CHUNKA
10K
" The strength of the Andes is in your eyes legs. Run towards greatness. "
DISTANCE:
12.7 KM /7.8 MILES
Elevation Gain:
425M+/1390FT+
START DATE:
SATURDAY JUNE 21, 2026
EXIT
PUKA PUKCARA / 09:00 HRS.
Maximum time allowed:
4 HOURS.
Category
PARTICIPANTS
START PLACE
START TIME
THE INCA TRAIL RACE
CHUNKA 10K
A brief but intense experience, ideal for those who wish to immerse themselves in the majesty of the Andes on a journey full of impressive landscapes.
Starting from the historic Puka Pukara fortress , this race will take you along elevated paths that will lead you to the imposing Yuncaypata mountain range , where a panoramic view of Cusco unfolds before you, revealing its ancestral grandeur.
From there, you will feel the energy of the city as you descend towards the iconic Plaza de Armas , culminating your tour in the vibrant heart of Cusco.
This 10K challenge is not just a race, but a celebration of the harmony between Andean nature and the Inca city.
DISTANCE AND ELEVATION
Total distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles (A fast, scenic challenge with a high-altitude twist)
Estimated positive elevation gain (ascent): 350 m+ / 1,148 ft+ (Conquering the Tambomachay Pass)
Estimated negative elevation gain (descent): 630 m- / 2,067 ft- (Descending from the pass, through Puka Pukara, to Cusco)
Estimated total accumulated elevation: 980 m / 3,215 ft (A mountain burst in a short distance)
Note: Elevation stats are estimates and will be confirmed with the final GPX track
RACE INFORMATION
Race date: June 21, 2025
Start time: 06/21/25 – 9:00 AM (Puka Pukara)
Finish line cutoff time: 06/21/25 – 12:00 PM (Cusco – Plaza de Armas)
Elite time: 50 minutes
Maximum allowed time: 3 hours (Perfect for first-timers or for flying through the Andes!)
COURSE SUPPORT
Control Points (CP) / Checkpoint:
1 – Tambomachay Pass (turnaround point)
Puka Pukara (midpoint)
Hampy Wasi (Medical Assistance): 2 – Puka Pukara (start/midpoint) and Finish in Cusco
Hydration Points: 2 – Puka Pukara (on return) and Finish
UNIQUE ROUTE PROFILE
KM 0 – 2.5 (Puka Pukara to Tambomachay Pass): Steady ascent toward the pass, revealing spectacular views
KM 2.5 (Tambomachay Pass): Turnaround point with panoramic vistas. A breath of air at altitude!
KM 2.5 – 5 (Tambomachay to Puka Pukara): Technical descent back to the Red Fortress
KM 5 – 10 (Puka Pukara to Cusco): Final descent along the original Qhapaq Ñan, with sacred stone steps leading to the Plaza de Armas
PARTICIPATION & PRIZES
Maximum participants: 250
1st Place Prize: S/300 (See full prize table in “The Inca Treasure”)
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:
Older age (more experience)
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
10K ULTRAMARATHON ROUTE
From Puka Pukara to Cusco along Inca Trails
STAGE 1: ASCENT TO THE VIEWPOINT PASS (KM 0 – 2.5)
Section: Puka Pukara (3,680 m) → Tambomachay Pass (approx. 4,208 m)
Cultural Icon: Start from the impressive Puka Pukara, with panoramic views of the valley and surrounding mountains as you ascend
Key Time: 9:00 AM – 9:45 AM (Estimated time to reach the pass)
Terrain
Kilometers 0–2.5: Steady uphill mountain trail. Uneven ground with scattered stones. A great warm-up for your legs!
STAGE 2: DESCENT AND SACRED CONNECTION (KM 2.5 – 10)
Section 1 (Return): Tambomachay Pass → Puka Pukara (3,680 m) (KM 2.5 – KM 5)
Cultural Icon: Privileged views during the descent, with the Puka Pukara fortress as a guiding landmark
Terrain: Return descent along the same trail. Caution advised in the more technical sections
Section 2 (Descent to Cusco): Puka Pukara (3,680 m) → Cusco – Plaza de Armas (3,400 m) (KM 5 – KM 10)
Cultural Icon: The “Red Fortress” of Puka Pukara, the ancient Qhapaq Ñan, and panoramic views of Cusco city
Key Time: Until 12:00 PM (Triumphant finish at Plaza de Armas!)
Terrain
Kilometers 5–10: Descent along the original Qhapaq Ñan. Sections of compact grass and iconic Inca stone steps. A fast and thrilling finale
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: Inca culture-inspired design with 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: 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)
SPECIFIC WARM-UP
Why? The initial ascent to the pass is immediate and demanding
Ultra MP 10K Adaptation: Perform a proper dynamic warm-up at Puka Pukara before the race starts
MANAGE THE CLIMB TO THE PASS
Why? It is a 2.5 km uphill that can define your race if you start too fast
Ultra MP 10K Adaptation: Find a sustainable pace during the climb to save energy for the rest of the course
SHOES WITH TRACTION
Why? The descent from the pass and into Cusco includes technical sections and stone steps
Recommendation: Trail running shoes with good grip are essential
STAY HYDRATED, EVEN IF IT’S SHORT
Why? The altitude and effort require proper fluid replacement
Ultra MP 10K Adaptation: Drink before the race and make use of the hydration points. Carry your own water if needed
PRE-RACE ACCLIMATIZATION
Why? You will be running above 3,400 meters
Recommendation: Spend at least 1–2 days in Cusco prior to race day doing light activities
ENJOY THE VIEWS FROM THE PASS
Why? It’s a highlight of the route. Take a moment (literally!) to admire the scenery
CAUTION ON THE DESCENT TO PUKA PUKARA
Why? It’s the same path you climbed earlier, now in descent. It can be technical
Ultra MP 10K Adaptation: Stay focused to avoid tripping or slipping
FLY THROUGH THE QHAPAQ Ă‘AN TO CUSCO
Why? The last 5 km are mostly downhill to the finish line
Inca Connection: Feel the history beneath your feet as you approach the Plaza de Armas
ACCLIMATIZATION: 3 DAYS IN CUSCO + 1 EXTRA DAY
Why? 68% of withdrawals are due to undetected mild pulmonary edema
Free check-up: Use the oximeter at the medical stand during kit pick-up
Acclimatization Tours for Ultra Machu Picchu 103K – Tupac Adventures
Designed by high-altitude experts: Itineraries that safely boost your hematocrit levels
Wellness approach: Andean yoga at sacred viewpoints + iron-rich nutrition (quinoa, trout, coca leaves)
Integrated logistics: Includes transfers to/from your hotel in Cusco, accommodations, and tours
IN YOUR DROP BAG AT MARAS (KM 41): DRY CLOTHES + SECOND-SKIN GLOVES
Why? Between KM 41–67, you will cross rivers and humid salt flats
Prohibited: Do not include extra batteries (they may get wet); instead, carry two headlamps
10-MINUTE NAP AT KM 75 (CHINCHERO)
Why? You will have been running for 19 hours — a micro-nap in a safe zone can prevent collapse
Tip: Set an alarm on your watch and ask a volunteer to wake you up
| STARTING POINT | NUMBER OF CUT | DISTANCE | LOCATION | TIME/HOUR | FINISH POINT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
09:30 AM – PUKA PUKARA
|
NO CUT
|
02 PM – CUSCO
|
|||
Elevation Profile
