Inca Trail Peru

Inka Trail History

The Inka Trail, a centuries-old testament to human ingenuity, beckons adventurers to unravel the mysteries of an ancient civilization. Winding through the Peruvian Andes, this historic pathway once served as a vital route for the Inca Empire, connecting their capital city of Cusco to the revered citadel of Machu Picchu.

As you embark on the Inka Trail Peru, you follow in the footsteps of emperors and explorers, traversing rugged terrain and breathtaking landscapes. Along the way, time seems to blur, revealing remnants of temples, terraces, and sacred sites that whisper tales of a bygone era.

The journey is a symphony of history and nature, where each step brings you closer to the heart of an extraordinary civilization. Experience the ascent to Dead Woman’s Pass, a test of endurance and spirit, and marvel at the intricate stonework of Wiñay Wayna, an Incan marvel nestled amidst the cloud forest.

The crescendo of your expedition is Machu Picchu, the fabled “Lost City of the Incas.” As dawn paints the sky, the ancient citadel emerges from mist, an awe-inspiring architectural masterpiece against a backdrop of majestic peaks. Its purpose, shrouded in enigma, fuels endless contemplation and wonder.

The Inka Trail Peru is a pilgrimage of discovery, a passage that transcends time, connecting past and present. It’s a celebration of human achievement, a tribute to a civilization that left an indelible mark on the world. Join us on this extraordinary voyage, where history comes alive, and the echoes of the past resonate with every step.

Inka Trail Itinerary

The Inka Trail begins either at Km 82 – Piscacucho, that its the Inka Trail 4 days 3 nights or at km 88 – Qorihuayrachina (at 2600m) and the Inka Trail 2 days is starting on the Km 104 or Chachambamba.

In order to reach km 82 hikers are transported by their TOUR OPERATOR in a minibus on the road that goes to Quillabamba. From Piri onward, the road follows the riverbank and ends at km 82, where a bridge is placed. First, the “SERNARP” and “Ministerio de Cultura” will check you personal details and they will compare your full name, passport number and nationality with your Inka Trail permits, it is very important to take your original passport for the Inka Trail Peru.

The first point of the trek is Huayllabamba, following the Cusichaca river, is about 3 hrs and isn’t too arduous. Beyond Huayllabamba, a popular camping sport for tour groups, there is a camping places about an hour ahead, at Llulluchayoc (3200m). A punishing 1 1/2 hr climb further is Llulluchapampa, an ideal meadow for camping. If you have the energy to reach this point, it will make the second day easier because the next stage, the ascent to the first pass, Warmiwañuska (Dead Women’s pass) at 4200 m, is utterly exhausting 2 1/2 hrs.

Afterwards take the steep path downhill to the Pacaymayo valley, beware of sleeping on the rainy Inca steps. You could camp by a stream at the bottom (1 1/2 hrs from the first pass). It is no longer permitted to camp at Runkuracay, on the way up to the to the second pass (a much easier climb 3850 m). Magnificent views near the summit in clear weather. A good overnight place is about 30 mins past the Inca ruins at Sayacmarca (3500 m), about an hour on after the top of the second pass.

Then, a gentle 2 hr climb on a fine stone highway leads through an Inca tunnel to the third pass. Near the top there’s a spectacular view of the entire Vilcabamba range. You descend to Inca ruins at Phuyupatamarca (3650 m), well worth a long visit, even camping overnight. There is a ‘Tourist bathroom’ here, where water can be collected (but purify it before drinking). From there, steps go downhill to the impressive ruins of Wiñay Wayna (2700 m) with views of the recently cleared terraces of Intipata. Access is possible, but the trail is not easily visible. There is a small campsite.

The path from this point goes more or less level through jungle until the steep staircase up to the Intipunku (2 hrs), where there’s a magnificent view of Machu Picchu, especially at dawn, with the sun alternately in and out, clouds sometimes obscuring the ruins, sometimes leaving them clear.

Tips and information for Inka Trail to Machu Picchu:

• Five tips before hiking the Inca Trail
• Tips for Machu Picchu
• Inca Trail permits 2023

Inka Trail Weather

How to book the Inka Trail Peru

The following client information is requested for any Inka Trail booking:

• Complete names and surnames
• Nationality,
• Passport number,
• Date of Birth
• Gender.

The exact information provided by you will be submitted to the governmental institution in charge of regulating the access to the Inka Trail Cusco and will be included in the official permit to enter the Inka Trailon the requested date. Should there be any change in the above-mentioned data (ie. New passport number), we kindly request you to inform the department booking at Peru Adventure Trek  Tour Operator via email as soon as possible.

The government reserves the right not to allow the entry to any visitor whose data are not the exact ones as those in the official permit. Peru Adventure Trek – Tour Operator excludes any responsibility for a no entry in case the passenger information has changed without prior notice to us.

Daily departures for Classic Inca Trail are available along the year. Exception: one-month closing period of all Inka Trail routes in February. Please contact us to check departures to Alternative Routes to Inca Trail . All Inca Trail departures are subject to government space availability, please check the following website: Inca Trail Available

Inka Trail Permit Availability

Since only 500 trek permits are issued per day for the Inka Trail Best Tours Peru (trek permits are also required for the porters and cooks) it is important to try to make a reservation as far ahead as possible. There is no clear rule as to how far ahead be enough to guarantee you a space since this depends on demand.

When to book the Inka trail?

Tourist low season and rainy season:

• December: 7 months in advance
• January: 7 months in advance
• February: Closes for Maintance
• March: 7 months in advance
•  April:6 months in advance

Tourist high season and dry season:

• Inka Trail in May:10 months in advance
• Inka Trail in June:10 months in advance
• Inka Trail in July:10 months in advance

Tourist high season and rainy season:

• August: 6 months in advance
• September:6 months in advance
• Inka Trail in October:6 months in advance
• November:6 months in advance

Peru Adventure Trek – Tour Operator will guarantee the spaces booked provided:

The booking has been first confirmed by our department booking by e-mail, this meaning that spaces are available for the Inka Trail for the requested information at the moment of the booking. The full passenger data have been provided and the required deposit has been paid for.

Inka Trail Closed

The Inka Trail will be closed each February for conservation projects and to give the vegetation projects and to give the vegetation a chance to recover. It is also the wettest month of the year. However, other treks remain open.

Inka Trail & Huayna Picchu Mountain

This is a new rule from the government; Inca Trail and Huayna Picchu Mountain are only available for purchase with the general Huayna Picchu Tickets + Circuit 4 entry ticket and there is a special entry ticket for the Inka Trail which does not allow this add-on. When you do the Inka Trail you are among the only people who enter Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate (rather than the general public entrance) and you receive a special Machu Picchu tour from there. If you want to purchase a Huayna Picchu ticket you will need to buy a new entry ticket for Machu Picchu as well (total USD $85 per person) – note that depending on the speed of your group you may actually have to sacrifice part of your Machu Picchu tour in order to climb Huayna Picchu in the second group. Ask us if you really want to climb Huayna Picchu – otherwise we do not recommend it for the Inka Trail.

Huayna Picchu Mountain + Circuit 4 Schedules

Huayna Picchu + Circuit 4 – Group 1

• The first group allows you to enter the circuit 4 at 7 a.m.
• The entrance to the Huayna Picchu mountain at 8 a.m.

Huayna Picchu + Circuit 4 – Group 2

• The second group allows you to enter Machu Picchu from 8 a.m.
• The entrance to the Huayna Picchu mountain is between 9 a.m.

Huayna Picchu + Circuit 4 – Group 3

• The third group allows you to enter Machu Picchu from 9 a.m.
• The entrance to Huayna Picchu is between 10 a.m.

Huayna Picchu + Circuit 4 – Group 3

• The third group allows you to enter Machu Picchu from 10 a.m.
• The entrance to Huayna Picchu is between 11 a.m.

Inka Trail FAQ´s

• Can I obtain my own Inka Trail permit?

Only tour operators and  authorized agencies can get this permit

• How can I book my Inka trail permit?

These permits are booked within 8 months prior to the trip for the following months May – October. Between November and April you can book within 2 months of anticipation.

IMPORTANT: Inca Trail is closed in February

• How long does Peru Adventure Trek have worked as an authorized Inca trail agency?

Peru Adventure Trek agency has 12 years of experience in the inca trail. Our Inka Trail Tours packages are thought for your conveniece and safety.

• Why is an Inka Trail permit needed?

Years before Inca trail was not regulated by any government agency and anybody could go. The problem was that the ruins were being deteriorated by this situation.

Since 2002, Regulations for Inca Trail were introduced and in this way there is control in this area because only authorized people can do the trek.

Inka Trail Map & Itinerary