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The Inca Trail

The most famous hike in South America, the four-day Inca Trail is walked by thousands every year. Although the total distance is only about 24 miles (39km), the ancient trail laid by the Incas from the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu winds its way up and down and around the mountains, snaking over three high Andean passes en route, which have collectively led to the route being dubbed ‘the Inca Trail.’ The views of snowy mountain peaks, distant rivers and ranges, and cloud forests flush with orchids are stupendous – and walking from one cliff-hugging pre-Columbian ruin to the next is a mystical and unforgettable experience.

Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout The Inca Trail.

  • Ruins

    Wiñay Wayna

    An exquisite little Inca site along the Inca Trail; it's name is variously translated as ‘Forever Young,’ ‘To Plant the Earth Young’ and ‘Growing Young’ (as opposed to ‘growing old’).

  • Ruins

    Sayaqmarka

    The Inca Trail descends to the ruin of Sayaqmarka, a tightly constructed complex perched on a small mountain spur, which offers incredible views.

  • Archaeological Site

    Phuyupatamarka

    Towards the end of the Inca Trail, you'll reach the beautiful, well-restored ruin of Phuyupatamarka (Place Above the Clouds), about 3570m (11,712ft) above sea level, which contains a stunning series of ceremonial baths with water running through them. A ridge here also offers camping – while it's a fabulous spot to watch the sun set, it's also the place where keen trekkers leave at 3am in a race to reach the Sun Gate in time for sunrise.

  • Ruins

    Q'ente

    Translating to the Hummingbird, this little-visited site sits just along the Inca Trail. (If you start from Km 88, turn west after crossing the river to see it – it's about 1km away – then return east to Llactapata on the main trail.

  • Ruins

    Runkurakay

    Beyond Paq’amayo on the Inca Trail, at an altitude of about 3600m, the trail crosses the river over a small footbridge and climbs toward Runkurakay; at 3750m this round ruin has superb views. It’s about an hour’s walk.

  • Ruins

    Intipata

    A spectacular terraced ruin along the Inca Trail, best visited on the day you arrive to Wiñay Wayna : consider coordinating it with your guide if you are interested.

  • Ruins

    Inca Tunnel

    The Inca Trail leads across an Inca causeway and up a gentle climb through some beautiful cloud forest and this Inca tunnel carved from the rock.