Hiking on the Best Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is one of the most iconic Inca sites in Peru and South America. Since July 2007, this place has been declared as one of the New Seven Wonders, and thousands of people visit it every year. However, the best way to get there is hiking the Classic Inca Trail in four days; this is considered one of the best hiking tours in the world, according to the National Geographic Magazine and many other travel magazines. In the next post, let’s discover why it is considered the best route to get to Machu Picchu.
What is the Classic Inca Trail?
The Classic Inca Trail is one of the most famous ways to get to Machu Picchu. Nowadays, there exist many hiking and adventure tours to this iconic lost city of the Incas; however, not all these get directly to Machu Picchu. The Classic Inca Trail is the only one that arrives through the Inti Punku (Sun Gate) after hiking four days in the mountains. This iconic Inca Trail takes you to explore some of the most fascinating landscapes, discovering the rich history, culture, and traditions that the Incas hid along this path. This is the only trail that preserves different ecosystems, beautiful archaeological sites, and customs of how the Incas transported their products from Cusco to Machu Picchu.
Where is the Inca Trail located?
The Incas expanded around the west part of South America and covered the part of Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Argentina, and Chile. They built a different network of Inca trails to connect a vast number of Inca sites in the territory. The region of Cusco in Peru was the capital of this Inca kingdom, and the Peruvian government has sectioned 42 kilometers of the thousands of kilometers of Inca trail that exist in Peru; these 42 kilometers lead travelers towards the iconic Machu Picchu through different landscapes. The famous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu begins in the Sacred Valley and ends at Machu Picchu after several days of hiking.
How long is the hike along the Inca Trail?
This will depend on the program and itinerary that the travel companies offer. Nowadays there are different multi-day treks from 2 days to 5 days, perfect for everyone who wants to experience hiking this famous trek in the world. The Classic Inca Trail is without a doubt everyone’s favorite due to the complete itinerary that has.
| Route | Duration |
|---|---|
| Extended Inca Trail | Five Days / Four Nights (42km /26 miles) |
| Classic Inca Trail | Four Days / Three Nights (42 km / 26 miles) |
| Short Inca Trail | Two Days / One Night (12 km / 7,4 miles) |
When is the best time to hike the Inca Trail?
The best time to hike the Classic Inca Trail in its different versions is May to September (dry season, clear skies, cooler temperatures). In February, the Inca Trail is closed for maintenance and the heavy rain season.
What is the altitude on the Inca Trail?
The highest point that the trail reaches during the four days is 4,215 meters (13,828 feet) at Dead Woman’s Pass on the second day of hiking the Classic Inca Trail.
Is the Inca Trail difficult?
Yes, the Inca Trail Trek is considered moderately challenging due to the high altitude, steep ascents/descents, and uneven terrain. The approximate daily hiking distance is 6 to 16 kilometers (4-10 miles).
Daily Inca Trail Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Km 82 – Wayllabamba
- Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles)
- Elevation: 2,700 m (8,860 ft) → 3,000 m (9,840 ft)
Highlights:
- The trek starts at Km 82, near Ollantaytambo.
- Hike along the Urubamba River, passing small villages and views of snow-capped peaks.
- Visit the archaeological site of Llactapata, an ancient agricultural center.
- Overnight camping at Wayllabamba, a peaceful spot surrounded by mountains.
Day 2: Wayllabamba – Dead Woman’s Pass – Pacaymayo
- Distance: 9 km (5.5 miles)
- Elevation: 3,000 m (9,840 ft) → 4,215 m (13,828 ft) → 3,600 m (11,810 ft)
Highlights:
- The most challenging day! Climb to Dead Woman’s Pass (Warmiwañusca), the highest point on the trail at 4,215 m.
- Incredible panoramic views at the summit
- Descend into the Pacaymayo Valley, where you’ll camp for the night.
Day 3: Pacaymayo – Phuyupatamarca – Wiñay Wayna
- Distance: 16 km (10 miles)
- Elevation: 3,600 m (11,810 ft) → 3,650 m (11,975 ft) → 2,650 m (8,692 ft)
Highlights:
- Explore archaeological sites like Runkurakay (a circular ruin) and Sayacmarca (“Inaccessible Town”).
- Walk through cloud forests and past cascading waterfalls.
- Visit Phuyupatamarca (“Town in the Clouds”) for breathtaking views of the Urubamba Valley.
- Descend to Wiñay Wayna, a beautiful terraced site near the final campsite.
Day 4: Wiñay Wayna – Sun Gate – Machu Picchu – Cusco
- Distance: 5 km (3.1 miles)
- Elevation: 2,650 m (8,692 ft) → 2,400 m (7,874 ft)
Highlights:
- Have the first glimpse of Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate.
- Spend the morning exploring Machu Picchu with a guided tour.
- Enjoy the train journey to Ollantaytambo.
Best Packing List for Inca Trail
Hiking on the Classic Inca Trail is one of the best experiences of a lifetime; however, the most important thing is to know what you should pack for this adventure. Here we will provide the best advice about what to pack for your authentic experience.
Essentials
- Valid passport (must match your trail permit)
- Daypack (20–30 liters with a rain cover)
- Duffel bag (provided by most trekking companies for porter use)
Clothing
Layering is key due to changing weather
- Hiking boots(well broken-in)
- Lightweight shoes/sandals (for campsites)
- 2–3 hiking pants
- 2–3 moisture-wicking T-shirts
- 1 long-sleeve shirt (sun/bug protection)
- 1 fleece or down jacket
- 1 lightweight waterproof jacket & pants
- Thermal base layers (especially for night)
- Hat (for sun)
- Wool/fleece hat(for cold nights)
- Gloves
- Underwear & socks (4–5 pairs of wool or synthetic)
- Sleepwear
Sleeping Gear
- Sleeping bag (rated to -5°C / 23°F)
- Sleeping pad(often provided)
- Travel pillow (optional)
Toiletries & Personal Items
- Toilet paper (essential!)
- Wet wipes
- Small quick-dry towel
- Toothbrush & toothpaste
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm with SPF
- Hand sanitizer
- Bug spray with DEET
- Menstrual products
- Basic first aid kit (plasters, ibuprofen, blister pads, etc.)
- Personal medications
Snacks & Hydration
- Reusable water bottles or hydration bladder (2–3L total)
- Water purification tablets or filter
- High-energy snacks (nuts, bars, dried fruit, chocolate)
Other Gear
- Headlamp (with extra batteries)
- Trekking poles (required for many, must have rubber tips)
- Sunglasses
- Camera or phone with charger
- Power bank
- Plastic bags/dry sacks (for organization and waterproofing)
- Cash (small bills for tips & souvenirs)
Footsteps Through Time: Conquering the Inca Trail
Hiking the Inca Trail is far more than just a trek—it’s a journey through time, nature, and personal endurance. From breathtaking mountain vistas to ancient ruins hidden in the clouds, every step brings a deeper connection to the rich legacy of the Inca civilization and the incredible beauty of the Andes. Reaching Machu Picchu at sunrise is not just a reward—it’s a moment of awe, reflection, and accomplishment that stays with you long after the trail ends
