KINSA
CHUNKA
30K
" Pachamama suports you, your spirit conquers the mountain..."
DISTANCE:
28.1 KM /17.5 MILES
Elevation Gain:
909M+/2980FT+
START DATE:
SATURDAY JUNE 21, 2025
EXIT
CHINCHERO / 08:00 HRS.
Maximum time allowed:
8 HOURS.
Category
PARTICIPANTS
START PLACE
START TIME
THE INCA TRAIL RACE
KINSA CHUNKA 30K
An exciting race that challenges your limits while immersing you in the majesty of the Andes. Starting from the picturesque town of Chinchero , this tour will take you through ancient paths that have witnessed Inca history.
As you reach the beautiful Laguna Piuray , feel the revitalizing energy of the water reflecting the mountain peaks. Continuing on to Humasbamba , each step will connect you with the rich culture and tradition of these sacred lands. Finally, as you cross the finish line in Cusco , you will experience not only the satisfaction of having completed the journey, but also the deep sense of belonging to this magical place.
Get ready for an adventure that goes beyond the race, where every kilometer is a celebration of nature and Andean heritage.
DISTANCE AND ELEVATION GAIN
Total distance: 28.3 km / 17.58 miles
(Equivalent to running from Manhattan to the Statue of Liberty and back)Positive elevation gain (ascent): +910 m / 2,985 ft
(Like climbing the Burj Khalifa (Dubai) 2.7 times in a row)Negative elevation (descent): -1,229 m / 4,032 ft
(Equivalent to descending from Mount Olympus (Greece) to the Aegean Sea)Total accumulated elevation: 2,140 m / 7,020 ft
(More than climbing Mount Kosciuszko (Australia), the highest peak in Oceania)Race date: June 21, 2025 (Andean solstice, ancestral energy guaranteed)
Start time: 6:30 AM (mystical sunrise in Chinchero)
Finish line cutoff time: 3:00 PM (arrival under the sun of Inti in Cusco)
Maximum allowed time: 6.5 hours (Minimum pace: 4.3 km/h!)
MANDATORY CUT-OFFS (NON-NEGOTIABLE)
| Point | KM | Location | Cut-off Time | Elapsed Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 23 | Puka Pukara | 1:00 PM | 6.5 hours |
UNIQUE ROUTE PROFILE
Living culture in Chinchero (KM 0–2): Pass through the Inca textile market, where a band of energy will be woven for your bib
Piuray Lagoon (KM 8): A sacred water mirror where runners perform a symbolic purification ritual
Final Qhapaq Ñan (KM 18–28): The last 10 km follow the original Inca Trail (UNESCO World Heritage)
AWARDS AND RECOGNITION
(Official Ceremony – Saturday, June 21, 2025)
AGE GROUP CATEGORIES
General Rule
The top 3 finishers in each category will be recognized only if there are at least 10 registered participants
If a category does not meet the minimum, participants will compete in the next higher category or in the Overall category
Established Categories and Awards
[Click here] (classification and prizes)
Category Prizes (if applicable)
1st Place: Trophy + Certificate + Local product kit
2nd Place: Trophy + Certificate + Local product kit
3rd Place: Trophy + Certificate + Local product kit
AWARD CEREMONY
Date: Saturday, June 21, 2025
Time: 8:00 PM (after the final cut-off of all distances)
Venue: (To be confirmed)
Winner Requirements
Present original ID/PASSPORT and official race bib
Attendance is mandatory (if absent, the prize will be donated to the Inca Trail Race Series project)
SPECIAL RECOGNITION
Spirit of the Chasqui: Symbolic award to the runner who best embodies perseverance and respect for Inca culture
Guardians of the Trail: Recognition for runners who assist others during the race
KEY CONSIDERATIONS
Tiebreakers
In the event of identical finish times, the following will be considered:
Older age (more experience)
Best time in the highest altitude segment
Unclaimed Prizes
Will be donated to Inca Trail Race Series projects
Digital Certificates
Sent by email to all finishers
Includes official time and ranking
30K ULTRAMARATHON ROUTE
From Chinchero to Cusco along the Route of the Chasquis
STAGE 1: THE SONG OF THE LAGOON (KM 0–8)
Section: Chinchero (3,780 m) → Piuray Lagoon (3,800 m)
Key time: 6:30 AM – 8:00 AM (Andean sunrise)
Cultural icon: Chinchero Textile Market, where a symbolic energy band will be woven for your bib
Terrain
KM 0–5: Ritual flatlands through potato and bean fields (compact earth with small stones)
KM 5–8: Skirting Piuray Lagoon, a sacred water mirror (humid grassy trails)
Risk
Morning fog may reduce visibility to 15 m between KM 3–7
STAGE 2: THE FLIGHT OF THE KUNTUR (KM 8–12)
Section: Piuray → Kellecocha Pass (4,200 m)
Key time: 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM (ascent under the Inca sun)
Cultural icon: Kellecocha Apacheta, a ceremonial mound where runners leave a stone as an offering
Terrain
KM 8–10: Moderate climb (+300 m) on a mule path with volcanic rocks
KM 10–12: “Condor’s Zigzag”: a 22% incline with loose ground (use hands for balance!)
Risk
Mild altitude sickness due to lack of acclimatization (oxygen available at KM 12)
STAGE 3: THE WHISPER OF THE TERRACES (KM 12–18)
Section: Kellecocha → Puka Pukara (3,680 m)
Key time: 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM (critical technical descent)
Cultural icon: Agricultural terraces of Puka Pukara, defying gravity with ancient Inca engineering
Terrain
KM 12–15: Technical descent on Inca terraces (-500 m) with eroded steps (watch your ankles!)
KM 15–18: “Path of Shadows”: ravine crossings with loose stones and exposed roots
Risk
Ankle sprains are common near KM 14 (highest injury zone)
FINAL STAGE: RETURN TO THE QORIKANCHA (KM 18–28.3)
Section: Puka Pukara → Cusco (3,400 m)
Key time: 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM (final push under Inti’s sun)
Cultural icon: Qhapaq Ă‘an, the ancient Inca road network and UNESCO World Heritage Site
Terrain
KM 18–23: Gentle descent along the original Inca Trail (compact grass and finely carved stone steps)
KM 23–28.3: Urban segment through Cusco: colonial cobblestones and crowds approaching Plaza de Armas
Risk
Distracted tourists from KM 25–28 (avoid collisions!)
RUNNER’S PACK: EVERYTHING INCLUDED IN YOUR REGISTRATION
What’s in the Machu Picchu Ultramarathon 2025 Kit?
INCLUDED (REGISTRATION VALUE)
Technical Gear
Race shirt: Breathable Dry-Fit fabric (sizes S–XXL)
Finisher shirt: Premium cotton, exclusive to those who cross the finish line (2025 limited edition design)
Symbolic Rewards
Finisher medal: Inca culture–inspired design (anti-wear finish)
Personalized bib + industrial-grade safety pins
Full Safety Support
Hydration at 11 stations: Purified water + isotonic drinks + local fruits (banana, orange)
Medical team: 3 ambulances, paramedics certified in high-altitude rescue
NOT INCLUDED (OPTIONAL SERVICES)
Transportation to the start line: Book your seat separately on official buses [Click here]
Accommodation: Special rates in hotels in Cusco and Ollantaytambo (inquire here)
IMPORTANT NOTES
Drop bag size: Maximum 25L (foldable backpacks recommended)
Prohibited in bag check: Fragile items, electronics, or valuables (we are not responsible for them)
TRAIN FOR TECHNICAL DESCENTS (NOT JUST UPHILL)
Why? The section from Kellecocha to Puka Pukara (-1,229 m) features loose rocks and slippery terraces
30K Adaptation: Do 4 sets of 10-minute downhill repetitions on stone stairs with an 18% incline
HYDRATE WITH WATER EVERY 25 MINUTES
Why? The altitude at Kellecocha (4,200 m) requires you to combat altitude sickness starting from KM 8
Race tip: Mijuna Wasi aid stations will offer cold coca leaf infusions
SHOES WITH NON-SLIP SOLES AND FOREFOOT CUSHIONING
Why? 40% of the route runs over polished Inca cobblestones, smoothed by centuries of use
Recommended models: Hoka Speedgoat 5, Salomon Sense Ride 5
START AT 60% OF YOUR TRAINING PACE
Why? The start line in Chinchero (3,780 m) is already higher than Cusco
Pro tip: If your heart rate exceeds 155 bpm between KM 0–8, slow down
ANTI-CHAFING CREAM FOR YOUR ACHILLES TENDONS
Why? High socks can rub during the ascent to Kellecocha (KM 8–12)
Local product: Muña ointment (Andean plant with anti-inflammatory properties)
POLES ARE FORBIDDEN FROM KM 12–18
Why? The terraces of Puka Pukara are narrow (only 80 cm wide!)
Alternative: Use grip gloves to support yourself on rocks
ACCLIMATIZATION: 3 DAYS IN CUSCO + 1 EXTRA DAY
Why? 68% of race withdrawals are due to undetected mild pulmonary edema
Free check-up: Use the oximeter at the medical stand during kit pickup
Acclimatization Tours for Ultra Machu Picchu – Tupac Adventures
Designed by high-altitude experts: Itineraries that safely increase 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
| STARTING POINT | NUMBER OF CUT | DISTANCE | LOCATION | TIME/HOUR | FINISH POINT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
06:30 AM – CHINCHERO
|
1
|
KM 23
|
Puka Pukara
|
06.30 HRS. / 1:00 PM
|
03 PM – CUSCO
|
Elevation Profile
