How Hard Are The Inca Trail Stairs Of Death?
Also known as the Gringo Killer Steps, the Inca Trail stairs of death are often confused with other notorious hiking parts around Machu Picchu. However this one refers to the steps that head up to the Sun Gate Temple.
Many often worry about how tough this final part of the Inca Trail is, and whether you need to prepare more for this final part. Hikers often have various other questions about this stretch, such as whether people have died here or if it’s the overall hardest part of the Inca Trail trek.
In this guide we’ll explore everything you need to know about the Inca Trail stairs of death, and whether they really are as hard as their nickname claims them to be. We’ll also answer any other questions you may have in our FAQ section later in this guide.
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What Are The Inca Trail Stairs Of Death?
Along the Inca Trail we’ll find a few stretches which can be difficult to hike, and are often synonymously called the “Stairs of Death”. This includes when walking up to the Dead Woman’s Pass, as well as around Phuyupatamarca.
However, the unofficial king of this title actually goes to the series of steep stone steps that head up to the Sun Gate, which is the end of the Inca Trail and the final frontier to reaching Machu Picchu. There are 50 stone steps in total, and require the use of your hands as you climb up to the very top.
The impressive ruins of the Sun Gate are also known as Inti Punku in the native Quechua language, and can actually be seen from Machu Picchu when looking out to the east from the viewpoints. The eventual walk down from here will take around 30 minutes before reaching the legendary Inca fortress.
How Hard Are The Inca Trail Stairs Of Death?
Despite earning the somewhat terrifying name of the “Inca Trail Stairs of Death”, this section is actually quite quick to walk up, and there have been no recorded deaths or even injuries here. Most likely the name arose from hikers who wanted to emphasise the final hurdle of a long journey before reaching Machu Picchu – when in reality it’s pretty simple to hike up.
However they are certainly not to be taken lightly either. Given they are right at the end of the Inca Trail route, you’ll probably already have tired legs when you eventually reach them. The steep gradient of all 50 steps also means that you’ll want to take it slowly going up, and to take a rest or two along the way if you need.
Inca Trail Stairs Of Death FAQ
Below we’ll now answer some of the frequent questions we get about the Inca Trail stairs of death, as well as anything else important that you need to know before taking them on.
How Long Does It Take To Climb The Stairs Of Death?
This final stretch of the Inca Trail is quite short, although the 50 stone steps here are steep – meaning you’ll want to take a break every now and then during your ascent. Usually it takes between 5-10 minutes to climb up the Inca Trail stairs of death, however please take your time as you climb up at your own personal rhythm.
What Is The Hardest Part Of The Inca Trail?
The climb up to Warmiwañusca (the Dead Woman’s Pass) is usually referred to as being the hardest point of the Inca Trail, given it’s a long walk up and it’s the highest altitude point of the trail which peaks at 4215m. However with frequent breaks and a good spirit you’ll easily make it up this stretch to enjoy unforgettable Andean mountains vistas at the very top.
How Many People Have Died On The Stairs Of Death?
On the Inca Trail stairs of death there have been zero deaths or even injuries for that matter – with its nickname having strongly suggested otherwise. However, given the steep ascent it does make one more tired when climbing up, which is why we suggest taking it slow and also stopping where necessary to catch your breath on the way to the top.
Overview Of The Inca Trail Stairs Of Death
And that’s all for this guide on everything you need to know about the Inca Trail stairs of death.
With such an infamous name, many people tend to get the wrong idea about the Inca Trail stairs of death. The truth is that these steps are actually quite easy to climb up to reach the ruins of the Sun Gate – and there have been no fatalities or injuries on this section of the Inca Trail path.
Are you looking to explore the Inca Trail? Then check out our Four Day Inca Trail Trek where you will see many incredible archaeological ruins, whilst also having all meals, camping, hiking equipment and a professional guide included.