Built thousands of years ago, the Inca Trail is still in use today and serves as the major byway to the villages of the Sacred Valley and the temple of Machu Picchu. The journey through this trail is quite amazing, with beautiful scenery as it winds through lush cloud forests and overlooks a horizon filled with snow-capped Andes Mountains. Hiking the Inca Trail is also a popular way to explore the ruins because it gives people a chance to stop off at villages and ruins on their way to Machu Picchu.

The road system of Inca Trail consists of 22,500km/14,000 miles that provide access to the ancient empire, which stretches between Quito, Ecuador and Santiago, Chile, with Peru being in the middle and having the most extensive trail. Since the Incas didn't use the wheel for transportation and they didn't have horses, the trail was used mostly to relay messages and goods, much like North America's Pony express of the mid 19th century. Messages would be carried by chasqui runners who could cover as much as 240 km/150 miles per day.

There were 2,000 inns or tambos set up along the way that provided food and shelter for travelers. Fruit trees were planted alongside the trail so that the runners and other travelers could be refreshed on their journeys. Because of the well-marked trail, it was easy for the Spanish to find the cities, but traveling by horseback was a dangerous and difficult journey for the conquistadors.

The trail consists of 43km/27 miles of ancient footpaths, another great architectural achievement of the Incas. Over 70,000 people trod on this trail every year, making it the most popular trail in South America and the world. Because of this increased popularity, new regulations have been set up in order to preserve the trail and improve the quality of the trek. Since 2002 prices have slightly increased as well as the amount of people allowed on the trail per day.

There are actually three routes that lead to Machu Picchu: the Classic 4 Day, the shorter 2 Day, and the 4 Day Salkantay Trek. The 4 Day trek is the most popular, with moderate hiking up to 4200km and several stops at ruins along the way. The 2 Day trek is also a great alternative if travelers are wanting a less strenuous hike or if the 4 day trail has reached its limit. Those wanting to see beautiful mountain scenery on a more remote trail, the shortened 4 Day version of the Salkantay route is also an option worth considering.
Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
2-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Salcantay Trail to Machu Picchu

The Inca Trail is not only an amazing trek through the beautiful Andean countryside, but a discovery of the architectural marvels left behind by a powerful and highly developed civilization. This wealth of culture and mystery draws thousands of visitors every year in search of a once in a lifetime experience.

Map of Inca Trail

Machu Picchu Overview

  Travel to Machu Picchu:
    Trains to Machu Picchu

    Treking Overview
      The Inca Trail
        Inca Trail Ruins
        4-day Inca Trail
        2-day Inca Trail

      Salkantay Trail
      Lares Trek
      Choquequirao Trek

  Nearby Highlights:
    Cusco
    Sacred Valley
    Aguas Calientes