If you have an interest in travel you will know that Machu Picchu is the holy grail of South America. These mythical ruins are legendary and need to be added to your travel bucket list.
Located high in the Andes of Peru around 5 hours from Cusco, Machu Picchu is home to some of the most remote ancient ruins on the planet. Now a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, Machu Picchu is one of the most visited places in Peru and South America.
But there are several ways to get to Machu Picchu including different trek and routes. So which one should you choose?
If you dream of visiting Machu Picchu these tours are highly recommended.
Here’s our run-down of the 5 most popular route to do to see the magnificent Machu Picchu:
1. Classic Inca Trail
The Inca Trail is a world famous hike through a spectacular landscape ending at one of the most recognisable sights in the world; in short it’s popular for a reason.
Trekking the Inca Trail is one of the best things to do in Peru
Any drawbacks?
The Peruvian government are now taking extra measures to protect the ancient route and there is a limit of 500 people a day allowed on the trail (including trekkers, porters and guides) and in February it’s closed all together for maintenance.
Though this is great for the local environment it can mean that the permits for the trail are like gold dust during busy months and many people are unable to secure them for their visit. The fame of the route and the ensuing crowds have also led to some visitors seeking out alternative routes (more information below).
2. Machu Picchu Jungle Adventure Trek
The Machu Picchu Jungle Adventure is probably the most epic bike ride you’ll ever do! It’s a 4 day mix of trekking and occasionally biking through the jungle mountains surrounding Cusco. You’ll be among some of the first tourists into Machu Picchu ready to watch the dawn break over the sacred site.
Best bits?
The Jungle Adventure takes you past Huamanmarka archaeological site, white water rafting along the Urubamba River and (if you dare) ziplining through the treetops on South America’s highest zipline! You can also soak off in Aguas Calientes hot springs after a hard days cycling.
Any drawbacks?
You won’t pass some of the ancient Inca ruins along the way but hey, you will have just been white water rafting! You win some you lose some.
How tough we talkin’?
This one is definitely an adrenaline junkies dream, you’ll be mountain biking across dirt tracks and taking part in a lot of heart-pumping physical activities. If you’d rather take things a bit slower maybe this isn’t the route for you, but for all you adventure-seekers out there, GO FOR IT!
Machu Picchu
3. The Lares Trek
The Lares Trek is a three day long trek in the mountains around Cusco and the Sacred Valley. It does not actually end in Machu Picchu but instead at Ollantaytambo (great name) from which you take the train to Aguas Calientes (another great name) ready for the bus trip to Machu Picchu the next morning.
Best bits?
The route of the Lares passes though ancient ruins, high terrace farms and communities mostly untouched by the boom in Peru’s tourism trade. It is a unique opportunity to explore a rarely visited region and still have the satisfaction of doing so on foot.
Any draw backs?
This is not a trek TO Machu Picchu and if that’s what you’ve got your heart set on it’s not for you.
How tough we talkin’?
The Lares is shorter than the Inca Trail (yay) but much higher (boo) with mountain passes as high as 4600m. You do get to stay in the hot spring capital of Peru (Aguas Calientes means hot water) on the third night though so plenty of time to soak away those aches and pains.
4. The Salcantay Trek
Often listed among the best hikes in the world, the Salcantay trek lasts for 5 days with 4 days actual trekking and the 5th reserved for a Machu Picchu tour.
The route winds up through high mountain passes and past the glacier capped peak of Salcantay mountain before descending down through lush countryside and ending in Aguas Calientes.
There are some options that join the Inca Trail for the last couple of days of this trek and so end at Machu Picchu itself but these are subject to the same permit issues as the Inca Trail.
Best bits?
The view from the remote (and only recently “re-discovered”) ruins of Llactapata is simply stunning and the second day of trekking which takes you from high grass lands, over the glacial mountain pass and then down through cloud forest is something truly special.
Any draw backs?
Again, in most cases this trek does not finish at Machu Picchu itself. It’s also longer than the first two options at just under 40 miles and just as high as the Lares.
How tough we talkin’?
Though this hike would definitely be described as “difficult”, mules or alpacas are available to carry most of your gear and your guide will help you through the difficult times. Even so this is one for hiking enthusiasts.
6. Huchuy Qosqo Trek
The Huchuy Qosqo trek to Machu Picchu is one of the lesser known routes you can do but it is also one of the most fun which usually combines camping, hiking and sightseeing along the way.
On the Huchuy Qosqo hike you will travel around 32km (19.69 miles) and tour companies usually travel one day along a 13km / 8-mile route, which takes about 7 hours. On day two or three itineraries include a visit Machu Picchu.
If you are keen to hike to Machu Picchu and are short on time the Huchuy Qosqo is recommended.
6. Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Trek
The least well known of the Machu Picchu treks as well as the longest at around 62 miles…not for the faint hearted!
Again there are various routes but the most common includes 8 days of trekking through the mountainous Choquequirao area finishing at Santa Teresa and Aguas Calientes with day 9 at Machu Picchu.
On this trail you will see a lot more locations than the other trips including less famous ruins of the Sacred Valley.
Best bits?
Choquequirao itself is second only to Machu Picchu in its grandeur and remoteness and is actually far more historically significant. The route between Choquequirao and Santa Teresa is pretty much as remote as it gets for a traveller in Peru.
Any draw backs?
You won’t hit some of the most famous ruins on this route and the untouched nature of the surrounds can be a little intimidating if you’re not a confident hiker.
How tough we talkin’?
This is definitely not a walk in the park, but if that’s what you wanted you probably wouldn’t be here.
7. Take the Train
Trekking isn’t for everyone. There we said it.
For some the prospect of slogging along miles of ancient pathways before coming to the place you’ve already travelled half way around the world to see just isn’t fun.
If that’s you then don’t force yourself just because “everyone else” is trekking – you can take the train from Aguas Calientes and spend the extra time exploring the ruins in the sacred valley itself.
The quickest way to see Machu Picchu is via train which departs from Cusco and travels along the stunning Urubamba Valley.
When you arrive at Aguas Calientes station, the closest to Machu Picchu, you can either take a bus to the ruins or opt to walk up to Machu Picchu which can take around 90 minutes to two hours.
This is one of the easiest ways to see these ancient ruins, and perfect if you are limited on time or don’t fancy a multi-day hike.
Best Machu Picchu Tour Companies
You can book Machu Picchu trips with local and International travel operators, booking well in-advance of your departure date is essential as spaces can fill up quick.
There are lots of different tours to choose between, some are luxury aimed at families and well-off travellers whilst others are a lot more budget friendly and affordable with tours for 18 – 35 year old travellers.
If you dream of visiting Machu Picchu these tour companies are highly recommended. Top rated travel companies offering Machu Picchu tours we recommend include:
Book a Trip to Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is one of the most famous travel destinations in the world, and it really is an essential places to visit in South America.
Whether you are keen for a epic long trek, or are just keen to visit on a day trip, there are so many different routes and tours available, some specifically just for Machu Picchu, whilst others take you to discover more highlights of Peru.
If Peru is calling you can guarantee your permit if you book with enough notice. Most travel and tour companies can also help you organise trips including the Inca Trail, Salcantay, The Lares Trek and Machu Picchu jungle adventure as well as cheap flights to get you there. Before departing view our important things to know before seeing Machu Picchu.
