Key facts
- You visit it on Route 1-C of the Panoramic circuit.
- 3.4 km round trip, moderate effort.
- Sold only in peak season.
- If you arrive via the Inca Trail, you already pass through Intipunku.
Intipunku, the Sun Gate, is the stone gateway through which the Inca Trail enters Machu Picchu. Hikers on the 4-day Inca Trail arrive here at sunrise; everyone else can hike up from the citadel on Route 1-C of the Panoramic circuit.
Route 1-C at a glance
| Circuit | 1 – Panoramic |
|---|---|
| Round-trip distance | About 3.4 km |
| Effort | Moderate |
| Season | Peak season only |
| What you’ll see | The final stretch of the Inca Trail and the Inca city from a different angle |
What the hike is like
The trail leaves from the upper part of Machu Picchu and follows the original Inca Trail on a gentle, steady climb. From the gate you can see the entire citadel with Huayna Picchu in the background: the reverse angle of the classic photo.
Intipunku and the Inca Trail
If you arrive via the Classic Inca Trail or the Short Inca Trail, you’ll pass through Intipunku as part of the route and won’t need Route 1-C. For everyone else, it’s a way to walk a stretch of the Inca Trail without a trekking permit.
Route 1-C isn’t sold outside peak season. Find more options in Machu Picchu circuits.
Frequently asked questions
Can you visit Intipunku without hiking the Inca Trail?
Yes, with a ticket for Route 1-C of the Panoramic circuit, available only in peak season.
How far is the hike to Intipunku?
About 3.4 km round trip from the citadel, rated moderate effort by the Ministry of Culture.
