The hike to Machu Picchu’s Inca Bridge is short and easy. It is suitable for people of all ages and physical conditions. It follows Inca trails near ravines. This bridge was used to protect the western entrance to the Inca city. The route offers excellent scenery, and the ticket that allows you to enter is Machu Picchu + Inca Bridge (Route 1D).

• What is the Inca Bridge of Machu Picchu?
• Where is it located?
• How to visit the Inca Bridge?
• Machu Picchu + Inka Bridge Ticket (Route 1D) and its schedules
• Hiking guide to the Inca Bridge of Machu Picchu
• Is the hike to the Inca Bridge difficult?
• When to do this hike?
• What to bring on the hike?
• Detailed information about the hike to the Inca Bridge
• Is the hike to the Inca Bridge safe?
• Frequently Asked Questions

View of the Inca Bridge

The Inca Bridge hike is one of the lesser-known hikes in Machu Picchu. It offers incredible scenery and exciting trails due to its proximity to ravines. The route is easy and takes only 40 minutes. Admission is with the “Machu Picchu + Inca Bridge (Route 1D)” ticket, which gives you a panoramic view of what was once one of the hiking routes of the ancient Inca culture.

What is the Inca Bridge of Machu Picchu?

• The Inca Bridge marked the western border of Machu Picchu. It was built so that, in case of emergency, it could be easily removed to prevent a possible invasion.
• The Incas built different types of bridges: suspension bridges made of ichu ( like the famous Qeswachaka Bridge in Cusco ), stone bridges, floating bridges made of totora reeds, and wooden logs. The one at Machu Picchu was built in the latter way.
• The Inca Bridge at Machu Picchu is built on a stone base with two enormous carved boulders, each with thick trunks protruding from it. The path before and after the bridge has original cobblestones.

Inca Bridge of Machu Picchu

Where is it located?

• The Inca Bridge is located on the western edge of the Inca city of Machu Picchu. To reach it, follow a marked route that begins at the famous “Guardian’s House.”

How to visit the Inca Bridge?

• The entrance to the Inca Bridge is located inside Machu Picchu. To visit this site, visitors must register at the security checkpoint. After completing the hike, they must register again to leave. Admission is possible with the Machu Picchu + Inca Bridge ticket (Route 1D).

Machu Picchu ticket and its schedules

The ‘Machu Picchu + Inka Bridge (Route 1D)’ entrance ticket offers up to 4 different entry times:

• Group 1: access from 8:00 am.
• Group 2: access from 09:00 am.
• Group 3: access from 10:00 am.
• Group 4: access from 11:00 am.

Hiking guide to the Inca Bridge of Machu Picchu

• To find the starting point, follow the upper trail from the entrance gate to Machu Picchu. To do so, you’ll have to ascend to the top of the agricultural sector.
• There you will find the access control booth for the Inca Bridge. You must present your ID or passport.
• The trail consists of dirt sections and stone steps. There are signs and warnings for tourists throughout the route.
• From the trail you can get views of the mountains and the Machu Picchu hydroelectric plant.
• At some points along the route you will encounter cliffs several meters high, so you will need to be very cautious.
• After approximately 30 minutes of walking, you reach the Inca Bridge. Tourists will not be able to cross it because it is in poor condition. The bridge can be seen from a nearby location.

Inca Bridge

The Inca Bridge hike is quick and easy. After completing this hike, you’ll still have time to explore Machu Picchu’s main attractions: the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana, the Temple of the Condor, the Sacred Rock, the Main Plaza, and more.

Is the hike to the Inca Bridge difficult?

• Easy – A simple hike for people of all ages. Parents can take this route with their children. However, they should be careful, as the trail has some steep sections and is surrounded by cliffs.

When to do this hike?

• The Inca Bridge hike is only available during peak season in Machu Picchu, which runs from June 19th to November 2nd. However, you can hike other routes in Circuit 1 at any time of year.
• During the dry season (April to October), rain is unlikely. The climate is cooler, making it ideal for hiking to the Inca Bridge.
• Regardless of the date you travel to Machu Picchu, a rain poncho is recommended. Keep in mind that the weather in Cusco is very changeable.

Tourists on the way to the Inca Bridge

What to bring on the hike?

• Water – small bottle of water.
• Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
• Insect repellent.
• Snacks.
• Rain poncho.
• Camera.
• Backpack.
• Identity document or passport.
• Entrance to Machu Picchu.

Detailed information about the hike to the Inca Bridge

• Time required: 40 minutes (total time).
• Terrain: Dirt and stone paths with steps.
• Difficulty: Easy walk.
• Recommended shoes: Simple sneakers or hiking boots.
• Ticket type: Machu Picchu + Inka Bridge (Route 1D).
• Check-in time: 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Age limit: There is no age limit.

Is the hike to the Inca Bridge safe?

• Unlike the difficult hike to Huayna Picchu , the Inca Bridge hike is one of the safest routes to Machu Picchu. The journey is short and doesn’t require much physical effort to complete.
• However, the hike has some fairly high cliffs, so caution is recommended, especially if you are hiking with children.
• No accidents ever occurred during the hike to the Inca Bridge. This adventure is open to people of all ages.

Frequently Asked Questions

• 1) What is the Inca Bridge of Machu Picchu?

  The Inca Bridge is a structure of great historical significance that protected one of the entrances to Machu Picchu. Built over a ravine and connected by a system of roads, this bridge was a defensive measure that isolated the citadel.

• 2) Where is the Inca Bridge located?

  This bridge is located within the historic sanctuary of Machu Picchu, specifically at the western end. Access to this structure is via the upper trails.

• 3) How to visit the Inca Bridge?

  To visit the Inca Bridge, you must have the “Machu Picchu + Inca Bridge (Route 1D)” ticket. Visitors must register at the entrance to the hike both at the start and end of the hike.

• 4) What ticket do I need and what are the schedules?

  The “Machu Picchu + Inka Bridge (Route 1D)” ticket allows entry at four different times: 8:00 am, 9:00 am, 10:00 am, and 11:00 am.

• 5) Is the hike to the Inca Bridge difficult?

  No, it’s an easy hike, suitable for people of all ages. Although not strenuous, the trail passes close to ravines, so caution is required, especially if traveling with children.

• 6) When is the best time to do this hike?

  The ideal time to hike is during the dry season (April to October), when rain is less likely. However, the hike is only available between June 19 and November 2.

• 7) Is it safe to do the hike?

  Yes, as long as you follow the signs and warnings along the way. Although there are cliffs, the trail is well marked and regularly used by visitors.

• 8) What can you see during the walk?

  The trails offer spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and Machu Picchu’s flora. At the end, you can see the Inca Bridge from a nearby viewpoint.

• 9) How long does the walk take?

  The round trip takes approximately 40 minutes, making it a short and enriching walk.

• 10) When is the high season in Machu Picchu?

  The high season in Machu Picchu runs from June 19 to November 2.

Advice from people who have been there

Machu Picchu

By: Carlos G.

“Inka Bridge Experience“

“My trip to Machu Picchu was marked by much mystery because I was able to visit the Inca bridge. Having the opportunity to see it from afar made me question myself a lot about where that route was going, because it is lost in the middle of the jungle, it is very impressive.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, May 2, 2025