Some trips we take to reach a destination, others we take for the pleasure of the journey itself. Peru's Inca Trail is perhaps the world's greatest hike because it combines the best of both types of travel: a trek to the spectacular lost city of Machu Picchu that winds through the zone where the snowcapped Andes Mountains crash into the lush Amazon jungle, creating some of the world's most dramatic and beautiful terrain.
The Traditional Inca Trail was originally part of the network of roads that connected the various villages of the Inca Empire. The messengers, known as ¨Chasquis¨, ran on this stone road to carry advertisements every day throughout the empire including Machu Picchu. Today, visitors from all over the world come from distant countries to follow in the footsteps of the ancient Incas and visit the largest fortress of Inca architecture: Machu Picchu.
It's time to take the backpack and face the Peru Hiking Inca Trail. You can go on the adventure alone, with that group of great friends, with that special person or with the whole family to enjoy the best trek in South America. Four days of incredible landscapes, mysteries to discover, Inca ruins along the way and a wonder as a reward. Do you want to know the best of the Inca Trail?
Inca Trail Wildlife
The Inca Trail offers an admirable biodiversity of species that you will enjoy during your vacations. There are approximately 425 species of birds, 22 species of reptiles and 52 species of wild mammals, among which are the spectacled bear or Andean bear, deer, river wolves and rodents. Likewise you can see almost 32 species of humming birds, and as the main attraction the Cock of the Rocks, which stands out for its beautiful red and black plumage, being the representative bird of Peru. Try to have your camera always ready to photograp beautiful butterflies of different colors and more than 700 species.
Inca Trail Natural Attractions
The Classic Inca Trail is a mega diverse attraction. During the four days you will appreciate a chain of snowed, the Urubamba mountain range, highlighting the snowy La Veronica with 5800 meters, the snowy Sahuasiray with 5720 meters, the snowy Chicón, among others. Upon reaching the area of the jungle, the scene is flooded with green hills and vegetation that show a typical scene of an adventure in a mysterious place. The wide prairie where the path is the only sign of human life will be the perfect landscape to feel disconnected from the world and closer to oneself.
Inca Trail History
In all its route, along the Classic Inca Trail, the presence of the cultural and historical attractions is imposed, these are Inca constructions, which are kept alive through the years. You can see canals, staircases, squares, enclosures, platforms, bridges and canals, all arranged inside and outside architectural ensembles as part of large urban centers.
Among 18 archaeological sites, stands out the site of Llactapata , an agricultural attraction with the presence of impressive terraces. Is also enigmatic, the Qoriwayrachina or place where gold is melted, highlighting its circular constructions. Another site you will meet is Runkurakay, which is haughty and mysterious with its semicircular constructions, as part of the best of the Inca Trail.
On the Classic Inca Trail, you will appreciate an Inca city hidden among the clouds, Phuyupatamarka. This attractive set surrounded by terraces and covered with mist strategically located in the heights of the mountain with dominion over the entire Inca Trail.
After passing through various archaeological sites, all from the Inca era, you will reach Inti Punku or Sun Door. This attraction is the place of control of the enigmatic Machu Picchu, place from which you can enjoy the sunrise and be part of the lighting that the sun offers to the entire Inca city.
Inca Trail Holiday
Complete the challenge of the Inca Trail with important people: family or friends. Take miles of pictures together at places of interest. Contemplate together the flora and fauna of the route and the archaeological sites. Finally, be amazed by the great marvel of stone: Machu Picchu. The Traditional Inca Trail is an adventure you must do at least once in your life. Gather your things and plan this vacation with friends or family.
Inca Trail vs Other Trails
Many are the routes that take you to Machu Picchu, but none is like the Inca Trail Tours, the most famous pedestrian path in the Americas. After flying from the capital of Perú, Lima, you will arrive in Cusco to walk for four days along a path through forests and dense fog, millenary stone steps and discovering the ruins of ancient fortifications and Inca cities, and all the time enjoying majestic views.
- Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 days
- Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 5 days
- Inca Quarry Trail 4 Days
- 2 Day Inca Trail Tour
- 2 Day Inca Trail with Camping
- 3 Day Inca Trail
- Vilcabamba Hike to Machu Picchu 6 days
- Choquequirao trek to Machu Picchu 9 days
- Ausangate trek 7 days
If you want to visit Machu Picchu, we recommend you to book your Machu Picchu Ticket in advance, so you will enjoy your Vacation in Machu Picchu without any problem.
When is the best time to hike to Machu Picchu?
The best season is during the dry season, which covers the months April to the end of September. In October the rains begin and you can find Machu Picchu covered by clouds. If you travel in June, we recommend you to book the Inti Raymi 2025 Tour that takes place in June 24th, and also hike the Palcoyo Mountain Tour, which is an incredible Rainbow Mountain located in the Andes.
