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Inca Trail

Peru🇵🇪 | hikesInca TrailPermit-only, Sun Gate, Dead Woman’s Pass, cloud-forest ruins | things to do and best time to go

Explore Huayna PicchuExplore Lares Trek

Backpacking in Inca Trail
🏆 Top pickhike ranked #1
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 18, 2026

Walk the stone steps through the Sun Gate (Intipunku) and Machu Picchu appears below you, the end point of a trail that runs from the Sacred Valley over two high passes. The classic Inca Trail lies in the Cusco region of southern Peru, northwest of Cusco city. It covers about 43 kilometers over four days, with Dead Woman’s Pass at 4,215 meters the hard part and cloud forest, tunnels and ruins the reward. Permits are the trap: they are limited, sell out months ahead, and are tied to your passport name, so book early through a licensed operator and match the spelling exactly. Independent hiking is not allowed, so budget for a guide, porters and camping. Pay for the full package, since cheap offers often cut porter wages. Get to Cusco several days early to adjust to the altitude, because rushing is how people end up sick on day two. The trailhead at Km 82 is reached by operator transfer from Cusco. At dawn on day two I heard porters’ whistles and boots echoing along the stone stairs, a rhythm that carried me up the pass. The final stretch crosses the stepped terraces of Wiñay Wayna.

Discover everything you want to know in the 📖 Peru Travel Guide.
Best time to go: April - October
Duration: 4 days
Distance: 43 kilometers
Total ascent: 1800 meters


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✨ Why go?
Ranked #1 hike in PeruThe unique appeal for travelers

Inca Trail is the only way to reach Machu Picchu on foot along original Inca paving, and that arrival through the Sun Gate is the whole point. You pass through several ecosystems in four days, from dry Andean valley to cloud forest thick with orchids, and you walk by ruins that never see the train crowds, such as Runkuracay and Phuyupatamarca. Access is simple because operators handle the transfer from Cusco and the return by train, so you need no logistics of your own. The limited permit system caps numbers each day, which keeps the path calmer than you might expect. It slots well into a longer Peru route: spend a few days in Cusco and the Sacred Valley first for acclimatization, then finish at Aguas Calientes and continue to Lake Titicaca or Arequipa. If the permits are gone, the shorter … read more 👉
Inca Trail is the only way to reach Machu Picchu on foot along original Inca paving, and that arrival through the Sun Gate is the whole point. You pass through several ecosystems in four days, from dry Andean valley to cloud forest thick with orchids, and you walk by ruins that never see the train crowds, such as Runkuracay and Phuyupatamarca. Access is simple because operators handle the transfer from Cusco and the return by train, so you need no logistics of your own. The limited permit system caps numbers each day, which keeps the path calmer than you might expect. It slots well into a longer Peru route: spend a few days in Cusco and the Sacred Valley first for acclimatization, then finish at Aguas Calientes and continue to Lake Titicaca or Arequipa. If the permits are gone, the shorter two-day version still ends at the Sun Gate, and other treks like Salkantay offer similar scenery without the quota.

💡 HighlightsThe experiences that define the visit

  1. Sun Gate (Intipunku): The classic first view of Machu Picchu from the ridge above, usually reached on the last morning. The citadel sits far below, often half in cloud.
  2. Dead Woman’s Pass (Warmiwañusca): At 4,215 meters, the highest point of the trek and the hardest climb on day two, on long stone staircases. The views back down the valley are wide.
  3. Wiñay Wayna: A set of agricultural terraces and houses draped on a steep hillside above the Urubamba River. Most groups camp near it on the last night, and the ruins are close to the campsite.
  4. Runkuracay: A small round Inca building on day two, perched on a pass at the edge of a lake. It is a good place to catch your breath and look across the high valley.
  5. Phuyupatamarca: Meaning “town above the clouds,” a ruin with ceremonial stone baths on day three.
… read more 👉
  1. Sun Gate (Intipunku): The classic first view of Machu Picchu from the ridge above, usually reached on the last morning. The citadel sits far below, often half in cloud.
  2. Dead Woman’s Pass (Warmiwañusca): At 4,215 meters, the highest point of the trek and the hardest climb on day two, on long stone staircases. The views back down the valley are wide.
  3. Wiñay Wayna: A set of agricultural terraces and houses draped on a steep hillside above the Urubamba River. Most groups camp near it on the last night, and the ruins are close to the campsite.
  4. Runkuracay: A small round Inca building on day two, perched on a pass at the edge of a lake. It is a good place to catch your breath and look across the high valley.
  5. Phuyupatamarca: Meaning “town above the clouds,” a ruin with ceremonial stone baths on day three. The tiered site sits high on a ridge and looks over cloud forest.
If time is short, skip the side lookouts at Runkuracay and keep your energy for Wiñay Wayna and the Sun Gate.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.

Things to do around Inca Trail

Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2 Days & 1 Night

Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2 Days & 1 Night

4.9(35) 48h
From €681
per personViator
2-Day Short Inca Trail Hike to Machu Picchu

2-Day Short Inca Trail Hike to Machu Picchu

5.0(32) 48h
From €589
per personViator
One-Day Inca Trail Hike to Machu Picchu from Cusco

One-Day Inca Trail Hike to Machu Picchu from Cusco

5.0(14) 17h
From €507
per personViator
2-Days Original Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Max 6 people

2-Days Original Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Max 6 people

5.0(1) 48h
From €535
per personViator

Ratings based on Tripadvisor reviews. When you book through this link, you support our work at no extra cost to you.

🌤️ When to go?Choosing the right time of year

  • Dry Season (May to September): Trail conditions are best, with sunny days around 18 to 24°C (64 to 75°F) and nights dropping to 0 to 5°C (32 to 41°F) at Dead Woman’s Pass. Daylight runs roughly 11 to 12 hours. Permits sell out 4 to 6 months ahead, and the trail is at its busiest in June through August.
  • Shoulder Months (April and October): Showers show up in the afternoons, but mornings are often clear. Permits are easier to find and the trail feels calmer. Expect 15 to 22°C (59 to 72°F) by day.
  • Wet Season (November to March): Rain falls most days, trails turn muddy, and clouds hide the views. Daytime temperatures stay around 15 to 20°C (59 to 68°F). Operators discount some departures, though the savings are modest, perhaps 5 to 15 percent.
  • February: The trail closes every year for maintenance,
… read more 👉
  • Dry Season (May to September): Trail conditions are best, with sunny days around 18 to 24°C (64 to 75°F) and nights dropping to 0 to 5°C (32 to 41°F) at Dead Woman’s Pass. Daylight runs roughly 11 to 12 hours. Permits sell out 4 to 6 months ahead, and the trail is at its busiest in June through August.
  • Shoulder Months (April and October): Showers show up in the afternoons, but mornings are often clear. Permits are easier to find and the trail feels calmer. Expect 15 to 22°C (59 to 72°F) by day.
  • Wet Season (November to March): Rain falls most days, trails turn muddy, and clouds hide the views. Daytime temperatures stay around 15 to 20°C (59 to 68°F). Operators discount some departures, though the savings are modest, perhaps 5 to 15 percent.
  • February: The trail closes every year for maintenance, so no permits are issued.
Book your permit as soon as dates open, ideally in the October to November window for the following dry season.


source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: below average for travelingFEBFebruary: below average for travelingMARMarch: fair for travelingAPRApril: good for travelingMAYMay: highly recommended for travelingJUNJune: excellent for travelingJULJuly: excellent for travelingAUGAugust: excellent for travelingSEPSeptember: excellent for travelingOCTOctober: highly recommended for travelingNOVNovember: fair for travelingDECDecember: below average for traveling
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🥾 Hike detailsHike details: route, duration, and difficulty of Inca Trail

Inca Trail overview: The classic route is a four-day, three-night trek with camping.
Total Distance: About 43 kilometers.
Estimated Duration: Four days; a shorter two-day version exists.
Difficulty: Moderate to hard because of altitude and long stone staircases, but the path is well maintained.
Starting Point: Km 82 near Piscacucho, reached by operator transfer from Cusco. There is no independent public transport to the trailhead, and a licensed operator is required.
Major Landmarks:
  • Llactapata: Ruins seen across the valley on day one.
  • Dead Woman’s Pass: The first and highest pass at 4,215 meters.
  • Runkuracay
… read more 👉
Inca Trail overview: The classic route is a four-day, three-night trek with camping.
Total Distance: About 43 kilometers.
Estimated Duration: Four days; a shorter two-day version exists.
Difficulty: Moderate to hard because of altitude and long stone staircases, but the path is well maintained.
Starting Point: Km 82 near Piscacucho, reached by operator transfer from Cusco. There is no independent public transport to the trailhead, and a licensed operator is required.
Major Landmarks:
  • Llactapata: Ruins seen across the valley on day one.
  • Dead Woman’s Pass: The first and highest pass at 4,215 meters.
  • Runkuracay Pass: A second pass at around 3,950 meters.
  • Sayacmarca: A ruin on a rock outcrop reached by steep steps.
  • Phuyupatamarca: Ceremonial baths and terraces.
  • Wiñay Wayna: Terraces near the final campsite.
  • Sun Gate: The last viewpoint before Machu Picchu.
Terrain and Scenery: Original Inca stone paving, steep staircases, short tunnels cut through rock, and wide ridge views toward snow peaks. Day two is the longest climb and descent.
Vegetation: Dry highland scrub and polylepis near the start, then high grassland, then dense cloud forest with orchids, ferns and bromeliads.
Wildlife: Andean birds including hummingbirds, and sometimes spectacled bears or viscachas in remote areas. Butterflies are common in the lower forest.
⚠️ Hiking info can sometimes be outdated or inaccurate. Before you hit the trail, check the latest conditions with locals. If you do spot anything that's off, I'd love to hear from you, so I can update it for fellow travelers.

🛡️ SafetySafety Tips and Common Scams in Inca Trail

The Inca Trail is well managed and straightforward for anyone reasonably fit, and the main hazard is altitude. Dead Woman’s Pass tops out at 4,215 meters (13,828 feet), and the climb to it on day two is long and steep. Spend at least two days acclimatizing in Cusco or the Sacred Valley, walk slowly, and drink water steadily. Nights get properly cold, so bring a warm sleeping bag rated to about -5°C (23°F). Stone steps are uneven and slick when wet, so trekking poles with rubber tips (required to protect the stonework) and shoes with real grip matter, especially on the long descents. Rain gear is needed even in the dry season. Porters and guides handle camp and navigation, and the path is clear. You may see spectacled bears only rarely, but mosquitoes and sandflies are common at lower camps, … read more 👉
The Inca Trail is well managed and straightforward for anyone reasonably fit, and the main hazard is altitude. Dead Woman’s Pass tops out at 4,215 meters (13,828 feet), and the climb to it on day two is long and steep. Spend at least two days acclimatizing in Cusco or the Sacred Valley, walk slowly, and drink water steadily. Nights get properly cold, so bring a warm sleeping bag rated to about -5°C (23°F). Stone steps are uneven and slick when wet, so trekking poles with rubber tips (required to protect the stonework) and shoes with real grip matter, especially on the long descents. Rain gear is needed even in the dry season. Porters and guides handle camp and navigation, and the path is clear. You may see spectacled bears only rarely, but mosquitoes and sandflies are common at lower camps, so pack repellent. Carry sunscreen, as the high-altitude sun burns fast.
Check Country Safety

FAQTraveler FAQ

Most Inca Trail trips take 4 days and 3 nights, covering about 43 kilometers (26 miles) from Km 82 to Machu Picchu. Days run 5 to 9 hours of walking, with day two the longest. A shorter 2-day version covers roughly 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) from Km 104 to Machu Picchu.
The Inca Trail is moderately challenging, mainly because of altitude and the steep stone stairs. Day two climbs from about 3,000 meters to Dead Woman’s Pass at 4,215 meters (13,828 feet), then drops sharply. Reasonable fitness and two days in Cusco beforehand are enough for most people, and porters carry the heavy gear.
Yes, you must go with a licensed operator, and permits are required and limited to about 500 people a day including staff. Four-day treks generally cost US$700 to 1,000 or more per person, and the 2-day version costs about US$500 to 700. Permits often sell out 4 to 6 months ahead for May to September, and passports must match the booking.
⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

Other Peruvian hikes near Inca Trail

Explore more nearby:

  • Huayna Picchu—Cabled stone stairs, rock tunnel, summit terraces, citadel overlook| 19 km away
  • Salkantay Trek—Savage Mountain, Humantay Lake, 4,630 m pass, coffee-country descent| 24 km away
  • Lares Trek—Weaving villages, hot springs, Ipsaycocha lakes, alpaca herds| 40 km away

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We 💚 feedbackKey takeaways before you go

Inca Trail works best as the centerpiece of a Cusco and Sacred Valley week, not a stand-alone dash. I would spend three or four days in Cusco first, then add Aguas Calientes and a second visit to Machu Picchu the next morning. Book the permit as early as possible, and bring broken-in boots.

✈️ When did I visit Peru?
Peru I visited during my half year trip through South and Central America back in 2003

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on my own backpacking experience in Peru, supplemented with up-to-date research and feedback from other travelers. Travel details can change, so if you notice anything outdated or incomplete, feel free to let me know.



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