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Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Inca Trail to Machu Picchu — the trail guide

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a 35.7 km trek in Peru, typically walked in 4 days, with 3413 m of total ascent. It rates Extreme on our published rubric (96 m of gain per km, topping out at 4209 m). Its operating periods and current access must be checked with the linked route authorities; historical climate averages cannot establish whether the route is open or passable.

A regulated high-Andean route on the Inca road network to Machu Picchu, crossing Dead Woman’s Pass before descending through cloud forest and archaeological sites.

Quick facts

Distance35.7 km
Total ascent3413 m
Typical duration4 days
Difficulty (computed)Extreme
Steepness96 m gain per km
High point4209 m
CountryPeru
RegionPeru

Difficulty is computed from gain-per-km and maximum altitude on a published rubric, identically for every trail in the catalogue — so an "Extreme" here means the same thing everywhere on DirtbagMaps.

Official planning information

Elevation profile

Low point 1982 m · high point 4209 m · 3413 m total ascent over 35.7 km.

Historical climate normals — month by month

ERA5 reanalysis averages (2015–2024) for the trail area, referenced to approximately 2650 m elevation. These are gridded historical estimates, not observations from every stage and not a forecast. They cannot show current snowpack, river levels, fire restrictions, closures or whether a pass is safe.

MonthAvg highAvg lowAvg precip
Jan17°11°367 mm
Feb17°11°306 mm
Mar17°11°303 mm
Apr18°10°190 mm
May17°93 mm
Jun17°60 mm
Jul17°66 mm
Aug17°105 mm
Sep17°187 mm
Oct18°10°248 mm
Nov18°11°276 mm
Dec18°11°316 mm

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is 35.7 km, and most hikers complete it in 4 days. Total elevation gain is 3413 m.

How difficult is the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?

It rates Extreme on DirtbagMaps' computed rubric: 96 m of climbing per km walked with a high point of 4209 m. The rubric classifies every trail from gain-per-km and maximum altitude, so ratings are comparable across the whole catalogue.

What season and condition information is available for the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?

2026 access resumed 1 March after February closure. Peru’s Ministry of Culture and SERNANP reported the Inca road network reopened on 1 March 2026 after February maintenance. This dated notice is not a guarantee for later departures. This note was reviewed 29 Jul 2026 and is not live status; re-check the linked authorities before booking and departure.

Where is the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?

In Peru. The route starts near -13.215, -72.382 — the interactive 3D map above shows the full line, and the planner splits it into daily stages.

Can I get the GPX and plan daily stages?

Yes. Open the trail in the DirtbagMaps planner to drag the elevation profile into daily stages, see huts and accommodation along the corridor, and export a per-day GPX for your watch or GPS.

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