
A poster of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu hiking trail. It shows a contour elevation map of the whole trail. At the bottom, it also shows an elevation profile of this hike, along with some key points of interest.
About the Inca Trail
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of South America’s most famous and historic hiking routes, set high in Peru’s Andes Mountains. While several variations of the trek exist, the most well-known route—shown on this map—begins at Piskakuchu (Km 82, Piscacucho) and leads directly to the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu. Spanning just over 40 kilometers, the trail typically takes 3 to 5 days to complete due to its steep terrain, high mountain passes, and stone staircases. Along the way, hikers travel through lush cloud forests, dramatic valleys, and remote mountain landscapes, passing numerous well-preserved Inca ruins that highlight the region’s rich cultural and archaeological heritage. Carefully regulated to protect its historical significance, the Inca Trail offers a rare blend of natural beauty, challenging hiking, and deep immersion in the legacy of the Inca civilization.
Statistics About the Inca Trail
- Start point: Kilometer 82, Peru
- End point: Machu Picchu, Peru
- Total distance: 26 miles / 43 km
- Total altitude gain/loss: 8117 ft / 2474 m
- Highest point: 13,828 ft / 4215 m (Dead Woman's Pass)
- Countries crossed: Peru
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Time to finish: Typically 2 to 3 days