Highlights of the Inca Trail: Must-See Sites and Scenic Views

The Inca Trail, which in Spanish refers to the Inca road system, was the most advanced and extensive transportation system in pre-Columbian America. Its routes and trails extended through Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile and Argentina.

The Inca Trail was approximately 24,800 miles long – that’s over 30,000 kilometers – and is still in good condition after over 500 years of use! The network was based on two main roads running north to south, with numerous branches.

The most important route was the Camino Real, known in Spanish by that name, which was 5,200 kilometers (3,200 miles) long. This road began in Quito, Ecuador, passed through Cusco, and ended in what is now TucumĂĄn, Argentina.

Much of this system was the result of the Incas claiming exclusive rights to numerous traditional routes, some of which had been paved centuries earlier, primarily by the Wari Empire, which preceded the Inca Empire.



Ascending the Inca Trail.

The true extent of the road network is not fully known, as the Spanish, after the conquest, destroyed parts of the road in some areas or allowed it to deteriorate and fall into ruin under the hooves of horses or the metal wheels of ox carts.

Today, only 25% of this network can be seen, while the rest has been destroyed by the construction of modern infrastructure. Different organizations, such as UNESCO and IUCN, have been working to protect this network in collaboration with the governments and communities of the six countries through which the Great Inca Trail passes.

The Inca Trail, which in Spanish refers to the Inca road system, was the most advanced and extensive transportation system in pre-Columbian America.




Peru travel - Trip Advisor comments

Tripadvisor Reviews

5.0 (More than 840 reviews)

Perfect

10th of September, 2024
(5 out of 5 stars)

Perfect. Everything well organized, very good treatment by everyone.Los portadores Muy Buenos e esfuerzados. El guia Percy es muy muy bueno.

MarĂ­a Caridad A

Experiencia inolvidable

8th of September, 2024
(5 out of 5 stars)

Unforgettable experience. The guide, Santiago, is a professional from head to toe. Very attentive, very knowledgeable and a great person. The group of porters and cook have also been wonderful. They have looked after us very well, always with a smile and the cook is a spectacle. Without a doubt, I would highly recommend this team to the next brave people who venture on the Inca Trail.

jamasvi

SALKANTAY TREK

7th of September, 2024
(5 out of 5 stars)

It is a magical journey that pushes your body to the max but with rewards around every corner. Nature is incredible, Machu Picchu is a dream and the energy of the place is beautiful.Nuestros guĂ­as (Iza y Percy) fueron muy cĂĄlidos y sus relatos son atrapantes ! Se genera un vĂ­nculo muy lindo con ellos y el resto del grupo.

Antonella L
More information

New routes in Machu Picchu starting in June 2024.

he provisions for the circuits and routes mentioned in article 8 of this regulation include descriptions of their attributes. Circuit 1 or panoramic circuit ...

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What is the Inca Trail?

The Inca Trauk to Machu Picchu, also known as the Inca Trail or Camino Inka, is a famous hiking route in Peru that culminates in Machu Picchu. Circuit 1 or Panoramic Circuit ...

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Elevation on the Inca Trail

Hikers often encounter difficulties when hiking the Inca Trail due to its elevation difference. Its highest point reaches 4,215 meters (13,828 feet), which can be quite challenging ...

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Inca Trail Difficulty

The difficulty of the Classic Inca Trail is classified as a moderate level hike. This classic route covers 43 km (26 miles) and is often steep; You will hike the trail for four days at an elevation ...

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The Weather of the Inca Trail

The Inca Trail passes through the Andes Mountains, known for their temperate weather. However, the weather can change quickly on this high-altitude trail, so it is necessary ...

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Altitude sickness

Altitude sickness occurs when your body does not have time to adapt to the reduced availability of oxygen at high altitudes . Generally, it can be prevented and treated ...

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Our meals on the Inca Trail

The fundamental ingredients present in most Peruvian dishes are rice, potatoes, chicken, pork, lamb and fish. Almost all of these dishes incorporate chili. also known as Peruvian ...

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Our certifications with Peru Travel ensure quality and professionalism. We are proud to hold ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015 certifications, as well as multiple TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice awards. These accolades reflect our commitment to providing exceptional travel experiences in Peru. With Peru Travel, you can trust that your adventure will be safe, sustainable, and unforgettable.

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Inca Trail to Machu Picchu