What exactly is the Inca Trail? And why is it so famous?

Some treks are household names - the A-list of the trekking world, if you will. Everest Base Camp in Nepal. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. And of course, the Inca Trail in Peru. Each offers its own challenge and reward, but the Inca Trail has a particular appeal. 

Perhaps it’s because Peru itself is such a lively, culturally rich destination. Perhaps it’s because the trek is shorter and less committing than other “giants” of trekking - an obvious preference for those entering the world of multi-day walking trips. Or maybe it’s because it culminates in one of the most iconic travel experiences on Earth: walking through the Sun Gate into Machu Picchu.

Unlike expeditions that take weeks, you can walk the Inca Trail and visit Machu Picchu in just over a week, with time built in to explore and acclimatise in Cusco, which is essential for safe and enjoyable trekking at altitude. That balance of cultural immersion, physical challenge, and iconic payoff is why the Inca Trail remains one of the most famous treks in the world.

But what is the Inca Trail, really? Where does it go, how hard is it, and why is it so famous? Let’s break it down.

Where is the Inca Trail?

The Inca Trail is in the Sacred Valley of Peru. Starting near Ollantaytambo, it winds through the Andes for about 42 kilometres (26 miles) before reaching Machu Picchu. The classic trek usually takes four days on the trail, within an overall week-long trip.

Why is the Inca Trail so famous?

It’s famous for its unique mix of history, culture, and landscapes, and for ending at Machu Picchu itself. The trail was part of the vast Inca road system, and today it allows trekkers to follow stone paths built more than 500 years ago. Along the way you’ll pass through high passes, cloud forests, and Inca ruins, before arriving on foot at the Sun Gate for your first view of Machu Picchu – something no other trek can offer.

How difficult is it?

The Inca Trail is not as tough or committing as Everest Base Camp or Kilimanjaro, but it still requires effort. The highest point, Dead Woman’s Pass, reaches 4,200m (13,780ft). Training and acclimatisation are essential, but most reasonably fit travellers can complete the trek with preparation.

How long does it take?

The classic route is four days of trekking, with daily walks of 6–8 hours. Add acclimatisation time in Cusco and the Sacred Valley, and the whole trip can be done in about a week.

Do you need a permit?

Yes. Permits are mandatory and strictly limited. Only 500 are issued per day, including trekkers, guides, and porters, leaving just 200–250 permits for travellers. They sell out months in advance, so early booking is essential.

What makes it different from other treks?

Other routes in Peru, such as the Salcantay or Lares, also end with a visit to Machu Picchu. But only the Inca Trail lets you walk directly into the site via the Sun Gate, retracing the path of the Incas themselves. That combination of accessibility, history, scenery, and a world-class finale is what makes the Inca Trail legendary.

Is it worth it?

Absolutely. It may be shorter and more approachable than some of the trekking world’s “giants,” but it offers just as much reward – and perhaps more. In a single week you’ll experience the culture of Cusco, the beauty of the Sacred Valley, and the thrill of arriving on foot at Machu Picchu. That’s what makes the Inca Trail so famous – and why it belongs on every trekker’s list.