The Inca Trail in Perú is considered the best trek in South America. It is a 43-kilometer route along ancient Inca trails to Machu Picchu. The duration of the Inca Trail in Perú is 4 days and 3 nights. Tourists have the opportunity to appreciate the scenic beauty with Inca archeological sites including the Wonder of the World.
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
The Inca Trail in Perú was revealed to the world in 1915 when it was excavated in the Inca City. Three decades later, the route was traced by the Viking expedition in 1942. Today, thousands of visitors decide to travel the 43 kilometers to the ‘Puerta del Sol’ in Machu Picchu.
However, Machu Picchu is not the only archaeological site that you will see on the Inca Trail in Perú. On the tour you will also appreciate the ruins of Llactapata, the archaeological site of Runkurakay, Saycamarca, Phuyupatamarca and Wiñaywayna.
Versions of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Not all people have the necessary days to travel the Inca Trail in Perú (4 days and 3 nights). That is why there are 4 versions depending on the time available:
Classic Inca Trail: 4 days and 3 nights (43 kilometers of walking).
Machu Picchu 3 Day Hike: 3 days and 2 nights (43 kilometers of walking).
2 day Inca Trail hike: 2 days and 1 night (12 kilometers of walking).
Inca Trail Salkantay Trek: 7 days and 6 nights
Here you can check the difference between Inca Trail 2 Day vs 4 Day
Factors that condition the route of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Weather, there are two options of Inca Trail in Perú towards Machu Picchu; Short Inca Trail 2 days /
1 night or Classic Inca Trail 4 days / 3 nights. You need to plan your trip several months in advance; We recommend you secure your space in advance of 6 months.
Price is relative to the provision of services of the chosen route.
Limited Access, many people choose to make this Inca route, which makes it difficult to get an available space, since the availability of spaces offered is minimum 500 spaces per day (Including support staff, porters, cooks, guides, etc.). However, there are other alternative routes to the Traditional Inca Trail.
About the Inca Trail permits
Due to the high demand for tickets, you must get the entrance tickets to the Inca Trail Tours 2022 well in advance (6 months). The purchase is made only online through the website of an authorized tourism agency.
In total 500 people enter the Inca Trail trails every day. Of them, only 200 are tourists. The rest is support staff such as cooks, porters, guides. The ticket to enter the Inca Trail includes support staff.
Check here How far in advance to book Machu Picchu.
When is the best time to travel the Inca Trail?
From May to September (dry season) is the ideal time to travel the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. These months are usually generally good for the crossing due to the low rainfall frequency.
In the months of November to March, summer (rainy season) is presented. This season is usually very rainy, which makes walking and access difficult. You will not even be able to travel the Inca Trail in February due to rainfall and maintenance work.
The best trails to connect to the Inca Trail
Did not find availability to do the Inca Trail?
The only way to enter the Wonder of the World is by train through the Sacred Valley of the Incas or by the alternative route from Santa María to Machu Picchu. Machu Picchu tickets must also be booked in advance.