The Inca Trail heights varies quite significantly and people often struggle with altitude sickness, especially if they have not spent enough time in Cusco prior to trekking the trail.
Cusco stands at 3,400 masl, and is already significantly higher than Machu Picchu itself, however, many sections of the Inca Trail are much higher.
The Inca Trail begins at 2,750 masl, the trail ascends to 3,000 meters on the first day. The second day ascends over Dead Woman’s pass- the highest point on the Inca Trail at 4,200 meters. This is the most dangerous point in terms of altitude sickness, however, you do not spend long at this altitude and by the afternoon you’ll be back at 3,600 meters. Then the trail continues to Machu Picchu without much difficulty. See the Maps.
The Inca Trail altitud Map
The Inca Trail distances
| Kilometers | meters | feet | Places |
| —– | 3,250 | 10,660 | Cuzco |
| 0 | 2,850 | 9,350 | Km. 82 |
| 5 | 2,750 | 9,022 | Llaqtapata |
| 11 | 3,000 | 10,170 | Wayllabamba |
| 20 | 4,200 | 13,775 | Warmiwanusqa |
| 24 | 3,924 | 12,870 | Runkurakay |
| 28 | 3,725 | 12.220 | Sayaqmarka |
| 32 | 3,580 | 11,740 | Phuyupatamarka |
| 39 | 2,650 | 8,690 | Winay Wayna |
| 45 | 2,430 | 7,970 | Machu Picchu |
The Inca Trail Map
Most popular Inca Trail Tours
 Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2 daysThis is a less energetic route and starts at kilometre 104 along the railroad from Cusco to Machu Picchu. The trail climbs up to Wiñay Wayna where you join the final stages of the Classic 4-day hike. From Wiñay Wayna, the trek continues to Machu Picchu. The trek has the advantage of allowing you to visit the beautiful ruins at Wiñay Wayna and also to experience at least part of the Inca trail...Read more |
 Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4 daysThis is the most popular route trekked by hundreds of visitors each day. This beautiful trail starts at kilometre 82 (so called because it is 82 km along the railroad from Cusco to Machu Picchu) and takes in many of the Inca ruins including Runcuracay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, Wiñay Wayna and of course Machu Picchu….Read more |
 Luxury Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 5 daysThis itinerary follows the same route as 4-day trek. However, you have the opportunity to visit the ruins of Llactapata. You’ll also camp at different less crowded campsites during your trek. You will arrive at Machu Picchu in the afternoon of the fourth day of the trek and see the sunset over Machu Picchu…Read more |
