Inca Trail Hiking Tours

Peru Hiking Inca Trail, considered the best walk in South America. It is a 43 kilometer route through ancient Inca trail to Machu Picchu. The duration of the tour is 4 days and 3 nights. Tourists have the opportunity to appreciate the scenic beauty with Inca archaeological sites including the Wonder of the World. There are many roads that lead to Machu Picchu but none like the Inca Trail. The most popular among travelers and the most famous pedestrian street of the American continent. From Cusco, 43 kilometers of path between forests and dense fogs, millenarian stone steps and majestic views. At the end is the reward: the famous Sun Gate and its impressive views of the ruins of Machu Picchu. Doing the Inca Trail is an initiatory rite for the traveler and a unique adventure but it is necessary to plan well before getting on the road.

What can I see during Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?

The Inca Trail shows rugged geographies with ascents and descents on the side of precipices. The mountains reach great heights with uneven stretches. In the jungle areas you will see the variety of tones of green tropical forests.

Day 1: Cusco - Wayllabamba (13 kilometers)

The Inca Trail begins at kilometer 82 of the railway that leads to Machu Picchu (2 hours and 30 minutes by bus from the city of Cusco). Then the ascent to the valley of Cusichaca will begin. The visitor will visit the ruins of Llactapata (2,840 masl) until reaching the town of Huayllabamba (3,057 m.a.s.l)

Day 2: Wayllabamba - Pacaymayo (11 kilometers)

The second day is the most difficult due to the physical demand. The tourist will ascend to the Warmiwañuska ('Passage of the dead woman'). This is the highest point of the route (4,215 m.s.). From this point it is possible to see the archaeological site of Runkurakay (3,760 m.a.s.l)

Day 3: Pacaymayo - Wiñay Huayna (16 kilometers)

On the third day, the descent will be vertiginous to the valley of the Pacaymayo river. The section goes down a stepped slope of almost 1, 600 meters to the site of Sayaqmarca (3,625 m.a.s.l) Here the view is extraordinary.

Day 4: The last day hides some of the best Inca exhibitions: Phuyupatamarka, Wiñaywayna.

When leaving these ruins, a gradual descent will be undertaken that will become more complicated in the end. 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.

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

• From May to September (dry season) is the ideal time to travel the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. These months are usually good for the crossing due to the low frequency of rains.
  
  
• In the months of November to March the summer (rainy season) occurs. This time is usually very rainy, which makes walking and access difficult. Even, it will not be able to cross the Inca Trail in February due to the precipitations and works of maintenance.

Recommendations on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

• The Inca Trail runs through high Andean landscapes where the 'altitude sickness' or 'soroche' is manifested. It is recommended to spend 1 or 2 days in the city of Cusco to acclimatize.
  
• During the 4 days of the Inca Trail there is no electricity or telephone network. If the visitor needs to be 'connected', he must take precautions.
  
• The hygienic services are camps conditioned for that purpose.
  
• The classic Inca Trail consists of groups composed of a maximum of 16 people. If the visitor wishes to take a tour with a private group, they must request it online in advance. This service has an additional cost.
  
• The Inca Trail is considered to be of medium moderate difficulty. It is advised to be in an acceptable physical condition. A previous week of exercises will be enough.
  
• If you do not get availability for the Inca Trail, you can choose to get to Machu Picchu through the Salkantay route.