Best Machu Picchu Hiking Tours | Inca Trail Tours, Tips & More
Hidden in the majestic Andes Mountains is the ancient Machu Picchu. Known as the Lost City of the Incas, this iconic site forms the remnants of the ancient Inca civilization. Simply put, these magical ruins are an unforgettable journey into Peruvian history.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the best places to visit in South America, and it’s pretty obvious why. Travelers come from around the world to experience the mystical wonder of Machu Picchu. Better still, many participate in a Machu Picchu trek to get the full experience.
From the legendary Inca Trail to paths less traveled, hiking to Machu Picchu is something unforgettable. This guide will illuminate the best Machu Picchu hiking tours and make planning that vacation to Peru a piece of cake.
Highlights:
- Experience the rugged natural landscape up close
- Hike through lush jungles and soaring mountains
- Be immersed in the fascinating history of Machu Picchu
Know before you book:
- Many options are multi-day tours
- You need permits to visit certain areas
- There is a risk of altitude sickness
- Weather can affect your visibility during the tour
Machu Picchu is a 15th-century Inca citadel and one of the most well-known and historically rich archaeological sites in the world. It is also a must when touring South America.
Machu Picchu was built by the Inca emperor Pachacuti and served as either a religious site or a royal estate. The citadel is known for its dry stone construction, which was ahead of its time. The layout of its buildings ensures the site melds with the beautiful landscape.
Some noteworthy landmarks include the sacred Temple of the Sun, the Room of the Three Windows, and the Intihuatana Stone. Machu Picchu is surrounded by verdant mountains and accentuated by the winding Urubamba River below, providing a feast for the eyes and a challenge for the adventurous soul.
Table of Contents: (Jump to)
Machu Picchu Hike Tour Prices
The cost of the tours starts at about 1,397 Sol (378 USD) and can go up to 95,000 Sol (25,600 USD) depending on the length and itinerary of the tour.
Machu Picchu Expeditions Times
The site is open to visitors throughout the year, including weekends and holidays.
Monday – Sunday: 6 am – 5:30 pm
Best Time to Go on a Hike to Machu Picchu
The summer months (June – August) is the site’s most popular, but the best time to go is in May and October, when the trails are quieter and the weather is still balmy.
Top Tip: Check out our guide for everything you need to know about visiting Peru.
Our Top Machu Picchu Hiking Tours
There are a few options when choosing your Machu Picchu hiking tour, but the best is the compact and eventful Sparrow Explorer 2-day Inca Trail hike. If you want a more extended stay in the mountains, there are countless tours to suit your needs and budget.
2-Day Inca Trail Hike to Machu Picchu
hiking tour along the Inca Trail with Sparrow Explorer
Hiking the Inca Trail is undoubtedly one of the best ways to see Machu Picchu. The citadel is one of Peru’s most famous attractions. A 2 day Inca Trail tour offers a condensed experience of this iconic trek, so travelers who are short on time won’t miss out on this site.
While it may be short, every moment is memorable. This Machu Picchu Inca Trail trek includes a night at the Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, immersing visitors in the area’s landscape and history.
What we liked: Great for travelers with limited time who want to see the Machu Picchu highlights.
- Professional tour guide
- All transportation
- Entrance fees
- Accommodation
- Single supplement fee for the hotel room
- breakfast (day 1), lunch and dinner (day 2)
- Entrance fee for Huayna Picchu Mountain
- Tips (will be much appreciated)
Covering about 7.5 miles, this tour gets into historical sites and more. Stopovers at Wiñaywayna Inca Site, Sungate, Chachabamba Archeological Site, and the upper section of the Machu Picchu Inca Site are complimented by the stunning views, insta-worthy photo opportunities, and fascinating flora and fauna along the way.
Check Price & Book
Cusco: Machu Picchu 4-Day Inca Trail Trek & Panoramic Train
This tour is a testament to Inca history and the remnants of these ancient people. Along this trek are visits to multiple ruins and historical sites like Intipata, Phuyupatamarca, and the marvelous archaeological site of Wiñaywayna.
The landscape showcases unique plants and animals, showing the region’s ecological diversity with beautiful transitions.
Tired feet will appreciate the ride back to Cusco aboard the Panoramic Vistadome speed train, where the eyes can wander while the body recovers from its encounter with the legendary Inca Trail.
What we liked: Great for those who want to see Salkantay Pass and the lagoon.
- Roundtrip private transportation from hotel to trailhead
- Entry tickets to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu
- All meals during the Inca Trail
- Tent for each pair of travelers with a foam mattress and pillows
- Panoramic trains (Vistadome or 360°)
- Sleeping bags, trekking poles, inflatable mattress
- Lunch in Aguas Calientes on the last day
- Huayna Picchu Mountain tickets
Be amazed by soaring passes and panoramic views, and marvel at the beauty of tropical orchids. The highlight of the tour is the unforgettable sunrise at Machu Picchu, followed by an informative tour of the palaces and temples. The option to climb Huayna Picchu rounds out this epic trek.
Check Price & Book
From Cusco: 4-Day Inca Trail Guided Trek to Machu Picchu
This four-day escapade begins in Cusco. Enchanting cloud forests envelop trekkers along the journey. A stop at Runcu Racay is a must for insight into Inca history. The breathtaking waterfalls don’t disappoint, giving hikers a glimpse at the beauty of the rugged terrain.
The first sight of Salkantay, the Sacred Valley’s runner-up for its highest peak, offers scenes of rare beauty. The vistas are only bested by the first view of Machu Picchu from Phuyupatamarca.
The majestic peaks along this trek offer unforgettable views as well as places to take in the variety of plants and animals indigenous to the area.
What we liked: Great for adventure seekers, offering fun detours and activities.
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- All meals during the hike: 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches & 3 dinners
- Tents based on double occupancy
- Permits for the Inca Trail and entry ticket for Machu Picchu Citadel
- Portable chemical toilet
- Day packs
- Sleeping bag, air mattress, trekking poles (all available for rent)
- Headlamps
- Huayna Picchu Mountain – $75 per person (must be booked in advance)
The tour of Machu Picchu includes sites like the sacred rock, Intihuatana, and the holy Temple of the Condor. Ascending Dead Woman’s Pass and touring the Lost City of the Incas make this tour a delight to the adventurous soul.
Check Price & Book
FAQs About Machu Picchu Hikes
Here are some answers to the most common questions about hiking tours of Machu Picchu.
Can a Beginner Hike Machu Picchu?
Hikers don’t need to be experienced, but they do have to be somewhat fit. The layout of the hike is such that there are few stretches without an incline or decline, which is where the need for fitness comes in.
Do You Need Altitude Training Before Hiking in Machu Picchu?
Altitude sickness is a risk when hiking Machu Picchu due to the elevation of just under 8,000 feet. Regular exercise and working on aerobic capacity can help prepare hikers for the thinner air.
Specification: Best Machu Picchu Hiking Tours | Inca Trail Tours, Tips & More
|
