Machu Picchu Hiking: 5 Treks to Reach the Ancient Inca City!
The ancient Inca city of Pérou is a UNESCO-listed historical treasure. Located at 2,430 meters altitude, it requires a few hours of hiking. How to reach it?
The ancient Inca city of Pérou is a UNESCO-listed historical treasure. Located at 2,430 meters altitude, it requires a few hours of hiking. How to reach it? There are several routes and treks… Discover 5 treks to Machu Picchu – the number of days for each route, their difficulty level, and the main stages before reaching the fabulous archaeological site!
Why Trek to Machu Picchu in Pérou?
Climbing Machu Picchu is an essential step during a trip to Pérou. More than just a simple trail for hiking enthusiasts, this mountain in the Peruvian Andes (located 80 km northwest of Cusco) hosts stunning archaeological sites – including the ancient city of the same name, built in the 15th century under the Inca Empire.
Climbing Machu Picchu means walking in the footsteps of Inca history, but also exploring a prestigious site, listed as a World Heritage site! Renowned for its tropical forest, this peak is also home to numerous walls and terraces set within its lush landscape...
Machu Picchu Trek: Book in Advance… It is important to note that to visit the mountain (and its sites): you must purchase a ticket on the official Machu Picchu website. Why? This sacred mountain is very touristy… To preserve it, authorities have limited access to 500 people per day. |
Which Trek to Choose at Machu Picchu? 5 Renowned Routes
1. Inca Trail Trek
The Inca Trail is a famous trek in Pérou. Indeed, it is a route known for its exceptional landscapes, numerous archaeological remains and abundant wildlife! Here is an overview of a four-day route (accompanied by a guide).
● Day 1: 6h – 12 km. Your local guide will pick you up by car at your hotel. Head to the Urubamba valley, and more precisely to KM 88 (the railway station located 88 kilometers northwest of Cusco, as a starting point).
From there? You will set off for 3 hours of hiking along the Urubamba River, towards the first archaeological site of Llaqtapata. In the afternoon, you will hike towards the archaeological center of Huayllabamba.
● Day 2: 8h – 11 km. Head to Warmiwañusca (the highest pass on the circuit) and its superb panoramic views located at 4,215 meters. After a lunch break at Lllulluchapata, head again towards the last camping spot, located at Pacaymayo (at 3,800 m).
● Day 3: 9h – 16 km. Depart for climbing Runcuracay pass (which peaks at 4,000 m), then head to the archaeological site of Phuyupatamarca and its sublime views of the surrounding valleys. Next? On to the Inca ruins of Wiñaywayna. This day is the longest (and most difficult of the trek).
● Day 4: 3h – 6 km. After 3 hours of hiking, you will reach the Gates of the Sun (called Inti Punku or one of the most important Inca sites). From there, final stretch to reach Machu Picchu (after 2 hours of hiking).
The difficulty of this trek is considered moderate, but still requires good hiking capacity.
The Short Inca Trail Version The Inca Trail can also be completed in two days (in which case the trek is only 10 km). Beware, shorter doesn't mean easier! On the first day, you will depart directly from point KM 104 (the railway station located 104 kilometers northwest of Cusco), then head towards the historic site of Winay Wayna (or Huynay Huayna). The second day will be dedicated to climbing and discovering Machu Picchu. |
2. Salkantay Trek
The Salkantay trek is slightly more difficult than the Inca Trail (with more rugged landscapes). There are several trails for this trek. The one presented here spans 5 days and offers a route with varied landscapes.
● Day 1: 6h. Starting from the small town of Mollepata (1 hour by bus), head to Soraypampa, for the start of the trek. Once there, you will set off for 5 hours of hiking to the Lake Huayracpampa campsite, at the foot of Salkantay!
● Day 2: 8h. Early in the morning, set off again for 1 hour of trekking to the Huayracpampa pass. From there, and up to the Colcapampa campsite, you will trek through lush, humid forest…
● Day 3: 6h. After a beautiful and long hike (during which you should spot wild orchids and hummingbirds), you will reach the Lucma Bamba campsite.
● Day 4: 6h. For this penultimate day of the route, embark on a beautiful climb to the Llactapata site (located at 2,700 m)! On the way? Keep your eyes open and enjoy the view of Machu Picchu and the surrounding nature… Then head to Aguas Calientes (by train) to spend the night.
● Day 5: (1 to 2 hours of visit). After a night's rest, depart (by bus) to discover the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu! After visiting the sites, return to Cusco in the afternoon aboard a train.
What to Know Less crowded than the Inca Trail, the Salkantay trek does not require booking several months in advance, but only a few weeks. If you go through an agency, make sure the trek price includes transport (bus, train). |
3. Lares Trek
Spanning 4 days (and 37 km), the Lares trek is quite easy…
● Day 1. Starting from Cusco, then from the small town of Lares (renowned for its hot springs), it's time for 10 km of hiking towards the Wacahuasi camp (located at 3,800 m altitude); passing through the Vilcabamba region, nestled in the heart of the forest...
● Day 2. After an early wake-up, you will continue your ascent towards the Abra C'asa Pasa pass, peaking at 4,500 m. Once at the top? You will enjoy an exceptional panorama and have the chance to admire alpacas! In the afternoon, you will start descending towards the new base camp, located near Lake Yura Cocha.
● Day 3. After breaking camp, the trek continues to the town of Yanahuara (in the outskirts of Arequipa). From there? You will need to take transportation to reach the town of Ollantaytambo and, finally, take the train to the town of Aguas Calientes, for a penultimate night at the hotel.
● Day 4: To finish the circuit beautifully, you will depart by bus towards the entrance of Machu Picchu... Then for 3 hours of hiking. After visiting the ancient Inca city, you will take the bus back to Aguas Calientes, then the train to Cusco.
What to Know The Lares trek is little frequented. It is an ideal trail to meet the local population. |
4. The Inca Jungle Trail Trek
The name of the "jungle trek" is due to the fact that this circuit crosses part of the La Convención province, located in the Cusco jungle. It is an itinerary mostly organized by tourism agencies, as it combines hiking and sports activities, such as mountain biking or rafting. Note that this route requires good physical condition.
● Day 1. Starting from Cusco, head to the Malaga pass (located about 2 hours 20 minutes by car). Once there, you will descend by mountain bike through the jungle, to reach the town of Santa María, after several hours of cycling... After lunch, you will have the opportunity to canoe on the Vilcanota River.
● Day 2. After a night's rest in Santa María, you will set off again for a trek through the jungle, to Santa Teresa (a town renowned for the hot water springs of Cocalmayo, located just 4 km away).
After a rejuvenating thermal bath, you will have the opportunity to taste a traditional specialty in one of the town's small restaurants.
● Day 3: In the leisure center of the town, you will have the opportunity to go zip-lining, then continue your route along the famous hydroelectric road, towards Aguas Calientes.
● Day 4: For this final day of the route, you will need to wake up early for an 8 km hike to Machu Picchu (if you wish to save your energy for the rest of the circuit, know that it is also possible to go by bus).
Once there, you will visit the archaeological site for 2 hours with your local guide. Next? Head to the station for a return to Ollantaytambo – from where you will finally take the bus back to Cusco.
What to Know As a safety measure, and due to the lush jungle vegetation, this route is not recommended during the rainy season, which runs between January and March. |
5. Huchuy Qosqo Trek
The Huchuy Qosqo trek is a circuit that allows you to reach the Inca site of the same name, located at 3,600 meters altitude (and above the town of Lamay). During this route, it is possible to sleep in a campsite or with locals. It is a fairly easy circuit, and ideal if you have few days dedicated to trekking...
● Day 1: Starting from the village of Tauca (located at 3,750 m), your trail will begin through fields, continuing gradually towards the mountain (where you can admire the peaks of San Juan, Veronica, Pitusiray and Chicon).
Arriving at Huchuy Qosqo, you will make a lunch stop... before reaching the highest point of the trek: visiting the archaeological site. Then, you will need to descend to Lamay (approximately 2 hours of hiking), then board a train towards Aguas Calientes, where you will spend the night.
● Day 2: For this second and final day? Head to Machu Picchu! After several hours on site (and visiting the historic sanctuary), you return to Aguas Calientes, then to Cusco.
It should be noted that there is also a second circuit, shorter. This is an alternative departing from Chinchero – and which also ends at Lamay.
If these two treks are shorter than the others, you should rest before departure... Indeed, although they require only two days of hiking, these routes remain at high altitude...
How to Cope with High Altitude? The biggest challenge during the climb to Machu Picchu is the altitude. To be able to handle it and avoid the infamous "mountain sickness" (which causes headaches, shortness of breath or an accelerated heart rate, due to reduced oxygen), you must acclimate your body before the trek. To do this, it is recommended to stay in a high-altitude town 48 hours before the start of the climb! |
FAQ
Is It Difficult to Climb Machu Picchu?
Climbing Machu Picchu is considered moderate. Accessible to most hikers, this trail still requires good physical condition and regular hiking practice. Its greatest difficulty is the altitude. Rising at over 3,000 meters altitude, this peak can cause "mountain sickness" – and requires body acclimatization.
What's the Price to Visit Machu Picchu?
The price to visit Machu Picchu varies depending on the duration of the trek, the type of visit (guided or not), the choice of route and accommodation options. The cost also depends on the entrance ticket price (access to Machu Picchu is paid and limited to 500 per day). Booking is done several months in advance on the official Machu Picchu website.
What Is the Best Time to Go to Machu Picchu?
The best time to climb Machu Picchu is between May and October (during the dry season), and particularly between September and October, to avoid the tourist influx. The May-June period is also interesting due to the climate and summer events in Cusco – but it is also the most touristy. Avoid the rainy season (between November and April), which can make the trails slippery and dangerous.
Frequently asked questions
For the Inca Trail, a licensed guide is mandatory under Peruvian regulations. For other treks like Salkantay, Lares or the Inca Jungle Trail, a guide is not legally mandatory but is highly recommended for safety, trail navigation and cultural enrichment. Local tourism agencies in Cusco offer all-inclusive packages including guide, transport and accommodation.
The price of the Machu Picchu entrance ticket varies depending on the type of visit and nationality. In 2024, the standard rate for foreign adult visitors is approximately 50 to 70 USD depending on the access area chosen. Access is limited to 500 people per day, so you must book in advance on the official Peruvian government website. Supplements are available for access to Huayna Picchu mountain or Machu Picchu mountain.
Some treks like Lares or Huchuy Qosqo are accessible to occasional hikers with good physical condition. However, the Inca Trail (4 days, passages above 4,200 m) and the Salkantay trek require serious physical preparation and several weeks of advance training. In any case, planning 48 hours of acclimatization in Cusco (3,400 m) before departure is essential to prevent altitude sickness.
The shortest trek to reach Machu Picchu is the short Inca Trail version (2 days, 10 km) or the Huchuy Qosqo trek (2 days). If you have limited time, it is also possible to reach Machu Picchu in 1 day from Cusco, by taking the train to Aguas Calientes then a bus to the site entrance, without going through the trekking trails.
For beginners or families: the Lares trek (4 days, easy) or the Huchuy Qosqo trek (2 days, easy). For intermediate level: the classic Inca Trail (4 days, moderate). For experienced hikers seeking adventure: the Salkantay trek (5 days, difficult with spectacular landscapes). For sports and multi-activity enthusiasts: the Inca Jungle Trail (4 days, includes mountain biking, rafting and zip-lining).
