The Inca Path is unquestionably Peru’s most popular travelling route. Advised for the physical fit just, it runs for more than 40km and reaches 4,200 m.a.s.l. at its highest point, the Warmiwañuska or Dead Female’s Pass.

The stone-paved trail, found in 1960 and part of the more than 23,000 km of roads constructed by the Incas across South America, crosses a remarkable variety of natural landscapes and eco-systems, from thick tropical jungle to the bear, unwelcoming rocks of the Andean mountains.

All in all it’s most likely the most gorgeous walk in South America.

The Trail takes three to 4 days of difficult hiking, and can be commenced at Chillca (Kilometre 76 of the Cusco-Machu Picchu train) or, many regularly, at Qorihuayrachina, Kilometre 88 of the railway.

The first day is relatively simple, and consists of along the path the Inca ruins of Cusichaca, Q’ente, Pulpituyoc, and Llaqtapata, a website utilized for crop production stayed well protected.

The second day is the hardest of all, mainly due to the fact that the ascent becomes significantly steep. The path follows initial Inca stonework that climbs uphill, ending just except the actual Warmiwañuska or Dead Lady’s pass, at 4,200 m.a.s.l

. The crossing of the pass opens day three, after camping in the Pacaymayo valley. From here it’s downhill. The Trail comes down into the valley and heads to the brought back website of Runkuraqay, a little Inca watch post, and after that to Sayaqmarka, set down atop a sheer cliff, from where one can see the start of the enormous Amazon jungle, extending to Brazil.

The final day is another easy day, primarily descending and travelling through lush jungles and cloud forests prior to reaching Machu Picchu, Peru’s most important traveler website, through the Inti Punku or Entrance of the Sun.

Before going for the path, you must spend at least 2 days in Cusco acclimatising, as it includes some hard hiking, including several hours above 3,500 m.a.s.l. Otherwise, Acute Mountain sickness (acute mountain sickness) could make your first couple of days quite uncomfortable.

During the high season, from June to August, you should reserve well ahead of time -at least 3 months-, as the number of trek permits released is restricted to 500 daily (including tour guides and porters).

Other travelling paths: The Royal or Sacred Course
Right before showing up to Aguas Calientes, at km. 104 of the train rails, this path takes the direction to Phuyupatamarca, climbing terraces and stone stairs. After 2 hours of treking you arrive to the recently found and beautifully Wiñay Wayna ruins.

Located on a high mountain slope and examining the Urubamba river, Wiñay Wayna is a nice example of Inca terrace architecture. The name means “permanently young” in Quechua however experts still disagree upon the meaning: some consider it describes the colourful orchids that occupy the surroundings, while others say the name alludes to the Inca rites and ceremonies commemorated in the complex.

The course then converges in the Inca Path, getting here to Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate, Inti Punko.

The route takes some 6 hours, and can be performed in alternative to the Inca Path if the latter is deemed to harsh. A license is needed for this path.

Filtration Path
Part of the Inca Trail system, this path has been recently found by archaeologists. It begins at km. 107 of the train track (3km upstream from Aguas Calientes), near the hydroelectric exit pipe.

After crossing the suspended bridge, it follows to the Choquesuisui gully, and rises up until it satisfies the Inca Trail near Wiñay Wayna.

The name, Purification Path, mentions the coming down swimming pools formed by the stream that runs along with the course.

Putucusi Hike
This unsafe and requiring 3-hour hike (round trip) includes a terrific benefit: the spectacular view of the Machu Picchu landscape. Putucusi (“delighted mountain” in Quechua) is a round-shaped mountain that reaches 2,600 m.a.s.l. at its peak, and lies across the valley from the Inca castle.

This is a demanding hike (just possible throughout the dry season, March to November), which involves steep ladder climbs up and slippery scrambling. Some ladders, stacked into the wall, even increase for 20 meters in almost a 90 degree disposition.

Advised for people with a good level of fitness only.

The second day is the hardest of all, generally since the climb becomes significantly high. The path follows initial Inca stonework that climbs uphill, ending simply short of the actual Warmiwañuska or Dead Woman’s pass, at 4,200 m.a.s.l

. The crossing of the pass opens day three, after camping in the Pacaymayo valley. The Path comes down into the valley and heads to the restored site of Runkuraqay, a small Inca watch post, and then to Sayaqmarka, set down atop a sheer cliff, from where one can see the start of the huge Amazon rainforest, extending to Brazil.

Part of the Inca Path system, this route has been recently discovered by archaeologists.