Inca Trail Facts

What to Expect When Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

This route was in use more than 500 years ago by the Incas and it is a definitely a privilege to hike this trail. If you have a good sense of nature and history, the Inca Trail with its ruins, beautiful landscapes, and Machu Picchu will show you why this is a must on everyone's bucket list.

In order to fully enjoy the Inca Trail, it is important to know that you need to be healthy, in good physical shape, acclimatized to high altitude, and prepared with the correct gear. You do not need to be a super athlete, but it is important to be an active person who exercises or hikes regularly. A flu or bad cough can easily end in a more serious illness or even death while hiking the Inca Trail. Usually two days are adequate enough for most bodies to acclimatize to the altitude in Cusco or another high altitude city, but some people need longer than that (read more at our altitude sickness post).  For a list of gear, check out our What to Bring post.   

The Difficultly Level of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Hike

The Classic 4 Day Inca Trail is considered a moderate to difficult hike (the second day being the most difficult day because most of the elevation is gained this day).  The Short Inca Trail is considered an easy to moderate hike but hikers should still be used to hiking and acclimatized to high elevations.  The 7 Day Salkantay & Inca Trail is considered a difficult hike and you should be in very good shape to hike this route as well as used to high elevations.  

Booking the Inca Trail through a Peruvian Tour Operator or a Foreign Travel Agency

Some Inca Trail informative websites are opposed to the fact that travelers book the Inca Trail through a travel agency because they believe they will charge more than a tour operator, however using the services of a travel agency can be a smart thing to do when a traveler is looking for a small group and good service. Using the services of well-known Peruvian tour operators may guarantee a good service and groups of about 8-16 people or more.  When travelers are looking for a small sized group with reputable companies that are not going to cancel their departure because  not enough hikers signed up, the task can be complicated. In these cases, a smart thing to do is to book with a reputable foreign travel agency (a travel agency that operates outside of Peru) which is going to offer you a good service.  The use of a reliable foreign travel agency usually implies a higher price but it will also help insure customer satisfaction.  It is most likely that a foreign travel agency is going to give you a refund when services are not as advertised.  Refunds are uncommon with most Peruvian tour operators.

Service Provided During the Inca Trail

Since there are several Inca Trail tour operators, the service from one to another can be different affecting the price that is charged. Some differences can be observed in the following areas:

• Guides: All guides are required to be graduates from local institutions, yet not all guides have a good knowledge of the history and nature of the Inca Trail.  Also not all guides are proficient in English or the language offered.  Good guides need to be carefully selected to provide a once-in-a-lifetime experience, however, they usually charge more.  Remember, you get what you pay for.
• Transportation from Cusco to Piscacucho and from Ollantaytambo to Cusco: Some companies offer transportation for only the travelers in their group while other companies share transportation.  Ask your Inca Trail tour operator how they transport their customers.
• Tents: You should ask if 4 season tents will be provided by your tour operator.  This is important because some tents used by tour operators are not good for all 4 seasons (rain and strong wind) or they are not replaced once the material is too old.
• Food: Some companies have trained their cooks to prepare organic meals offering variety, quality, and quantity.  Other companies provide easy and cheap meals so that their expenses can be reduced.  It is important that companies train their cooks so stomach infections are avoided.  It is important to ask your tour operator what type of food will be provided on the Inca Trail before booking with them.
• Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo: The majority of companies offer the cheaper backpacker train available. Usually, these trains depart Aguas Calientes after 19:00 hours. If you depart Aguas Calientes at 19:00 hours, you will be in Cusco around 22:30 hours.
• Group Size: The bigger the group of Inca Trail hikers, the more profitable the expedition will be for the tour operator.  Some companies are focused on departures with 16 travelers or more while others are focused on smaller groups with no more than 8 to 12 travelers. These companies are more likely to charge more, however, a better service is expected.

The Inca Trail Porters and Cooks

These amazing workers are usually from local communities in or around Cusco. Some companies have a permanent staff of porters and cooks while others have only cooks as permanent staff and hire porters in Piscacucho for the 4 Day hike.  When porters are hired from Piscacucho, it is more likely that these men are underpaid and work under bad conditions (this is a way many companies charging less than USD 440.00 reduce their expenses and increase their profit).  Also, when a porter is hired in Piscacucho, it is possible for hikers to have issues with “lost” items.

Tipping Inca Trail Porters and Cooks

Travelers are not obligated to tip porters and cooks, but it is a cus

tom that at the end of Day 3, guides ask for a tip for the hard work of these workers from the entire group of travelers (most hikers bring money to tip).  Usually as a group, the hikers decide how much money to give to the guide, cook, and porters.  It is expected that the guide receives the largest percentage of money, then the cook, and finally each porter, however, it is up to the group of hikers to decide how much each person receives.  Most travelers who decide to contribute usually give around USD 10.00 to USD 20.00 for the entire crew however, local currency is preferred and the amount of money given is at each hiker’s discretion. 

Restrooms on the Inca Trail

The Inca Trail offers basic restrooms (with no toilet seats, only a basic hole in the floor) from day 1 to 3.  The restrooms have running water but is not potable (so you will need to use filters or purification pills.)  Toilet seats can be found at the end of day 3 in Wiñaywayna. There are no showers available until the end of day 3. Hot showers and towels are available for rent for about USD 1.50 (each one.)

Inca Trail Routes

Regulations introduced by the Peruvian Government to control the use of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu established a few places where travelers can enter to the Inca Trail. These places are known as kilometer 82 (or Piscacucho), kilometer 88 (or Qóriwayrachina), and kilometer 104 (or Chachabamba).  At each of these places there is a check-in cabin where the staff of the National Institute of Culture checks Inca Trail permits, original passports, and ISIC Student ID Cards in case the permit was purchased as a student.

The itineraries shown below are common itineraries sold by Inca Trail tour operators.

CLASSIC 4 DAY INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU:

DAY 1: PISCACUCHO  – HUAYLLABAMBA (About 12 km/7.5 mi)

Most of the Inca Trail Tour Operators pick up trekkers from their hotels in Cusco in order to take them to Ollantaytambo Town for a quick rest before driving them to Piscacucho. The trek starts at Piscacucho, also called Kilometer 82. There is a control cabin there where the agents of the National Institute of Culture check Inca Trail permits, passports, and ISIC Student ID Cards if the traveler is a student. At this checking point, guides and porters are also asked for their Inca Trail permits and their aid first kits are checked and rucksacks are weighed.

The hike starts going up in short hills and walking on flat land for about two hours until arriving at Meskay. On the way it is possible to observe the ruins of Q’anabamba from afar.  Meskay is usually used as a resting point where lunch is prepared and basic bathroom facilities can be found. After another two and a half hours of hiking in the Peruvian flats (up and down), you will arrive at your first campsite, called Huayllabamba. On the way to Huayllabamba you will be able to observe the ruins of Willkarakay from afar and visit the ruins of Patallacta.

Huayllabamba is a small Andean village where locals provide a space to tour operators to camp. Usually, located next to the houses of the locals, it is possible to get running water (not potable), basic bathrooms (small bathrooms with a hole in the ground.), and some roosters willing to wake you up the next day to start your journey.

• Cusco is located about 11,120 feet above sea level / 3,390 m.a.s.l.
• Piscacucho is located about 9,000 feet above sea level / 2,750 m.a.s.l.
• Huayllabamba is located about 9,840 feet above sea level / 3,000 m.a.s.l.

DAY 2: HUAYLLABAMBA – WARMIWAÑUSCA – PACAYMAYU (About 12 km/7.5 mi)

This is the most difficult day of the Classic 4 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu with mostly uphill hiking. Right after leaving Huayllabamba, your Inca Trail permit and passport will be checked again.

The first hour and a half of this hike will take you to the first resting point, called Yuncachimpa – Ayabacha.  After another hour of hiking, you will arrive at the second resting point, called Lulluchapampa.  Sport drinks, candies, and other groceries are sold here. Basic restrooms with running water (not potable) are also available at both resting points.

The “Dead Woman Pass” or “Abra Warmiwañusca” can be reached in about 2 more hours of hiking. This portion of the trek will be the hardest one and it is common to feel some light symptoms of altitude sickness such as a headache or difficult breathing (please review our Inca Trail Altitude Sickness site for further details). These symptoms should go away once you reach the top and start going down. At the top, you will be rewarded by the beautiful landscape.

A descent on the original Inca Trail stairs will take you to Pacaymayu. This hike will take about two hours. At this campiste, it is possible to find basic restrooms with running water (not potable).

• Huayllabamba is located about 9,840 feet above sea level / 3,000 m.a.s.l.
• Yuncachimpa – Ayabacha is located about 10,820 feet above sea level / 3,300 m.a.s.l.
• Lulluchapampa is located about 11,810 feet above sea level / 3,600 m.a.s.l.
• Warmiwañusca is located about 13,825 feet above sea level / 4,215 m.a.s.l.
• Pacaymayu is located about 11,800 feet above sea level / 3,596 m.a.s.l.

DAY 3: PACAYMAYU – WIÑAYWAYNA (About 16 km/10 mi)

This is the most beautiful day of the Classic 4 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.  After leaving Pacaymayu, the second pass can be reached in about one hour of hiking.  This pass is known as “Abra Runkuraqay.”  The ruins of Runkuraqay or “Egg Hut,” can be visited on the way to the pass.

Once “Abra Runkuraqay” is reached, nature will start changing dramatically (mostly arid mountains become green and colorful mountains).  The ruins of Sayacmarca or “Inaccessible Town” will be the next Inca complex to be visited.  After visiting Sayacmarca, the Inca Trail will take you through the cloud forest where the resting point of Chaquiqocha will provide basic bathrooms and running water (not potable).  Tour operators usually serve lunch here.  On the way to Chaquiqocha, the trail passes next to the ruins of Q’onchamarca.  This hike may take about 3 hours.

Once Chaquiqocha is left behind, the Inca Trail gets narrow and takes you next to deep cliffs with amazing views.  After passing an Inca Tunnel and before reaching the campsite of Phuyupatamarca, the Urubamba and Aobamba river valleys can be observed as well as the Salcantay, Palcay, Pusamasillo, and Veronica snowy mountains.  This hike can be covered in about 2 hours.

The ruins of Phuyupatamarca or “cloud level town” will come next.  Usually, surrounded by clouds, Phuyupatamarca will be the most impressive Inca ruin you have seen on the way.  After Phuyupatamarca, a stony road will take you to your next campsite in about 2 hours, called Wiñaywayna.  On the way you will have the option of visiting Intipata (well preserved Inca terraces).  Most guides do not go there so you will be visiting this complex on your own (on the way you might observe the Machu Picchu orchid).

The campsite of Wiñaywayna has a small restaurant and bathrooms with hot showers where it is possible to rent clean towels (do not expect too much from these showers).  Also, this is a small campsite and when all spaces have been assigned, the National Institute of Culture assigns the Phuyupatamarca campsite instead.  If you arrive early to the campsite, you should visit the ruins of Wiñaywayna.

• Pacaymayu is located about 11,800 feet above sea level / 3,596 m.a.s.l.
• Abra Runkuraqay is located about 12,400 feet above sea level / 3,780 m.a.s.l.
• Sayacmarca is located about 11,472 feet above sea level / 3,500 m.a.s.l.
• Phuyupatamarca is located about 11,820 feet above sea level / 3,600 m.a.s.l.
• Wiñaywayna is located about 8,692 feet above sea level / 2,650 m.a.s.l.

DAY 4: WIÑAYWAYNA – MACHU PICCHU (About 6 km/3.75 mi)

After leaving the campsite, there will be a control gate that opens at 05:30 hours.  At this checking point Inca Trail permits and passports will be checked once again.  A hike of an hour and a half will end at the Gate of the Sun, also called Intipunku.  From here Machu Picchu can be observed only if it is not cloudy.

Another hour of hiking will take you to the control gate of Machu Picchu.  At the control gate, your passport and entrance ticket to Machu Picchu will need to be shown.  Most companies offer a 2 hour guided tour and a bus ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes and from there, the backpacker train to Ollantaytambo (the cheapest option available, which usually leaves Aguas Calientes after 19:00 hours).  From Ollantaytambo, transporation to Cusco City is usually offered. 

• Wiñaywayna is located about 8,692 feet above sea level / 2,650 m.a.s.l.
• Intipunku is located about 8,920 feet above sea level / 2,720 m.a.s.l.
• Machu Picchu is located about 7,875 feet above sea level / 2,400 m.a.s.l.

Note: When the Inca Trail starts at the km. 88 (or Qóriwayrachina), it is necessary to take the train which will stop at the checking point where the National Institute of Culture checks Inca Trail permits and other documents. This route takes you to the complex of Patallacta and then to Wayllabamba. The hiking distance is similar to starting at Km. 82.

SHORT INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU:

DAY 1: KM. 104 – WIÑAYWAYNA – MACHU PICCHU (About 12 km/7.5 mi)

Most of the Inca Trail tour operators pick up trekkers from their hotels in Cusco in order to take them to the train station of Poroy, Cusco.  From Poroy, trekkers usually take the backpacker train to Km. 104 (or Km. 106 if the checking point at Km. 106 is not open). After leaving the train, there is a control cabin where the agents of the National Institute of Culture check Inca Trail permits, passports, and ISIC Student ID Cards if the trekker is a student.  At this checking point guides are also asked for their Inca Trail permits and their first aid kits are checked.  Most companies provide a sack lunch at the checking point.

Once the control gate is left behind and after a few minutes of hiking, the ruins of Chachabamba can be visited. This archaeological site used to provide several Andean products, such as corn and potatoes, to Machu Picchu.  The hike starts to incline for about three and a half hours until arriving at Wiñaywayna.  This beautiful Inca complex will appear in front of you unexpectedly.  The ruins of Intipata can be observed from far during the hike.

The ruins of Wiñaywayna are located about a 10 minute hike from the lodge. The lodge offers bathrooms with running water (not potable) as well as groceries for sale.  Before leaving Wiñaywayna, the agents of the National Institute of Culture will check your passport and Inca Trail permit once again.

A hike of about one hour and thirty minutes will be needed to arrive at the Gate of the Sun, or “Intipunku.”  From here, you will have an amazing view of Machu Picchu.  Another hour hike will take you to the control gate of Machu Picchu (usually, the guided tour of Machu Picchu is left for the next day).  Once in Machu Picchu, stony Inca stairs will take you to Aguas Calientes in about an hour and a half (6 Km. / 3.75 mi.).  In Aguas Calientes, most companies offer basic accommodation with shared rooms and bathrooms with no dinner included.  Also, a few companies offer a bus ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes.

• Cusco is located about 11,120 feet above sea level / 3,390 m.a.s.l.
• Km. 104 and Chachabamba are located about 7,380 feet above sea level / 2,250 m.a.s.l.
• Wiñaywayna is located about 8,692 feet above sea level / 2,650 m.a.s.l.
• Intipunku is located about 8,920 feet above sea level / 2,720 m.a.s.l.
• Machu Picchu is located about 7,875 feet above sea level / 2,400 m.a.s.l.
• Aguas Calientes is located about 6.695 feet above sea level / 2,040 m.a.sl.

DAY 2: AGUAS CALIENTES  – MACHU PICCHU (About 6 km/3.75 mi)

After leaving Aguas Calientes early in the morning, the hike will take you to Machu Picchu in about 2 hours. (If you would like to hike Huayna Picchu Mountain you should leave no later than 04:30 hours to get register on the roster – Only 400 people can register per day.)  Some companies offer bus tickets from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and vice versa.

At the control gate, your passport and entrance ticket to Machu Picchu will need to be shown.  Most companies offer a 2 hour guided tour.  After the tour, you will have time to walk around on your own.  From Aguas Calientes, the backpacker train to Ollantaytambo is provided (the cheapest option available which usually leaves Aguas Calientes after 19:00 hours).  From Ollantaytambo, transpotation to Cusco City is usually offered. 

• Aguas Calientes is located about 6,695 feet above sea level / 2,040 m.a.sl.
• Machu Picchu is located about 7,875 feet above sea level / 2,400 m.a.s.l.
• Huayna Picchu is located about 8,920 feet above sea level / 2,720 m.a.s.l.

7 DAY SALKANTAY & INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU:

DAY 1: MOLLEPATA – CRUZ PATA

Most of the Inca Trail tour operators pick up trekkers from their hotels in Cusco in order to take them to Mollepata where the trek begins.  This ride takes about 4 hours.  There are no checking points to be worried about until day 4.  Mollepata is a small Andean village.

From Mollepata, the trail continues to Cruzpata where there is an area to camp.  Cruzpata is also known as Marcocasa.  Restrooms are not available.  Water can be found at natural streams (always use purification pills or filters when drinking water from these sources).   This hike takes about 4 hours.  This first day involves an easy hike.

• Cusco is located about 11,120 feet above sea level / 3,390 m.a.s.l.
• Mollepata is located about 9,190 feet above sea level / 2,800 m.a.s.l.
• Cruzpata is located about 11,485 feet above sea level / 3,500 m.a.s.l.

DAY 2: CRUZ PATA – SALKANTAYPAMPA

After leaving Cruzpata, the trail continues to Soraypampa where it is windy and cold.  While the hike continues to Salkantaypampa, the Salkantay Mountain becomes more and more dramatic.   The hike today can take about 6 hours and it will be mostly cold and windy.  The Salkantay Mountain was a Sacred Mountain for the Incas and locals still believe it is sacred.

• Cruzpata is located about 11,485 feet above sea level / 3,500 m.a.s.l.
• Soraypampa is located about 12,630 feet above sea level / 3,850 m.a.s.l.
• Salkantaypampa is located about 13,125 feet above sea level / 4,000 m.a.s.l.

DAY 3: SALKANTAYPAMPA – PAMPA CAHUANA

This is the hardest day of the hike taking you to the highest pass of the entire trail known as Inca Chiriaska.  This ascent is difficult and it can take up to 4 hours.  Glaciers can be seen along the path and the area is known as “the place where the Inca cools down” because it is very cold.

After reaching the pass, the trail descends until the small village of Pampa Cahuana where there is space to camp.  Below the campsite there is an original Inca channel.  Water can be obtained from the stream.  This hike can take about 4 hours.

• Salkantaypampa is located about 13,125 feet above sea level / 4,000 m.a.s.l.
• Inca Chiriaska is located about 16,075 feet above sea level / 4,900 m.a.s.l.
• Pampa Cahuana is located about 13,125 feet above sea level / 4,000 m.a.s.l.

DAY 4: PAMPA CAHUANA – HUAYLLABAMBA

Your Inca Trail permit and passport will be needed today since you will be entering to the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Park.  The hike begins going down through an Andean Valley.  Nature changes from dry landscapes to more colorful and warmer areas.  The ruins of Paucarcancha will come next.  This portion of the hike can take about 4 hours.

After crossing the Urubamba River, the trail goes uphill to Huayllabamba.  Horses usually stop at this point and return to Mollepata since horses are not allowed to walk on the Inca Trail.  Porters will take the post.  

• Pampa Cahuana is located about 13,125 feet above sea level / 4,000 m.a.s.l.
• Paucarcancha is located about 10,500 feet above sea level / 3,200 m.a.s.l.
• Huayllabamba is located about 9,840 feet above sea level / 3,000 m.a.s.l.

Note: Days 5, 6, and 7 of this route are similar to days 2, 3, and 4 of the Classic 4 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

Inca Trail Regulations

Between 2000 and 2002, the Peruvian government created and approved several laws to regulate the use of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Most of these rules were created to preserve and protect the park and the environment surrounding the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

Before these laws were created, the entrance to the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu was not regulated and only an entrance ticket was necessary to be able to hike the Inca Trail. As a consequence of this lack of regulation, many travelers used to choose any place to camp and prepare their meals without picking up their trash after themselves or would make open fires without caring the surrounding environment. This lack of consciousness was the end of unregulated hikes on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. We hope that trekkers using other trails such us the Salkantay Trek or the Choquequirao Trek, respect the environment and pick up their trash after themselves so these treks are still free of severe regulations.

After the Peruvian government approved the laws that regulate the use of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, anyone that wants to hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu has to hire the service of an Inca Trail Tour Operator. This means that no person is able to hike the Inca Trail by himself/herself. The law established that only 500 people are allowed to enter to the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu per day. This amount includes tourists, tour guides, and porters so at the end, only about 200 to 220 tourists are able to hike the Inca Trail per day.

The amount of tourists per day hiking the Inca Trail will depend on the place where tourists will start the hike. The Classic 4 Day Inca Trail starting at the kilometer 82 requires permits for tourists, guides, and porters while the Short Inca Trail starting at Kilometer 104 only requires permits for guides and tourists.

Permits are sold by the National Institute of Culture located in Cusco and they are sold on a first come, first serve basis. At the time that a tour operator purchases a permit for a tourist, the tour operator needs to provide information such as first name, last name, date of birth, gender, nationality, passport number, and ISIC Student ID Card (if the traveler qualifies for a student discount).  The tour operator also needs to purchase the permits of porters.  This is why tickets on the Inca Trail are nonrefundable or transferable once purchased.

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is open from March the 1^st to January the 31^st of the following year. During the month of February the Inca Trail is closed for maintenance and also because this is the most rainy month of the year. 

Every year during the months of November and December, all Inca Trail Tour Operators are required to apply for an authorization to operate hikes along the Inca Trail. In order to be authorized to operate, companies need to observe a few minimum requirements:

• Apply as a Peruvian registered Tour Operator.
• Show equipment with the logo of the company to operate at least a group of 16 trekkers or tourists. Per group of 16 travelers, the law requires that a company hires 22 porters, and 2 guides. The company needs to show camping equipment, adequate gear for porters and guides, a first aid kit, environmental cleaning equipment, among other requirements.

In addition, every year, tour guides and porters need to be authorized by the INRENA (National Institute of Natural Resources) in order to be able to work as an Inca Trail crew. Tour guides need to obtain their authorization to be able to enter the Inca Trail during the same period while porters need to obtain their authorization during the month of January.

In 2005, the Peruvian government detected that several tour operators were underpaying and abusing their porters. As a consequence, the Porter Law was approved that requires companies to provide a fair pay, life insurance, proper equipment, and social security benefits. This law also established that a porter carries a maximum of 20 kilograms (44 pounds). Unfortunately, there are still companies operating the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu that are not complying with these rules and are still abusing the hard work of the porters.

The Qhapaq Ñan or Inca Trail

During the period of time that the Incas ruled part of South America, they built a vast Inca Trail system linking about 40,000 kilometers (25,000 mi) of road. Most of these Inca Trails were made out of stones which were placed in the ground in harmony with the environment. Francisco Pizarro, the Spaniard who conquered the Empire of the Incas, used part of this Inca Trail system to travel around Peru and defeat the emperor, Inca Atahualpa,  in Cajamarca (Northern Peru) and then Manco Inca in Cusco.

Over time, most of these Inca Trails disappeared or were destroyed by the Spaniards. Nowadays, there are a few places in Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador where it is possible to travel through these Inca Trails. The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is the better preserved Inca Trail and in several sections of the trail it is possible to hike over the same stones that the Incas used to travel and keep the Empire of the Incas under control. Fortunately, the Spaniard conquers were never able to find Machu Picchu or the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is the most popular hike in South America and it is one of the most important ones around the globe. In order to enter to the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, it is necessary to obtain an Inca Trail permit which needs to be purchased through an authorized Inca Trail Tour Operator. (Please review our Inca Trail Regulations page for further details.) If you are going to hike the Inca Trail, you should choose an Inca Trail Tour Operator and make your reservation as soon as possible because the Peruvian government only releases 500 permits per day, and during the high season, (May to September) permits are sold out 3 to 4 months in advance.

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is located in the Andean Mountains of Cusco and there are a few choices to choose from. Please see them below in order of popularity:

• The Classic 4 Day / 3 Night Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is without a doubt the most popular and is considered a moderate to difficult hike. Click here for a typical itinerary.
• The Short 2 Day / 1 Night Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is considered an easy to moderate hike. Click here for a typical itinerary.
• The 7 Day / 6 Night Salkantay & Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is the less traveled trek, and it is considered a difficult hike. Click here for a typical itinerary.

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a rewarding, once in a life time experience. In order to get the most of it, it is important to fully understand what is expected during the hike, the services you are getting from your tour operator, and most importantly, being healthy, in good physical shape, and acclimatized to high altitude.

When the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is sold out, there are some alternative treks to choose from: Salkantay Trek, Lares Trek, Huchuy Qosqo Trek, Choquequirao Trek, Ausangate Trek or the Inca Jungle. Definitely, the Salkantay Trek is the best bet when the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is sold out.

Cusco and the Empire of the Incas

Legend says that in the beginning of the 1200s A.D., Manco Capac, the son of the Sun and the first Inca, or emperor, and his wife Mama Ocllo emerged from Lake Titicaca and walked towards Cusco. Their father, the Sun, told them to settle in the place where their golden staff would disappear after being staked into the ground. When they arrived to Huanacaure Mountain in Cusco, they pushed his golden staff into the ground, and after it disappeared, they knew they had to settle there and thus started the Inca Empire.  The Inca Empire lasted until 1534 A.C. when the Spaniard Francisco Pizarro founded the city of Cusco after defeating and assassinating Inca Atahualpa in Cajamarca (Northern Peru).

Throughout this period of time, the Incas developed the Tahuantisuyo (Four States) covering more than 2 million square kilometers which included territories of Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Colombia, Chile, and Argentina. The Inca Empire reached its maximum extension during the reign of Inca Pachacutec, Inca Tupac Yupanqui, and Inca Huayna Capac.

The Incas were able to control this vast territory because of the following reason

• A well linked Inca Trail system of about 40,000 kilometers (25,000 mi.)
• Along this Inca Trail system, the Inca Empire built several Tambos or road stations where travelers and the personal of the Empire were able to rest, feed, and find weapons to protect the Inca Empire if necessary.
• The Inca Empire had messengers or runners, known as Chasquis, who carried important messages. A Chasqui used to run 6 to 9 kilometers (3.7 to 5.6 mi) until the message was delivered to the next Chasqui. In a day, they were able to cover a total extension of 250 kilometers (160 mi.)
• A well designed social, religious, administrative, and political organization.

Cusco was the capital of the Empire and the most important city during the Inca Empire. Francisco Pizarro knew that he had to conquer Cusco in order to defeat the Empire of the Incas. After defeating Inca Atahualpa, Francisco Pizarro went to Cusco where he defeated Manco Inca and founded the colonial city of Cusco.

Nowadays, travelers coming to South America choose Cusco as one of their most important destinations. Cusco is a city where it is possible to find millenary customs, a rich history, great gastronomy, great adventures such as hiking through well preserved Inca Trails with beautiful landscapes, rafting with class II, III and IV Whitewater Rivers, amazing mountain biking routes, and Machu Picchu.