If you’re the adventurous traveler type then you surely have heard about the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, an ancient road that connected Machu Picchu and many other Inca settlements across the entire Tahuantinsuyo Empire.
Also known as Qhapaq Ñan, it was an extensive trail network that spread to over 30,000 kilometers, crossing countries like Colombia, Ecuador, Brazil, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina. Nowadays, only a small part has remained though it was luckily hidden among the lush nature of the Andes and the cloud forest.
For that reason, most of the trail has been preserved until the actual date, allowing thousands of tourists to walk the same secret passage the Incas once used to get to the enigmatic Inca Citadel.
The Classic Inca Trail is a 4-day trek that will take you through the most impressive natural scenery of
the Peruvian mountains and the exuberant nature of the cloud forest, without forgetting the outstanding Inca constructions along the way.
Are you up to this adventure? Check this Inca Trail full guide and find out if you have what it takes for this once-in-a-lifetime experience!
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu has a length of 43 kilometers and though it may seem a short distance, the trail is certainly not for the fainthearted since it takes you up to 4,200 meters of elevation through steep inclines and challenging trails.
We highly recommend getting properly acclimatized in Cusco before joining this adventure. The trail can get quite challenging in some parts but trust us, all that effort is paid day by day! Here’s what you should expect from the Classic Inca Trail itinerary:
As you may already know, the starting point of the Inca Trail is located a few minutes away from the town of Ollantaytambo, in km 82 to be exact. The start isn’t difficult at all, it actually can be seen as a ‘training day’ for the challenge ahead!
Once we have arrived at km 82, it’s time to get ready, make sure to apply sunscreen, and insect repellent, use the restroom, etc. The porters will take care of your large bag, you will only need to carry the essentials with you in a small daypack.
The start of the trail is as exciting as you could expect, beginning with a bridge that crosses the rumbling Vilcanota River, followed by a scenic mountainous landscape. We’ll make a few stops on the way so you can appreciate the Apu Veronica, a towering snow-capped mountain that rises up to 5,860 m.a.s.l.
We’ll also get to see the first Inca archeological site along the route, a presumably checkpoint that ensured access to the trail to Machu Picchu called Llactapata. Following the itinerary, we’ll make a stop for lunch and then continue for a few hours until our first campsite, Wuayllabamba.
- Difficulty: Easy - Moderate
- Distance: 12 km approx.
- Max Altitude: 3,000 masl
We’ll start the day early in the morning, with a hot cup of tea to get you all warmed up and ready for today’s adventure. This will be the most challenging part of the trail since we’ll reach the top of the Dead Woman’s Pass, but don’t let the name scare you, it’s called that because of the shape of the mountain valley.
However, the Dead Woman’s Pass summit reached the 4,200-meter altitude, a very steep trail that you should be mentally and physically prepared for. Our guides will make sure to keep a consistent pass with some stops so you can catch your breath as we surpass this challenge.
Once we get to the top, we’ll have sweeping views of the valley and the surrounding mountains, a beautiful landscape that surely pays off all that hard work! After our short break, we’ll continue towards Pacaymayo, our campsite for the night, where you’ll have a well-deserved lunch.
- Difficulty: Moderate - Challenging
- Distance: 16 km approx
- Max. Altitude: 4,200 m.a.s.l.
Just like the day before, we’ll start early in the morning with a hot cup of tea and a delicious breakfast so we can start feeling all energized for our next adventure and one of the most beautiful parts of the trail.
On the way, we’ll get to see another Inca site called Runcuracay, which seems to be another resting and control point though archeologists relate it with ritual and ceremonial functions.
Later we’ll descend towards Sayacmarca, a small village located at 3,600 m.a.s.l. where we’ll have some time to rest and get some lunch. Continuing with the itinerary, we’ll pass by another archeological site called Phuyupatamarca, which means ‘The Place Above the Clouds.' Make sure to get your camera ready! The views from this place are astonishing.
After our quick stop, we’ll get immersed in the lush cloud forest. As we get deeper and deeper into the jungle, we’ll pass by another Inca site called Intipata, which comprises a system of agricultural terraces on a mountainside. Afterward, we’ll be arriving at the Wiñay Wayna campsite, located a few minutes away from the archaeological site of the same name.
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance: 10 km approx.
- Max. Altitude: 3,680 m.a.s.l.
We’ll wake up earlier than the sun so we can welcome it at the main entrance of the Machu Picchu Citadel. Our adventure will start just after breakfast, at 04:00 a.m. This time, here we’ll say goodbye to that hardworking team that accompanied us throughout our journey, while we head towards the Inti Punku.
We’ll reach the so-called Sun Gate around 06:30 a.m. just in time to catch the first sun rays that illuminate Machu Picchu. The Sun Gate offers sweeping views of the Inca Citadel and its surroundings, but as we get in the views get even better.
Once we reach the historical sanctuary, you’ll have a 2-hour guided tour through the different sectors of Machu Picchu. Our guide will tell you about the history and mysteries that enclose this wonder of the world. Later, you’ll have time to explore the city or climb the towering Huayna Picchu Mountain (must be arranged in advance).
After your stay in Machu Picchu, you’ll get the bus down to Aguas Calientes. Depending on your train departure, You’ll have time to get to know Aguas Calientes, get some souvenirs, and take some pictures of the scenic town.
There are two options to return to Cusco, either you take the train to Poroy, which is 30 minutes away from Cusco, or to Ollantaytambo, a beautiful town within the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Keep in mind that this must be organized upon booking.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Max. Altitude: 2,780 m.a.s.l.
Important Note: The Huayna Picchu Mountain is the most in-demand optional hike in the Inca Citadel, which is why you must book the ticket long in advance before your trip. Please contact our travel specialists for more information.
- Trekking Poles. For long and demanding hikes, make sure to bring these with you.
- A Water Resistant Backpack. This could be more useful during the rainy season.
- Raincoat or Poncho. An unmissable item in every trekker’s backpack.
- Sun Protection. Make sure to bring a high SPF sunscreen, a sunhat, and sunglasses with you for this adventure.
- A Reusable Water Bottle. Keep yourself hydrated throughout the trek. Some trails, like the Salkantay trek, take you to altitudes over 4,000 meters, so make sure to drink enough water to fight any altitude sickness symptoms.
- Warm Clothes. Especially for the cold nights since you’ll be camping in the mountains.
- Passport. Always take your ID with you.
- Insect Repellent and After-bite. These and sunscreen will be your best friends during the trek.
- Altitude Sickness Medicine. Make sure to bring diamox or soroche pills just in case.
- Camera. Please, don’t forget about this. Keep in mind that professional cameras need a special permit for their use in the archeological site. Please, consult your travel agent.
Tour operators include camping and kitchen equipment in their packages. Muleteers and porters will take care of that, as well as your duffel bag so you can travel light and with just the essentials.
Quick Tip: There’s so much to know before joining this adventure. Make sure to read this blog for more information about what to bring to Machu Picchu.
For those looking to hike the Inca Trail, there are some things to keep in mind to organize this trip. As aforementioned, to reduce human impact on the trail, the Peruvian government implemented a system to regulate the entrance to this ancient path.
Therefore, to experience this famous trail to Machu Picchu, one must acquire a special ticket which is only available through a certified government tour company. The Inca Trail Permits are limited to 500 per day, including hikers, cooks, guides, and porters.
However, if you were thinking of doing the trek on your own, it won’t be possible since the companion of a professional tour guide is mandatory. Many tour operators offer this experience, which means that you’ll come across different price ranges.
Therefore, we want to be entirely honest with you, going cheaper isn’t always the best choice. Remember that you’ll get the service you’ve paid for, no more, no less. Likewise, having a sense of safety is the main goal here. Keep in mind that you’re going on a trek that surpasses the 4,000 meters of altitude through the most remote locations.
Regarding that, we recommend you do proper research to find a company that offers reliability and comfort. Yes, we know, among the sea of tour operators this may turn somewhat tedious, but you don’t have to go through this alone since by hiring a local travel agency, you’ll take that stress away.
Viagens Machu Picchu provides everything you need for an authentic, fun, and safe experience through the Inca Trail and Peru. Check our travel packages and start planning the trip of your life as you once dreamed it!
