A 43 km trek across the Andes

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the most famous trekking routes in the world, laid out by the Incas more than 500 years ago: the trail begins in the Sacred Valley and ends at the Lost City of the Incas, deep in the cloud forest.

The trek is 43 km long and is normally completed in four days: while not an excessive distance, it's a challenge not to be underestimated. This ancient, winding Inca route passes through breathtaking scenery – passes above 4,220 meters, snow-capped peaks on the horizon, beautiful cloud forests and steep drops – and along the way you'll come across several archaeological sites with a distinctly mystical feel. The sense of stepping into a vanished world stays with you the whole way.

Limited access: book well in advance

Adventurers, tourists and hikers from all over the world come to retrace the Inca Trail, one of the most sought-after destinations for travelers because it's part of one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Access is limited (500 people per day), so it's necessary to book the trek well in advance, at least four months before departure. Guided visits normally run year-round, with the exception of February, when the trail is closed for maintenance. During the rainy season (December to April) the ground is more slippery, and the mud makes the trek more demanding – but the experience even more rewarding and memorable.

How to prepare for the trek

The trek isn't easy: to tackle it without problems, it's recommended to be in good physical shape.

Peru InsideOut asks all hikers not to throw away rubbish along the way and not to leave graffiti on the stones or trees: Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail are unique, legendary, stunning destinations – the legacy of a lost civilization that we all have a moral obligation to protect.