The Inca Trail

The Inca Trail

Descending from the Inca Trail into Machu Pichu at sunrise is one of life's great experiences. Not for the faint of heart, the Inca Trail is a 26-mile trek that takes you up over two 13,000-foot passes.

The trail follows the route the ancient Incas took over 650 years ago, and much of the original stonework is still in place. Along the way, you’ll pass through two tunnels created by the Incas, the ancient ruin of Winay wayna, and many waterfalls.

This scenic trail is often more demanding than what many people are expecting, but also more rewarding.

A couple of different starting points for the Inca Trail exist, but the traditional four-day hike begins at the CuscoAguas Calientes rail line. From this point, the trail passes more than 30 Inca ruins and traverses through spectacular scenery. The most difficult portion of the trail is the second day of the hike, with a climb of 1,200 meters in elevation gain and two high passes.

Depending on the type of tour, hikers can either carry their own backpack or have it transported for them. The daily number of hikers and porters on the trail is strictly enforced.