Llactapata: The Inca complex is located on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Published: 06 January 2023 | Update: 03 February 2026 | Reads: 4254

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A few hours into the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, hikers arrive at the Llactapata complex, where they see their first examples of Inca architecture. This big archaeological site is in the Cusichaca River valley. It is the first settlement of great importance seen along the route. When you go on the Cusco treks, if you go through Llactapata, you'll see how big the Tahuantinsuyo was from the very start.

Lactapata was mostly used for farming and as a place to control the area. The most notable feature is the system of agricultural platforms or terraces that adapt to the mountain slope. These terraces were designed for the production of corn and other crops. These crops likely supplied those who were heading to Machu Picchu.

Travellers will be impressed by the view of Llactapata. People usually don't walk through the site, but they look at it from a viewpoint on the other hillside. This lets you appreciate how it's designed and how it fits into the surrounding landscape. This first view sets the tone for the rest of the trip, showing how big and complex the Inca settlements are that we will see in the coming days.

Inca Trail to Machu Picchu - Llactapata:

Llactapata means "high place" in Quechua, an Inca language. It's a town located 8,136 feet (2,840 meters) above sea level at the meeting of the Cusichaca and Urubamba rivers in the mountain called Patallaqta in the province of Urubamba in the Cusco department.

These are constructions with several sectors, enclosures, platforms, squares, and canals. Focus on the terraces used for farming and their drainage system. This archaeological site is not the same as another place with the same name, which is located west of Machu Picchu. You can visit that one on the famous Salkantay Trek. It was a ceremonial center.

Lactapata was an agricultural town along the Inca Trail. It was probably the place where products from the Valley were gathered. It has buildings separated from the platforms that could be barns.

Inca trail to Machu Picchu llactapata

Llactapata Archaeological Center

How is the Inca Trail tour to Machu Picchu?

The Inca Trail goes through rugged, mountainous terrain, with steep climbs and descents along the side of cliffs. The mountains are very tall and have uneven parts. In the jungle, you will see all different shades of green in the tropical forests.

Day 1: Cusco - Wayllabamba (13 kilometers)
The Inca Trail starts at kilometer 82 of the train line to Machu Picchu (2 hours and 30 minutes by bus from the city of Cusco). Then, we will start to climb up to the valley of Cusichaca. The visitor will visit the ruins of Llactapata, which are 2,840 meters above sea level, and then reach the town of Huayllabamba, which is 3,057 meters above sea level.
Day 2: Wayllabamba - Pacaymayo (11 kilometers)
The second day is the hardest because of all the physical activity. The tourist will go up to the Warmiwañuska ('Passage of the dead woman'). This is the highest point of the route (4,215 meters above sea level). From this point, you can see the archaeological site of Runkurakay, which is 3,760 meters above sea level.
Day 3: Pacaymayo - Wiñay Huayna (16 kilometers)
On the third day, the path will go down very steeply to the Pacaymayo River valley. The section goes down a steep slope of almost 1,600 meters to the Sayaqmarca site, which is 3,625 meters above sea level. Here, the view is amazing.
Day 4: Winay Huayna - Machu Picchu (3 kilometers)
The last day of the festival has some of the best Inca exhibitions. Phuyupatamarka, Wiñaywayna. When you leave these ruins, you will go down a slope that will get more difficult as you go down it. Finally, you will arrive at the Intipunku or Sun Gate. From there, you will walk for another 30 minutes to the Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu.

The road from Llaqtapata to Hidroelectrica is particularly scenic

One of the best parts of this trip is seeing how amazing the world is. This part of the Inca Trail is the only place where you can see the back of the Machu Picchu citadel. Most travelers see the classic outline of the Sun Gate, but those who take this hike on the Inca Trail enjoy a new and much less explored view of the sanctuary.

Key points of this section

Panoramic View: You will be able to see the agricultural areas of Machu Picchu from far away, which will show you how big the mountain really is.
Geographical Transition: You will pass from the archaeological remains of Llaqtapata toward the lower area of the Aobamba valley, experiencing a notable change in temperature and vegetation.
Final Connection: This route is the perfect way to get ready for the citadel the next day.

Actual state:

The Decentralized Directorate of Culture Cusco (formerly the Regional Directorate of Culture) is working to preserve it.

Llactapata to Machu Picchu

Ruins of Llactapata

Information about tickets to enter the Inca Trail:

Because the Inca Trail is very popular, you should buy your entry tickets six months in advance. You can only purchase the ticket online through the website of an authorized tourism agency. Every day, 500 people enter the Inca Trail. Only 200 of them are tourists. The rest of the staff includes cooks, porters, and guides. The ticket to enter the Inca Trail includes the support staff.

Didn't you find availability for the Inca Trail? Don't worry if the Inca Trail permits are sold out. This often happens because there is a lot of demand. Luckily, there are other ways to get to Machu Picchu. Each option offers a different experience. Here are the main options:

Trekking Alternatives: If you want to reach Machu Picchu on foot through a route that takes more than a day, the two best options are:
→ Salkantay Trek: Many people consider this the main alternative to the Inca Trail. This five-day trek takes you through impressive high-mountain landscapes. You'll pass by the imposing Salkantay Mountain and Humantay Lagoon before descending to the cloud forest.
→ Lares Trek: This route is more focused on culture. It goes through remote Andean communities and beautiful valleys. It is usually combined with a train trip on the final stretch to Aguas Calientes.
Another way to travel: If you don't want to do a multi-day hike, the most direct and comfortable way to get to Machu Picchu is by train. The trip starts in Ollantaytambo (or Cusco), where you can see the Sacred Valley from the train. Then, you get off in Aguas Calientes and take a bus to go up to the fortress.

No matter what route you choose, you must book your ticket to the citadel of Machu Picchu separately and well in advance, as there are only a limited number of tickets available.

When is the best time to travel the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?

The best months to take the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu are from May to September, when it's dry. These months are usually good for the crossing because it doesn't rain often. From November to March is summer, which is also the rainy season. It usually rains a lot during this time, which makes it hard to walk and get around. You won't be able to cross the Inca Trail in February because of the rain and the ongoing maintenance work.

Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Hikes to Machu Picchu

Getting to Machu Picchu on foot is an experience that combines hard work, adventure, and unique landscapes of the Peruvian Andes. Each route has beautiful views of mountains, valleys, and historical sites that make the journey memorable. Discover the most famous hikes to the Inca citadel:

Other equally fascinating tours: