From the incredible archaeological complex of Chachabamba to the impressive ruins of Wiñay Wayna built into the steep countryside and the picturesque Sun Gate of Inti Punku, it's hard to catch your breath – and not just because of the altitude! Read on for everything you need to know about hiking the Inca Trail in Peru and ticking off one of the most rewarding bucket list experiences.
Overview:
- What is the Inca Trail?
- How long does it take to walk the Inca Trail?
- How hard is it to hike the Inca Trail?
- Can you walk the Inca Trail without a guide?
- How much does it cost to walk the Inca Trail?
- What is the best month to hike the Inca Trail?
- Highlights of walking the Inca Trail
- Is hiking the Inca Trail worth it?
What is the Inca Trail?
Walked by thousands of travellers each year, the Inca Trail is the most iconic hike in Peru, South America. This path was built by the ancient Incan Empire and is just a fraction of the Inca Road systems from pre-Columbian South America, which spanned over 30,000 kilometres!
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Starting in the Sacred Valley, the Inca Trail weaves an unforgettable journey through lush green cloud forests and steep Andean passes before reaching the crescendo in the Incan city of Machu Picchu. Scattered along the way travellers will find themselves stepping back in time through ancient Incan ruins only accessible to those who hike this famous pathway.
How long does it take to walk the Inca Trail?
There are several start points to the Inca Trail, which will determine how long it takes to walk. The classic Inca Trail is approximately 40 kilometres long and takes four days to hike, beginning from Km82/Piscacucho. This trek will take you through the fascinating Incan ruins and iconic landmarks including Llactapata, Dead Woman’s Pass, Wiñay Wayna and Inti Punku before arriving at Machu Picchu.
While the classic Inca Trail is the most popular choice, trekkers with time or fitness constraints can opt for a one-day hike to experience the mystical Inca Trail, beginning at Km 104 near Chachabamba. If you choose the one-day hike, be prepared for an early morning train boarding in Ollantaytambo to Km 104. From here, the trip to Machu Picchu is 13 kilometres long and will take approximately eight to nine hours, passing through Wiñay Wayna and Inti Punku through to Machu Picchu.
How hard is it to hike the Inca Trail?
Although the classic Inca Trail is only 40 kilometres long, the steep paths and the altitude of the Andes make this trek no easy feat. While you don’t need to be an experienced hiker, walking the Inca Trail requires a good level of physical fitness and will make the experience far more enjoyable!
On the four-day hike, the altitude reaches a high point of 4,200 metres, while the one-day hike reaches 2,700 metres. Altitudes over 2,500 metres can cause problems for even the most experienced hikers, with symptoms of altitude sickness including headache, vomiting, tiredness, confusion, trouble sleeping and dizziness. While most cases of altitude sickness are mild and can be prevented or reduced by gradually acclimatising the body to higher altitudes, some cases can be life-threatening. For this reason, we spend several nights in Cusco and the Sacred Valley acclimatising to higher altitudes on our Peru small group tours before walking the Inca Trail.
Day two of the classic Inca Trail is generally considered the most difficult, both mentally and physically. Trekkers spend the day climbing to Dead Woman’s Pass, reaching the highest point of the Inca Trail. While the incline is infamous, don’t forget that what comes up must come down!
For those who have (justifiably) decided that the classic trail might be too much, you don’t need to give up on your dream of walking through the Sun Gate for your first glimpse of Machu Picchu. The one-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is an excellent alternative, but still requires a good level of fitness and the ability to walk for about eight to nine hours in a day.
Can you walk the Inca Trail without a guide?
Walking the Inca Trail without a guide has been prohibited since 2001. The best way to walk the Inca Trail now is with a registered tour operator, who will organise everything from permits and tour guides to porters and cooks.
If you’re still set on hiking the Inca Trail with as much solace as possible, hiring an independent guide is the best choice, but be warned, you’ll be carrying your own equipment and cooking your own food!
How much does it cost to walk the Inca Trail?
On our Peru Adventure small group tour, hiking the one-day Inca Trail is included in the total tour price. All our other Peru small group tours offer hiking the one-day Inca Trail as an optional extra (from $625 per person) because we know that not everyone wants to undertake this challenge.
What is the best month to hike the Inca Trail?
Travellers can hike the Inca Trail year-round except for in February, when the trail is closed for maintenance. Overall, there’s no bad time to hike the Inca Trail, however, most people plan to trek during the dry season from April to October. A bonus of being in Peru in June will also allow you to experience the colour and pageantry of Inti Raymi (‘Festival of the Sun’).
See more: special/festival departures
A cap of 500 people per day can hike the Inca Trail, meaning that during the high season permits can sell out fast. If you plan to hike the Inca Trail, we recommend booking at least six months in advance.
Highlights of walking the Inca Trail
Llactapata
Llactapata (sometimes referred to as Patallacta) is the first archaeological site you will find on your four-day Inca Trail trek. Discovered by Hiram Bingham in 1912, further investigations conducted in 2003 concluded that the location of Llactapata suggests it was an important rest stop and shrine on the trek to Machu Picchu. Meaning ‘high town’ in the native Quechua language, Llactapata sits high on a ridge between the valleys of the Aobamba and Santa Teresa drainages. The remains of Llactapata include dozens of walled houses and other ruins sitting above stepped agricultural terraces on a hillside.
Dead Woman's Pass
Dead Woman's Pass by Bex Walton/Flickr
The highest and perhaps the most dreaded point of the Inca Trail, the Dead Woman’s Pass is a challenging section of the trail which you will meet on day two of your four-day hike. At nearly 1,800 metres higher than the altitude of Machu Picchu, be prepared to spend around four to five hours hiking uphill towards the pass. This naturally occurring feature is named so because it resembles the profile of a supine woman when viewed from the valley below (or maybe for how you feel as you embark on the steep ascent). The effort is well worth it for the sense of achievement you’ll feel as you reach the top of the mountain, and if the clouds are feeling generous, they’ll pull back to reveal an amazing view of Pitusiray and Colquecruz mountains.
Wiñay Wayna
Found in the last stretch of the Inca Trail, just 5 kilometres from Machu Picchu, Wiñay Wayna sits in a cloud forest shrouded in rolling clouds. These iconic Inca ruins perch on a steep hillside, overlooking the Urubamba River and consist of sharp upper and lower Incan house complexes that are connected by graceful curving stone steps. Roughly translated, Wiñay Wayna means ‘forever young’, and is named after the vibrant Wiñay Wayna orchid found along the Inca Trail. Although the exact purpose of Wiñay Wayna is unknown, it is thought to have been a spiritual or religious destination, or simply a place for rest on the journey to Machu Picchu.
Inti Punku (Sun Gate)
View from Inti Punku by Erick Baca
Inti Punku, meaning ‘sun gate’ in the native Quechua language, marks the entrance to the sacred city of Machu Picchu. Perched 300 metres above Machu Picchu, it’s believed that this archaeological site was once a guardhouse, functioning as a control gate for those who entered and exited the site. The large stone ruins feature windows and doorways through which you’ll enjoy your first breathtaking glimpse of Machu Picchu, nestled between the dramatic mountains of Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu.
Don’t be surprised to be flooded with emotion as you step through the openings of the Sun Gate, not only due to the stunning view below, but for the challenge you’ve just overcome. The Sun Gate is the culmination of every step you’ve taken on the Inca Trail, and from this perspective it suddenly all seems worth it.
Is hiking the Inca Trail worth it?
Ask anyone who has completed the Inca Trail, and they’ll answer with a resounding YES! Yes, it’s physically and mentally challenging and yes, there might be points where you want to give up. But as soon as you catch a glimpse of the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu, all those struggles will melt away.
Understandably though, the four-day hike might not be for you, which is why at Bunnik Tours many of our Peru tours include the choice to hike the one-day Inca trail. Not interested in such a physical challenge? Rest assured that you will still be able to marvel at the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu on our Peru tours with a day trip by bus. As is standard on our small group tours, you’ll enjoy spacious coaches and more time with your guide to learn about the history of Machu Picchu.
Ready to see the Inca Trail?
We think we’ve probably convinced you by now that the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and perfectly encapsulates the sentiment that, “it’s more about the journey than the destination.”
Time to tick off this major bucket list item? Many of our Peru small group tours offer the option to hike the one-day Inca Trail. Get in touch with one of our friendly Travel Specialists today about our walking and hiking tours and start planning your Peruvian adventure!
