Want to hike the Inka Trail to Machu Picchu?

The Inka Trail winds across the Andes to Machu Picchu. The Inka Trail between the Sacred Valley of the Urubamba River and the mysterious abandoned citadel of Machu Picchu is one of the world's classic treks. Climbing out of the river valley, crossing rugged mountain passes over 13,000 ft high, the Inca trail winds through the Andes, passing numerous significant Inca ruins en route before descending through the Sun Gate to the silent stone city of Machu Picchu. To hike the Inka Trail is a thrilling experience and a very great priviledge. The purpose of this website is to share the thrill and privilege of the trip with those who may not hike the Inca Trail in person, and to help future hikers plan their coming adventure. Come, enjoy and have an unforgettable experience all along the 2-day private Inca Trail to Machu Picchu or the classic 4-day Inca Trail to the Lost CIty of the Incas, Machu Picchu with all friends, family or special group!

But the classic Inka Trail is much more than a great hike. It is one small portion of an incredible network of such trails crossing high stony mountain ranges, bleak deserts, and raging Andean rivers, tying the Inca Empire together. At its peak expansion, Tahuantinsuyo - "The Four Corners", as the empire was known - extended from what is now southern Columbia in the north, to central Chile in the south, a distance of about 5500 km (3400 miles). To rule such a vast domain, the emperor, or Inka, forged a remarkable communications system of approximately 30,000 km (18,600 miles) of trails, paved through much its length, stepped where need be, through tunnels where necessary, and using gossamer suspension bridges built of straw ropes to cross rivers unfordable in the wet season. The roads along the Inka Trail to Machu Picchu served to move the conquering Inka armies, and were generally wide enough for a minimum of two warriors to travel abreast. A system of runners stationed at rest houses known as tambos and sped messages along the roadways of the Inka Trail, much like the Pony Express mail of the old American West. The Inca in his empire's capital at Cusco could receive news from far away Quito as rapidly as a letter crosses between the two cities in today's mail.

As remarkable as the Inca Trail highway system was in the days when it was built, used and maintained, the trail is an astounding testimony to the Inka’s construction that so many segments remain serviceable today, after half a millennium of neglect. Clearly the Inca highway system ranks as one of the greatest engineering achievements of pre-industrial man.

Trekkers of the Classic Inca Trail, be it the well-known portion leading to Machu Picchu, or lesser-visited segments, are privileged to make use of an archeological treasure, as well as to partake of scenes of surpassing beauty.

Care for the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu: don't abuse it in ways that promote loosening or erosion of the stonework. Care for the beauty of the landscape: don't leave trash or waste behind and have a great but responsible adventure! 

At TOUR IN PERU EIRL, we want to enjoy this great experience, therefore we invite you to come with your group and have an unforgettable experience. Learn about the Two-day Inca Trail or Four-day Classic Inca Trail Itineraries or some of our other tours in Peru for special groups and to special offers!