
Vilcabamba District, Peru · Wednesday 28 May 2025
Inca Marathon Vilcabamba-Machu Picchu is a unique and challenging event held in the heart of the Andes. The race takes place over seven days, combining the marathon with acclimatization training and visits to iconic sites like Cuzco and the Sacred Valley. The course runs from Vilcabamba to the valley of Machu Picchu, ending in the hot springs of Santa Teresa.\n\nThis marathon offers an unforgettable adventure amidst breathtaking natural beauty. Participants can enjoy the scenic views and cultura
Adjusted Time
5:27:20
Time difference: +87.3 minutes compared to a flat, road, temperate course.
Inca Marathon Vilcabamba-Machu Picchu is a full marathon held in Vilcabamba District, Peru, scheduled for Wednesday 28 May 2025. The course is run on road surface with 1431m of total elevation gain, reaching a maximum altitude of 4522m above sea level. For registration and full race details, visit the official Inca Marathon Vilcabamba-Machu Picchu website.
This is a very challenging course with 1431m of total elevation gain — significantly more than the average road marathon. The route ranges from 1400m to 4522m above sea level (3122m range). Hill training is essential, and runners should expect a significantly slower time compared to a flat course.
Based on historical weather data for May, the expected race day conditions are as follows. Hot conditions are expected, with temperatures between 24°C and 30°C. Heat is one of the biggest performance factors in marathon running — research shows that for every degree above 15°C, marathon times slow by approximately 1-2%. Extra hydration and a conservative start are strongly recommended. There is a high chance of rain (63%). Runners should prepare for wet conditions, including appropriate footwear and clothing choices.
Inca Marathon Vilcabamba-Machu Picchu is run on road surfaces, which provide the fastest and most predictable conditions for marathon running. Road courses allow for consistent pacing and are typically the best choice for runners targeting a personal best time.
Our difficulty rating for Inca Marathon Vilcabamba-Machu Picchu is calculated using a model that combines elevation gain, temperature impact, and surface type. Use the difficulty calculator above to enter your target finish time and see exactly how many minutes this course would add or subtract compared to a perfectly flat, cool, road-based marathon. Faster runners and slower runners are affected differently by the same course conditions, so the difficulty is personalised to your pace.
Looking for an easier marathon or a tougher challenge? You can also compare Inca Marathon Vilcabamba-Machu Picchu against other marathons to find the right race for your goals.