The Inca Trail Location: Where Does This Legendary Route Begin And End?

Where Is The Inca Trail Location?

Quick Answer: The Inca Trail is located within the Peruvian Andes, and specifically inside the region of Cusco.

The full route measures some 43km in length, and includes various types of scenery. This means we’ll see towering mountains, hidden ruins, cloud forests and even jungle along the Inca Trail. 

Given its location it does mean that the Inca Trail does have varying seasons which see a large change in weather. This includes both a dry and wet season, which you can learn more about here.

Where Does The Inca Trail Start And End?

It’s important to know that the Inca Trail actually has different starting points depending on the trek you choose, whilst the ending point is always at Machu Picchu. Below we’ll now explore where the different starting points are on the Inca Trail.

The 2 Day Inca Trail

Also known as the Short Inca Trail, it is the only one of its kind which has a different starting point. Here you will begin at the Km 104 marker, which is closer to Machu Picchu than the other hikes (hence why it is a shorter trek overall). For this reason the 2 Day Inca Trail is the perfect option for travelers who are short on time yet still want to experience this incredible trek.

The Classic 4 Day Inca Trail

The most popular route of all, this is the standard option where we will trek the entire Inca Trail route. The starting point is at Km 82, which is also known as Piscacucho and serves as the main gateway into the path. Given the 4 Day Inca Trail Hike is a longer trek, it will require a better level of fitness to complete. Here we’ll see more scenery and ancient ruins when compared with the Short Inca Trail.

The Extended 5 Day Inca Trail

One of the longer Inca Trail treks out there, this one actually follows the exact same route as the Classic Inca Trail trek. This means we will also begin at Km 82 and finish at Machu Picchu. The only difference with the 5 Day Inca Trail Trek is that each day will be easier with less walking, and more time spent exploring this incredible route.

What Is The Closest City To The Inca Trail?

Cusco is by far the closest city to the Inca Trail, which is located some 76km away within the same-named region. For this reason all hikes will begin here in the city.

Getting From Cusco To The Inca Trail

All Inca Trail tours will begin from Cusco, and when heading with AB Expeditions you’ll be picked-up in your accommodation before driving to the starting points (whether that’s Km 82 or Km 104). Please note that you cannot enter the Inca Trail independently – so whilst you could technically reach the gate by driving you won’t be allowed in without your own guide, identification and a valid Inca Trail permit).

Getting From Lima To The Inca Trail

You’ll first need to get to Cusco from Lima, which you can either do by flight (two hours with either Sky or LATAM) or by taking the 22 hour bus. Please note that when traveling from Lima to Cusco, you will be quickly climbing over 3000m in elevation. This can often cause altitude sickness symptoms, and as such we recommend waiting at least two days in Cusco before then heading on your Inca Trail tour.

Overview Of The Inca Trail Location

And that’s all for this guide on where the Inca Trail location is.

Sandwiched within the beautiful Peruvian Andes, the Inca Trail is located in the Cusco region and as such all treks start within this popular city. It’s important to remember that whilst the end is always at Machu Picchu, the starting points can vary depending on which Inca Trail tour you choose (Km 104 for the two day trek and Km 82 for the longer treks).

Are you ready to hike this incredible sacred route? Here at AB Expeditions we operate a Four Day Inca Trail Trek which includes all logistics, meals, camping equipment as well as permits to both the Inca Trail as well as Machu Picchu.