- A.h. Arahuay LL - 1, Cusco, Perú.
- machupicchuperutravel@hotmail.com
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the most beautiful and best preserved segments of the extensive network of Inca roads known as Qhapac Ñan. This ancient road network spanned more than 30,000 kilometers across South America and connected the main cities or llaqtas of the Tahuantinsuyu.
The Inca Trail is made up of a variety of impressive stone structures, bridges and tunnels that adapt to the mountainous terrain of the Andes.
The renowned section of the Inca Trail that ends at the citadel of Machu Picchu is located in the Cusco region of Peru. It begins at kilometer 82 of the railway line that connects the town of Ollantaytambo with Aguas Calientes.
The Inca Trail, declared a World Heritage Site, runs through the Cusco region to one of the 7 wonders of the world, Machu Picchu. This ancient trail reflects the impressive Inca engineering and offers spectacular views of the Andean landscapes and part of the Peruvian jungle.
Machu Picchu is one of the seven wonders of the modern world and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It stands out as an amazing work of Inca engineering and agriculture. Unlike other settlements, Machu Picchu has remained intact since the time of the Spanish and its subsequent abandonment.
This site, known as an Inca llacta of the Amazon Andes or high Peruvian jungle, is characterized by being an administrative center of Inca origin, where the population resided seasonally before being replaced by another group of inhabitants.
Machu Picchu, a magnificent Inca construction, is located in the Cusco region, Urubamba province and Machu Picchu district. It is located between the Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu mountains, in the Vilcabamba Batholith of the Andes Mountains. In addition, it is part of the Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary, a natural conservation area protected by the Peruvian State.
In Machu Picchu, there are several alternative routes from the same Inca area, such as Inti Punku or Huchuy Picchu, but the most popular are the Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu mountains. Each one offers different views of the citadel of Machu Picchu:
It is important to note that these three routes have a limited number of permits, so it is recommended to book well in advance, preferably at least 6 months in advance. Huayna Picchu tends to sell out more quickly than Machu Picchu Mountain or Huchuy Picchu.
The regulations governing the Inca Trail are Law No. 28296, known as the General Law of the National Road System of Peru.
Promulgated in 2004, this law aims to establish the legal framework for the conservation, protection, research, promotion and sustainable use of ancestral roads and trails in Peruvian territory, including the Inca Trail.
The Inca Trail is located at altitudes ranging from 2,400 to 4,200 meters above sea level. During the trek, visitors experience significant changes in altitude as they progress, requiring proper acclimatization to avoid altitude-related health problems such as altitude sickness (soroche).
A common question about the Inca Trail is knowing the altitudes that adventurers will face in order to choose the right route, whether it is the short Inca Trail or the Classic Inca Trail. In this sense, the maximum altitude depends on the type of trek that is contracted, since there are 2, 4, 5 and 7-day routes.
The lowest altitude of the Inca Trail is at the citadel of Machu Picchu, at 2,400 masl / 7,874 feet.
Trekking along the Inca Trail is not dangerous, however, it is recommended to travel with the group assigned for the route, which guarantees safety. The terrain is moderate, with steep sections, but does not require ropes, harnesses or special technical knowledge.
The Inca Trail is a unique experience that challenges both physically and mentally. It allows you to walk along ancient Inca trails, explore impressive landscapes and discover fascinating archaeological sites.
It is a direct connection with Inca history and culture, offering the opportunity to learn and immerse oneself in the rich cultural tradition of the region.
The landscapes along the way are spectacular, from snow-capped mountains to lush valleys and cloud forests. Although it represents a physical and mental challenge, reaching Machu Picchu at the end of the journey is an incomparable reward. With regulated access and a limited number of visitors, the Inca Trail offers an exclusive experience.
If you are willing to face the challenge and appreciate history, culture and nature, doing the Inca Trail is definitely worth it and will be an unforgettable experience.
The duration of the Inca Trail depends on the number of days you want to walk, for example:
Determining the best time to do the route is one of the most frequently asked questions about the Inca Trail. The ideal time to hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is during the dry season, between the months of March and October.
This time is recommended because there is minimal rainfall in the Cusco region, and you can also enjoy excellent festivities such as Cruz Velacuy, the Pilgrimage of the Lord of Qoyllorit’i, Inti Raymi, Corpus Christi, Fiestas del Cusco, Virgen del Carmen de Paucartambo, among others.
In addition, the sky in Cusco during this season is spectacular, with sunny days, so it is necessary to protect yourself from the sun by wearing hats and sunscreen. However, in the mornings and at night it is quite cold, so it is necessary to wear appropriate clothing for the Cusco cold.
Overall, it is the best time to do the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Don’t forget to bring a good camera to capture unforgettable moments during your stay in Cusco.
No, the Inca Trail is not available all year round. It remains closed throughout the month of February for maintenance and conservation. It is essential to plan your visit taking this restriction into account in order to enjoy this unique experience during the available months.
The Inca Trail is closed during the month of February. This is because annual maintenance is carried out during this period to preserve and conserve the trail, as well as to carry out cleaning and restoration work. During this time, access to the Inca Trail by tourists is prohibited. In addition, February is the month with the highest amount of rainfall.
The level of difficulty of trekking along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu can vary depending on each person’s physical condition and the route chosen.
This itinerary is the most popular and has a moderate level of difficulty. It involves walking approximately 44 km in mountainous terrain with altitudes varying between 2,400 and 4,200 meters above sea level.
The weather along the Inca Trail varies depending on the season in which the trek is undertaken.
There are actually no age limits for hiking the Inca Trail. However, at Inkayni Peru Tours, as an authorized and responsible travel agency, we only accept reservations for children aged 7 and over, provided that parents take full responsibility during the hike.
Pack animals such as mules or horses are not permitted on the Inca Trail, in order to preserve the integrity of the Inca trails. However, llamas and alpacas, animals native to the region, can be seen during the trek and at Machu Picchu.
The distribution of all kitchen and camping equipment is the responsibility of the porters.
