Machu Picchu & the Inca Trail: Overview

This ancient path and its pot of gold are both mystical and unforgettable.

For many, a visit to the lost Incan city of Machu Picchu via the Inca Trail is the sweet cherry on the top of their Peruvian trip. The 33km (20.5mi) journey is walked by thousands every year, winding its way over three high Andean passes to the best-known archaeological site on the continent.

Soak up views of snowy mountain peaks, rural hamlets where llamas graze and cloud forests flush with orchids as you walk from one pre-Columbian ruin to the next. The awe-inspiring Machu Picchu, at the trail's end, was never revealed to the Spaniards, remaining forgotten until the early 20th century.

Fast Facts

Electrical Plugs

European plug with two circular metal pins American-style plug with two parallel flat blades above a circular grounding pin Japanese-style plug with two parallel flat blades
220V 60Hz

Languages Spoken

Official: Quechua, Spanish; Castilian

Time Zones

GMT/UTC -5 

Country Dialing Code

+51

Weights & Measures

Metric

Peru - Pick & Mix Chapters

Peru - Pick & Mix Chapters

Download the free Getting Started chapter or buy individual chapters from our Peru guide, in our online Shop.
› Go to the Peru download page.

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Disclaimer: We've tried to make the information on this web site as accurate as possible, but it is provided 'as is' and we accept no responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by anyone resulting from this information. You should verify critical information (like visas, health and safety, customs and transportation) with the relevant authorities before you travel.

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