The Inca Trails in Peru

The Inca Trails System

The network of Inca roads was a trail system that linked essential points of the coast, the Andean mountains, and the jungle. Today, the Inca Trail begins at kilometer 82 of the railway line to Aguas Calientes.

Location of the Inca Trail, km 82:

It is located northwest of Cusco, after the Sacred Valley, between the towns of Ollantaytambo, Piscacucho, Aguas Calientes, Santa Tereza, Mollepata “Soraypampa,” and Valle de Aobamba.

Area: 32,592 ha
Country: Peru
State: Cusco
Date of creation: January 8, 1981

Description of the Inca Trail, km 82:

The Peru Inca Trail of km 82 is paved and has a width between 1.5 and 3 meters. There are quite a few steps from the second day of the crossing until you reach Machu Picchu. On the sides of the Inca, the Trail system is Inca archaeological sites such as

Canamarca

Altitude: 3,300 m (10,827 ft) | Distance from Inca Trail start: ~4 km
A former Inca agricultural hub and rest stop. See well-preserved terraces and catch your breath before hiking further. Tip: Snap photos here—the terraces glow in morning light.

Llatapata

Altitude: 2,900 m (9,514 ft) | Distance from Canamarca: ~6 km
Offers sweeping views of the Andes and traces of Inca settlements. A great spot to kick back and soak in the scenery.

Patallacta

Altitude: 2,750 m (9,022 ft) | Distance from Llatapata: ~3 km
Famous for its massive terraces and ruins. Guides often explain Inca farming tricks here. Fun fact: The layout mirrors constellations.

Wayllabamba

Altitude: 3,000 m (9,843 ft) | Distance from Patallacta: ~7 km
The first major campsite on the trail. Stock up on water—it’s the last stop before the grueling climb to Dead Woman’s Pass.

Paucarcancha

Altitude: 3,200 m (10,499 ft) | Distance from Wayllabamba: ~4 km
Quiet ruins with intact stone buildings and terraces. Less crowded—ideal for a peaceful break.

Runkuracay

Altitude: 3,750 m (12,303 ft) | Distance from Paucarcancha: ~7 km
A small circular ruin with killer mountain views. Heads up: The altitude here hits hard—chew coca leaves if needed.

Concha Marca

Altitude: 3,600 m (11,811 ft) | Distance from Runkuracay: ~2 km
An ancient rest stop with valley vistas. Look for orchids and lupines along the path in wet season.

Phuyupatamarca

Altitude: 3,600 m (11,811 ft) | Distance from Concha Marca: ~5 km
Nicknamed “Town Above the Clouds.” Fog often shrouds its baths and temples. Pro tip: Visit early to dodge the mist.

Intipata

Altitude: 2,850 m (9,350 ft) | Distance from Phuyupatamarca: ~4 km
Steep terraces once used to grow potatoes and quinoa. Perfect for Instagram shots at sunrise.

Wiñay Wayna

Altitude: 2,680 m (8,793 ft) | Distance from Intipata: ~4 km
The biggest campsite, with ruins and a waterfall nearby. Book early—spots fill fast!

Choquesuysuy

Altitude: 2,600 m (8,530 ft) | Distance from Wiñay Wayna: ~2 km
A small ruin with valley views. Quick stop to refuel before the final push to Machu Picchu.

Chachabamba

Altitude: 2,460 m (8,071 ft) | Distance from Choquesuysuy: ~3 km
A checkpoint for Inca travelers. The stone channels here once carried ritual water.

Inti Punku (Sun Gate)

Altitude: 2,730 m (8,957 ft) | Distance from Chachabamba: ~2 km
Your first glimpse of Machu Picchu! Arrive by 5 AM to watch sunrise over the ruins.

Machu Picchu Mountain

Altitude: 3,082 m (10,111 ft) | Distance from Machu Picchu: ~1.5 km
A steep 1.5-hour climb. Worth it? Absolutely—360° views. Tickets sell out; book ahead.

Huayna Picchu

Altitude: 2,693 m (8,835 ft) | Distance from Machu Picchu: ~1 km
The iconic peak behind Machu Picchu. The 45-minute climb is slippery but rewards with that classic postcard view. Permits required!

Machu Picchu

Altitude: 2,430 m (7,970 ft) | Distance from Inti Punku: ~1 km
The star of the show. Explore the Temple of the Sun and Guardhouse early to dodge crowds.

Highlights

Canamarca’s terraces glow at sunrise.
Wayllabamba: Last water stop before Dead Woman’s Pass.
Runkuracay’s circular ruins at 12,303 ft—watch for altitude sickness.
Phuyupatamarca’s misty baths—visit before 8 AM.
Wiñay Wayna’s waterfall campsite—book early.
Inti Punku sunrise: Arrive by 5 AM for epic photos.
Huayna Picchu permits sell out fast—reserve months ahead.
Machu Picchu entry: Mornings (6–8 AM) are least crowded.

Step by step on the Classic Inca Trail

Day 1: Cusco, Km. 82 Piscacucho, Patallaqta, Hatun Chaca, Wayllabamba and Ayapata camping

Day 1 on the Inca Trail: A Warm-Up with Ruins, Bridges, and Mountain Air

Your Inca Trail adventure kicks off early—like, 5 AM alarm-clock early. A private van picks you up from your Cusco hotel and winds through the Sacred Valley toward Piscacucho (KM 82), the trail’s official start point at 2,720 meters (8,923 ft). Here, you’ll meet your porters—the unsung heroes of the trek—loading gear with practiced ease. Pro tip: Pack a jacket—mornings here are crisp, even in dry season.

First Steps & Inca Sites
The trail begins gently, following the Urubamba River. Within a few hours, you’ll hit Cana Marca, an Inca agricultural site (3,300 m / 10,827 ft). Snap pics of its terraces glowing in the morning sun—your first taste of Inca engineering. Next up: Patallaqta, a sprawling complex with temples and storehouses. Guides often pause here to explain how this site supplied Machu Picchu.

By midday, you’ll reach Llactapata, a lookout with jaw-dropping valley views. This is where most groups take a breather. “Better than any postcard,” you’ll hear someone mutter. The trail then climbs to Patawasi, a smaller checkpoint ruin. Leg day starts here—the path gets steeper, but pace yourself.

Lunch at Hatun Chaca (“Big Bridge”)
Around noon, you’ll stop at Hatun Chaca, a riverside spot named after a nearby Inca-era bridge. The porters—already ahead of you—set up a mess tent with chairs, tables, and a hot meal. Think quinoa soup, grilled chicken, and aji sauce. Refill your water here—it’s the last easy stop before camp.

Afternoon Climb to Ayapata Camp
Post-lunch, the trail gets serious. A 3-hour uphill grind leads to Ayapata Camp at 3,300 meters (10,829 ft). The air thins, and you’ll feel every meter of that 580-meter elevation gain. Chew coca leaves or sip tea to keep altitude headaches at bay.

Camp Life & Evening Vibes
At camp, porters greet you with applause and hot drinks (mate de coca is a lifesaver). Your tent is already pitched, and the chef whips up afternoon tea—think popcorn, crackers, and dulce de leche. Dinner is a hearty spread: pasta, veggies, and maybe even a cake baked on a camping stove.

As the sun dips, temperatures drop fast. Layer up, swap trail stories with your group, and stargaze—the Andean sky here is unreal. By 8 PM, most hikers crash, exhausted but stoked for Day 2.

Day 2: Ayapata, Llulluchapampa, Dead Woman’s, Pacaymayo Alto, Runkurakay Pass and Chaquicocha camping

Rise and literally shine—your tent glows with a headlamp’s beam as a porter hands you steaming coca tea at 4:30 AM. Today’s mission: crush two iconic passes, Warmiwañusca (Dead Woman’s Pass) and Runkurakay, while dodging ever-shifting weather. Strap in—it’s the trail’s toughest day.

Pre-Dawn Start: Coca Tea & Carb Loading
You’ll wolf down breakfast (pancakes, eggs, and always more coca tea) by headlamp. The air bites at 3,550 meters (11,646 ft), but layers come off fast once hiking starts. Pro tip: Pack snacks in your hip belt—today’s a marathon.

The Climb to Warmiwañusca (4,200 m / 13,779 ft)
The trail ascends sharply from camp. For 3–4 hours, switchbacks carve through cloud forest, thinning air burning lungs. Locals call this pass “Dead Woman’s Pass” for its silhouette—but you’ll call it “Why did I sign up for this?” Pass.

At the summit, high-fives and photo ops erupt. Catch your breath—the view of mist-cloaked peaks is unreal. Don’t linger: Descend 600 meters (1,969 ft) to Pacaymayo Alto (3,600 m / 11,811 ft) for lunch. The downhill is brutal on knees—trekking poles are lifesavers.

Inca Sites & Hidden Gems

Post-lunch, the trail softens. You’ll hit:

Runkurakay (3,750 m / 12,303 ft): A circular guard post with 360° views. Guides explain how Incas used smoke signals here.
Original Inca Trail Stretch: Walk perfectly fitted stones between Pacaymayo and Chaquicocha—feel the history underfoot.
Sayacmarca (3,600 m / 11,811 ft): A fortress clinging to cliffs. Navigate its maze-like ruins—watch your step on narrow staircases.
Concha Marca (3,600 m / 11,811 ft): A quiet rest stop with valley vistas. Spot orchids if hiking in wet season.

Day 3: Chaquicocha, Phuyupatamarca, Inti Pata and Wiñaywayna camping

The grind eases today—finally. After two days of uphill battles, Day 3 serves up downhill relief through mystical cloud forests and ruins dripping with anticipation. At 7 AM, a porter delivers coca tea to your tent, and you’ll notice: No 4:30 AM wake-up call? Bliss.

Morning Magic: Phuyupatamarca & Machu Picchu’s First Glimpse
The trail winds gently from camp to Phuyupatamarca (3,650 m / 11,975 ft), nicknamed “Town Above the Clouds.” Fog clings to its stone baths and temples, but if the weather plays nice, you’ll catch your first distant peek of Machu Picchu and the town of Aguas Calientes. Pro tip: Wait for the mist to part—it’s a spine-tingling “we’re almost there” moment.

Downhill Bliss & Inca Engineering
From Phuyupatamarca, the trail drops sharply—2,000 stone steps, to be exact. Your quads will scream, but the views distract:

Inti Pata (2,850 m / 9,350 ft): A cascading terrace system where Incas tested crops at different altitudes. Guides love pointing out how these “agricultural labs” worked.
Original Inca Trail Stretch: Walk the ancient flagstones between Chaquicocha and Wiñaywayna. Moss-covered stones and orchids line the path—keep eyes peeled for hummingbirds.

Wiñaywayna: The Grand Finale
By midday, you’ll hit Wiñaywayna (2,650 m / 8,694 ft), the largest Inca site before Machu Picchu. Explore its curved terraces and a hidden waterfall (ask your guide for the secret path). Lunch here is a victory lap: think fresh avocado, fried rice, and maybe a celebratory cookie.

Camp Life & Lazy Afternoons
Your tent waits at Wiñaywayna Camp—same name, no confusion. Afternoon tea (popcorn, coffee, and more cookies) fuels a rare luxury: free time. Nap, journal, or rinse off with a baby-wipe “shower.” By dinner, excitement buzzes—Machu Picchu is tomorrow.

Day 4: Wiñaywayna, Intipunku, Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes and Cusco

Your alarm blares at 3:30 AM—brutal, but today’s the payoff. You’ve hiked 40+ km for this: Machu Picchu at sunrise. Swig water, pack your day bag (passport required!), and stumble to a 4:00 AM continental breakfast (bread, jam, coffee). Porters hustle to dismantle camp—they need to sprint to catch the 5:35 AM local train back to Ollantaytambo. Pro tip: Tip them now if you haven’t—they vanish fast.

The Wait at Wiñaywayna Control
By 4:20 AM, headlamps bob toward the checkpoint. Guides remind everyone: “Stay quiet—rangers hate noise.” You’ll wait in the dark, antsy, until the gate opens at 5:30 AM. Why so early? Blame the porters’ tight train schedule. Heads up: This wait is chilly—keep that fleece on.

Final Hike: Sun Gate or Bust
Once the gate cracks open, it’s a 5 km (3 mi) sprint to Inti Punku (Sun Gate). The trail winds through misty forest, then climbs steep stone stairs. Legs burn, but adrenaline carries you. Reach the Sun Gate (2,515 m / 8,907 ft) just as dawn breaks. Boom—Machu Picchu (2,400 m / 7,874 ft) sprawls below, backlit by golden light. Cue the tears, high-fives, and 1,000 photos.

Machu Picchu Guided Tour
By 7:30 AM, descend to the citadel. Your guide unpacks its secrets: the Temple of the Sun, Intihuatana stone, and terraces designed to survive earthquakes. Pro move: Split from crowds early—hike to the Guardhouse for that classic postcard view.

Aguas Calientes & The Return

12:30 PM: Bus down to Aguas Calientes (2,065 m / 6,774 ft). The 25-minute ride snakes through cloud forest—hold your phone tight on those hairpin turns.
1:00–2:00 PM: Lunch at Indio Feliz (book ahead!). French-Peruvian fusion hits different after days of trail food. Try the lomo saltado with a pisco sour.
PM: Catch the Expedition or Voyager train to Ollantaytambo, then a private van to Cusco. Nap hard—those train windows frame epic Andes views, but exhaustion wins.

Key Takeaways

Distance/Time: 5 km (3 mi) | 2 hours (pre-dawn pace).
Altitude Shift: 2,650 m → 2,400 m (8,694 ft → 7,874 ft).
Pro Tips:
- Passport Stamp: Get yours at Machu Picchu’s entrance—free bragging rights.
- Beat Crowds: After the tour, linger—guards clear tourists by 2 PM.
- Train Hack: Book seats on the left side (river views).
- Pack Smart: Bring cash (soles) for Aguas Calientes souvenirs.
Emotional Note: This day is a blur—savor every second. You’ve earned it.

Machu Picchu isn’t just a site—it’s a bucket-list moment etched in sweat, blisters, and coca tea. Sleep on the ride back. Tomorrow, you’ll miss the porters’ wake-up calls. Maybe.

Step by step on the Short Inca Trail

Day 1: Cusco, Ollantaytambo, and Train to Km 104

Pick up from your hotel at 4:00 am on private transport to Ollantaytambo Train Station (two hours.).
Expedition or Voyager train to Km 104 (starting point of the hike).
Entrance fees for the Short Inca Trail and Machu Picchu Sanctuary.
Explore three Inca sites along the hike:
- Chachabamba
- Wiñaywayna
- Inti Punku
Trekking distance: ten km/6.2 miles
Trailhead elevation: KM 104 2,000 m/6,550 feet.
The highest point elevation is Inti Punku (the Sun Gate—Inti Punku), 2,720 meters/8,920 feet.
Machu Picchu Inca site elevation: 2,400 meters/7,875 feet.
Machu Picchu Pueblo elevation: 2,040 meters/6,690 feet.
Hiking hours: 6-hour trek
Trek difficulty level: Moderate and easy (Ascent: 546 meters/1,791 feet; descent: 315 meters/1,033 feet.).
Meals: one box lunch for hikers and tour guides.
PM’s first glimpse of Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate and the Inca guardhouse.
One bus ticket Machu Picchu Inca site to Machu Picchu Pueblo.
One-night hotel in a three-star hotel in the town of Aguas Calientes: “Andina Luxury Hotel ***, or El Presidente Hotel **.”

Day 2: AM Machu Picchu Guided Tour—PM Train Return to Cusco

At 05:00 am, there is a Buffet breakfast at the hotel.
A bus runs from Aguas Calientes to the Machu Picchu Inca site between 5:30 a.m. and 6:30 a.m. ” The trip lasts 30 minutes on the Hiram Bingham dirt road.”
At approximately 7:30 am, the guided 2-hour tour begins to explore the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.
Climb to Huayna Picchu (Optional, not included—book in advance with us) at 7 a.m. or 10 a.m.
At 12:30 noon, take the bus to Aguas Calientes village.
Lunch is at a local restaurant in Aguas Calientes from 13:00 to 14:00. “I Recommend Indio Feliz; book in advance.”
PM Expedition or Voyager train return to Ollantaytambo and private transport to Cusco from Ollantaytambo.