How Many Miles Is The Inca Trail?
Are you wondering how many miles is the Inca Trail?
One of the most unforgettable hiking routes in all of South America, the Inca Trail offers us beautiful Andean vistas, memorable camping conditions under the stars and a variety of remote Inca ruins to explore. However many wonder how long the whole trail is, and if it’s hard to hike the route each day.
In this guide we’ll explore how many miles the Inca Trail is, which will serve as a useful step when preparing for this iconic route. As well as looking at the most difficult part of the trail, we’ll also explore what to expect on each of the four days of the Inca Trail.
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How Many Miles Is The Inca Trail?
Quick Answer: Overall the Full Four Day Inca Trail route measures a total of 25 miles long, which is spread out over each day of hiking (also five if choosing the extended trek). For those in the United States, this works out to be a grand total of 41 kilometres for the whole route.
Of course when looking at a map it doesn’t seem so long, however it’s important to remember that this route winds and mazes around tall Andean mountains, and also through navegable sections of high Amazon Rainforest. It’s also vital to know that parts of the trail are inclined too – so this all adds up when hiking each day and it’s important to prepare properly as a result.
The Full Trek Breakdown: How Many Miles Per Day Is The Inca Trail?
Below let’s now take a look at what you can expect on each day of the full Inca Trail trek.
Day One Of The Inca Trail
The first day is by far the most exciting one, as we finally get to set off from the official gatehead at Piscacucho to start the Inca Trail trek. At a total of 7.5 miles, it’s a firm yet pleasant introduction to the route as we pass by remote indigenous towns and beautiful Andean foothills. This is also usually the warmest day of the route, so you can enjoy the sun and walk with less layers on.
Day Two Of The Inca Trail
As we wake up early for our second day, we now prepare for the overall longest day of the Inca Trail trek. Measuring at 5 miles, here we will pass through the two mountain passes of Runkurakay and the Dead Woman’s Pass (the latter also being the highest point of altitude on the trek). This is the most difficult day, given the inclines and declines, and as such we recommend walking slowly at a comfortable pace and also taking frequent breaks along the way.
Day Three Of The Inca Trail
On our third day we will wake up in the campsite of Chaquicocha (or another depending on availability for the dates), and begin our walk through the misty cloud forests of the region to the ancient ruins of Wiñay Wayna. Also quite a hilly stretch, here we will be walking for 8 miles as we see more remote Inca ruins along the way. It’s important to know that if hiking the 5 Day Inca Trail Trek, then this day (as well as the rest) will each be less distance as the distances are spread out more evenly.
Day Four Of The Inca Trail
Finally today is the day that we have been most looking forward to, as we finish our hike at the sacred site of Machu Picchu. It’s also the shortest of 4.5 miles, where we will walk on a mostly flat pass to the Sun Gate – before then walking down to the legendary ancient citadel. From here you can then enjoy a break as we transport you back to Cusco via both local buses and trains.
What Is The Hardest Part Of The Inca Trail?
The second day is often agreed to be the hardest part of the Inca Trail. Here we will be ascending up to the Dead Woman’s Pass (which is the most difficult stretch), and also through Runkurakay Pass. However, with a good attitude and frequent breaks along the way, it’s very easy to tackle this day as we continue making our way along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
Overview Of How Many Miles Is The Inca Trail
And that’s all for this guide on how many miles the Inca Trail is.
Renowned as one of the best outdoor treks on the planet, the Inca Trail really has it all. Over this 25 mile trek we can spot exotic wildlife, hike through Andean mountain passes and also see ancient ruins like Wiñay Wayna and Sayacmarca – all before culminating your journey at the incredible citadel of Machu Picchu.
Are you ready for your ultimate Inca Trail experience? Here at AB Expeditions we operate an unforgettable Four Day Inca Trail Trek, which includes all lodging, meals, transport, entrance permits and an expert guide who will lead your group the entire way.