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Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Map: Routes, Days & Detailed Guide
inca trail machu picchu map

Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Map: Routes, Days & Detailed Guide

Ready to Travel Peru May 29, 2022 8 min read

Detailed Inca Trail map: classic 4-day and short 2-day routes. Day-by-day breakdown with distances, altitudes, campsites and archaeological sites.

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the world's most famous trekking routes. It follows part of the ancient Qhapaq Ñan (Inca road network) through mountains, cloud forests, and archaeological sites until reaching the Inca citadel through the Sun Gate (Intipunku). Here we show you the detailed map with both available routes.

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Two Inca Trail routes

Two versions exist, both ending at Machu Picchu:

Feature4-Day Inca Trail2-Day Inca Trail
Distance43 km12 km
Duration4 days / 3 nights2 days / 1 night
Highest point4,215 masl (Warmiwañuska)2,700 masl (Intipunku)
DifficultyModerate-HighModerate
StartKm 82 (Piscacucho)Km 104 (train)
Camping3 nights in tents1 night in hotel
Price from$819 USDAsk us

Classic 4-Day Inca Trail — Complete route

The 4-Day Inca Trail is the full experience. Trek 43 km of original Inca paths through archaeological sites, mountain passes, and cloud forests.

Day 1: Km 82 → Huayllabamba (13 km)

The trek begins at Km 82 (Piscacucho, 2,720 masl). A relatively gentle first day following the Urubamba River.

  • Llactapata (2,840 masl) — First archaeological site with terraces and Veronica glacier views
  • Huayllabamba (3,000 masl) — First night's campsite

Day 2: Huayllabamba → Pacaymayo (11 km) — The toughest day

The most demanding day. Cross Warmiwañuska Pass ("Dead Woman's Pass"), the highest point at 4,215 masl.

  • Warmiwañuska (4,215 masl) — Views of Salkantay and Veronica glaciers
  • Runkuraqay (3,800 masl) — Circular Inca checkpoint ruin
  • Pacaymayo (3,600 masl) — Second night's campsite

Day 3: Pacaymayo → Wiñayhuayna (16 km) — The most beautiful day

The longest but most spectacular day through cloud forest.

  • Sayacmarca (3,600 masl) — "Inaccessible town" built on a cliff edge
  • Phuyupatamarca (3,650 masl) — "Town above the clouds" with panoramic views
  • Wiñayhuayna (2,650 masl) — "Forever young" complex with fountains and terraces

Day 4: Wiñayhuayna → Machu Picchu (3 km)

Wake at 3:30 AM to reach Intipunku (Sun Gate) at sunrise and see Machu Picchu appear through the mist.

2-Day Short Inca Trail

The 2-Day Inca Trail is ideal for those with less time. Starts at Km 104 reached by train.

Important information

  • Limited permits: Only 500 people per day. Book 3-6 months in advance.
  • Annual closure: February (trail maintenance).
  • Agency required: Cannot be done independently.

Alternatives to the Inca Trail

The Inca Trail is not just a trek; it is a journey through time along the same route the Incas used to reach their sacred city.

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