Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – Which One is For You?

Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the most iconic and rewarding experiences in Peru. This ancient trail, once used by the Incas, takes you through stunning Andean landscapes, past mysterious ruins, and finally to the awe-inspiring citadel of Machu Picchu. However, the Inca Trail isn’t a one-size-fits-all adventure. There are different versions of the trail, each offering unique experiences for different types of travelers. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a history enthusiast, there’s an Inca Trail route that’s perfect for you.

The Classic Inca Trail

Distance: 26 miles (42 km)
Duration: 4 days / 3 nights
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging

The Classic Inca Trail is the most popular and iconic route, often referred to simply as “The Inca Trail.” This four-day trek offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, historical sites, and the thrill of arriving at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate, just as the Incas did centuries ago.

Day 1: The Adventure Begins
The journey starts with a relatively easy hike through the Sacred Valley, following the Urubamba River. You’ll pass through small villages and get your first glimpse of Incan ruins at Llactapata. The first day is a gentle introduction to the trail, allowing you to acclimatize to the altitude and get into the rhythm of hiking.

Day 2: The Challenge of Dead Woman’s Pass
The second day is the most challenging, as you ascend to the highest point of the trail, Dead Woman’s Pass (13,828 feet or 4,215 meters). The climb is steep and strenuous, but the panoramic views of the Andean peaks make it worthwhile. After reaching the pass, you’ll descend into the Pacaymayo Valley, where you’ll camp for the night.

Day 3: Incan Ruins and Cloud Forests
The third day is the most diverse, taking you through cloud forests, across high passes, and past several Incan sites, including Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, and Phuyupatamarca. The day ends with a descent into the Wiñay Wayna ruins, a stunning site perched on a hillside overlooking the Urubamba River.

Day 4: Arrival at Machu Picchu
On the final day, you’ll wake up before dawn to reach the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) in time for sunrise over Machu Picchu. The sight of the ancient citadel emerging from the mist is nothing short of magical. After soaking in the views, you’ll descend into Machu Picchu for a guided tour of the site.

Who Should Choose the Classic Inca Trail?
The Classic Inca Trail is ideal for those who want to fully immerse themselves in the history and natural beauty of the Andes. It’s a challenging hike, but with proper preparation, it’s accessible to most travelers. The sense of accomplishment and the breathtaking arrival at Machu Picchu make this the quintessential Inca Trail experience.

The Short Inca Trail

Distance: 7.5 miles (12 km)
Duration: 2 days / 1 night
Difficulty: Moderate

The Short Inca Trail is a great option for those who want to experience the highlights of the Inca Trail without committing to the full four-day trek. This two-day hike offers a taste of the trail’s beauty and history, culminating in a spectacular arrival at Machu Picchu.

Day 1: A Taste of the Trail
The hike begins at KM 104, where you’ll start with a climb to the ruins of Chachabamba. From there, the trail winds through cloud forests and along ancient stone paths, passing by the stunning ruins of Wiñay Wayna. This site, with its terraces and ceremonial baths, is one of the most impressive along the trail. After exploring Wiñay Wayna, you’ll continue to the Sun Gate, where you’ll catch your first glimpse of Machu Picchu.

Day 2: Exploring Machu Picchu
On the second day, you’ll have the entire day to explore Machu Picchu at your leisure. You can take a guided tour to learn about the history and significance of the site, or simply wander the terraces and temples, soaking in the incredible views.

Who Should Choose the Short Inca Trail?
The Short Inca Trail is perfect for travelers who want to experience the magic of the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu but are limited on time or prefer a less strenuous hike. It’s also a great option for those who want to avoid the crowds, as it’s less popular than the Classic Inca Trail.

The Salkantay Trek

Distance: 46 miles (74 km)
Duration: 5 days / 4 nights
Difficulty: Challenging

For those seeking a more adventurous and off-the-beaten-path experience, the Salkantay Trek is an excellent alternative to the Inca Trail. This route takes you through diverse landscapes, from snow-capped mountains to lush jungles, and offers stunning views of Mount Salkantay, one of the highest peaks in Peru.

Day 1: Into the Mountains
The trek begins with a steep climb from the village of Mollepata to the high-altitude camp at Soraypampa. Along the way, you’ll be treated to views of the towering Mount Salkantay and the surrounding peaks.

Day 2: Crossing the Salkantay Pass
The second day is the most challenging, as you cross the Salkantay Pass at 15,213 feet (4,638 meters). The trail then descends into the cloud forest, where you’ll camp for the night. The contrast between the high mountain pass and the lush, green jungle is one of the highlights of the trek.

Day 3-4: Through the Cloud Forest
The next two days take you deeper into the cloud forest, with stops at small villages and hot springs along the way. You’ll see a different side of Peru, far removed from the tourist crowds, and experience the warmth and hospitality of the local people.

Day 5: Arrival at Machu Picchu
On the final day, you’ll take a short train ride to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu. After arriving at Machu Picchu, you’ll have plenty of time to explore the site and reflect on your journey.

Who Should Choose the Salkantay Trek?
The Salkantay Trek is ideal for adventurers who want to experience the raw beauty of the Andes and the thrill of high-altitude trekking. It’s more challenging than the Inca Trail and less focused on Incan ruins, but it offers a unique and rewarding journey to Machu Picchu.

The Lares Trek

Distance: 22 miles (35 km)
Duration: 3 days / 2 nights
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging

The Lares Trek is a less crowded and culturally immersive alternative to the Inca Trail. This route takes you through remote Andean villages, where you’ll have the opportunity to interact with local Quechua communities and learn about their traditional way of life.

Day 1: Into the Andean Highlands
The trek begins with a climb to the high mountain pass of Ipsaycocha, where you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding peaks. You’ll then descend into the Lares Valley, passing by traditional Andean villages along the way.

Day 2: Cultural Encounters
The second day offers a deeper immersion into Andean culture, with visits to local communities and markets. You’ll have the chance to see traditional weaving, farming, and other aspects of daily life in the highlands.

Day 3: Arrival at Machu Picchu
On the final day, you’ll take a train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, followed by a bus ride to Machu Picchu. After exploring the site, you can return to Cusco with a sense of fulfillment, having experienced both the natural beauty and cultural richness of the Andes.

Who Should Choose the Lares Trek?
The Lares Trek is perfect for travelers who want to combine trekking with cultural experiences. It’s less strenuous than the Inca Trail and offers a more intimate look at Andean life, making it a great option for those who want to connect with the local people and learn about their traditions.

Conclusion

Hiking to Machu Picchu is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and choosing the right trail can make all the difference. Whether you opt for the Classic Inca Trail, the Short Inca Trail, the adventurous Salkantay Trek, or the culturally immersive Lares Trek, each route offers its own unique rewards. Consider your fitness level, interests, and the type of experience you want to have when selecting your trail. No matter which one you choose, the journey to Machu Picchu is sure to be an unforgettable adventure.