The 4-day Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu is one of the South America's and possibly of the World's most famous hikes and journeys. This 42 Km trail connects various Incan archeological sites: Runcuracay, Sayacmarca, Phuyuptamarca, Winaywayna, and Machu Picchu ruins.
The Hike:
Duration: 4 day
Starts at: Cusco
Ends at: Puerta de Sol (Sun Gate) beside Picchu Mountain
Difficulty: High
The route:
1. Cusco to Huayllabamba, 13 Kms, takes approx 5 to 7 hours. Difficulty level is easy.
2. Huayllabamba to Pacaymayu, 11 Kms, takes approx . 8-10 hours. Difficulty level is high.
3. Pacaymayu to Wiñaywayna, 16 Kms, takes approx. 10 hours. Difficulty level is medium.
4. Wiñaywayna to Machu Picchu, 5 Kms, takes approx 3 hours. Difficulty level is medium.
Return:
Bus to Aguas Calientes, then take a train back to Ollantaytambo before arriving back in Cusco by bus or car.
A maximum of 500 people are allowed on the trail each day, of which only 200 are trekkers, the rest being guides and porters.[1][citation needed] As a result, the high season books out very quickly. The trail is closed every February for cleaning.