Piscacucho, learn more about the starting point of the Inca trail

Published: 14 April 2022 | Update: 11 November 2025 | Reads: 3122

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There is a huge network of miles of paths built by the Incas that stretches across South America. These were made to help the Inca Empire and were used by its people and runners (called Chaskis) to send messages. But, if you want to walk the famous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, you have to start at Piscacucho, also called km 82.

From here, the walk takes you through different kinds of environments, amazing Inca ruins, and places with lots of plants and animals, until you reach the beautiful city of Machu Picchu.

Where is Piscacucho?

Surely you are wondering where is Piscacucho? The community of Piscacucho km 82, is located in the district of Ollantaytambo, province of Urubamba in the City of Cusco, at an altitude of 2709 meters above sea level, on the edge of the Machu Picchu National Park, and Where visitors start the Inca Trail, you can get there by bus in about 3 hours from the city of Cusco.

About Piscacucho, the Starting Point of the Inca Trail

Piscacucho, more popularly known as "Kilometer 82", is a small rural community located in the district of Ollantaytambo, province of Urubamba, in the Cusco region. Its fame is not due to the town itself, but because it holds the official control point and the start of the Classic Inca Trail 4 day route.

The name "Km 82" refers to its exact geographical location: it is located at kilometer 82 of the railway that connects Cusco with Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo). This is the place where hikers get off their private transport to begin the adventure.

Logistically, Piscacucho is the first filter of the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. Here, travelers must present their original passports and their Inca Trail permits at the Ministry of Culture checkpoint. Once the documentation is verified, the groups cross a hanging bridge over the Urubamba River to formally enter the trail and begin the hike.

The Machupicchu Historical Interpretation Center

Located in the same community of Piscacucho, next to the checkpoint, is the Machupicchu Historical Interpretation Center. This center, opened in June 2013, functions as an information point for visitors who are about to start the Inca Trail.

The main objective of this center is to provide essential context about the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu as a Protected Natural Area. The visit includes the screening of an introductory video that presents the vast biodiversity of the region (located in the Andean-Amazonian transition) and the main archaeological sites that will be found during the hike.

Piscacucho Main Data

Piscacucho has an ecosystem that corresponds to the alpine or mountain range, its climate is temperate, ranging between 15 and 20 degrees Celsius in the morning and 6 to 10 degrees Celsius at night.
The rainy season covers the period from November to March while the rest of the year is relatively dry.
It has wonderful Andean landscapes, the snow-capped mountains, and the Urubamba river that adorn the landscape of this community.
You can see Inca archaeological centers and bridle paths, being at the beginning of the Inca trail.
In 2011 the "Regional Directorate of Culture" made important findings in this area, they were skulls and long bones, and it was not ruled out that they could be mummified since they were in good condition.

How to get to Piscacucho in Ollantaytambo?

Access to Piscacucho (known as Km 82) is done by road from Cusco or, more commonly, from the town of Ollantaytambo.

Since it is mandatory to do the Inca Trail with an authorized agency, transportation to this point is almost always included in the tour package. The usual logistics are as follows: the travel agency picks up the hikers at their hotel in Cusco (very early in the morning) or in Ollantaytambo (a little later) and transports them in a private bus or minivan.

The vehicle travels through the Sacred Valley, passes the town of Ollantaytambo, and continues on an unpaved road until it reaches the parking lot at Km 82 (Piscacucho). At this location is the official checkpoint where travelers present their passports and permits before crossing the Urubamba River and formally beginning the hike.

From the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4D/3N

The Classic Inca Trail is a 42 kilometer route that starts in Piscacucho and is completed in four days and three nights, following a schedule set by the Ministry of Culture.

Day 1: Piscacucho (Km 82) to Yuncachimpa
The official starting point is the community of Piscacucho. The first day is a hike of approximately 11 kilometers (6-7 hours), which serves for acclimatization. The trail climbs gradually along the Urubamba River valley, offering views of the Llactapataarchaeological complex (located on the opposite slope) and passing by the Qoriwayrachina site. The route continues with a climb up to the campsite, usually located in Yuncachimpa (near the community of Wayllabamba).
Day 2: Yuncachimpa to Chaquicocha
This is the most physically demanding day of the entire trek. The day focuses on the long climb up to the Warmiwañusca pass(Dead Woman's Pass), which at 4,215 m.a.s.l. is the highest point of the hike. After reaching the summit, there is a technical descent down stone steps to the Pacaymayu valley, followed by a second, smaller climb up to the Runcuracay pass. The day ends with a descent to the Chaquicocha campsite (3,600 masl).
Day 3: Chaquicocha to Wiñaywayna
The third day is known for its archaeological richness and the drastic change in landscape. The trail enters the cloud forest (jungle brow), a more humid environment with lush vegetation. During this day, several impressive Inca sites are visited, including Sayacmarca, Conchamarca, and Phuyupatamarca. The day ends with a long descent down Inca steps to the Wiñaywayna archaeological site, where the last campsite is located.
Day 4: Wiñaywayna to Machu Picchu
The last day begins before dawn. It is a short hike, about 1.5 to 2 hours, on a relatively flat trail that leads directly to the Inti Punku (the Sun Gate). This is the original entry point to the citadel and offers the first panoramic views of Machu Picchu at sunrise. From there, you make the final 30 minute descent to the lookout area (Circuit 1) and then to the main control gate.

Important Fact: Starting with the 2026 regulations, the Inca Trail permit only includes access to the upper part of Machu Picchu (panoramic views of Circuit 1) and does not allow the complete tour of the monumental area (lower part). If you want to take the complete tour of the citadel, you must buy an additional entry ticket (recommended: Circuit 2) for a later time that same day.

General information on the Inca Trail

Location: Department of Cusco, Province of Urubamba 2 400 masl (Machu Picchu)
Mild weather
Average temperature: 15 ° C
Season: Recommended between April to October, closed for maintenance during February
Access: Air and land routes, from Lima and Arequipa to Cusco. Railroad, Poroy - Piscacucho (Km 82) and Machu Picchu - Poroy (return, 92 km in 3 hours 30 minutes)
Medium level
Duration: 4 days

Inca Trail Permit Fees

It is important to understand that permits for the Inca Trail (the route that starts at Piscacucho) are not sold individually and cannot be bought at the access control. The only way to get a permit is by booking a complete tour through a travel agency authorized by the Peruvian government. The total cost of the tour (which usually ranges between $600 and $900 USD) includes the price of the permit that the agency must buy in your name.

Official fees for the Inca Trail: The permit for the Inca Trail must be reserved through an authorized tour operator, and the cost varies depending on the operator and the type of tour you choose.
Tour packages: The prices of complete tours (which include the Inca Trail permit, guide, lodging, transport, etc.) vary significantly, from approximately S/ 400 for a short 2 day tour to more than S/ 1.500 for 4 day luxury tours.

Remember that the total capacity of this route is limited to 500 permits per day. This number includes all support staff (guides, cooks, and porters), leaving only about 200 daily spots available for tourists.

The Best Tours to the Sacred Valley

Best Tours to Machu Picchu

During your visit to Machu Picchu, you can choose between a variety of tours. These range from a full-day excursion to Inca Trail through the Sacred Valley of the Incas or Machu Picchu tours from Cusco. The multi-day tours can be combined with climbing of the Huayna Picchu mountain or the Rainbow Mountain, a trek through the Andes villages with living traditions. If the classic trail is sold out, the best hiking option is the short Inca Trail, this trail is part of the Inca path. There are also alternative treks to Machu Picchu, such as Salkantay Trek, Lares trek, Inca Quarry or Huchuyqosqo Trek. There are no limits to your thirst for adventure to Machu Picchu!