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.