Machu Picchu - Inca Trail

The Inca Trail, which is part of the Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary, is a one to four day hike which terminates at Machu Picchu. The hike must be done with an agency and reservations should be booked well in advance, particularly in the high season of June to August. Hiking the trail without an agency is prohibited.

There are a couple of different starting points for the Inca Trail depending on how many days you want to spend hiking. The traditional four day hike begins at Km 82 of the Cusco - Aguas Calientes rail line. From this point the trail passes more than 30 Inca ruins and traverses through a variety of ecosystems. The most demanding portion of the trail is the second day of the hike, with a climb of 1,200 m / 3,875 ft in elevation gain and two high passes. Some agencies offer a shorter version of the hike which entails either the last two days or just the last day of the hike. These hikes begin at Km 104 of the rail line. From there you must hike up to where the path joins up with the Inca Trail.

There are campgrounds at intervals along the trail and one at the base of Machu Pichu where groups set up. Depending on the type of agency you book with and how much you want to spend you can either carry your own backpack or have it transported for you.