The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a spectacular trekking experience. Undoubtedly the best trekking experience in Peru, but at the same time, it can be said that it is one of the best routes in the world. The trail meanders through some of the most sublime landscapes of the Peruvian Andes and, as if That was not enough, it leads to one of the wonders of the world, the famous Machu Picchu.
How long is the Inca Trail?
Part of the 23,000 kilometers (approx.14,000 miles) of roads built by the Incas in South America are on Peru's most famous trekking route, and possibly one of the most spectacular in America. Every year, approximately 25,000 hikers from all over the world travel their extraordinary 43 kilometers along a stone-paved road built by the Incas, which leads to the impregnable citadel of Machu Picchu located deep in the high jungle of Cusco.
The trip begins in the town of Qorihuayrachina, at kilometer 88 of the Quillabamba - Cusco railway, and takes 3 to 4 days of strenuous trekking. The route consists of an impressive variety of altitudes, climates, and ecosystems ranging from the Andean plain to the cloud forest. Travelers cross two high-altitude areas (the highest being Warmiwañuska at 4,200 m.s.) to complete the walk with a magical entrance to Machu Picchu through the Inti Punko or Puerta del Sol.
One of the major attractions along the route is the network of ancient settlements built on the granite rock by the Incas such as Wiñay Wayna and Phuyupatamarca immersed in an overwhelming scenario. Hundreds of species of orchids, multicolored birds and dream landscapes ideal for a route that every traveler should experiment at least once.
RELATED: INCA TRAIL WEATHER
How long is the Inca Trail?
Many tourists want to hike the Inca Trail and learn more about Inca history and architecture. Nut it is important to know how long is the Inca Trail, and take into account your physical state. The total distance of the road is approximately 39.6 km and starts at km 88 at a place called Q'oriwayrachina.
Cusco - KM-82 - Wayllabamba
Departure to kilometer 82, from where we will enter the Inca Trail Network to start a journey that will make you want to return. Lugo bordering the Urubamba River, located in the Valley of the same name, will gradually ascend to the valley of Piscacucho, bound for the community of Huayllabamba, where he will camp.
Distance traveled: 12.00 km / 7.47 ml
Approximate walking time: 5 - 6 hours.
Wayllabamba - Paso Warmiwañusca - Paccaymayu
After an energetic breakfast, our second day of the Inca Classic Road expedition will continue.
We will climb 4 hours to the highest point of our route (Warmiwañusca), from here we will have excellent panoramic views, lunch place and also from where we will begin to descend pure stone steps until we reach the place of the second night of our Pacaymayo camp and our Tents will be very close to the small river.
Distance Traveled: 16.00 km / 9.94 ml
Approximate Walking Time: 8 hours
Paccaymayu - Runkuraqhay Pass - Phuyupatamarka - Wiñayhuayna
It will depart for the second step, which is lower than the first, in Runcuracay (3,900 m.s.m.), then descend, for an average time of 2 hours, to the archaeological complex of Sayacmarca. After visiting the place, you will resume walking in a typical semi-tropical cloud forest, which will take you to Phuyupatamarca, the starting point to your last camp located in Wiñaywayna: a place that houses one of the most important Inca archaeological complexes after Machu Picchu.
Distance Traveled: 16.00 km / 9.94 ml
Approximate Walking Time: 8 hours
Wiñayhuayna - Inti Punku (Sun Gate) - Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo - Cusco
Departure to the famous Inti Punku or "Puerta del Sol", from where you will get the first views of the majestic Machu Picchu. After a short walk, you will arrive at the long-awaited citadel, where after a well-deserved rest, immersed in the energy of the place, you will begin a guided tour. After a few hours, you will descend to the town of Aguas Calientes to board the return train to the city of Cusco.
Distance Traveled: 4.00 km / 2.49 ml
Walking time: 2 hours
The best Inca Trail tours to Machu Picchu
- Short Inca Trail
- Machu Picchu hiking tours (3 days/ 2 nights)
- Inca Trail 4 days
- Machu Picchu trek (5 days/ 4 nights)
- 7 day Inca Trail trek
- Inca Trail trek (9 days/ 8 nights)
- Inca Trail and Amazon tour (11 days/ 10 nights)
- Peru Treks and Adventure (18 days/ 17 nights)
I read your Post it's Awesome. Machu Picchu is an amazing place to hike! It's an incredible experience to explore the Incan ruins and take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. The hike itself is challenging, but totally worth it! This 2 day Machu Picchu hike sounds like an incredible experience! I've always wanted to explore the ancient Incan ruins, and this hike looks like the perfect way to do it. I can't wait to plan my trip!
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