Located in the Andes mountain range, the trail passes through several types of Andean environments including cloud forest and alpine tundra.

Settlements, tunnels, and many Incan ruins are located along the trail before ending the terminus at the Sun Gate on Machu Picchu mountain.

The two longer routes require an ascent to beyond 4,200 metres (13,800 ft) above sea level, which can result in altitude sickness.

One kilometre along the trail, at an elevation of 3,750 metres (12,300 ft) is the Inca tampu Runkuraqay, ruins which overlook the valley.

[4] The trail continues to ascend, passing a small lake named Quchapata (Cochapata)[7] in an area that is recognized as deer habitat.

A long Inca tunnel and a viewpoint overlooking two valleys: the Urubamba and Aobamba (a broken word), are passed.

[8] Another high point at elevation of 3650 m is crossed, followed by a campground, and then after a short descent, a site with extensive ruins.

Design of the site closely follows the natural contours, and includes five fountains and an altar, which was probably used for llama sacrifice.

A small spur of the trail leads directly to Wiñay Wayna, while the main route continues to Intipata.

Intipata (aka Yunkapata)[9] is a recently uncovered extensive set of agricultural terraces which follow the convex shape of the terrain.

Two groups of major architectural structures, a lower and upper, are set among multiple agricultural terraces at this concave mountainside site.

A long flight of fountains or ritual baths utilizing as many as 19 springs runs between the two groups of buildings.

[11] From Wiñay Wayna the trail undulates along below the crest of the east slope of the mountain named Machu Picchu.

The steep stairs leading to Inti Punku ("sun gate") are reached after approximately 3 km.

[12] Because of its popularity, the Peruvian Government instituted controls to reduce human impact on the Inca Trail and the ancient city.