ULTRA MACHUPICCHU TRAIL

RESULTS

PISKA
CHUNKA 50K

From $159 USD
" The Apus guide you, the Pachamama drives you. Run with your soul..."

DISTANCE:

50.7 KM /31.5 MILES

Elevation Gain:

2190M+/7180FT+

START DATE:

SATURDAY JUNE 21, 2025

EXIT:

URUBAMBA / 05:00 HRS.

Maximum time allowed:

13 HOURS.

From $159 USD
ultramachupicchu_5

TAKSA

CATEGORY

20+

PARTICIPANTS

URUBAMBA

START PLACE

05:00 HRS.

START TIME

THE INCA TRAIL RACE

PISKA CHUNKA 50K

It’s more than a race; it’s a journey that takes you to the soul of the Andes. From the vibrant heart of Urubamba, we invite you to follow a trail that weaves together vibrant landscapes and living culture. As you make your way through the towns of Yucay, Racchi, and Chinchero, every step will resonate with the stories of those who inhabited these lands before us. 

The route will take you to the tranquil Laguna Piuray, a place where time seems to stand still and nature reveals its serene beauty. At the end of this 50-kilometer odyssey, historic Cusco awaits you, not only as a destination, but as a witness to your effort and determination. Join us on this unique experience that celebrates the connection between the body, the land, and the legacy of ancestors.

Get ready for a unique adventure along the sacred trails of Qhapaq Ñan, in the heart of the Cusco Andes!

CONTACT-US

DISTANCE AND ELEVATION GAIN:

  • Total distance: 50.7 km / 31.5 miles (equivalent to 1.2 marathons + half an Ironman back-to-back)

  • Positive elevation gain (ascent): 2,200 m+ / 7,217 ft+ (like climbing Mont Blanc from Chamonix 1.3 times)

  • Negative elevation (descent): 1,654 m- / 5,426 ft- (similar to descending from the summit of Mount Rainier to its base)

  • Total accumulated elevation: 3,854 m / 12,643 ft (more than climbing Mount Fuji from the base)

Race date: June 21, 2025 (Andean winter solstice)
Start time: 06/21/25 – 5:00 AM (Urubamba – Sacred Valley)
Finish line cutoff time: 06/21/25 – 6:00 PM (Cusco – Plaza de Armas)
Elite time: 7 hours (8:16 min/km pace)
Maximum allowed time: 13 hours (A challenge against the Andean sunset!)

Pukaras (Control Points): 4 (mandatory bib scan)
Hampy Wasi (Medical Assistance): 4 (with portable oxygen and altitude sickness treatment)
Mijuna Wasi (Aid Station): 1 (solids: dried fruits, liquids: mineral-rich isotonic drinks, food)
Hydration Points: 4 (purified spring water)

MANDATORY CUT-OFFS (NON-NEGOTIABLE):

PointKMLocationCut-off TimeElapsed Time
122Chinchero12:00 PM7 hours
230Umasbamba02:00 PM9 hours
345.4Puka Pukara05:00 PM12 hours

UNIQUE ROUTE PROFILE

  • Urubamba → Yucay → Huayllabamba (KM 0–18): Ancestral flatlands through the Sacred Valley (2,870m – 3,000m), flanked by cornfields and sacred rivers.

  • KM 18–25 (Ascent to Racchi): Trial by fire: +900m elevation gain in 7 km via a mule path with loose rocks (reaching 3,700m).

  • KM 25–32 (Machu Qolqa → Chinchero): Technical climb to 3,650m + rolling terrain through Inca terraces (15% inclines).

  • KM 32–40 (Chinchero → Umasbamba): Serene path along Piuray Lagoon (3,780m), flat but exposed to 30km/h winds.

  • KM 40–45 (Final ascent to Kellecoccha): Last effort: +600m in 5 km through damp grasslands (watch out for roots!).

  • KM 45–50.7 (Puka Pukara → Cusco): Ceremonial descent along the Qhapaq Ñan to the finish line at Plaza de Armas (3,400m).

Maximum participants: 100
Champion’s prize: S/900+

AWARDS & RECOGNITION
(Official Ceremony – Saturday, June 21, 2025)

AGE GROUP CATEGORIES
General Rule:
Top 3 finishers in each category will be awarded only if there is a minimum of 10 registered participants.
If a category does not meet the minimum, participants will compete in the next higher age group or in the General Category.

Established Categories and Prizes: Click here (classification and prizes)

Age Category Awards (if applicable):

  • 1st Place: Trophy + Certificate + Local product kit

  • 2nd Place: Trophy + Certificate + Local product kit

  • 3rd Place: Trophy + Certificate + Local product kit

AWARDS CEREMONY
Date: Saturday, June 21, 2025
Time: 8:00 PM (after all distances are completed)
Location: (To be confirmed)

Winner Requirements:

  • Present original ID/PASSPORT and official race bib

  • Mandatory attendance (if absent, prize will be donated to the Inca Trail Race Series project)

SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS

  • Spirit of the Chasqui: Symbolic award to the runner who best represents perseverance and respect for Inca culture

  • Guardians of the Trail: Recognition for runners who assist others during the race

KEY NOTES

  • Ties: In case of identical finish times, the following will be considered:

    1. Older age (more experience)

    2. Best time on the highest-altitude section

  • Unclaimed Prizes: Will be donated to Inca Trail Race Series projects

  • Digital Certificates: Sent by email to all finishers (includes official time and ranking)

ULTRAMARATHON 50K COURSE
“Ultramarathon 50K Route: From the Sacred Valley to the Heart of the Inca Empire”

STAGE 1: AWAKENING OF THE VALLEY (0–18KM)
Section: Urubamba (2,870m) → Yucay → Huayllabamba (3,000m)
Key Time: 5:00 AM – 8:30 AM
Cultural Icon: Yucay, Inca agricultural center for sacred corn.
Terrain:

  • KM 0–10: Ritual flat between the Urubamba and Vilcanota rivers (compacted earth).

  • KM 10–18: Gentle ascent (+130m) on Quechua farming paths.
    Risk: Morning fog between KM 8–12 (visibility reduced to 20m).

STAGE 2: BREATH OF THE APUS (18–25KM)
Section: Huayllabamba → Racchi (3,700m)
Key Time: 8:30 AM – 11:00 AM
Cultural Icon: Racchi, Inca stone granaries.
Terrain:

  • KM 18–22: +500m zigzag climb on mule path (25% incline).

  • KM 22–25: “Condor’s Staircase”: loose rocks + ancestral steps.
    Risk: Intense sun exposure in areas without shade.

STAGE 3: DANCE WITH THE CLOUDS (25–32KM)
Section: Racchi → Machu Qolqa (3,650m) → Chinchero (3,780m)
Key Time: 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM
Cultural Icon: Machu Qolqa, strategic Inca silo.
Terrain:

  • KM 25–28: Technical descent (-300m) with volcanic gravel.

  • KM 28–32: “Cloud Slope”: rolling terrain on agricultural terraces.
    Risk: 40 km/h winds between KM 30–32.

STAGE 4: TEARS OF PIURAY (32–40KM)
Section: Chinchero → Lake Piuray → Umasbamba (3,600m)
Key Time: 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM
Cultural Icon: Lake Piuray, sacred mirror of water.
Terrain:

  • KM 32–36: Serene flat alongside the lake (wet grasslands).

  • KM 36–40: Ritual ascent of +200m on eroded Inca trail.
    Risk: Slippery zones near marshlands by the lake.

STAGE 5: CRY OF KELLECOCCHA (40–45KM)
Section: Umasbamba → Kellecoccha Pass (4,200m)
Key Time: 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Cultural Icon: Kellecoccha, ceremonial Inca pass.
Terrain:

  • KM 40–43: “Final Wall”: +600m over 3KM (28% incline).

  • KM 43–45: Exposed ridge with sharp rocks.
    Risk: Dense fog and sub-zero temperatures.

FINAL STAGE: THE GLORY OF THE INCA (45–50.7KM)
Section: Puka Pukara (3,680m) → Cusco (3,400m)
Key Time: 5:30 PM – 6:00 PM
Cultural Icon: Qhapaq Ñan, Inca road network (UNESCO Heritage).
Terrain:

  • KM 45–50: Ceremonial descent on compact grass and stone steps.

  • KM 50–50.7: Finish at Cusco’s Plaza de Armas, heart of the empire.
    Risk: Crowds in final urban section.

Click Here.

What Your Registration Includes
What’s Inside the Machu Picchu Ultramarathon 2025 Kit?

INCLUDED (Registration Value):
Technical Gear:

  • Race Shirt: Breathable Dry-Fit fabric (sizes S-XXL).

  • Finisher Shirt: Premium cotton, only for finishers (exclusive 2025 edition design).

Symbolic Awards:

  • Finisher Medal with Inca culture-inspired design (wear-resistant finish).

  • Personalized bib + industrial safety pins.

Comprehensive Safety:

  • Hydration at 4 stations: Purified water + isotonic drinks + local fruit (banana, orange).

  • Medical team: ambulances, certified high-altitude rescue paramedics.

Smart Logistics:

  • 1 Drop Bag (25L max each)

  • Pre-race delivery: Only in Cusco during the technical briefing.

  • Drop bag access point: Chinchero (KM 20).

  • Pickup: Collect at finish line (Cusco) from 5:00 PM onward.

  • Pick up your bag at the finish with your bib!

NOT INCLUDED (Optional):

  • One-way transport: Purchase your seat separately on official buses. Click here.

  • Accommodation: We offer special rates for hotels in Cusco and Ollantaytambo (inquire here).

IMPORTANT:

  • Drop bag size: Maximum 25L (foldable backpacks recommended).

  • Prohibited in gear check: Fragile, electronic, or valuable items (we are not responsible).

Go to the TECHNICAL GEAR

View Race Rules

View Honor Statementr

TRAIN TECHNICAL DESCENTS (NOT JUST CLIMBING)
Why? The -1,654m negative elevation punishes ankles and knees on uneven terrain.
50K Adaptation: Run 1 hour on loose rock + wet grass descents (simulate KM28-32 at Machu Qolqa).

HYDRATE WITH ELECTROLYTES EVERY 25 MIN (NOT 30)
Why? The altitude at Racchi (3,700m) accelerates sodium loss.
50K Adaptation: On the ascent to Kellecoccha (KM40-43), drink 400ml/hour of magnesium and potassium-rich beverage.

WEAR SHOES WITH «VIBRAM MEGAGRIP» SOLES (NOT JUST ANY TRAIL SHOES)
Why? 45% of the route is on limestone rocks polished by the wind.
Recommended models: Hoka Speedgoat 5, Brooks Cascadia 17.

START 30% SLOWER THAN YOUR PLANNED PACE
Why? The start at Urubamba (2,870m) has limited oxygen.
Key tip: If your heart rate exceeds 150bpm between KM0-18, slow down.

ANTI-CHAFE CREAM… ON YOUR SHOULDERS!
Why? Backpack straps rub during the Racchi ascent (+900m).
Top product: Solid stick petroleum jelly (won’t freeze on cold mornings).

FOLDING POLES FOR KM18-25 (ASCENT TO RACCHI)
Why? The 25% zigzag slope demands extra support.
Logistics tip: Leave them in your Umasbamba drop bag (KM40) if you don’t use them afterward.

EAT DEHYDRATED POTATOES («CHUÑO») AT AID STATIONS
Why? High in complex carbs and easy to digest at altitude.
Race fact: Chuño will be available at Mijuna Wasi in Chinchero (KM22) and Umasbamba (KM30).

ACCLIMATIZATION: 3 DAYS IN CUSCO + 1 DAY IN OLLANTAYTAMBO
Why? 68% of dropouts are due to undetected mild pulmonary edema.
Free check: Use the pulse oximeter at the medical stand during kit pickup.

Acclimatization Tours for Ultra Machu Picchu 50K – Tupac Adventures

WHY CHOOSE THEIR PROGRAMS?
Designed by altitude experts: Itineraries that safely increase your hematocrit.
Wellness focus: Andean yoga at sacred viewpoints + iron-rich diet (quinoa, trout, coca leaves).
Integrated logistics: Includes transfers from/to your Cusco hotel, lodging, and tours.

IN YOUR UMASBAMBA DROP BAG (KM30): SPARE HEADLAMPS
Why? Although it’s a daytime race, if you fall behind, the final descent to Cusco (KM45-50) will be late afternoon.
Forbidden: Alkaline batteries (fail in cold). Use lithium batteries.

5-MIN ACTIVE NAP AT KM32 (CHINCHERO)
Why? Mental fatigue hits hard after 7 hours of racing.
Tip: Lie on your back with legs elevated against an Inca wall.

STARTING POINT NUMBER OF CUT DISTANCE LOCATION TIME/HOUR FINISH POINT
05 AM – URUBAMBA
1
KM 22
Chinchero
07 HRS. / 12:00 M
06 PM – CUSCO
2
KM 30
Umasbamba
09 HRS. / 2:00 PM
3
KM 45.4
Puka Pukara
12 HRS. / 5:00 PM

Contact Us