Inca Trail
Inca Trail (Camino Inca) is a famous multi-day hiking route in Peru’s Cusco region that ends at Machu Picchu. The trail follows ancient stone-paved pathways within the broader Inca road system (Qhapaq Ñan) and uses the traditional access from above via Inti Punku (Sun Gate).
Route distance is mapped at about 33.88 km on this GPX-derived line, with a longer “Classic” version commonly trekked as roughly 4 days (4 days / 3 nights) covering around 42 km. In practical terms, you should expect a sustained high-elevation trek with steep passes and long stair sections built into the Inca route.
Altitude is the main physical limiter. On the Classic route, the highest point is Warmi Wañusqa (Dead Woman’s Pass) at about 4,215 m, and the hike then continues with additional high passes (including Runkurakay at about 3,950 m on the common Classic itinerary). Machu Picchu itself sits around 2,430 m.
The route is repeatedly tied to Inca archaeological complexes along the way, not just the final citadel. Commonly visited stops include Llactapata, Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, Intipata, and Wiñay Wayna, culminating after a final approach through the Sun Gate into Machu Picchu.
Most trekkers use a guided operation because access is controlled: advance permits are required, and independent trekking isn’t an option for the main trail route. Daily capacity is limited to 500 people on the trail (with a subset as trekkers and the remainder as guides and porters), so booking well ahead is essential for the dates you want.
The trek’s operating rules also include a seasonal closure for maintenance/cleaning (February). When planning, you’ll need to align your trek dates with permit release and seasonal operations so your entry into the trail corridor matches availability.
Seasonality is typically framed around the dry months (roughly April–October), which are when many hikers target stable conditions. Regardless of season, plan for cold nights and strong day-to-day elevation changes, since you climb to above 4,000 m before descending toward Machu Picchu.
More information: Wikipedia, What I Wish I Knew Before Hiking the Inca Trail, Inca Trail: Complete Trekking Guide