The Inca Bridge of Machu Picchu: Short Hike

The Incas built various types of bridges throughout their vast territory, the Tahuantinsuyo Empire. These bridges were used to cross rivers and improve communication along the Qhapaq Ñan. Among the most notable were suspension bridges, stone bridges, oroyas, floating bridges, and wooden log bridges. In Machu Picchu, there is a wooden log bridge that once connected Machu Picchu with the eastern trails. This bridge can be visited with the ‘Machu Picchu + Inca Bridge’ entrance ticket. This ticket includes a short hiking route as well as access to Machu Picchu through Circuit 1 (panoramic route).

Inca Bridge, a Short Hike to Machu Picchu

• The Little-Known Inca Bridge in Machu Picchu

  The Inca Bridge is a little-known Inca structure in Machu Picchu because it can only be reached through a 20-minute hike starting from the upper section. Its purpose was to mark the boundary between the Inca citadel and the eastern frontier, as well as the royal roads (Qhapaq Ñan) leading to the Antisuyo region.

  The Inca Bridge of Machu Picchu is located at 2,450 meters above sea level. The route to get there is easy and can be completed by any visitor. The bridge is one of many built by the Incas throughout their vast Tahuantinsuyo Empire. It is made from a large wooden log supported by a solid stone base on the slopes of a mountain.

  It is believed that the bridge could be removed in case of an invasion or danger threatening Machu Picchu. Today, for safety reasons, visitors are not allowed to cross the bridge and may only observe it from a viewpoint located a few meters away. Even so, it remains an Inca structure of great historical value that has survived to this day.

• The Short Hike to the Inca Bridge

  The hike to the Inca Bridge is an easy route of less than 1 kilometer along mostly flat trails surrounded by beautiful scenic views. The access point to the Inca Bridge is located a few meters from the Guardian’s House sector, in the upper part of Machu Picchu. An average visitor can complete the round-trip hike in about 1 hour. The route is suitable for visitors over 18 years old. It is available during the high tourism season, from June 1 to October 15.

  At the Inca Bridge checkpoint, visitors must register their full name and entry time for safety reasons. Likewise, when leaving, they must sign out. The route follows Inca trails near intimidating cliffs. However, these paths are safe because they are not narrow, although visitors are advised to remain attentive throughout the hike. The return trip follows the same trail as the outbound journey.

• Information About the Inca Bridge of Machu Picchu

  The Inca Bridge of Machu Picchu	Details
  Importance	It marked the boundary between Machu Picchu and the Antisuyo region. It could be removed in the event of invasions.
  Altitude	2,450 meters above sea level
  Photo opportunities	Panoramic photo of Machu Picchu (Guardian’s House) and a photo of the Inca Bridge from the viewpoint.
  How to get there?	Through the hiking route to the Inca Bridge (included in the Machu Picchu + Inca Bridge ticket).
  Entrance ticket	‘Machu Picchu + Inca Bridge’ ticket
  Circuit in Machu Picchu	Includes Circuit 1 in Machu Picchu
  Visiting hours	The ticket allows 4 entry times: 8 am, 9 am, 10 am, and 11 am.
  Age limit	Route suitable for tourists over 18 years old.
  Best time of year to visit	The hike to the Inca Bridge is available from June 1 to October 15.
  Hiking route distance	Short hike of less than 1 kilometer
  Hiking time	Approximately 1 hour round-trip route.
  Advance booking time	It is recommended to purchase the ‘Machu Picchu + Inca Bridge’ ticket 1 or 2 months in advance.
  Inca structures on the circuit	Circuit 1 includes a visit to the Guardian’s House. The hike includes a visit to the Inca Bridge.
  Professional tour guide service	A professional guided tour to the Inca Bridge is optional from Machu Picchu.
  Entrance price	The ‘Machu Picchu + Inca Bridge’ entrance ticket costs 152 Peruvian soles.
  Route difficulty	The hike is easy for all types of visitors.
  Recommendations	Visit wearing trekking shoes, a hat, and sunscreen. Stay attentive to the trail at all times.

The Entrance Ticket to the Inca Bridge of Machu Picchu

• The ‘Inca Bridge + Machu Picchu’ Ticket

  The ‘Machu Picchu + Inca Bridge’ ticket allows visitors to explore the Machu Picchu archaeological site through Circuit 1. In addition, as its name suggests, it includes the short hike to the Inca Bridge of Machu Picchu (located on the eastern edge of the archaeological site).

  The ‘Inca Bridge + Machu Picchu’ ticket is available only for visitors over 18 years old. The visit or hike to the Inca Bridge is available every year from June 1 to October 15.

• Visiting Hours for the Inca Bridge

  These are the visiting hours offered with the ‘Machu Picchu + Inca Bridge’ ticket:

  • Group 1: Entry to Machu Picchu is from 8:00 am to 8:45 am (this route is available only for visitors over 18 years old and only during the high tourism season, from June 1 to October 15 each year).
  • Group 2: Entry to Machu Picchu is from 9:00 am to 9:45 am (this route is available only for visitors over 18 years old and only during the high tourism season, from June 1 to October 15 each year).
  • Group 3: Entry to Machu Picchu is from 10:00 am to 10:45 am (this route is available only for visitors over 18 years old and only during the high tourism season, from June 1 to October 15 each year).
  • Group 4: Entry to Machu Picchu is from 11:00 am to 11:45 am (this route is available only for visitors over 18 years old and only during the high tourism season, from June 1 to October 15 each year).

• Ticket Prices for the Inca Bridge

  These are the prices for the ‘Machu Picchu + Inca Bridge’ ticket:

  Machu Picchu Entrance with Inca Bridge
  Machu Picchu Entrance	Foreign Visitors	Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, or Bolivia
  General Adults	152 S/.	64 S/.
  University Students	77 S/.	32 S/.
  Visitors Under 18	Not available	Not available

• Tour Guide Service for the Hike to the Inca Bridge

  Hiring a tour guide for the hike to the Inca Bridge of Machu Picchu is not mandatory. However, for a safer and more informative experience, it is recommended to hire a private guide during the hike and while visiting Circuit 1 in Machu Picchu.

  The tour guide will accompany you throughout the hike and at the viewpoint overlooking the Inca Bridge, explaining all the details about this little-known structure. In addition, they will guide you through Circuit 1 in Machu Picchu, providing explanations and helping you capture the most beautiful photos from the Guardian’s House sector.

• What Is Included and Not Included in the Inca Bridge Entrance Ticket

  What the Inca Bridge Entrance Ticket Includes

  • Entrance to Machu Picchu and access to Circuit 1.
  • Access to the hiking route to the Inca Bridge of Machu Picchu.

  What the Inca Bridge Entrance Ticket Does Not Include

  • Tour guide service.
  • Bus transportation to Machu Picchu.
  • Train transportation to Machu Picchu.
  • Snacks, drinks, etc.