Often called the Sacred Trail or the Camino Real de los Incas, this route is a popular alternative to the classic 4-day trek, especially during the busy season (May-Sept), when the Classic Trail has reached its limit. Basically, the Sacred Trail is just a shortened version of the trek but with scenery that is just as beautiful. The trail passes the Salkantay, the tallest mountain in the Cordillera Vilcabamba (6271m) and the second highest in the Cuzco area.


The first day is the most challenging, with the trek covering 14 km over six and a half hours with breaks for lunch and resting. The trail begins at 104km (2100m) along the Urubamba River and continues over a footbridge that leads to the Chachabamba ruins. After exploring the water channels and fountains of this lovely site, hikers will begin the 4-hour ascent into the overlooks above the Sacred Valley.

There will be a short stop in Winay Wayna (2700m) and a brief visit to the recently discovered Inti Pata site. Then trekkers will continue on the Classic Inca Trail, which leads directly to Intipunku, also called the Sun Gate. Hikers will then make their ascent through steep mountainsides and cloud forests where they will be rewarded with a panoramic view of Machu Picchu and the Urubamba Canyon. After walking downhill for about 25 minutes the Hauyna Picchu Mountain and Machu Picchu will be revealed in full view. Later than afternoon a bus will transport hikers down to Aguas Calientes where they will spend the night.


By taking the bus to Machu Picchu at daybreak, hikers will have the chance to see the citadel during a tranquil, less crowded time. There will be a 2-hour guided tour of the site followed by 3 to 4 hours of free time, with the option to climb the Huayna Picchu Mountain, which has an amazing overlook of the site. Afterwards hikers can either walk down to Aguas Calientes or catch the bus back. Total distance hiked is 6 km.

Map of Inca Trail

Machu Picchu Overview

  Travel to Machu Picchu:
    Trains to Machu Picchu

    Treking Overview
      The Inca Trail
        Inca Trail Ruins
        4-day Inca Trail
        2-day Inca Trail

      Salkantay Trail
      Lares Trek
      Choquequirao Trek

  Nearby Highlights:
    Cusco
    Sacred Valley
    Aguas Calientes