{"id":7327,"date":"2025-10-04T15:25:10","date_gmt":"2025-10-04T20:25:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.inkayniperutours.com\/blog\/?p=7327"},"modified":"2026-05-01T16:20:49","modified_gmt":"2026-05-01T21:20:49","slug":"where-does-the-inca-trail-start","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.inkayniperutours.com\/blog\/where-does-the-inca-trail-start","title":{"rendered":"Where Does the Inca Trail Start and End? Routes, Distances, and How to Get There"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Inca Trail<\/a> is considered one of the five best hiking routes in the world.<\/strong> This legendary trek allows you to reach Machu Picchu<\/a> following the same footsteps that the ancient Incas traveled more than 500 years ago. However, before embarking on this epic adventure, it’s essential to know exactly where does the Inca Trail start according to the route you choose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Km 82<\/span>Classic Trail start<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\nKm 104<\/span>Short Trail start<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\nPermit<\/span>Required for both<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\nFeb.<\/span>Annual closure<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

In this article, we’ll explain clearly and practically the starting points for each route, how to reach them, what you’ll find at each location, and all the essential information you need to plan your journey.<\/p>\n\n

Where Does the Inca Trail Start (Classic Version of 4 days)?<\/h2>\n

The Classic Inca Trail<\/strong><\/a> is the complete trekking experience that takes you through 42 kilometers of living history, spectacular Andean landscapes, and impressive archaeological sites. This route officially starts at Kilometer 82 of the Cusco-Machu Picchu railway<\/a><\/strong>, in the community of Piscacucho, Ollantaytambo district.<\/p>\n

\"Hikers

Start of the Inca Trail at Piscacucho, crossing the Urubamba River toward Machu Picchu.<\/p><\/div>\n

Piscacucho (Km 82): The Gateway to the Inca Trail<\/h3>\n

Piscacucho<\/strong>, also known simply as \u00abKm 82,\u00bb is a small community located at 2,709 meters above sea level<\/strong> (8,891 feet). This point marks the official start of the legendary Qhapaq \u00d1an (Quechua name for the Inca Trail) and sits at the boundary of Machu Picchu National Park<\/a>.
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