10 Amazing You'll See Only if You Hike the Inca Trail

Machu Picchu is one of the 7 Wonders of the World and definitely for good reason. What people don’t tell you, however, is that if you take the plunge and hike the Inca Trail, you’ll pass by tons of other incredible Incan sites that are just as breathtaking as the real life tourist trodden Machu Picchu!

I’m not kidding…these ruins and sites along the way were more of a highlight for me than actually reaching Machu Picchu. They were untouched with tourists, had random alpacas or llamas roaming around, and the scenery was breathtaking.

The coolest part was that no one else can see these other ruins unless they actually hike the trail. That was pretty special to me knowing that not many people get to see these sites in their lifetime.

I HIGHLY recommend hiking the trail if you can vs. taking the train. The journey was almost better than the destination!

Here are 10 Amazing Sites You’ll See Only If You Hike the Inca Trail

(1)Wiñay Wayna

This special place was a spiritual destination from the olden days until now. They are Inca ruins that have both a lower and upper section of Incan architecture, nestled into the side of a vibrant green hilltop. The sections are connected by stone steps that twist into refined curves.

(2) Llaqtapata

Take the old portion of the Inca Trail up to Llactapata. You will pass through an old village and citrus tree orchards along your journey until you reach a lush forest by the top. Once you get near the top, you will climb up the endless stone steps. Then take in the breathtaking view of the Inca Empire.

(3) Runkuraqay

Explore Runkuraqay, which is an archeological site that was known to be an administrative point left behind by the Incas. The site is southeast of Machu Picchu and south of the river Willkanuta.

(4) Phuyupatamarka

Visit this archaeological site that sits on the Inca Trail in the Urubamba Valley. The area is known as “La Ciudad entre la Niebla” or “The City Above the Clouds” due to it being over 10,000 feet in the air!

(5) Dead Woman’s Pass

This infamous pass sits at 13,828 ft and is the highest point on your Inca Trail trek when hiking to Machu Picchu, and you will feel the altitude when coming from sea level. Hikers normally get to the pass on the second day of their hike. It is known to be the most challenging part too, hence the name.

(6) The Inka – Inka Trail Trailhead & Urubamba River

You have to stop and marvel at the “Camino Inka-Inka Trail” sign that welcomes you to the Santuário Histórico de Machu Picchu. This is where you will start your trek and end your Machu Picchu hike on your final day. I appreciated it on both occasions!

(7) The Sun Gate

Enjoy the news at Inti Punku, also known as The Sun Gate in Quechua. Here you will get an amazing view of Machu Picchu. This will be your first viewpoint of Machu Picchu during your four-day trek on the Inca Trail.

(8) Views of the Andes Mountains

Since the Inca Trail sits in the Andes mountain range, you will get plenty of breathtaking views of the Andes Mountains. The Inca Trail passes through the cloud forest and even the alpine tundra.

9. Sayaqmarka

Take in the beauty of the sacred area of Sayacmarca. It is an Inca ruin that is believed to be a village that is dedicated to the mountains. It is quite special to see in person since Sayacmarka means “a place you can’t enter”.

10. Peruvian homes

You will get to see ancient Peruvian homes during your trek on the Inca Trail. Some of the homes are built out of stone with charming architecture that symbolizes South America.

Bonus(11) Machu Picchu

If you want to hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu it will take you about 3 nights and 4 days to do the whole thing. You also need to make sure to book a good tour company and make sure to do your research. I have tools below to help as well! I booked my tour with Peru Treks and loved them.

Another add-on would be stopping by Aguas Calientes after you are done with your trek. It is known to be the gateway for the Inca Trail and has plenty for you to do. You can even soak your tired body in one of their tranquil thermal baths. You can access them by visiting the street of ‘Hermanos Ayar’, which starts from the main square.