Inca Marathon Vilcabamba-Machu Picchu 2025

• Unique Marathon Course: Runs from Vilcabamba to Machu Picchu, ending in Santa Teresa's hot springs.
• Cultural Journey: Includes visits to Cuzco, Sacred Valley, and Sacsayhuaman.
• Distance Choices: Offers full marathon, half marathon, and 10km options.
• Altitude Acclimatization: Program provides training sessions for high-altitude adaptation.
• Comprehensive Support: Features aid stations, support vehicles, and necessary safety measures.

Experience the majesty of the Andes with the Inca Marathon Vilcabamba-Machu Picchu, a 42.195 km journey that begins in the Vilcabamba District and concludes in Aguas Calientes, adjacent to the iconic Machu Picchu. Runners traverse a rugged yet stunningly beautiful course through diverse ecological zones, offering panoramic vistas of mountain landscapes rich with history and culture. This unique marathon is part of an immersive 7-day program, allowing participants to acclimate to the high altitudes while enjoying cultural excursions to historical sites in Cuzco, the Sacred Valley, and beyond. With additional race varieties, from full marathon to 10 km distances, runners can choose their challenge while benefiting from all-inclusive logistic arrangements, including accommodation, meals, and transport, topped off with post-race relaxation in the natural hot springs of Santa Teresa. Perfect for those seeking both an athletic and cultural adventure, this marathon promises an unforgettable experience that combines physical endurance with exploration of Peru's ancient heritage.

For the Inca Marathon Vilcabamba-Machu Picchu in late May, expect temperatures between 63-68°F (17-20°C) during the day and around 45°F (7°C) at night. May is part of the dry season, so anticipate minimal rain and plenty of sunshine, though early mornings and nights can be quite cold. Ideal for runners, these conditions call for layered clothing, sun protection, and hydration to tackle the dry climate and varying temperatures.

The Inca Marathon Vilcabamba-Machu Picchu offers a truly exhilarating and memorable journey for runners. Starting in the lush Vilcabamba Valley and culminating at the rejuvenating hot springs of Santa Teresa, Cocalmayo, this course takes you through a stunning array of terrains. You’ll traverse humid rainforests, drier heath forests, and rugged Andean landscapes, with the marathon reaching elevations of up to 4,450 meters.

Runners will face steep climbs, challenging descents, and uneven stone steps that test both hamstrings and quads, while the high altitude demands careful acclimatization. Despite these challenges, the race is limited to a small group, fostering an intimate and exclusive atmosphere.

Along the way, participants will enjoy breathtaking views of the Andes and the chance to run on the legendary Inca Trail. The course is peppered with cultural and historical sites, including Sacsayhuaman and the Sacred Valley, offering a unique blend of athletic endeavor and cultural immersion. This race is not just a test of endurance but a once-in-a-lifetime adventure through history and nature.

Nestled in the heart of Peru, the Vilcabamba District offers a captivating mix of history, culture, and stunning natural landscapes for those visiting for the Inca Marathon Vilcabamba-Machu Picchu. Begin your journey in Cusco, then make your way to Vilcabamba, where the trek to Machu Picchu unfolds through breathtaking high passes and lush rainforests. For a more direct route, consider traveling from Cusco to Huancacalle. Along the way, immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Inca history by visiting archaeological sites like Vitcos, where the last heirs of Huayna Capac once lived, and the Tomb of Espiritu Pampa, revealing pre-Inca mysteries.

Accommodation in family-run lodgings in towns such as Santa Teresa provides an authentic experience, complete with access to soothing hot springs. The trek itself, a challenging yet rewarding 6-day journey, allows for cultural immersion as you pass through traditional villages like Alfamayu and Huyro, where you can engage with local communities and appreciate their customs and traditions.

The Vilcabamba trek not only offers a physical challenge but also a profound cultural exploration, tracing the footsteps of explorers such as Hiram Bingham. As you traverse original Inca trails, be prepared to marvel at the scenic views of snow-capped mountains, cascading waterfalls, and unique flora and fauna. Embrace the journey, and you'll find the experience truly enriching, both for its historical insights and its natural splendor.