UNESCO World Heritage SiteUNESCO Heritage
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Peru

Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Inca trail with ruins and terraces

Location

Explore the Map

Historical Context

About

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a historically significant hiking trail located in the Andes mountain range of Peru. This trail is known for its varied Andean environments, including cloud forests and alpine tundra. Along the route, trekkers encounter numerous Incan ruins, settlements, and tunnels. The trail features agricultural terraces, villages, and altars, showcasing the sophisticated land use and religious practices of the Inca civilization. The trail reaches its highest point at the Dead Woman's Pass, at 4,215 meters above sea level. The trail's historical significance is underscored by its connection to ancient Incan sites, including Patallaqta and Willkaraqay, with the latter dating back to around 500 BCE. Despite its popularity, the trail is carefully managed to prevent erosion and preserve its archaeological integrity.

Paleolithic
Mesolithic
Neolithic
Chalcolithic
Bronze Age
Iron Age
Classical Period
Post-Classical Period
Early Modern Period
Industrial Period
Contemporary Period
Visual Archive

Gallery

Explore photographs of ancient structures, artifacts, and archaeological excavations

FileCamino-inca-dia2-c01.jpg
FileConchamarka_cooking_stove_spot.jpg
FileInca_Trail_Altitude_Graph.jpeg
+9 More
Temporal Epochs

Historical Timeline

Journey through time and discover key events in this site's history

500 BCE Willkaraqay First Inhabited

500 BCE

Classification

Archaeological Features

Unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site

category

Religious and Ritual Structures

Altars
category

Agricultural and Land Use Features

Terraces
category

Domestic and Habitation Structures

Villages
category

Environmental and Natural Features

Rock Shelters
category

Transportation and Communication Structures

PathsTunnels
Reference

Details

Country

Peru

Coordinates

-13.26° N, -72.26° E