Where Does The Inca Trail End?
Whilst we usually enjoy hiking experiences for their natural scenery, the Inca Trail adds an extra layer of mystery and intrigue given the amount of ancient ruins we see along the way.
This makes it even more exciting when heading towards the end of the route (or thinking about it along the way). And in the case of the Inca Trail, the ending is often one of the biggest highlights and reasons most head on this sacred route in the first place.
In this guide we’ll explore where the Inca Trail ends, and why it’s so worth the wait. We’ll also take a look at the full Inca Trail route as well as how long it takes to finish the Inca Trail trek.
Table of Contents
Where Does The Inca Trail End?
Officially the Inca Trail ends in the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu, which was once a sacred place for the Inca civilization.
Built by the Emperor Pachacuti around 1450, this site was a key strategic vantage point given its location on top of a mountain. It was believed to have mostly served as a spiritual center, as well as a retreat for the Emperor himself and other royal classes.
It’s important to know that whilst Machu Picchu is the ending point for all roads that lead here, the Sun Gate is also known to mark the true end of the Inca Trail. This is because it overlooks the popular citadel, and unlike Machu Picchu can only be accessed by those who have a trail permit (and thus feels like a more authentic and unique end to the route).
The Full Inca Trail Route (Leading To The Inca Trail End In Machu Picchu)
Here we’ll now explore what you’ll see along the Classic 4 Day Inca Trail Tour, and how each site connects to the last.
Day One Of The Inca Trail
On the first day you’ll begin hiking through remote villages and around winding mountain passes, visiting the ancient strongholds of Salapunku, Willka Rakay and Llactapata. These sites were an important first line of defense, where messengers could then relay information on impending attacks or threats to other sites that were hidden deeper within the mountains.
Day Two Of The Inca Trail
The second day is more about the giant mountains that you’ll hike up and down, including the Dead Woman’s Pass which is the highest point of the trail (up at 4215m). Having said that, we will also get to visit other formidable ruins of the Inca Trail such as Runkurakay and Sayacmarca. With the latter you’ll also get to enjoy some stunning mists and panoramic views over the surrounding jungle.
Day Three Of The Inca Trail
Day three is perhaps the most exciting day for seeing an abundance of different ancient ruins, and is where most start to get excited to reach the Inca Trail’s end. Hiking through the cloud forest we’ll visit important sites such as Phuyupatamarca, Intipata as well as Wiñay Wayna which overlooks the crashing Urubamba River. There’s also a great chance of seeing wildlife along the path too such as Spectacled Bears and the emblematic Cock-of-the-rock Bird.
Day Four Of The Inca Trail
The last and final day begins early, where we will hike to the Sun Gate. Known as Intipunku in the native Quechua language, this is the unofficial true ending point of the Inca Trail given it can only be accessed by those who have hiked the route. Everyone else will join Machu Picchu directly from other routes, and we will also join them here by walking the same path as the Inca once did to marvel at this final incredible site.
How Long Does It Take To Finish The Inca Trail?
The full Inca Trail measures a total length of 43km, and will take four days to complete (although there’s also a five day option for those who want to walk at a slower pace and spend more time enjoying the Inca Trail).
If choosing to instead head on the Short Inca Trail, then it will only take two days to complete. This is because you’ll start at the alternative entrance gate of Km 104, which is much closer to Machu Picchu compared with the traditional starting point of Km 82.
Overview Of Where The Inca Trail Ends
And that’s all for this guide on where the Inca Trail ends. Regardless if choosing the classic four day route or the Short 2 Day Inca Trail, you will all end up at Machu Picchu at the end.
The New Seventh Wonder Of The World was an extremely important site to the Inca culture, and by heading on this route you’ll also get to visit many other incredible sites that helped protect Machu Picchu from potential threats or invasions.
Take a look at our Classic Inca Trail Tour now, where you’ll get to see all of the ruins above and also get to walk down to Machu Picchu from the famed Sun Gate viewpoint.