The Inca Path Peru is the most popular path that connects Cusco with Machu Picchu. Therefore, if you are planning to stay in the Peruvian highlands for several days, do not miss the chance to travel this 43 kilometer historic path on foot.
However, for those looking for a shorter experience, the second option is the 2 day Inca Trail, which begins specifically at kilometer 104 of the railway. This route, also known as the Short Inca Trail, is one of the most requested machu picchu tours from cusco because of its accessibility. Just like the traditional version, this section can only be traveled under the supervision of an authorized travel agency.
The trip starts in the city of Cusco, from where you will travel by bus and train to kilometer 104, the starting point of the hike. From kilometer 104, in just one day of walking, you will reach the citadel of Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate. Below, we will detail the main technical data for your preparation, including the maximum elevation, the total distance of the route, the subtropical climate conditions, and the path through the archaeological sites that make this route a unique experience.
Elevation of Km 104 in the Inca Trail
The elevation of Km 104 on the Inca Trail is 2,200 masl / 7,218 feet. This point marks the official start of the Short Inca Trail Trek. From here, the path climbs gradually but steadily.
The highest point of this route is reached at Inti Punku (the Sun Gate), located at 2,720 masl / 8,924 feet. This means that during the trip, an elevation gain of about 520 meters is covered. It is important to note that, by staying always below 3,000 meters, this route is ideal for those looking to avoid the severe effects of altitude sickness that do occur on the Classic Inca Trail.
Route distance from Km 104
The total distance of the trip from kilometer 104 to the citadel of Machu Picchu is approximately 12 kilometers (7.5 miles). This journey is generally completed in a time of 6 to 7 hours, depending on the group's pace and photo stops at the archaeological sites.
It is important to emphasize that, due to regulations from the Ministry of Culture, you must walk the path with a professional and authorized tour guide. It is not allowed to do this hike independently, as the guide not only provides the historical explanation of the sites but is also responsible for your safety and for following the conservation rules within the Historical Sanctuary.
This trip is essential in the 2 day Inca Trail, as it connects the railway with the upper area of the citadel, offering a complete view of Inca engineering before the official guided visit.
Climate in the Km 104 sector
The climate in this area of the Peruvian highlands is mostly subtropical; that is, warm and humid.
- Temperatures: They range between 18°C and 25°C during the day.
- Humidity: Being a transition zone to the jungle, humidity is high, which helps lush vegetation grow but also increases the presence of mosquitoes. It is recommended to be prepared for sudden rain, even during the dry season (May to August).
How to get to Km 104 of the Inca Trail?
Very early 04:00 a.m. we go to the Ollantaytambo train station, to go to Km 104 of the Inca Trail, where we will start the trekking, we will go through a control. Remember that the train will not stop unless you request it and it will not stop for a long time, so you must be aware of the kilometer marking.
The train takes us to the starting point of the walk, called Km 104 of the Inca Trail on the railway. Right at the beginning of the trail, you will see many endemic exotic birds such as the Andean guan and the Gray-breasted Mountain Toucan, as well as various wild orchids and bromeliads along the way.
Versions of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Not all people have the days necessary to travel the Inca Trail (4 days and 3 nights). That is why there are 2 versions depending on the time you have:
- Classic Inca Trail: 4 days and 3 nights (43 kilometers of walking).
- Short Inca Trail: 2 days and 1 night (12 kilometer walk).
Also, you can get to Machu Picchu from Cusco, choosing the following routes of the Inca trail: Machu Picchu 3 day hike and 2 day Inca Trail with camping.
About the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu: The classic route
The 4 day Inca Trail is one of the most popular and iconic paths that connects Cusco with the sacred citadel. If you plan to stay in the Peruvian highlands for several days, do not miss the chance to travel this historic 43 kilometer path on foot.
Unlike the trips to Machu Picchu from Cusco that use the train, this four day journey allows you to discover incredible cloud forests, ancient villages, and original stone stairs. The challenge ends with the triumphant arrival at the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) to see the sacred city of the Incas in all its glory.
This trekking is considered one of the best adventure experiences in the world, combining high archaeological value with a biodiversity that changes greatly as you move through the different ecological levels of the Andes.
About the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
If you do not have enough time, to do the 4-day Inca Trail, the trail from Km 104 to Machu Picchu is a good option; it is a section of the Inca Trail that begins at Km 104 of the Cusco - Aguas Calientes railway line.
This is an uphill hike, make sure you have everything you need such as: repellent sunscreen, head protection, water, etc. In the route from Km 104 to Machu Picchu you will have to constantly climb grasslands for 3 hours until you reach Winayhuayna and another two hours of walking until you reach the entrance to Machu Picchu. Previously, it will have passed through archaeological sites with a wide variety of sources or baths, houses and deposits, we are talking about Chachabamba that had religious functions or probably guarded access to Machu Picchu.
After passing through Chachabamba, the path merges with the forest and after an additional climb, you reach a beautiful waterfall just before reaching Wiñayhuayna agricultural center. You have the option to visit the Inca City of Machu Picchu the next day or choose to enjoy the sunset over the Inti Punku and descend until you reach Aguas Calientes.
What do I need to do the Inca Trail?
To do the Inca Trail from the Km 104 you need to contract an excursion, since special permits are required and it cannot be done on your own. We recommend hiring the excursion several months in advance (not less than 5 months), because places are limited by the Peruvian government to 500 people per day.
Between April and October is when more tourists travel to Cusco and Machu Picchu. Keep this in mind when planning your trip and excursion to the Inca Trail.
When you hire the tour they will tell you what to bring and what the conditions are. Anyway, we can give you some recommendations:
- The excursion is not recommended for people with respiratory and cardiac problems, since you will be walking at 4,200 meters above sea level.
- You don't need special equipment, but you do need to carry a sleeping bag in your backpack; personal toiletries (also toilet paper); a small medicine cabinet that includes dizziness medicine and sunscreen; warm clothes for the night, light clothes and hat for the day; knife; insect repellent; towel; flashlight and batteries; candies, chocolates, dehydrated fruits, bottled water and purifying tablets. A walking stick can be of great help to you on steep slopes. Both the sleeping bag and the walking stick can be rented in Cusco.
- The rest of the equipment (tents, food, kitchen equipment, etc.) is provided by the organizers of the excursion.
Advice for Hiking the Inca Trail
- Book in Advance
The Classic Inca Trail is one of the best hiking routes in Peru, but it has a limited capacity for visitors. Only 500 spots are available per day, with 200 reserved for tourists and the rest for the support team (porters, guides, and cooks). For this reason, it is crucial to book at least 4 to 5 months in advance. Additionally, permits are issued on a first-come, first-served basis and tend to sell out quickly, especially during high-demand months like June, July, and August. - Select the Optimal Time to Hike the Inca Trail
The ideal time to hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is between April and October, which falls during the dry season. During these months, the weather is more pleasant, with fewer rains and sunny days, making for a smoother hike. However, if you are willing to face the rains, the wet season (from November to March) can also offer a unique and less crowded experience. Regardless of the season you choose, the Inca Trail is a great opportunity to connect with nature and culture.
Note: Keep in mind that the Inca Trail is not open year-round. The trail remains closed in February for maintenance work. - Opt for a Reliable Travel Agency
To hike to Machu Picchu, it is mandatory to go with a travel agency. However, there are numerous local and international agencies offering this route. We recommend researching authorized agencies to ensure a safe and reliable journey.
At Tierras Vivas, we are licensed to operate and take you on the famous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. We offer a wide variety of packages based on your interests and preferences. We also strictly adhere to porter regulations, ensuring we respect the weight limits and guarantee the necessary safety measures. - Acclimatize to the Altitude
Acclimatizing is crucial for a successful hike on the Inca Trail, as the route can reach altitudes of up to 4,200 meters (13,780 feet) above sea level through the Andes. We recommend arriving a few days early in the city to acclimate.
Some visitors may experience symptoms of altitude sickness (headache, dizziness, nausea, shortness of breath, etc.). If you notice any of these symptoms, inform your guide and take the necessary precautions during your visit. - Inca Trail Packing List
The key to this hike is to pack light, so avoid carrying too many things. Make sure to have comfortable trekking clothes and shoes, along with gloves, sunglasses, a raincoat, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun. These items are essential, as the weather on the Inca Trail can be unpredictable. - Get Physically Prepared
Depending on the route you choose (the Short Inca Trail or the Classic Inca Trail), the hike can be long. Therefore, it's preferable to be in good shape before starting the journey. We suggest going on walks before your trip and maintaining a balanced diet to improve your physical condition. This will help you enjoy the hike to the fullest and overcome the challenges of the trail. Staying hydrated is also essential, so remember to drink plenty of water and avoid dehydration. - The Inca Trail with or without Kids
As mentioned earlier, the Inca Trail requires good physical endurance and the ability to walk long distances on uneven terrain. If the children are very young or not used to hiking, they may struggle to complete the trail. However, there are alternatives that may be more suitable, such as visiting Machu Picchu by train and exploring other archaeological sites accessible to them. - Respect the Environment
It's important to be mindful of the impact we have on nature. We recommend following the established rules to preserve the surroundings. You can bring a bag to collect waste and dispose of it in designated areas. Also, avoid throwing trash or pollutants into the rivers, and consider using a reusable bottle that you can refill at designated points.
The Inca Trail passes through protected natural areas and local communities, so we ask you to be respectful of the environment, culture, and traditions that have endured since Inca times. By doing so, we ensure this journey remains a natural and cultural treasure for future generations.
The 3 best walks to Machu Picchu
If you love hiking and dream of reaching Machu Picchu by walking through Andean landscapes, cloud forests, and Inca ruins, Peru offers you several versions of the Inca trail. Each one mixes adventure, culture, and nature, fitting different levels of effort and time you have. Among the best routes to reach the Inca city are:
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Inca Traill Tours to Machu Picchu
Many are the routes that take you to Machu Picchu, but none is like the Inca Trail Tours, the most famous pedestrian path in the Americas. After flying from the capital of Perú, Lima, you will arrive in Cusco to walk for four days along a path through forests and dense fog, millenary stone steps and discovering the ruins of ancient fortifications and Inca cities, and all the time enjoying majestic views.
- Salkantay Trek
- Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 5 days
- Inca Quarry Trail
- 2 Day Inca Trail Tour
- 2 Day Inca Trail with Camping
- 3 Day Inca Trail
- Vilcabamba Hike to Machu Picchu 6 days
- Choquequirao trek to Machu Picchu 9 days
- Ausangate trek 7 days
If you want to visit Machu Picchu, we recommend you to book your Machu Picchu Ticket in advance, so you will enjoy your Vacation in Machu Picchu without any problem.
When is the best time to hike to Machu Picchu?
The best season is during the dry season, which covers the months April to the end of September. In October the rains begin and you can find Machu Picchu covered by clouds. If you travel in June, we recommend you to book the Inti Raymi 2026 Tour that takes place in June 24th, and also hike the Palcoyo Mountain Tour, which is an incredible Rainbow Mountain located in the Andes.
