The trek to the Inca Bridge of Machu Picchu is short and easy to do. It is suitable for people of all ages and physical conditions. It develops through Inca trails near ravines. This bridge was used to protect the western entrance of the Inca city. The route offers excellent landscapes.

• What is the Inca Bridge of Machu Picchu?
• Where it is located?
• How to visit the Inca Bridge?
• Machu Picchu ticket 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 take to the walk?
• Detailed information of the Inca Bridge trek
• Is the trek to the Inca Bridge safe?

The tour of the Inca Bridge is one of the least known in Machu Picchu. It offers incredible landscapes as well as exciting trails due to its proximity to ravines. The route is easy and takes only 40 minutes. The entrance is with the ticket ‘Machu Picchu Solo’.

What is the Inca Bridge of Machu Picchu?

• The Inca Bridge marked the limits of Machu Picchu with the west . It was built in such a way that, in an emergency, it could be easily removed and thus avoid a possible invasion.
• The Incas built different types of bridges: pendants made of ichu ( like the famous Qeswachaka bridge in Cusco ), of stone, floating of totora and wooden logs. The one in Machu Picchu was built in the latter way.
• The Inca Bridge of Machu Picchu is built on a stone base with two huge carved rocks, where thick trunks stand out. The road before and after the bridge, has an original cobblestone.

View of the Inca Bridge

Where it is located?

• The Inca Bridge is located on the western edge of the Inca city of Machu Picchu. To get there you must follow a signposted route that starts at the famous ‘Guardian’s House’.

How to visit the Inca Bridge?

• The entrance to the Inca Bridge is inside Machu Picchu . To visit this place, the visitor must register at the control booth. After the walk, you must re-register your departure. The entrance can be made with any entrance ticket to the Inca city, although the majority of visitors do so by acquiring the ticket ‘Machu Picchu Solo’.

Machu Picchu ticket and its schedules

The entrance ticket ‘Machu Picchu Solo’ offers up to 9 different entry times:

• Group 1: access from 6 am.
• Group 2: access from 7 am.
• Group 3: access from 8 am.
• Group 4: access from 9 am.
• Group 5: access from 10 am.
• Group 6: access from 11 am.
• Group 7: access from 12 pm.
• Group 8: access from 1 pm.
• Group 9: access from 2 pm.

The other tickets you can use are: a) Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu, b) Machu Picchu + Mountain . Both tickets include admission to the Inca city and the Inca Bridge.

Hiking guide to the Inca Bridge of Machu Picchu

• To find the starting point, follow the upper path from the entrance gate to Machu Picchu. For this, it must ascend to the top of the agricultural sector.
• There you will find the access control cabin to the Inca Bridge. There you must present your identity document or passport.
• The road is made up of sections of land and stone steps. Throughout the trip there are signs and warnings for tourists .
• From the trail you can get views of the mountains and the hydroelectric power station of Machu Picchu.
• In some points of the route you will find several meters of precipices, so you must be quite cautious.
• After approximately 30 minutes of walking you will arrive at the Inca Bridge. Tourists will not be able to cross it because it is in poor condition. The bridge can be appreciated from a nearby place.

The tour of the Inca Bridge is quick and easy. After this walk, you will still have time to explore the main tourist attractions of Machu Picchu: the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana, the Temple of the Condor, the Sacred Rock, the Main Square and more.

Is the hike to the Inca Bridge difficult?

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

When to do this hike?

• The hike to the Inca Bridge is accessible 365 days a year. However, the rainy season (from November to March) is not a good time, since there is a greater probability of rain.
• During the dry season (from April to October), instead; Rain is unlikely. The weather is cooler and ideal for the hike to the Inca Bridge .
• Regardless of the date you travel to Machu Picchu, the use of poncho is recommended for rain. Keep in mind that the weather in Cusco is very changing.

What to take to the walk?

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

Detailed information of the Inca Bridge trek

• Time needed: 40 minutes (total time).
• Terrain: Paths of dirt and stone with the presence of stairs.
• Difficulty: Easy walk.
• Recommended shoes: Simple shoes or hiking boots.
• Type of ticket: Machu Picchu Solo.
• Entry schedule: From 6 in the morning to 2 in the afternoon.
• Age limit: There is no age limit.

Is the trek to the Inca Bridge safe?

• Unlike the difficult hike to the Huayna Picchu mountain , the hike to the Inca Bridge is one of the safest routes in Machu Picchu. The journey is short and does not require great physical effort to complete it.
• However, the hike has some quite high cliffs, so it is recommended to be careful, especially if you make the route with children.
• No accident ever occurred during the walk to the Inca Bridge. This adventure is allowed to people of any age .

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, February 11, 2020