About

• Features

  Walk the road of the Inca empire to Machu Picchu, a World Heritage Site famous for its mysterious City in the Sky. The road extends from Quito, the current capital of Ecuador, in the north to Santiago, the capital of Chile, in the south, spanning a total length of about 40,000 km. Only a part of the road has been developed as a trekking route, attracting trekkers from all over the world. The 42-km trail leading to Machu Picchu is protected as the most sacred pilgrimage route and is one of the most popular.

• History

  The Inca Trail served as the blood vessel for maintaining and managing the Inca empire. The trail was an indispensable infrastructure for the movement and logistics of troops, and was spread out like a net across the huge empire. Since all roads were connected to Cusco, the heart of the Inca empire, people used these roads to transport documents from districts thousands of kilometers away to the capital.

• Nature

  Surrounded by tropical montane forest on the eastern side of the Andes Mountains, the ruins are located at an altitude of 2,430 meters. The trail traverses a variety of climatic zones and landscapes, from the countryside of the Andes Mountains to the highland prairies and the mist forests of the Amazon. The Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail are managed by Peru's National Institute of Natural Resources, which closes the trails completely each February for the rainy season.

• This road to Machu Picchu is a testament to the prosperity of the Inca empire. Although the total distance is only 42 km, it is an epic journey that transcends the passage of time of hundreds of years. The Inca Trail is part of the transportation network that was developed as an integral part of the empire's infrastructure. It is a network of trails that stretch across the empire's vast landmass to provide safe passage through the empire's diverse terrain and allow for the rapid movement of troops. At the center of all roads was the capital, Cusco. With the capital as the heart, this transportation network was the blood vessel of the empire. The Inca Trail is called the most popular trail in the world because it is a pilgrimage route connected to the Machu Picchu ruins, the core of the Inca civilization. The trail is said to be 40,000 km long, stretching across the South American continent. This road is the only section of the Inca Trail that has been preserved. Its archaeological value makes it one of the world’s most unique trails. Visitors will experience a variety of climatic zones and landscapes, from the countryside of the Andes Mountains to the highland prairie zone and the mist forests of the Amazon. Trekkers can also pass through huge archaeological sites that are not accessible to the average tourist. The itinerary is to leave Cusco, 3,350 meters above sea level, on the first day and head for Machu Picchu from the starting point "km 82" (2,700 meters above sea level) at the city outskirts. On the second day, trekkers cross the highest pass, the Warmiwanusqa Pass (also known as “Dead Woman’s Pass”; elevation 4,200 m). Those not acclimatized to the altitude may experience headaches, nausea, and heaviness in the legs. The peak is about 1,200 meters uphill and 700 meters downhill. On the third day, trekkers can pass through the ruins of the Inca period. The hike then continues across two mountain passes, descending 1,000 meters of stone steps at a stretch, a 12-km journey. Finally, the fourth day, participants reach Machu Picchu. The gate on the road leading to the ruins opens at 6:00 am. From there, it takes about an hour to reach the Gateway of the Sun (Intipunku). Trekkers can look down on the ruins of Machu Picchu illuminated by the morning sun. This sight is a gift that only those who have walked the Inca Trail for four days can see. Because of the journey made, the excitement of this moment cannot be compared to that of a sightseeing day trip. Note: Check local websites for the latest updates.