Piscacucho, better known to trekkers simply as Km 82, is the official starting point of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Travelers researching their trip often see it written both ways, Km 82 or Piscacucho, since the two names refer to the exact same place.
The Classic 4-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, also known by its Quechua name Qhapaq Ñan, is a trekking and camping adventure that covers 42 kilometers (26.1 miles) from this trailhead to the Sun Gate above the citadel.
The trek's longest and most scenic stretch begins right here at Piscacucho, following the Urubamba River valley before climbing away from it. Along the way it crosses diverse ecosystems, passes major archaeological sites, and moves through terrain rich in Andean flora and fauna before reaching Machu Picchu itself.
Where is Km 82?
You might be curious about the exact location of Piscacucho. Known as Km 82 of the Inca Trail, Piscacucho is a community situated in the Ollantaytambo district of the Urubamba province in Cusco.
It rests at an altitude of 2,709 meters above sea level on the edge of the Machu Picchu National Park. This is where visitors begin their journey on the Inca Trail. The community is accessible by road, approximately a 3-hour trip from the city of Cusco.
Book Inca Trail From KM 82
Shared trek, shared sleeping tent, available to any hiker who books a spot.
All-inclusive private tour with entrance fees included, recommended for friends and families traveling together.
A leisure-paced version of the same route, an extra day added for lighter walking days, recommended for photographers.
Piscacucho of the Inca Trail
Piscacucho sits in an alpine ecosystem typical of the high Andes. The climate is temperate, with daytime temperatures ranging from 15 to 20 degrees Celsius and nighttime temperatures dropping to between 6 and 10 degrees Celsius.
The rainy season spans from November to March, with the rest of the year relatively dry. At Km 82 of the Inca Trail, you will encounter breathtaking Andean landscapes, snow-capped peaks, and the Urubamba River, all adding to the setting of this small community.
This location offers views of Inca archaeological remains and old bridle paths, marking the beginning of the Inca Trail. The area's history runs deeper than its role as a modern trailhead: a 2011 excavation by Peru's Regional Directorate of Culture uncovered human remains, skulls and long bones, in the surrounding grounds. Their preservation was good enough that researchers raised the possibility they belonged to mummified individuals, a reminder that Piscacucho was inhabited and used long before it became the Inca Trail's starting point.
The Historical Interpretation Center of Machu Picchu
This space aims to showcase the significance of the area to visitors. Inaugurated in June 2013, it is situated in the community of Piscacucho. The center was built to provide information about the protected natural area at the starting point of the traditional Inca Trail.
The visit begins with an introductory video designed to orient visitors to the most notable parts of the Sanctuary. It also offers insight into the rich biodiversity of the Historic Sanctuary, which spans the Andean-Amazon transition zone.
How to Get to Km 82 of the Inca Trail?
Piscacucho (Km 82) is not reached by hiking, it is where the hike begins. Most travelers get there from Cusco by road: a private van or tourist bus covers the roughly three-hour drive via Ollantaytambo, arriving directly at the Km 82 checkpoint. The alternative is the train, which runs the Poroy to Piscacucho segment (departing just outside Cusco) in about three and a half hours for the return leg. Every trekking company, including Tour Leaders Peru. Includes this transport from Cusco in the trek package, so you will not need to arrange it separately.
Inca Trail fitness level required
The 4-day trek on the Inca Trail demands a good level of fitness and stamina. With daily walking durations ranging from 5 to 8 hours, and elevation changes reaching up to 1,400 m in ascent and 1,280 m in descent. The journey includes crossing two mountain passes: Warmiwañusca (Dead Woman's Pass) at roughly 4,200 m on day two, and a second, slightly lower pass on day three at approximately 4,000 m (13,120 ft). See our full Inca Trail elevation profile for the day-by-day altitude breakdown.
While the itinerary is designed to allow for proper acclimatization, the risk of altitude sickness should not be underestimate. It is important to make sure your heart and circulatory system are in good health beforehand. We recommend spending at least two full days acclimatizing in Cusco before starting the trek.
General information on the Inca Trail
- Location: Cusco Department, Urubamba Province, 2,400 masl at Machu Picchu
- Weather on the Inca Trail: mild
- Average temperature: 15°C
- Season: recommended between April and October; closed for maintenance every February
- Access: air and land routes from Lima and Arequipa into Cusco, then the Poroy to Piscacucho (Km 82) railroad, or Machu Picchu to Poroy by return train (92 km, about 3 hours 30 minutes)
- Physical rating: medium level
- Duration: 4 days
How to Hike the Inca Trail from Km 82
The Inca Trail begins in the community of Piscacucho (Km 82), marking the official start of this legendary path. Day one spans 11 kilometers and typically takes 6 to 7 hours, winding through striking landscapes and passing the Inca archaeological site of Qorihuayrachina, which offers a view of Patallacta. The trail then climbs to the community of Wayllabamba, where hikers rest at the Yuncachimpa camp.
On the second day, the hike follows the Llulluchampa path at 3,850 meters. The trail gradually becomes steeper, with numerous stone steps and sweeping vistas, ultimately reaching Warmiwañusca (Dead Woman's Pass) at 4,200 meters above sea level. After this high point, the path descends past Runkurakay toward the Chaquicocha camp.
The third day's hike is often consider the most scenic, crossing lush cloud forest and passing Inca archaeological sites including Sayacmarca, Runkurakay, and Phuyupatamarca. The trail then descends to the Inca site of Wiñayhuayna, where the final camp is located.
On the fourth day, a 7-kilometer walk of about 2 to 3 hours leads to the entrance of the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, known as Inti Punku, the Sun Gate.
Inca Trail Porters
All tour groups generally follow a similar itinerary over four days, beginning in the village of Piscacucho, Km 82, and crossing a landscape of snow-capped mountains, rivers, and valleys. It is worth researching and choosing a tour operator that prioritizes the well-being of its porters.
Some operators offer lower prices by cutting corners on porter clothing, food, or wages, even though these are the people trekkers depend on to complete the route. Porters carry the camping equipment, tents, tables, chairs, food, and cooking supplies, and help trekkers who are struggling along the way.
Making sure porters get enough food and rest during the trek matters. Choose a reputable operator for your trek, and ask how porters are treated before you book.
Machu Picchu Ticket Rules You Should Know Before You Go
Entrance tickets are not sold at the access control point at Km 82 or at any other checkpoint, so book before you travel. Huayna Picchu Mountain requires its own separate ticket, and entry is refused without it. Overall visitor numbers to the Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary are cappe at 400 people per shift, split across two daily schedules of 200 each. For the full range of Machu Picchu hiking tours Tour Leaders Peru runs beyond the Classic Inca Trail, see the linked page for current departure dates and pricing.
Alternative treks to the Inca Trail
- Lares Trek to Machu Picchu, a lower-altitude alternative through Andean weaving villages
- Choquequirao Trek, 5 Days / 4 Nights, for a quieter, less-crowded ruins experience
Frequently Asked Questions About Km 82
Is Km 82 the only starting point for the Inca Trail?
No. Km 82 (Piscacucho) is the official starting point for the Classic 4-day Inca Trail and the longer variations that follow the full traditional route. Hikers on the shorter 2-day Inca Trail start further along the line at Km 104 (Chachabamba), which runs on a separate, smaller daily permit quota. If your goal is the complete 42-kilometer Classic 4-day Inca Trail experience, Km 82 is the trailhead you want.
How long does it take to walk from Km 82 to Machu Picchu?
On the Classic route, it takes 4 days and 3 nights to cover the 42 kilometers (26.1 miles) from the Km 82 checkpoint to the Sun Gate above Machu Picchu. For a full day-by-day breakdown of distances, campsites, and elevation, see our 4-day Inca Trail itinerary guide.
Can a beginner hike the Inca Trail from Km 82?
Yes, with the right preparation. The trek is rated moderate to challenging rather than technical, and most of the difficulty comes from altitude and the Warmiwañusca (Dead Woman's Pass) climb on day two rather than any specialize skill. A few months of cardio and stair training beforehand, a slow acclimatization stay in Cusco first, and a realistic pace make it achievable for a fit beginner.
What happens at the checkpoint at Km 82?
Before the trail begins, every hiker passes through a government control point where rangers check each permit against an official registry. Permits are tied to a specific full legal name and passport number and cannot be transferred between people, so bring the original passport you booked with, not a photocopy or a different passport. Build in extra time here, since the checkpoint can get busy during peak season.
Ready to start at Km 82?
Tour Leaders Peru runs the Classic, Private, and 5-Day Inca Trail treks from Piscacucho year-round, with permits secured well ahead of your travel dates.
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