Inca Trail Map: Complete Route Guide

The Classic Inca Trail covers 43 kilometers (26 miles) over 4 days, following the original stone pathway built by the Inca Empire in the 15th century. The route climbs through Andean grasslands, drops into cloud forest, and crosses two mountain passes above 4,000 meters before arriving at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate at sunrise.

Day 1: KM 82 to Wayllabamba

Distance: 12 km | Elevation: 2,720m to 3,000m | Difficulty: Easy to moderate

The trek begins at KM 82 on the Urubamba River, where you cross a bridge and register your permit at the checkpoint. The trail follows the river valley through eucalyptus groves and farmland, passing the Inca ruins of Patallacta, a large agricultural complex visible from above. This is a gentle warm-up day with moderate elevation gain, ending at Wayllabamba campsite (3,000m) nestled in a valley surrounded by mountains.

• Patallacta ruins: A significant Inca settlement with terraces, temples, and a large central plaza. Your guide will explain its role as an agricultural supply center for the trail network.
• Wayllabamba campsite: The last campsite with access to a small village where locals occasionally sell snacks and drinks.

Day 2: Wayllabamba to Pacaymayo

Distance: 11 km | Elevation: 3,000m to 4,215m to 3,600m | Difficulty: Challenging

The hardest day. You climb steadily through cloud forest that gradually gives way to open puna grassland. The ascent to Dead Woman's Pass (Warmiwanusqa) at 4,215m is the highest point of the entire trek, roughly 1,200m of climbing from camp. The pass is named for a rock formation that resembles a supine woman. After celebrating at the top, you descend 600m on steep Inca stone steps to Pacaymayo campsite in a sheltered valley.

• Dead Woman's Pass (4,215m): Expect 4-6 hours of climbing. Start early (around 6 AM) and pace yourself. The altitude is noticeable. Take slow, steady steps.
• Pacaymayo campsite (3,600m): Sheltered valley camp with dramatic mountain views. Temperatures drop near freezing at night.

Day 3: Pacaymayo to Winay Wayna

Distance: 16 km | Elevation: 3,600m to 3,998m to 2,650m | Difficulty: Moderate to challenging (longest day)

The most scenic day and the longest in distance. You cross the second pass, Runkurakay Pass at 3,998m, then descend into increasingly lush cloud forest. The trail passes three remarkable Inca sites in succession:

• Runkurakay: A small oval watchtower ruin just below the second pass, believed to be a rest stop for messengers (chasquis) running along the Inca road network.
• Sayacmarca: A cliffside fortress accessible only by a narrow stone stairway. The name means "inaccessible town," and the defensive position is immediately obvious.
• Phuyupatamarca: "Town Above the Clouds" sits at 3,680m with ceremonial baths and panoramic views of the Urubamba Valley below. On clear mornings, you can see snow-capped peaks in every direction.
• Winay Wayna: The most impressive ruin before Machu Picchu, a terraced agricultural site with fountains, temples, and residential buildings cascading down a steep hillside. The name means "Forever Young."

Camp is at Winay Wayna, the final campsite before Machu Picchu. Most groups celebrate the last evening here with a special dinner prepared by the camp chef.

Day 4: Winay Wayna to Machu Picchu

Distance: 4 km | Elevation: 2,650m to 2,720m to 2,430m | Difficulty: Easy

Wake at 3:30 AM for the final push. The trail follows a relatively flat path through cloud forest to Inti Punku (Sun Gate) at 2,720m, your first view of Machu Picchu spread out below. If weather cooperates, sunrise illuminates the citadel as you arrive. From the Sun Gate, it is a 45-minute descent to Machu Picchu's main entrance for your guided tour of the citadel.

• Inti Punku (Sun Gate, 2,720m): The ancient entrance to Machu Picchu. During the winter solstice, the sun rises directly through this gateway and illuminates the Intihuatana stone inside the citadel.
• Machu Picchu (2,430m): Your guide leads a 2-hour tour of the main temples, plazas, and residential areas. Afterward, you have free time to explore before taking the bus to Aguas Calientes.

Key Campsites

All three campsites are managed by the Peruvian government within the Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary. Our porters arrive ahead of you to set up tents, prepare snacks, and have hot drinks waiting.

• Wayllabamba (3,000m): Grassy area near a stream. Basic toilet facilities. Last contact with a village.
• Pacaymayo (3,600m): Sheltered valley between the two passes. Cold at night. A good sleeping bag is essential.
• Winay Wayna (2,650m): Adjacent to the archaeological site of the same name. Warmer than the previous nights. Shared facilities with other groups.

Route FAQ