Are you planning a hike to Machu Picchu? If you’re still undecided about which tour to take, you’ve come to the right place. This article offers an essential guide to the best hikes to Machu Picchu, detailing the most popular tours and key information to help you make the best decision.
The trek to Machu Picchu in Cusco, Peru, is an incredible adventure that will take you through the heart of the Peruvian Andes. This journey is not only an exploration of breathtaking landscapes but also a profound encounter with the rich history of the Inca civilization. As you embark on this journey, you’ll discover ancient ruins, encounter diverse ecosystems, and experience the unique culture of the Andes.
The Best Tours and Hikes to Machu Picchu
The Inca Trail
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the most popular treks in the world, known for its stunning Andean landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and fascinating Inca ruins. You can choose between the classic 4-day Inca Trail starting from KM 82 or the shorter 2-day version beginning at KM 104, often referred to as the “Short Inca Trail.” Both routes offer the chance to enjoy numerous archaeological sites and culminate in your arrival at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate (Intipunku).
Classic 4-Day Inca Trail
The Classic Inca Trail, lasting 4 days and 3 nights, is part of an extensive network of paths leading to Machu Picchu, discovered in 1915 by Hiram Bingham III. This renowned trail, famous for its preservation and stunning views, starts on March 1 each year with a daily capacity of 500 people, including guides and porters. It is accessible only through authorized tour operators like TreXperience, and permits for hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu must be booked in advance due to high demand.
The trail is part of the Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary in Cusco, protecting various ecosystems and endemic species, such as the Andean bear. The altitude variation in the area allows for a diverse array of landscapes, from snow-capped mountains to the warm zones of the Urubamba River. Machu Picchu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the Modern World.
Short Inca Trail (2 Days)
Known as the Royal Inca Trail, Short Inca Trail, or Inca Trail One Day, this route is ideal for those looking for a shorter and more comfortable trek to Machu Picchu. It begins in Chachabamba (KM 104) and is only accessible by train from Ollantaytambo. The hike takes place in one day, followed by a visit to Machu Picchu the next day. Booking the 2-day tour is mandatory to comply with site regulations.
The tour to Machu Picchu starts at 4:00 a.m. in Cusco, but staying in the Sacred Valley, such as Ollantaytambo, is recommended for proximity to the train station, saving time and allowing for a more relaxed morning before the hike.
5-Day Inca Trail
For those seeking a more relaxed and detailed experience, the 5-day Inca Trail version is a great option. This extended itinerary allows for a more leisurely pace, giving you more time to admire the spectacular landscapes and archaeological sites. Ideal for those who prefer smaller groups and visits to Inca sites during less crowded times, the 5-day trek to Machu Picchu offers a rich and rewarding opportunity to connect with the history and nature of the citadel.
Salkantay Trek
The Salkantay Trek is an excellent alternative to the Inca Trail, featuring a route that traverses from the imposing Salkantay Mountain, the highest peak of the Vilcabamba range, to Machu Picchu. This trek does not require special permits, but early reservations are recommended. It is essential to be physically prepared and acclimatize to the altitude before embarking.
During the trek, you will experience a diversity of landscapes, including mountains and cloud forests, and enjoy activities such as coffee tours and Pachamanca. While challenging, it is accessible to those with moderate fitness levels and allows for an overnight stay in Aguas Calientes, the village near Machu Picchu.
5-Day Salkantay Trek
The 5-day Salkantay Trek includes visits to Humantay Lake, Salkantay Mountain, a coffee tour, Pachamanca, camping in Llactapata, a visit to Machu Picchu, and a return to Cusco by panoramic train.
4-Day Salkantay Trek
Similar to the previous itinerary, the 4-day Salkantay Trek is a condensed version, ideal for those with less time.
Lares Trek
While the Salkantay Trek is one of the most beautiful hikes to Machu Picchu, Lares Trek offers a different experience. This route, featuring natural beauty, archaeological sites, and a small stretch of the original Inca Trail, is more challenging than other tours.
The Lares hikes take you away from the crowds of the Inca and Salkantay trails to explore remote mountains with few other hikers, except for the occasional llama and alpaca. Many tours and itineraries exist along the Lares route, with one of the best starting at lakes and concluding at Machu Picchu.
New Hiking Routes to Machu Picchu
Cachicata to Machu Picchu (Inca Quarry)
The Inca Quarry Trek, Cachicata, or Cantera Inca to Machu Picchu is the newest trek gaining popularity. Although less known than other routes, it offers stunning landscapes, Inca sites, and cultural interactions.
This route includes visits to highlights such as the Inca sanctuaries of Ñaupá Iglesia, the Perolniyoc waterfalls, and various historical sites leading to the Inca citadel. Additionally, this hike to Machu Picchu traverses extraordinary landscapes and provides views of the Sacred Valley from impressive heights, offering an unforgettable experience.
Huchuy Qosqo Trek
The hidden treasure of the Incas, located just a day’s hike from Cusco, is one of the few routes that allows you to walk from the imperial city to the Sacred Valley and then take the train to Machu Picchu along the Urubamba River. On this adventure, you will discover the archaeological site of Huchuy Qosqo, an impressive Inca complex with spectacular views of the Sacred Valley. Moreover, you will enjoy views of Tambomachay, walk alongside llamas and alpacas, and appreciate extraordinary landscapes.
Inca Jungle Trek
The Inca Jungle Trek to Machu Picchu by TreXperience is the only multi-sport active tour we offer. This exciting journey combines mountain biking in Maras Moray, rafting on the Urubamba River, and hiking on hidden Inca trails in the jungle. It is important to note that the segments of the Inca Trail on this route are brief, as many have been destroyed by natural events.
Activities include biking, rafting, trekking, and coffee tours. A highlight is the hike on the third day to Llactapata, an impressive Inca site facing Machu Picchu that likely served as a control point for access from the Amazon.
Alternative Inca Trail
All the hikes we offer in Peru are unique and guarantee an exceptional experience exploring the natural and cultural wealth of the country. Our tours like Salkantay Trek + Inca Trail and Inca Trail + Lares are flexible and can be tailored to your preferences, similar to the traditional Inca Trail.
Our Alternative Inca Trail, which includes the Huchuy Qosqo and Inca Trail, is a spectacular route that begins in Cusco and traverses the Sacred Valley, culminating at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate. This route follows in the historic footsteps of Manco Inca II, who in 1536 led his army to strategic shelters in the region.
Hikes That Don’t Reach Machu Picchu
Choquequirao Trek
Choquequirao, dubbed “the twin sister of Machu Picchu,” is a vast hidden citadel representing Inca resistance against the Spaniards. After the conquest of Cusco in 1533, Manco Inca II retreated to these mountains, using scorched earth tactics to prevent pursuit, eventually seeking refuge in Vilcabamba until the capture of Túpac Amaru in 1572.
The Spaniards, attempting to erase Inca presence, led Vilcabamba into obscurity. Hiram Bingham rediscovered Choquequirao in 1909 and Machu Picchu in 1911 but mistakenly identified Machu Picchu as the last Inca capital. Choquequirao remains a mystery regarding its origins and abandonment.
Explore this enigmatic citadel with our tours:
- Choquequirao Trek 4 Days: This trek does not reach Machu Picchu.
- Choquequirao Trek 5 Days: This trek does not reach Machu Picchu.
- Choquequirao to Machu Picchu 7 Days: An expedition connecting the two most important Inca citadels in the region.
Whether you choose the Classic Inca Trail, Salkantay Trek, Lares Trek, or any of the other beautiful routes, each trek to Machu Picchu promises breathtaking scenery, rich history, and an unforgettable adventure. Be sure to book your trek in advance and prepare for the incredible experiences that await you in this stunning part of the world.
