The Inca Trail is by far the most famous trek in South America and is rated by many to be in the top 5 treks in the world. In just 26 miles (43km) it manages to combine beautiful mountain scenery, lush cloud-forest, subtropical jungle and, of course, a stunning mix of Inca paving stones, ruins and tunnels.

The final destination of the trail just cannot be beaten: Machu Picchu, the mysterious "Lost City of the Incas".

Sap adventures is an independent guide to the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu aimed at helping visitors to decide whether the Inca Trail is the trek for them. Although there are literally thousands of kilometres of " Inca Trail " throughout Peru this website concentrates on the Classic 4-day Inca Trail trek that starts at km82 (82 kilometres along the railway from Cusco to Aguas Calientes) and treks high up into the mountains passing the Inca ruins of Llactapata, Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca and Wiñay Wayna before finally arriving at Machu Picchu for sunrise on the 4th day of the trek.

We have include information about when is the best time to do the trek, how best to prepare for it, and advice on how to choose a tour operator best suited to your interests and budget.

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu really is an beautiful trek and we hope that with a little advice and planning it turns out to be an incredible and unforgettable experience. Good luck and happy trekking!

An Easy But Amazing Trek!

A shorter version of the Inca Trail leaves from Km 104 (104 kilometers along the railway from Cusco to Aguas Calientes), at 2100m, and involves a four hour walk uphill to the Wiñay-Wayna ruins (2700 m) and then a couple of hours further to Machu Picchu.

This hike Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is accessible for all ages and doesn't require you to be in top physical shape. Since your one day hike takes you to the town of Aguas Calientes where you will stay at a tourist hostel, you will not have to camp or carry backpacks; only your personal day-pack with essentials.

This program is recommended to those with less time at their disposition, those less able/fit, and those with less experience in trekking and those not accustomed to high altitude.

This 2-Day trek covers a 16-km Inca Trail , picking up the 4-day trail at the impressive archaeological site of Wiñay-Wayna – only Inca Trail hikers get to enjoy these ruins!!! The name Wiñay-Wayna means “Forever Young “in Quechua – native Inca language, and the place is named after a pink and purple orchid of that name that grows in the area. Farming terraces (or andenes) surrounding the whole side of a mountain decorate this ancient Inca castle with temples, residences and water channels.

The stonework is prime quality and features fine masonry with a magnificent sequence of fifteen ritual fountain baths. It was a religious centre, probably associated with the ritualistic worshiping of water. Chachabamba, Choquesuysuy and Inti-pata are other very interesting Inca Complexes hiding in the middle of the beauty of the mountains and the lower part of the Sub-tropical valley.

Trekkers must continue the hike all the way to Machu Picchu where you will observe the famous view from the Sun gate “Inti Punku” and then spend the night in a comfortable hostel in Aguas Calientes. Groups will then return to Machu Picchu for a guided tour on the second day.

ITINERARY Inca Trail

DAY 01.- We pick you up from your hotel at 5.40am and take you to Cusco train station. We travel by train on a very picturesque route for 2 and a half hours until we reach kilometer 104 - the start of the trail for us. From here, we have a walk of approximately 4 hours up to the Inca site of Wiñay Wayna ('Forever Young') (2680m/8792ft). You will have joined the path in time to see the most impressive site on the whole Inca Trail!! (after Machupicchu).

We will then continue on to 'Inti Punku' (The Sun gate) from where you will have your first dramatic and unforgettable panoramic view of Machu Picchu. We will walk down the last part of the trail towards the ancient city itself. Without yet entering Machu Picchu, we will take a side path off the trail to go down to the town of Aguas Calientes, leaving the visit to Machu Picchu for the next day. We will have a delicious dinner and rest at a comfortable tourist hostel.

DAY 02 Inca Trail

We have breakfast and then take the first bus (6am) up to Machu Picchu. A walking tour (approximately 2 hours) is given by your professional English speaking guide and after this you can explore the mysterious city by yourselves. If you have energy you can also climb Huayna Picchu (the famous peak in the background of most images of Machu Picchu) - 2720m/8890ft. (It takes about 45 minutes to reach the top.)

You will meet your guide in Aguas Calientes (it can be reached by bus or on foot) for lunch and to be given your train tickets back to Cusco. The train usually leaves between 5.30pm and 9:30pm depending on Peru Rail allocations.

If desired, an extra night in Aguas Calientes can be arranged. This option is very popular as it allows more time to explore Machu Picchu and you can also go to the thermal springs in the town - a real treat after finishing the trail!!!

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