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INCA TRIAL TO MACHU PICCHU

The Best Trekking Route in South America

Altitude

13,858 ft

Dry Season

60ºF – 68ºF

Rainy Season

40ºF – 50ºF

The Inca Trail is a small section of what was the Qhapaq Ñan. The trail is 24 miles long that leads the more adventurous visitors to the citadel of Machu Picchu. Trekkers will be able to visit a number of archaeological sites along the way.

What to see on the Inca Trail?

huayllabamba-camino-inca-machu-picchu-cusco-perurail
Huayllabamba
Although its purpose is not yet fully known, this place appears to have been a stopping place where travelers could rest on their journey to Machu Picchu.
runkukaray-camino-inca-machu-picchu-cusco-perurail
Runkurakay
This urban and ceremonial center was a place for lodgers. Among those who passed through here were the chasquis on their run on the Qhapaq Ñan to Machu Picchu.
winay-huayna-camino-inca-machu-picchu-cusco-perurail
Wiñay Huayna
This was mainly an agricultural production center. Since in the Andes there are few large plains, the Incas built their famous Andean terraces or andenes.
intupunko-camino-inca-machu-picchu-cusco-perurail
Intipunku
The Gate of the Sun to Machu Picchu during Inca times connected the citadel to the Quapaq Ñan, the empire’s road network. The Intipunku was the most important access route at the time.
chachabamba-camino-inca-machu-picchu-cusco-perurail
Chachabamba
According to research, this space was built as a place for the religious worship of. It is also believed that it could have been a control point before reaching Machu Picchu.

Where to begin on the Inca Trail?

Discover the route of the Inca Trail until you reach the Machu Picchu Citadel:

  • Long Route: at Km 82 on the railway line to Machu Picchu. The hike from here can take 4 days or more.
  • Short Route: at Km 104 on the railway line to Machu Picchu. Check the train schedules for the trains that stop at this point to disembark and begin your trek. The hike from here can take 1 days or more.

Map of the Inca Trail Short Route to Machu Picchu:

Camino Inca route

Train Services to Camino Inca

With these train services you can start your walk from kilometre 104:

Timetable

SERVICE TRAIN DEPARTURE STATION DEPARTURE TIME ARRIVAL STATION ARRIVAL TIME
PeruRail Expedition
71
Ollantaytambo
05:05
Machu Picchu Pueblo
06:37
81
06:10
07:40
83
07:45
09:15
33
08:29
09:54
203
10:32
12:11
PeruRail Vistadome
301
07:05
08:27
601
08:00
09:25
33
08:29
09:54
203
10:32
12:11
PeruRail Vistadome Observatory
83
07:45
09:15
SERVICE TRAIN DEPARTURE STATION DEPARTURE TIME ARRIVAL STATION ARRIVAL TIME
PeruRail Expedition
71
Ollantaytambo
05:05
Machu Picchu Pueblo
06:37
PeruRail Expedition
81
Ollantaytambo
06:10
Machu Picchu Pueblo
07:40
PeruRail Expedition
83
Ollantaytambo
07:45
Machu Picchu Pueblo
09:15
PeruRail Expedition
33
Ollantaytambo
08:29
Machu Picchu Pueblo
09:54
PeruRail Expedition
203
Ollantaytambo
10:32
Machu Picchu Pueblo
12:11
PeruRail Vistadome
301
Ollantaytambo
07:05
Machu Picchu Pueblo
08:27
PeruRail Vistadome
601
Ollantaytambo
08:00
Machu Picchu Pueblo
09:25
PeruRail Vistadome
33
Ollantaytambo
08:29
Machu Picchu Pueblo
09:54
PeruRail Vistadome
203
Ollantaytambo
10:32
Machu Picchu Pueblo
12:11
PeruRail Vistadome Observatory
83
Ollantaytambo
07:45
Machu Picchu Pueblo
09:15

FAQ

How long is the trek?

For nature lovers and the adventurous, the traditional Inca Trail takes 4 days and 3 nights.  For those with limited time, the short route takes 2 days and 1 night.

Which is the best season for walking the Inca Trail?

February is the only month in which the Inca Trail is closed to trekking, due to heavy seasonal rains.  You can walk the trail without any problems during the rest of the year.

Is there an entrance fee to the Inca Trail?

Yes. Peru’s Ministry of Culture has limited the Inca Trail to authorized travel agencies and you will need to contract the services of one of these agencies. The price ranges from 500 USD, depending on the number of days of trekking and the agency with which you will do the service.

What is the altitude on the route?

The Inca Trail includes high mountain areas up to 13,585 ft. Remember to acclimatize for a few days before going on the trail.

What should I take on the Inca Trail trek?

The trek includes between one and four days of long and demanding walks, so take what is necessary for the adventure. 

  • The first on the list is a map of the route and the citadel, so that you will know the different locations you would like to visit. 
  • Other important items in your backpack are a bottle of water to remain hydrated and small snacks to boost your energy on the trek to Machu Picchu. 
  • It is quite probable that you will meet up with inseparable friends, the mosquitoes, so make sure you have a good mosquito repellent, making sure your journey is as comfortable as possible. 
  • Also, a sun block cream and good walking shoes.
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