The road network known as the Inka Trail is the main trekking route to the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. Geographically and historically, this original path crosses different ecological levels, smoothly connecting the Andean mountains with the cloud forest ecosystem.
Operationally speaking, the classic circuit of the Inka Trail Peru covers an approximate length of 43 to 45 kilometers. Furthermore, although in past decades the entry was made at kilometer 88 (Qoriwayrachina sector), today the official logistics set the control at kilometer 82 as the standard starting point, located in the community of Piscacucho. From this place, travelers journey for four days until reaching the Sun Gate (Inti Punku).
Therefore, for those planning a Peru trekking holidays in a safe and organized way, it is essential to know the current infrastructure of the route. Fortunately, the path is properly marked and has authorized camps. In addition, the logistics provide park ranger checkpoints and medical assistance, ensuring proper technical support throughout the entire expedition.
Because of its location, the city of Cusco is the main operating center for expeditions to Machu Picchu. Also, due to the gathering of the airport, roads, and authorized agencies in one place, all travelers who take on the Inca Trail network begin their registration and preparation journey in this region.
Moving forward, you should know that the city is located at an average height of 3,400 meters above sea level (masl). Since the Inca Trail route requires crossing mountain passes that go over 4,200 masl (like the Warmiwañusca pass), the rules for the trek require hikers to stay in Cusco or the Sacred Valley for at least 48 to 72 hours before the hike. Therefore, this time allows your body to get used to the altitude and avoids the risk of getting altitude sickness during the expedition.
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Once you arrived to the Km 82. Hikers cross to the other side of the Urubamba River to the farmhouse of Q'ente, where the Inka Trail begins. Only 3 km (1.8 mi) along the trail is the archaeological complex of Llactapata. After crossing the Husichaca creek and another 8 km (85 mi), hikers reach Patawasi where food and other supplies can be purchased for the trip. From this point, the route is a steep climb up the Warmiwsñusqa mountain pass, which after hiking 10 km (6.2 mi) is the highest point of the trip with an altitude of 4,200 MAMSL (13,780 ft). Here, hikers usually rest, but there is no camping because of the cold and the altitude. From this mountain pass, hikers descend to a short plain along a river called Pakaymayu and then hike back up 5 km (3.1 mi) to the archaeological ruins of runturaqay.
The next mountain pass is also named Runturaqay, which is 3,900 MAMSL (12,795 ft). From this point, the trail descends 6 km (3.7 mi) along a typical inca stone trail to the archaeological complex of Sayakmarka.
The trail then continues and arrives at yet another set of archaeological ruins, Phuyupatamarka, and only 3 km (1.9 mi) beyond the Wiñay wayna complex. From this beautiful archaeological site hikers walk another 3 km (1.9 mi) and then up again for another 1 km (0.62 mi) along more inka stone steps, finally arriving to the Intipata pass. To the north and looking down hikers can see the Inka city of Machu Picchu, which is visible between several mountains and creeks-it is an unbelievable view. Ultimately, the hike continues for another 1 km (0.62 mi) moving downhill and ending at the sanctuary of Machu Picchu. After hiking the Inka Trail and visiting Machu Picchu, travelers can finish their unforgettable journey by toking a relaxing dip in the hot springs of aguas calientes,just 2 km (1.2 mi) from the train station below Machu Picchu.
There are strict regulations for hiking the Inka Trail that are intended to preserve the natural fauna and flora of the area. Please be considerate and conservationallyminded while traveling this unique trek.
It is not possible to hike the Inca Trail on your own, as it requires a permit that is only given to Inca Trail tour operators. There are also controls along the route to regulate traffic on the Inca Trail and limit crowds toward Machu Picchu. 500 people start the Inca Trail every day (200 visitors and 300 porters).
Running a trail is definitely an unforgettable experience, but certainly not the cheapest way to visit Machu Picchu. Usually there are two travel budget of the Inka Trail
If you want to do the comfort and Inka Trail, we recommend you to choose these services, it's not cheaper, but you will have a quality service and you don't need to hire the extra equipment for your hike.
Depending on the provider, you can easily calculate the costs for all the trails presented above at upwards of 550 US dollars, there are usually additional costs for equipment or tips.
If you travel to Peru, most people will become acquainted with it: Altitude sickness. It also hit us on our trip, and even though we didn't have any direct problems with altitude sickness in Machu Picchu, we still felt the altitude. In Machu Picchu itself it is quite limited, the ascents are only quite short and apart from having to breathe a little faster it probably won't happen.
If you climb one of the mountains, it can look different. There are numerous steps on both mountains and depending on the ascent you also bring quite a few meters between you and the Inca city.
Your heart will beat faster than climbing stairs at home and you will have to take breaks more often. But that's all still normal. However, watch out for signs of altitude sickness:
These are the warning signs:
You can do this:
By the way: The medicines that are offered against altitude sickness usually only combat the symptoms such as headaches and nausea, but not the cause, which is why it is easier to underestimate the situation and then get real problems with the altitude. At Machu Picchu this shouldn't be a problem, but if you have longer treks planned, or if you want to go to the Rainbow Mountains, then you should keep that in mind!
Will I see alpacas or llamas in the Inka Trail? Yes In fact, alpacas and llamas live in Machu Picchu and part of the Inka Trail! Our guide told us that the animals were once brought to the ruined city for a promotional shoot and then simply left behind. Today there are around 30 animals in the ruins, they thrive in the ruined city and serve as a natural 'lawn mower'.
They roam freely and are of course VERY popular with tourists. After all, Machu Picchu is the first stop in Peru for many and this is where they meet the cute animals for the first time. But the alpacas are literally besieged by people. Even if they are used to it by now and the employees also pay attention to the animals, you really shouldn't hassle them just to get your alpaca selfie! There are plenty of opportunities to meet alpacas in Peru.
There are many Inca Trail tours to Machu Picchu, but we recommend you choose the best hike for you. It's crucial to book in advance, there are a limited.
There are probably a dozen other Inca trails and treks, that will take you through the mountains towards Machu Picchu:
Short Salkantay Trek (4 Days/ 3 Nights)
Salkantay Trek (5 Days/ 4 Nights)
Lares Trek to Machu Picchu (4 Days/ 3 Nights)
Inca Jungle Trek (4 Days/ 3 Nights)
Inca Quarry Trek (4 Days/ 3 Nights)
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