Inca Trail activities
Hike up Huayna Picchu
The famous green peak which serves as a backdrop to Machu Picchu in thousands of photos around the world harbours its own hidden temples - including an arrow-shaped stone which points due south, and the Temple of the Moon, carved into a cave on the mountainside, which is believed to have been a royal tomb or possibly a place of sacrifice.
As you would expect, ascending the mountain is onerous, with exposed steps winding round sheer faces. The climb takes around two hours, and should not be attempted by anyone with vertigo. New regulations only give permits to 400 visitors, who climb in two morning shifts, so you need to arrive at Machu Picchu early to secure your spot on the 'Young Peak'.
As you would expect, ascending the mountain is onerous, with exposed steps winding round sheer faces. The climb takes around two hours, and should not be attempted by anyone with vertigo. New regulations only give permits to 400 visitors, who climb in two morning shifts, so you need to arrive at Machu Picchu early to secure your spot on the 'Young Peak'.
The fascinating yet little-visited Museo de Sitio Manuel Chávez Ballón is dedicated to the history and exploration of Machu Picchu.![]()
Learn about the archaeology
Virtually no information exists at the ruins themselves, but this little museum lies a half hour walk from Aguas Calientes, and has exhibits on the construction of this extraordinary city, as well as curious Inca artifacts. There's also a pleasant botanical garden to relax in after your hike.
Stay with your porters
Simon Forster is a co-founder of our supplier The Beyond Tourism Co., who offer homestays in the porters' villages. Here's his top activity for the Inca Trail: "We include an extra day at the beginning of the Trail where you spend the night in the porters' home village, so you get to know them before you go on your trek. This makes for more personal interaction so you enjoy your experience more, but it also gives you a better understanding of the porters' lives. Being a porter has actually become a culture and identity for people from the area, not just a day job, so we want to highlight that as well. Often on the Trail, the porters can be overlooked or taken for granted. You may not understand much about porters' rights, the person you're booking your tour with might not understand it and their incredible hard work goes unappreciated. Staying with them creates better understanding and a better experience for both of you."Our top trip
Hiking the Inca Trail
Fully supported Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu
From
US $1237
4 days
ex flights
Small group travel:
Daily departures throughout the year (closed in February) Please note: Hiking the Inca Trail should be booked 2 to 3 months in advance and at least 4 months in advance if you wish to trek between June and September inclusive, due to high demand.
Daily departures throughout the year (closed in February) Please note: Hiking the Inca Trail should be booked 2 to 3 months in advance and at least 4 months in advance if you wish to trek between June and September inclusive, due to high demand.
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The ruins become increasingly spectacular along trail, and the last stop before Machu Picchu is Wiñay Wayna, meaning 'eternal youth'.![]()
Discover that it's not all about Machu Picchu
Built into a precarious slope, this large site comprises houses connected by a sheer staircase, with agricultural terraces above and below. The setting is suitably dramatic, as are the views of the Urubamba River. Wiñay Wayna is not always on Inca Trail itineraries, but it is one of the most impressive detours, so try and book a tour that stops here. You can also hike there directly from Machu Picchu.
More Inca Trail trek articles
The best time to trek the Inca Trail is in the cooler, drier months of May to September.
Our Inca Trail map showcases the highlights along this iconic trekking trail.
Our Machu Picchu guide reveals the history of this sacred site, with tips for visiting.
The Lares and Salkantay Treks are the best known of the alternative Inca Trails.
Skilled and super-fit, porters accompany your group, carrying everything you’ll need.
Useful advice for anyone planning a family trek on the Inca Trail.
The Inca Trail requires good fitness, but it isn’t a particularly challenging hike.
This is the page where expert advice from our friends in Peru marries with recommendations from those who have been there.
Find out about Quechua homestays, porters' rights and responsible trekking.
