History and nature of the Inca Trail
You walk on a route built by the Incas that connects sites like Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, and Wiñay Wayna. In four days you go from dry valleys to cloud forest, with orchids and birds on every section. Here we tell you what you will find along the way.
We gathered what travelers ask most about the archaeological sites, the history of the route, and the flora and fauna you will see. Each topic has a complete article: tap the link to read the in-depth explanation.
From the Urubamba Valley to the cloud forest
Start with what interests you most; everything points to the same goal: that you understand what you see in each section and not just hike it.
Sites that can only be seen on foot
Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, and Wiñay Wayna do not have road access.
You walk on Inca engineering
Steps, retaining walls, and a rock-carved tunnel are still in use.
You cross several ecological zones
You go from the dry valley to puna zones and then to the cloud forest.
Orchids and birds on the route
The sanctuary is home to hundreds of orchid species and a wide variety of birds.
!
IMPORTANT
Observe and photograph, but do not take anything from the trail
The entire route is part of the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, a protected area. It is forbidden to extract stones, plants, or orchids, climb the walls of the archaeological sites, or leave the marked trail. Your guide will indicate where you can stop and how close you can get at each site.