INCA TRIAL TO MACHU PICCHU
The Best Trekking Route in South America
Altitude
13,858 ft
Dry Season
60ºF – 68ºF
Rainy Season
40ºF – 50ºF
The Inca Trail is a small section of what was the Qhapaq Ñan. The trail is 24 miles long that leads the more adventurous visitors to the citadel of Machu Picchu. Trekkers will be able to visit a number of archaeological sites along the way.
What to see on the Inca Trail?
Where to begin on the Inca Trail?
Discover the route of the Inca Trail until you reach the Machu Picchu Citadel:
- Long Route: at Km 82 on the railway line to Machu Picchu. The hike from here can take 4 days or more.
- Short Route: at Km 104 on the railway line to Machu Picchu. Check the train schedules for the trains that stop at this point to disembark and begin your trek. The hike from here can take 1 days or more.
Map of the Inca Trail Short Route to Machu Picchu:
Train Services to Camino Inca
With these train services you can start your walk from kilometre 104:
Timetable
| SERVICE | TRAIN | DEPARTURE STATION | DEPARTURE TIME | ARRIVAL STATION | ARRIVAL TIME |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
PeruRail Expedition |
71 |
Ollantaytambo |
05:05 |
Machu Picchu Pueblo |
06:37 |
|
81 |
06:10 |
07:40 |
|||
|
83 |
07:45 |
09:15 |
|||
|
33 |
08:29 |
09:54 |
|||
|
203 |
10:32 |
12:11 |
|||
|
PeruRail Vistadome |
301 |
07:05 |
08:27 |
||
|
601 |
08:00 |
09:25 |
|||
|
33 |
08:29 |
09:54 |
|||
|
203 |
10:32 |
12:11 |
|||
|
PeruRail Vistadome Observatory |
83 |
07:45 |
09:15 |
| SERVICE | TRAIN | DEPARTURE STATION | DEPARTURE TIME | ARRIVAL STATION | ARRIVAL TIME |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
PeruRail Expedition |
71 |
Ollantaytambo |
05:05 |
Machu Picchu Pueblo |
06:37 |
|
PeruRail Expedition |
81 |
Ollantaytambo |
06:10 |
Machu Picchu Pueblo |
07:40 |
|
PeruRail Expedition |
83 |
Ollantaytambo |
07:45 |
Machu Picchu Pueblo |
09:15 |
|
PeruRail Expedition |
33 |
Ollantaytambo |
08:29 |
Machu Picchu Pueblo |
09:54 |
|
PeruRail Expedition |
203 |
Ollantaytambo |
10:32 |
Machu Picchu Pueblo |
12:11 |
|
PeruRail Vistadome |
301 |
Ollantaytambo |
07:05 |
Machu Picchu Pueblo |
08:27 |
|
PeruRail Vistadome |
601 |
Ollantaytambo |
08:00 |
Machu Picchu Pueblo |
09:25 |
|
PeruRail Vistadome |
33 |
Ollantaytambo |
08:29 |
Machu Picchu Pueblo |
09:54 |
|
PeruRail Vistadome |
203 |
Ollantaytambo |
10:32 |
Machu Picchu Pueblo |
12:11 |
|
PeruRail Vistadome Observatory |
83 |
Ollantaytambo |
07:45 |
Machu Picchu Pueblo |
09:15 |
FAQ
For nature lovers and the adventurous, the traditional Inca Trail takes 4 days and 3 nights. For those with limited time, the short route takes 2 days and 1 night.
February is the only month in which the Inca Trail is closed to trekking, due to heavy seasonal rains. You can walk the trail without any problems during the rest of the year.
Yes. Peru’s Ministry of Culture has limited the Inca Trail to authorized travel agencies and you will need to contract the services of one of these agencies. The price ranges from 500 USD, depending on the number of days of trekking and the agency with which you will do the service.
The Inca Trail includes high mountain areas up to 13,585 ft. Remember to acclimatize for a few days before going on the trail.
The trek includes between one and four days of long and demanding walks, so take what is necessary for the adventure.
- The first on the list is a map of the route and the citadel, so that you will know the different locations you would like to visit.
- Other important items in your backpack are a bottle of water to remain hydrated and small snacks to boost your energy on the trek to Machu Picchu.
- It is quite probable that you will meet up with inseparable friends, the mosquitoes, so make sure you have a good mosquito repellent, making sure your journey is as comfortable as possible.
- Also, a sun block cream and good walking shoes.