The Inca Trail

The old Inca roadway to Machu Picchu

Introduction

The Inca Trail is a walking route that leads through the mountains above the valley of the Urubamba river. For much of its length, the Trail follows an actual road built by the people of the Inca Empire, passing the ruins of various Inca fortresses and religious sites and ending at the sacred Inca city of Machu Picchu.

This 'virtual' Inca Trail contains text and photographs describing the most commonly-walked section of the Trail, sometimes called the Classic Inca Trail. This route starts near the Km.88 stop on the Cuzco-Machu Picchu rail line and continues from there to Machu Picchu.

Sections

It takes anywhere from 2 to 6 days to walk the length of the Trail. This guide is divided into four sections, corresponding to a short first day, two full days of walking, and then a short day's walk ending at Machu Picchu.

From Km.88 to the first campsite

Over the Abra de Warmiwañusqa

Runkurakay, Sayacmarca and Phuyupatamarca

Huinay Huayna to Machu Picchu