The Inca Trail is more than a hike, it’s closer to a pilgrimage – in fact that’s how the 42 epic kilometers were approached by the Inca 500 years ago. The multiday trek to Machu Picchu discovers hidden ruins, roadless communities, cloud forests and stargazing in splendid semi-isolation as perhaps the most iconic hike in the world. Set off with a caravan of porters and muleteers, book your guide well ahead and follow in the footsteps of Pachacuti.
1 Llactapata
On day one of the full Inca Trail, alight at km 82 with your passport and ticket ready. Gently hike for five hours through bucolic valleys, hidden hamlets and forgotten ruins as the Andes melds into ecotone. Ramble around the sinuous terracing of Llactapata before heading for the grounds of a local community. Camping in the jungled garden of a family, buy snacks and savor your last hot shower, cocktail or even massage before reaching Aguas Calientes and tackling the most challenging day of the Inca Trail.
The hike: On day two, rise for the Dead Woman’s Pass: a steep 12km, uphill hike to over 4100m. After descending to the valley floor, begin a steeper – albeit shorter – hike again.
2 Runkuraqay
Climb to the peculiarly perfect semi-spherical ruins of the former tambo (resting place for messengers) of Runkuraqay, which sits on a mountain ledge with sensational views across the cloud forested panorama of the Andes.
The hike: Continuing on a steep descent you’ll pass streams and glimpse your first views of the magnificent, snow-capped Salkantay Mountain. Look down if you dare!
3 Sayakmarka
Enjoy a packed lunch at the mountainside fortress of Sayakmarka, presiding majestically over the valley and Río Urubamba below. Explore the stone baths and monolithic carved rock of this sprawling site.
The hike: Continue descending on an Indiana Jones–style path passing through caves and cloud forest until reaching your Inca Trail basecamp. You’ve hiked over 20km today! Now sleep…
4 Phuyupatamarka
In the morning on day 3, explore the adjoining Phuyupatamarka ruins and their qolqa shells and terracing. This was said to be a resting place for the inca on his journey to Machu Picchu. For those just joining for the Inca Trail Express day hike, alight from the train at km 104. Passing the shells of Chachabamba, wind gently up the mountainside for three hours, culminating in a more challenging two-hour ascent, stopping to refresh at a waterfall en route.
The hike: Descend the arrow-shaped terraces through cloud forest to reach a towering stone staircase and continue the three-hour hike immersed in epic panoramic beauty.
5 Winay Wayna
The spectacle before the spectacular, the penultimate highlight for full Inca Trail trekkers – who join up with Express hikers after their five-hour walk from km 102 the same morning – is Winay Wayna, the awe-inspiring terraced Inca complex hugging the mountainside that’s second only to Machu Picchu for intactness.
The hike: Present your documents a final time to begin your ascent for the last 1½-stretch. Climb a vertiginous stone staircase.
6 Intipunku
At the summit step through the Intipunku as the Incas arrived and marvel at your first views over the majesty of Machu Picchu below. Tonight, you can rest, because tomorrow you’ll explore the citadel.
