This is the most famous trek in Peru but also the most problematic, for all the reasons I explain below. The most important thing to know is that you must hire a licensed Inca Trail operator. You cannot do this trek on your own.

This is a tough trail, partly because a lot of it is stairs built by the Inca and partly because of the altitude. On the second day you cross one pass at 4215m (13,829 ft) and another at 4000 m (13,123 ft).

Though I hiked this trail in 2017 and 2019 and enjoyed it, I recommend it with hesitation. If it is important to you to hike to Machu Picchu, visit the archeological sites along the trail and see the sun rise over the ruins at the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), then consider this trek. However, if you would be happy taking the shuttle up from Aguas Calientes in the morning to see Machu Picchu, then do a different trek.