Inca Trail Peru

Inca Trail: Exploring the Ancient Path of the Andes

The Inca Trail is a testament to the engineering prowess of the Incas, who constructed it within the of the Tahuantinsuyo, their vast empire. 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 another Inca citadels. 

Enjoyed the Inca Trail Peru, you follow in the footsteps adventurous and explorers, traversing rugged terrain and breathtaking landscapes. Along the way, discover of temples, terraces, and sacred sites that whisper tales of a bygone era.

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

The finished of your expedition is mystery Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, the fabled “Lost City of the Incas.” Machu Picchu an awe-inspiring architectural masterpiece against a backdrop of majestic peaks. Its purpose, shrouded in enigma, fuels endless contemplation and wonder.

The Inca Trail Peru is a hiking 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. 

Inca Trail in Peru: The most important network of Inca roads

The Qhapaq Ñan or Inca Trail is a network of roads spanning over 60,000 kilometers in length, connecting various distant territories that were under the dominion of the Tahuantinsuyo, which today correspond to Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina.

Moreover, through mountain paths, highlands, and plateaus, the Qhapaq Ñan represented the symbolic presence of authority and power of the Tahuantinsuyo. This was because its use was restricted exclusively to members of the empire. Consequently, there was significant control over traffic on the routes, thanks to surveillance posts distributed along the roads and visually connected to one another.

Another essential characteristic of these roads is that they sought to connect localities with the shortest distance possible between one point and another, without forgetting the proximity of water sources and inclinations that allowed the Incas to move with minimal effort. This was because one of the purposes of the roads was to transport goods such as food, hides, and necessary items for Inca activities in different territories. For this task, llamas were used, typical animals of the region capable of carrying between 30 and 40 kilograms of cargo.

It is important to mention that part of the Qhapaq Ñan was built by pre-Inca civilizations such as the Chimús, Moches, Tiahuanacos, and Waris. However, it was the Incas who completed and perfected this road system as a means of connecting localities and simultaneously as a defense system for the Tahuantinsuyo.

Inca Trail in Peru Itinerary

The Inca 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 Inca 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 to Machu Picchu permits, it is very important to take your original passport for the Inca Trail

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 Inca Trail to Machu Picchu:

• Five tips before hiking the Inca Trail
• Tips for Machu Picchu
• Inca Trail permits 2025

Inca Trail Weather

How to book the Inca Trail

The following client information is requested for any Inca 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 Inca Trail Cusco and will be included in the official permit to enter the Inca Trail on 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 Tierras Vivas 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. Tierras Vivas 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 Inca Trail routes in February. Please contact us to check departures to Alternative Routes to Inka Trail . All Inca Trail departures are subject to government space availability, please check the following website: Inka Trail Available

Inca Trail permit availability

Since only 500 trek permits are issued per day for the Inca 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 Inca trail?

Tourist low season and rainy season:

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

Tourist high season and dry season:

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

Tourist high season and rainy season:

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

Tierras Vivas 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 Inca 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.

Inca Trail Closed

The Inca 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.

Inca 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 Inca Trail which does not allow this add-on. When you do the Inca 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 Inca Trail.

Huayna Picchu Mountain + Circuit 3 Ticket 

• Huayna Picchu + Circuit 3 - Group 1

• 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 3 - Group 2

• 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 3 - 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. 

Inca Trail FAQ´s

• Can I obtain my own Inca Trail permit?

Only tour operators and  authorized agencies can get this permit

• How can I book my Inca 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 Tierras Vivas have worked as an authorized Inca trail agency?

Tierras Vivas agency has 12 years of experience in the inca trail. Our Inca 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 or Inca Trail

Inca Trail Map & Itinerary