating an information space on the Protected Natural Area, at the point initial of the traditional Inca trail. The tour of the Center begins with an induction video that aims to transport the visitor through the most fascinating places of the Sanctuary, in addition to knowledge in a playful way, the vast biodiversity that this Historical Sanctuary houses located in the Andean-Amazon area.

 

How to get to Piscacucho in Ollantaytambo?

The only way to get to Piscacucho in Cusco is through the Inca Trail for 4 days / or 3 nights.

 

From the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in four days and three nights

The Inca Trail begins in the community of Piscacucho Peru, which is the official entrance to the Inca Trail, from here the legendary road begins around 6 to 7 hours with 11 kilometers in length, passing through an impressive landscape and the Inca archaeological complex of Qoriwayrachina with a wonderful view of Llactapata. Then you ascend to the community of Wayllabamba to finally rest in the Yuncachimpa camp. On the second day, the walk is more at the walker's own pace along the Lulluchampa road at 3850 meters high, until reaching quite a few stairs, passing through beautiful landscapes until reaching the Warmihuañusca cover at 4200 meters high, after this point, we descend passing through Runcuracay until reaching the Chaquicocha camp. The 3rd day of hiking is the most impressive as it enters tropical forests, combined with beautiful Inca archaeological monuments such as Sayacmarca, Conchamarca, and Phuyupatamarca. Finally, you descend some steps to the Inca archaeological site of Wiñaywayna to the last camp. On the 4th day, a path of 7 kilometers is traveled for approximately 2 to 3 hours, to finally reach the entrance of the magnificent Inca citadel of Machu Picchu called Inti Punku or Sun Gate.

 

Inca Trail km 82

 

General information on the Inca Trail

  • Location: Department of Cusco, Province of Urubamba 2 400 masl (Machu Picchu)
  • Mild weather
  • Average temperature: 15 ° C
  • Season: Recommended between April to October, closed for maintenance during February
  • Access: Air and land routes, from Lima and Arequipa to Cusco. Railroad, Poroy - Piscacucho (Km 82) and Machu Picchu - Poroy (return, 92 km in 3 hours 30 minutes)
  • Medium level
  • Duration: 4 days

To start the Inca Trail begins in the community of Piscacucho Km 82, which is the official entrance to the Inca Trail, from here the legendary trail begins around 6 to 7 hours with 11 kilometers in length, passing through an impressive landscape and the Inca archaeological complex of Qorihuayrachina with a wonderful view of Llactapata. Then we ascend to the community of Wayllabamba to finally rest in the Yuncachimpa camp. On the second day, the walk is more at the pace of the walker along the path of Lulluchampa at 3850 meters, until reaching many stairs, passing through beautiful landscapes to reach Warmihuañusca at 4200 meters high, after this point it descends passing Runkurakay until On reaching to the Chaquicocha Camp. The third day of hiking is the most impressive when entering the tropical forests, combined with beautiful Inca archaeological monuments such as Sayacmarca, Conchamarca, and Phuyupatamarca. Finally, descend a few steps to the Inca archaeological site of Wiñayhuayna until the last camp. On the 4th day, we walk a 7-kilometer trail for approximately 2 to 3 hours, to finally reach the entrance of the magnificent Inca citadel of Machu Picchu called Inti Punku or Puerta del Sol.

 

Inca Trail rates

Entrance tickets for any of the routes are not sold at the access control. In the case of Montaña Huayna Picchu, you will not be able to enter this area without the corresponding ticket. The maximum entry capacity is 400 visitors per day, divided into two groups of 200 people according to the indicated schedule.

  • Adult: 292 Soles
  • Student: 147 Soles

The Best Tours to the Sacred Valley

Best Tours to Machu Picchu

 

Best Hikes to Machu Picchu

2 Day Inca Trail Tour 2 Day Inca Trail with Camping 3 Day Inca Trail Hike
Classic Inca Trail Tour Salkantay Trek 4 Days Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu

 

Request information



Date of travel:

Number of people:
How did you hear about us:


responsible people foundation
The Responsible People foundation is registered under the Peruvian Non-Profit Organization Act. With an annual contribution from Inca Trail Machu, we support our operating costs as well as a significant portion of project development costs.
Most Popular Trips
Home

Peru

Activities & Travel Styles

Responsible Travel

Before You Go

Travel Blog

Contact us

Why Inca Trail Machu?

Inca Trail Machu Booking Online

More information
Write a review

Write a review in Tripadvisor

Inca Trail Camping

Inca Trail Small Groups

Salkantay Trek Peru

facebook-classicincatrailmachu youtube-classicincatrailmachu incatrailmachu Inca Trail Machu travel blog