Inca Trail

This is the most popular route. It is often called “Km82”, because it starts 82 kilometres along the railway line between Cusco and Machu Picchu. After trekking 47 km over 4 days, you usually arrives at the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu for sunrise on the fourth day. The trek is rated moderate and any reasonably fit person should be able to cover the route. It is fairly challenging nevertheless, as it has the serious altitude changes (altitudes of 4200m are reached), and the climate varies along the length of the trail; ensuring that you are well acclimatized is important. If arriving from sea level or lower altitude destinations, plan to spend at least 2 full days in Cusco prior to commencing the trek.

There are two main alternative treks to the traditional 4-day Classic Inca Trail that both end at Machu Picchu.
The first and most popular alternative is the Short Inca Trail which can be completed in 1 or 2 days. This is an easier trek and starts further along the Vilcanota River Valley closer to Machu Picchu at a place called kilometre 104. From this point one treks the second last day of the classic route; but ends when you reach the village of Aguas Calientes where you stay for the night in hotel. The following day, a bus takes you up to Machu Picchu.
The second alternative to the Classic Inca Trail trek is a more strenuous Salkantay & Inca Trail Trek which is a 7 day hike via Salkantay, a beautiful snow-capped mountain.  The trek starts near the town of Mollapata and the first 3 days are spent trekking around the foot of the Salkantay mountain. On day 4 of the trek the trail joins up with the route of the Classic Inca Trail and visit the Inca  archaeological sites of Runcuracay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, Winay Wayna before trekking to Machu Picchu on the final day. This really is a spectacular trek combining the best of snow-capped mountains and Inca ruins.

The weather along the Inca Trail and in Machu Picchu splits into two dominant seasons. The dry winter season runs from April through to September, and the wet, summer season from October through to March. Temperatures stay relatively consistent throughout the year, with daily highs in the low 20s, and daily lows in the mid-single digits. At night, particularly in the winter season, temperatures can drop a few degrees below zero. This chart gives a good sense of what to expect weather wise by month, and dictates your packing list. In general though its recommended to plan for some rain all year round, moderate temperatures during the day and cold to sub-zero temperatures at night.

The Inca Trail is extremely popular and to preserve the authenticity of the trail; the Peruvian Government regulates access rigorously. Plan in advance (at least 5 months) as only 500 trekking permits are issued per day. This includes the extensive support staff (guides, porters, cooks etc) that will trek with you. Only about 200 entrances are issued per day for trekkers. Also ensure that you use a reliable, accredited and competent trek organizer to ensure a hassle-free and memorable experience.