Inca Trail to Machupicchu

The  Inca Trail is the most beautiful hike to machupicchu and this name is called in Quechua “the Inka Language” Qhapaq Ñan. The one of the top 10 trekking routes in South America and the number 1 in Peru. It served as a communication system for the Incas, allowing runners to travel from one place to another across the vast Inca Empire, which extended from southern Colombia to northern Argentina. There are different Inca trails to hike to Machupicchu like the classic Inca trail, The short Inca trail and the Long Inca trail, this hike is the most famous one, taking you hiking from the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu, which is one of the Seven Wonders of the World, through beautiful landscapes and various Inca archaeological sites.

Our departure dates for the Inca Trail range from March to January. Our recommended period being April to October due to the rainy season. The Inca Trail has a strict limit on the number of people alowed (500), with three hundred of them are the guides, porters and chefs. Therefore we will recommend booking your trip as early as possible, ideally around 6 months in advance.

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Why is the Inca Trail so Popular?

Completing the Inca trail to Machu Picchu hike has become one of the most covered adventures in the world, and many travellers have it at the top of their bucket list. So, why do Inca Trail hiking tours trump other fabulous treks? The stunning views and ruins have something to do with it, but it’s also about completing the challenge and enjoying the kudos back home. The Inca Trail distance is sufficiently long to be able to brag about, yet short enough for it to be achievable by most people.

So, what’s not to love?

Did you Know?

  • You can get a t-shirt and certificate if you completed your Inca Trail hike to Machupicchu.
  • Some people believe that explorer Hiram Bingham, who ventured along the Inca Trails to Machu Picchu all those years ago, inspired the character Indiana Jones.
  • The Inca Trail hike length is four days, but you can opt for shorter or longer versions if you prefer.
  • If you’re into running and feel invincible you can take part in the Inca Trail marathon which is one of the toughest in the world.
  • At 4,215m (13,828 ft) the ominously named Dead Woman’s Pass is the Inca Trail highest point, which is almost 1,800m (5,905 ft) taller than Machu Picchu!

You can choose which version is right for You!

Short Inca Trail

Imperial Inca Trail 5d/4n

Private Inca Trail

star ratingAmazing Experience  - I had the most amazing experience doing the Inca Trail with Peru Treks, alongside friends and family. Our guide, Juan Carlos, was fantastic—knowledgeable, fun, and supportive throughout. Huge thanks to... read more

avatar thumb Gustavo G
01/05/2025

star ratingGreat 5th year anniversary experience - My wife and I booked this trip for our 5th anniversary. We had a fantastic experience with Peru Treks, our porters, and our guide Juan Carlos. The trail had amazing... read more

avatar thumb Adam L
05/06/2025

star ratingInca trail trek  - Our whole experience was flawless with Peru treks. It was very nice to have them work with us before we went and answer every question we had. Our guide was... read more

avatar thumb Graham G
29/05/2025

Inca Trail 2 days and sweet route to Machupicchu

Do you dream to get into Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate walking but are short on time and / or worried about your fitness levels?

The Inca Trail 2d/1n is for you!

Spend one-day hiking and appreciating the Andean wilderness. Visit some inca sites along the route and arrive at Machu Picchu in the style of Incan royalty.

In this article, we will take a look at the selling points and typical itinerary of the short 1-2 day Inca Trail.

2 Day Inca Trail – Everything You Need To Know To Get To Machu Picchu Hiking

The 2-day Inca trail starts at KM104 located on the rail way to Aguas calientes or Machupicchu town at an altitude of 2,200m / 7,218 ft. From there, trekkers follow a one-day route via wiñayhuayna (2,650m / 8,694 ft) to Machu Picchu (2,430m / 7,972 ft). Most tours include a ticket and guided tour of Machu Picchu for the second day of the trek.

Before to start your hike of the short Inca trail you must take a bus from Cusco city (if your hotel is located in Cusco city) to Ollantaytambo for 2hours approximately the by train till the begining of the Inca trail called Km 104 or Chachabamba. From there you will start your hike to Machupicchu for 6 to 7 hours.

In total, you will be hiking 6,21 miles / 10 kilometres, all on the first day. For this reason, the route is sometimes called a one-day Inca Trail.

Acclimatization is less of an issue on this Short Inca Trail as the highest altitude reached is just under 2,700m at Wiñay Huayna (the summit on the route). This is well below the altitude you would have acclimatized to in Cusco, which is situated at 3,399m / 11,151 ft.

What You Need To Know Before Booking The 2-Day Inca Trail

As you know the Classic Trail 4d/3n you need to book in advance, the 2 Day Inca Trail is regulated as well. You will need to book with Peru treks company to secure your spots in advance because the entrance tickets for this hike are limited too.

In the past, hikers could split this one-day trek into 2 days. A basic hostel was situated at Winay Wayna which provided an option to stay over. Sadly, due to very poor upkeep and a ton of complaints, the hostel was closed at the end of 2014.

If you have very limited time, it is possible to complete the hike and visit Machu Picchu on the same day. You can also add-on a hike up Waynapicchu mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain for the next day.